20/01/2023 Latest News
An extensive collection of silver from the Light Dragoons regiment is set to go under the hammer at our specialist silver sale on Wednesday, 25 January.
Based at nearby Catterick Garrison, the regiment specialises in mounted and dismounted reconnaissance and has a proud military history dating back to 1759. It is linked to many key battles, such as Waterloo, the Charge of the Light Brigade and the two World Wars, and continues to be a significant player in the British Army today.
There are 33 separate lots in the sale dating from the early part of the 19th century to more contemporary pieces from the reign of Elizabeth II. Many items are engraved with regimental badges and presentation inscriptions.
One example, carrying a guide price of £400-£500, is a striking George III silver teapot made by Thomas Robins of London in 1808. It is engraved with the regimental badge of XVIII Hussars (a title adopted by the regiment in the mid-19th century). It has a presentation inscription “To the Officers 18th Hussars from Lieut Colonel Parry Okeden 1883”.
Also in the collection is a Victorian silver cigar case by Hubert Thornhill, London 1889 - the front cover decorated with a galloping mounted hussar officer. It is inscribed “Capt A D Fanshawe R.N. from the officers 18th Hussars in memory of their voyage to India 1889.” It is expected to reach £100-£150.
As well as the Light Dragoons Charitable Trust consignment, the Silver Sale showcases over 400 lots of antique and contemporary silver. Of particular note is a single-owner collection of silver by the London maker Paul Storr that includes an important graduated set of three George III silver meat dishes (1811) which carry a price estimate of £15,000-£25,000 and a further pair of meat dishes valued at £5,000-£7,000.