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Asprey Silver & Gold Regimental Match Box Cover - 21st Hussars/Lancers, Major Stapylton
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Reference: S1552
Period: Victorian
Year: Circa 1900
Silversmith: Asprey & Co
Place: London
Price: $ 210.00
Weight: 68 grams
Dimensions: 7.5 cm*5.1 cm*3.5 cm height
Condition: Good, has been overpolished in the mess, so hallmarks are worn.
Description: A regimental silver match box cover (large size matchbox), with gold crest of the 21st Empress of India Lancers. The box is engraved "Presented by MJ Stapylton Late 21st Hussars", and stands on 4 bun feet. The box is hallmarked, but these are now worn due to over zealous polishing in the mess. The box is also engraved "Asprey London". Major Miles John Stapylton of the Yorkshire Hussars and 21st Lancers was Lord of the Manor of Eston in Myton, York. He was born in 1869 and married in 1900, he had 3 children. The regimental history is interesting. The were designated 21st Hussars in India in 1861, and in 1897 they were re-designated and equipped as 21st Lancers in Cairo. In 1898 they were the only regular cavalry to serve with the army sent to re-conquer Sudan to end Dervish rule. In the now famous Charge at Omdurman, they lost 21 men and won 3 Victoria Crosses. Winston Churchill participatedin this action as a lieutenant. As a result of the charge, they were awarded the title "21st Empress of India Lancers" by Queen Victoria, becoming the only regiment entitled to wear her Royal Cypher VR, as can be seen on the box. They also kept their French Grey uniform as a mark of their Indian origin.
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Asprey silver and gold regimental match box cover
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Gold Crest - 21st Empress of India Lancers
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Major MJ Stapylton - 21st Hussars
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Base of silver matchbox holder
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Asprey silver hallmarks
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scale
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Asprey silver - Major Stapylton
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