3rd West Yorkshire Militia HMSS pouch badge set
 

Hi all,

The latest addition to the collection from my week in the UK.

Oak-framed collection of 3rd West Yorkshire Militia hall marked sterling silver pouch badges (date letter marked K for 1859-60 by C.R & Co, Birmingham) with ten silver buttons for the double breasted tunic and two smaller silver buttons for the chin strap of the helmet. The buttons are described in Ripley's book as 3rd West Yorkshire Light Infantry Militia, silver (see later for alternate title). Am I correct is assuming this is an Officer's set ?

I have not been able to trace a full makers name for this silversmith as yet.

I understand that the rose was worn to the front and the horn and small rose were the pouch decorations. The slider and belt tip were from the ends of the belt. The two hinged hangers were where the belt was attached to the pouch.

The hinged hangers are hallmarked as is the pouch badge (opening of the hunting horn) and the belt slider.

The 3rd West York Militia were absorbed in to the York and Lancaster Regiment, to become the 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion based at Pontefract barracks.

The 3rd West York Militia was also otherwise known as the First Regiment of Militia and 3rd West York Light Infantry, prior to it’s becoming part of the York & Lancaster Regiment.

There are a number of photographs of pouches with badges for the West York Rifle Volunteers in Dixon Pickup's book that have provided me with something of a guide as to how these badges were in situ.

Enjoy, regards Dean.

Dean,
Stunning collection and congratulations on getting hold of what is an incredibly rare group of items.

I'm sure the silver experts on here will be able to confirm details of the hallmark/maker but the timescale you mention would be correct as that pattern of forage cap badge was in use between 1857 and 1863.

Have you looked at Raikes book 'The Third West Yorks Light Infantry'? Let me know and I will send you a copy, there are some drawings of badges in there that may be of use.

Ivan

Hi and thanks Ivan,

No my reference collection doesn't extend to that one - would love a few pics of the badges etc, many thanks PM me and I will send email.

Hold that I have found a pdf of Raikes book online and have downloaded !

Thanks again Ivan - Raike's book shows a forage cap badge as per the pouch badge of the hunting horn with rose within and gives a date of 1853-1873 and the tunic button dates 1853-1875. Quite a bit of detail in the text to take in on uniform and accoutrements and note double berated tunic introduced around 1855.

Cheers Dean.

Some plates from the book for the interest of others, it is copyright expired so no issues with posting.

John

Many thanks John - good to share some gems, cheers Dean.

I would suggest "Claydon, Robin & Co". They made all types of silver items including military buckles etc.

Regards
Andrew

Thanks Andrew not a silversmith I know. Good at their craft that I will say, cheers Dean.

3rd West York Light Infantry Militia
 

I have received an enquiry about a portrait of a Lt-Col of the 3rd West York Light Infantry Militia 1855-1881 (see below and attached).

It belonged to one of my predecessors as Honorary Colonel – one of our wartime officers Colonel Michael Allen.

Can you please assist in identifying the officer and perhaps advise on value and the best place to sell it?

Many thanks:
Richard Talbot

Col (Ret’d) R.D.B. Talbot C.D., P.J.M.
Former Honorary Colonel & Commanding Officer
The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s)
Invicta Cottage, 2430 Whidbey Lane
Sidney, Victoria, British Columbia
CANADA, V8L 2K3
Home: 778-426-4355
Cell: 250-580-4401
Email: talbot@talbotconsultants.com