Marble paperweight, incorporating the bullet which killed Brigadier-General Thomas Leigh Goldie at the Battle of Inkerman, 5 November 1854

Goldie (1807-1854) was born on the Isle of Man into a family distinguished for its military service. He joined the 66th (The Berkshire) Regiment of Foot as an ensign in June 1825, was promoted lieutenant later that year and captain three years later. By March 1840, Goldie had attained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the 57th (The West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot.

Although it is said that this rapid promotion was attributable more to money and influence than military merit, Goldie published several works on infantry tactics and was regarded by many as the most skilful infantry officer of his rank in the army. Appointed brigadier-general in Major-General Sir George Cathcart's 4th Division, he was mortally wounded by a shot in the head at Inkerman.

The large calibre conical bullet which surmounts this paperweight would have been fired from a Russian marksman's rifle and was presumably removed from Goldie's body in an effort to save his life. Lord Raglan recorded that, 'Brigadier-General Goldie was an officer of considerable promise, and gave great satisfaction to all under whom he has served'.