ANTIQUE 20thC EDWARDIAN SOLID SILVER 'KINGS HUSSARS' CENTREPIECE c.1914

DESCRIPTION

Antique 20th Century Edwardian impressively large & one of a kind military centrepiece, the central cannon shaped column applied with intertwining laurel garlands and terminating with a large bowl, the sides of the column decorated with three realistically modelled Hussars in various regimental outfits standing on a matted ground. The ebonized wooden base applied with a large laurel leaf band and ribbons, standing on three lion paw feet. Both sides applied with plaques, one of the 'The Kings Hussars' and the motto 'Honi soit qui mal y pense' a French maxim used as the motto of the British chivalric Order of the Garter. It is translated as "May he be shamed who thinks badly of it". The other side bears a presentation shield, engraved 'Presented to Captain Charles Nelson, on his marriage by his brother officers 17th February 1910. Charles Nelson was a captain of the 15th (The King's) Hussars.

In August 1914 the organisation of the infantry division called for a reconnaissance element which was provided by a squadron of cavalry, and it was the role of the 15th Hussars (15 H) to provide that squadron for each of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Infantry Divisions. The other three divisions of the original BEF were served by squadrons of the 19th Hussars (Queen Alexandra's Own) and so it may seem appropriate that when, in 1922, the number of cavalry regiments were reduced by amalgamations, the 15th combined with the 19th to form a new regiment – the 15th/19th Hussars.

When war came in 1914, 15 H had been back in England nearly two years after an overseas tour of fourteen years, and by 18th August the three squadrons were in France with their divisions. The first four chapters describe the involvement of the squadrons in the early fighting – Mons and the retreat, Marne, Aisne and Ypres. In April 1915 the regiment was re-formed as a single unit and posted to the newly formed 9th Cavalry Brigade in 1st Cavalry Division (as was 19 H); their places in the three infantry divisions were taken by Yeomanry. For the rest of the war the Regiment remained in the 9th Brigade, 3rd Cavalry Division, on the Western Front and fought in many actions as their twenty-three Battle Honours testify. They were awarded one of the earliest VCs to be won, Cpl Garforth. (HISTORY OF THE 15TH THE KING’S HUSSARS 1914-1922)

Hallmarked English silver (925 standard), Birmingham, year 1914 (u), Maker C&Co (Carrington & Co, 1880-1922), John Bodman Carrington was a British silversmith and jeweller. In 1870s he worked in the London branch of the Birmingham firm G. R. Collins & Co, at 130 Regent Street.

In 1880 he incorporated the company and entered his first mark at the Goldsmiths Hall of London together with his partners John Carrington, William Carrington Smith and George Budford. The company specialised in high quality trophy cups and tableware, dinner and tea and coffee sets and supplied restaurants, ships and hotels. Nevertheless it also produced fine jewellery such as brooches, cufflinks and lockets, that were very much sought after by royals all over Europe. The company obtained Royal Warrants from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Edward VII, George V and the Russian Tsars.

Among the firms who retailed Carrington & Co. it is worth to mention Tiffany & Co. and Cartier. In 1903 John Bodman Carrington was named Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths Company. Three years later he retired and W. C. Smith carried on the business as a sole partner. In 1922 the firm was incorporated by Collingwood.

CONDITION

In Great Condition - No Damage.

SIZE

Height: 52cm
Width: 33cm
Weight: 5540g