![]() |
|
![]() |
#1 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 5,503
|
![]()
I had to consult Egerton’s book about something and an old question just popped up in my mind: where did he get his collection from?a
I went to his Wiki bio and there was nothing. But I distinctly remember that years ago I have read that he had to cut his sojourn in India short to stand for election in England. Can’t find the reference, though and ... start suspecting incipient Alzheimer’s. Does anybody here have firm answer: yes or no? ( not about my Alzheimer’s, but about Egerton and India)? Last edited by ariel; 17th May 2019 at 12:54 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 9,895
|
![]()
Trying to wade through English peerage is DEEP!
In "Indian and Oriental Arms and Armour" (from the original "Illustrated Handbook of Indian Arms" 1880) the author is shown as Lord Egerton of Tatton. This would be Wilbraham Egerton, 1st Earl Egerton who was eldest son of William Tatton Egerton, 1st Baron Egerton. Tatton was the historic estate in Tatton Park, Chesire, where they resided. Apparently our Egerton, the author, was in India at some point, and became intrigued by the fascinating weaponry and seriously studied and collected them. As he was born in 1832, and by 1858 sat in the House of Commons until 1883, we may presume he had either spent time there prior to 1858, or perhaps in some period while he sat at the House of Commons (long vacation?). Whatever the case, he was considered enough of an authority to catalog the collections of the India Museum at South Kensington, which became his handbook of 1880. Some of these arms became part of those catalogued by Philip Rawson in a 1952 work and published in 1967 in "The Indian Sword". As with any reference work on arms, study is dynamic and new evidence and discovery will bring revision and correction, so as with all our venerable resources, these authors are respected for their work overall. They are the benchmark for the study we pursue here, and our corrections are just what they would have expected. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Vikingsword Staff
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Aussie Bush
Posts: 4,165
|
![]()
In the first sentence of his Introduction to the 1880 book, Egerton says that he started his collection in India in 1855. This suggests that he assembled his collection over a short period of 2-3 years before returning to England to pursue a political career.
Ian |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 5,503
|
![]()
Thanks Ian.
I know that, but I might have formulated my question badly. I was looking for some part of his official biography with more details . Sorry for being imprecise. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,718
|
![]()
I dont have any proof Ariel, and I dont know in which book I read it, but recently I read the following.
Egerton, when he bought a weapon (in India), he wrote that this or that weapon was from the place where he bought it, and that was what he wrote in his book. Obviously the weapon could have come from there, or from somewhere else. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 | |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE
Posts: 4,408
|
![]() Quote:
Quote''Originally created in the late 19th century to catalog Indian and Oriental arms and armor for a British museum, this volume has long since become a sourcebook of vital information on the military history of India. Enhanced with excellent illustrations, it remains one of the few books available on the subject, providing factual accounts of events ranging from the earliest invasions of the subcontinent in 200 B.C. to the decline of the Mogul Empire (early 18th century) and the First Burmese War in 1824. In addition to information on military history, succeeding chapters describe Indian swords, helmets, knives, shields, daggers, spears, javelins, blowpipes, sabers, and a host of other weapons, including arms used for athletic and sacrificial purposes. Descriptive notes, grouped according to geographical areas, comment on styles of decoration, manufacturing processes, and ethnological characteristics. A shorter section of the book includes detailed information on Arab and Persian arms (maces, battle axes, matchlock guns, bows and arrows, etc.) and Japanese armor. Students of Far Eastern arms and armor as well as enthusiasts of military history will welcome this comprehensive reference. 350 halftones and line illustrations. 350 halftones and line illustrations." Unquote. Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: North East England.
Posts: 107
|
![]()
I've collected for a long time and spent my youth looking for books on the subject, most of which I still have, including an original edition of Egerton, the colours of the illustrations are stunning
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 | |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 9,895
|
![]() Quote:
That quest became my primary objective, and quite honestly most of the many valuable references we have today were not yet written. However, one of my greatest conquests was obtaining " An Illustrated Handbook of Indian Arms" by the Right Hon. Wilbraham Egerton of Tatton (1880). In this were as you note, breathtaking artwork featuring swords in foldouts and two color plates, which were (in my knowledge) some of the earliest artworks of this kind on arms (in color). The 1880 book was revised in 1896 as "Description of Indian and Oriental Arms", which was then reprinted in facsimile in 1968 by Stackpole books. This in turn was reprinted by Dover books in 2002 (the issue I presently have with me). My original copy is kept safely stored as I am 'on the road' ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: North East England.
Posts: 107
|
![]()
Hello Jim, the copy that I have is indeed the revised edition of 1896 with red covers. Like yourself I also have the recent 'Dover' edition for everyday use.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|