Anglo-Indian Momento of Sam Brownes 22nd Cavalry in fine Koftgari

[Atlantia]

I thought you chaps might enjoy seeing this anglo-Indian steel cigarette box decorated to the 'legendary' Frontier force during it's time as the "22nd Sam Brownes Cavalry" (1904-1921).
It's of interest to us for several reasons of course. Not just the connection with the frontier force, but also the quality of the koftgari is very good and is directly comparable with that which was used to decorate the weapons that we regularly discuss. It's also interesting to see an example of early 20thC koftgari art that's datable to such a short period.
I love these 'fusion' items.

All comments welcome of course.

Sam Browne's 22nd Cavalry

[Richard G]

I was once told by a Sikh that Sialkot was (and probably still is) the centre of manufacture for koftgari on steel of this type.
Regards
Richard

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Richard G

I was once told by a Sikh that Sialkot was (and probably still is) the centre of manufacture for koftgari on steel of this type.
Regards
Richard

Hi Richard,

That's interesting. We see this exact type of Koftgari on many Dhal, Kula Khud and other items that I've long thought were made to supply the British in the first half of the 20thC.

Regards
Gene

[Atlantia]

Suprised at how little interest this has engendered.

[Iain]

Didn't see the post before! Very attractive item and as you note very connected to the work seen on weapons as well.

I wish I had the time and funds to pursue collecting non weaponry items as well from the cultures I'm interested in - it really does give a more complete picture of the societies that manufactured the weapons we love.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Iain

Didn't see the post before! Very attractive item and as you note very connected to the work seen on weapons as well.

I wish I had the time and funds to pursue collecting non weaponry items as well from the cultures I'm interested in - it really does give a more complete picture of the societies that manufactured the weapons we love.

Hi Iain,

You are a Gentleman!
Thank you for taking the time to answer.
From the number of views it would appear that many don't bother any more.

Weapons are just part of my collection. I love metalwork and woodwork as well.
I can't just collect weapons because when it comes to collecting I can't bring myself to specialise or 'walk on by' something that catches my eye.
... That and the fact that I have a lady in my life who wouldn't take kindly to living in a house that looks 'too much' like an armoury.

I've been examining the various styles of Koftgari in my own collection on both weapons and other items spanning the thick end of two centuries and the 'seeming evolution' of style is quite interesting.
Especially with the dates of some being clearly defined, it makes for interesting research.

Regards
Gene

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
Just to add a 'sharp and pointy' aspect to the proceedings here's an officer of the Regiment with the 1912 Officers Pattern Sabre.
Regards,
Norman.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi,
Just to add a 'sharp and pointy' aspect to the proceedings here's an officer of the Regiment with the 1912 Officers Pattern Sabre.
Regards,
Norman.

He WAS a snappy dresser! The box could well have held his very own ciggies!

[colin henshaw]

A fine box Gene - congratulations (I had not noticed it before now)

Regards.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

A fine box Gene - congratulations (I had not noticed it before now)

Regards.

Hi Colin,

Thanks very much, I'm really suprised nobody else has brought their koftgari into this thread!

Best
Gene