catalogue, collection of Sir John Chapple

[peter monahan]

The Indian Military History Society has recently expanded and upgraded its web site and one of the tidbits included in the section titled 'Extras' are the two catalogues, each of several hundred pages, describing in detail Sir John's collection of Indian Army badges which now resides, minus the Gurkha section, with the NAM.

The caalogues are organized as 'Cavalry Infantry' and 'Corps' and may be downloaded at this address: http://durbaronline.co.uk/press.htm

[gurkharifles]

I assume that there's no way of accessing pictures of the collection ?

[peter monahan]

As to that, no idea. I'm on the wrong side of the pond.

The collection went to the NAM perhaps a decade or so ago, and his GR bages to the Gurka Museum at Aldershot about the same time. Given how understaffed and funded ALL musuems are and the frequent critical comments I read about the NAM, I would be very pleasantly surprised if they have photographed any of the stuff yet, but Sir John, who was a meticulous collector, may have done so himself.

Perhaps another member has contacts at the NAM and can tell us.

[pinfrin]

Originally Posted by peter monahan

As to that, no idea. I'm on the wrong side of the pond.

The collection went to the NAM perhaps a decade or so ago, and his GR bages to the Gurka Museum at Aldershot about the same time. Given how understaffed and funded ALL musuems are and the frequent critical comments I read about the NAM, I would be very pleasantly surprised if they have photographed any of the stuff yet, but Sir John, who was a meticulous collector, may have done so himself.

Perhaps another member has contacts at the NAM and can tell us.

sigh

[peter monahan]

It is the curse of museums! Most can display less than 10% of their holdings which means, by the laws of averages and human nature, at least half the 'serious' visitors go away sad or mad.