2-673-200 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'The Baton of Marshal Jourdan, 1798-1809'. Wooden baton covered with blue velvet and decorated with golden eagles. The object belonged to the Marshal Jean-Baptiste Jourdan (1762-1833) until he was captured at the Battle of Vitoria on 21 June 1813 by the combined British, Portuguese and Spanish army under General the Marquess of Wellington. Batons, symbol of authority, were granted to generals for exceptional achievements. The piece is part of the Royal Collection, Windsor Castle.