As historical instruments go, interest at auction ranges from the prestige of an instrument's previous owner to the mileage of the instrument itself. Recently, a weathered and war-weary cello that belonged to a fallen soldier was, at auction, sold for £6,000. The cello had survived traveling to the south of Africa during the 19th Century's bloody Anglo-Zulu Wars.
Wales Online reported that a 19th Century cello, which was expected to sell for £6,000 even before the auction, had belonged to native Welshman Sergeant David Gamble (a member of the Brecon-based 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot, which later became the Royal Welsh Regiment). It had traveled to Africa in the first major battle of the Anglo-Zulu Wars, the Battle of Isandlwana, a battle which did not end well for the British as the imperial power's trifling 1,800 troops were overwhelmed by the Zulu Kingdom's 20,000 Impi soldiers.
Although not much is known about Sgt. Gamble, it is certain that he joined the regiment at 14 years old and died at 33 at the Battle of Isandlwana after having his cello "strengthened" for the journey to the hot continent. More is known about the cello itself, which was built in Dublin around 1800 and has changed hands between various European collectors. Although a surviving photo of the regiment's band shows a double-bassist, it is not known for a fact that the man is David Gamble.
Further accounts of Gamble's life during the Anglo-Zulu Wars were written up by historian Saul David in his book 'The Battle of Isandlwana: The Great Zulu Victory of 1879'. The soldier was last seen in battle by mounted soldier and interpreter James Brickhill who denied helping the soldier onto his horse during the retreat. Records indicate that Brickhill had regretted this decision after seeing British soldiers "disemboweled as they were overrun."
The cello also bears a key piece of authenticity to link the instrument with the soldier, a plate attached to the rear of the body -- likely a boon to the hesitant auctioneers. It reads, “This cello was formerly the property of Sgt. David Gamble who was with his regiment killed at the Battle of Isandlwana, Zululand, South Africa, 1879. Repaired August 1884.”
Wales Online later reported that the 19th Century cello was confirmed to sell at auction for £6,000, although the English buyer did not want his identity revealed.
