Turncoat Collection

Armshield for Georgian Volunteers in the German Army, c. 1939-45 (object)
7177606 Armshield for Georgian Volunteers in the German Army, c. 1939-45 (object); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cloth armshield for Georgian Volunteers in the German Army)

WW2 Volga Tartar Volunteers armshield, c. 1939-45 (object)
7177607 WW2 Volga Tartar Volunteers armshield, c. 1939-45 (object); Private Collection; (add.info.: Volga Tartar Volunteers cloth armshield)

Benedict Arnold (litho)
PNP328633 Benedict Arnold (litho) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Benedict Arnold V (1741-1801)

The Prodigals Return, 1924 (engraving)
3471673 The Prodigals Return, 1924 (engraving) by Partridge, Bernard John (1861-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: Winston Churchill)

Benedict Arnold (colour litho)
PNP328634 Benedict Arnold (colour litho) by American School; Private Collection; (add.info.: Benedict Arnold V (1741-1801)

The Escape of Arnold on the British Sloop-of-War, Vulture (litho)
STC358117 The Escape of Arnold on the British Sloop-of-War, Vulture (litho) by Pyle, Howard (1853-1911) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Les Habits Retournes, c. 1815 (hand-coloured engraving)
1630670 Les Habits Retournes, c.1815 (hand-coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Duke of Somerset killing Lord Wenlock, 1773. Creator: William Walker
The Duke of Somerset killing Lord Wenlock, 1773. After Samuel Wale (1721-1786). John Wenlock, (c1400/04 - 1471) allegedly killed by his own commander

John Hay Earl of Tweeddale (engraving)
3086759 John Hay Earl of Tweeddale (engraving) by Kneller, Godfrey (1646-1723) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: John Hay)

Thomas Blood, (1817). Colonel Thomas Blood (1618-1680), was an Anglo-Irish officer best known for his attempt to steal the Crown Jewels of England from the Tower of London in 1671

William Russell, 1st Duke of Bedford, British soldier, (1825). Artist: TA Dean
William Russell, 1st Duke of Bedford, British soldier, (1825). Russell (1616-1700) fought at the Battle of Edgehill on 23 October 1642 on the Parliamentary side

Colonel Benedict Arnold, pub. London, 1776 (mezzotint)
BAL4920 Colonel Benedict Arnold, pub. London, 1776 (mezzotint) by English School, (18th century); Brown University Library, Providence, Rhode Island

Old Sayings and Predictions verified and fulfilled, touching the young King of Scotland
XJF347918 Old Sayings and Predictions verified and fulfilled, touching the young King of Scotland and his gued Subjects, published in 1651 (engraving) by English School

Vicar of Bray 1734
The Vicar of Bray keeps his living and his perquisites despite political and economic ups and downs. The archetypal turncoat

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"Turncoat: A Tale of Betrayal and Redemption" In the annals of history, few figures evoke such a sense of treachery as Benedict Arnold. From his infamous act of betrayal during the American Revolutionary War to his subsequent escape on the British sloop-of-war, Vulture, Arnold's name has become synonymous with turncoats. The lithographs depicting Benedict Arnold capture the essence of his deceitful nature. The vivid colours in "Benedict Arnold (colour litho)" highlight his cunning character, while "Benedict Arnold (litho)" portrays him as a man torn between loyalty and treason. Yet, history also tells stories of prodigals who returned from their dark paths. "The Prodigals Return" engraving from 1924 reminds us that redemption is possible even for those who have strayed farthest from righteousness. Les Habits Retournes, a hand-coloured engraving dating back to 1815, symbolizes the transformative power inherent in turning one's life around. It serves as a reminder that sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom before finding the strength to rise again. Not all instances of turning coats are born out of personal gain or ambition; some stem from principles and convictions. In William Walker's depiction titled "The Duke of Somerset killing Lord Wenlock, " we witness an act driven by honor rather than duplicity. John Hay Earl of Tweeddale's engraved portrait stands as a testament to integrity amidst political turmoil. His unwavering commitment to justice serves as an inspiration for those tempted by disloyalty. Thomas Blood's image captures another facet - audacity mixed with deception - reminding us that not all they are motivated solely by self-interest but may be driven by audacious plans or lofty ideals. William Russell, 1st Duke Bedford portrayed in TA Dean's artwork represents yet another type - a soldier whose loyalties shifted due to changing circumstances.