Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 4014 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 48

†A Victorian Drum-Major's Staff of the 96th Regiment An extremely rare and good example, with pale wooden shaft, embellished with interlocking chains attached to long chape, magnificent silver-plated head with Crown finial, mounted with VR cypher and number 96, both within laurel wreaths, and three battle-honour scrolls respectively inscribed PENINSULA, NEW ZEALAND and RETREAT FROM MONS See illustration Note: It is surprising that this staff does not bear the Sphinx, which was won by the previous 96th Regiment (disbanded in 1818) and granted to the successor regiment, along with Peninsula, in 1874, by which time this unit had acquired the New Zealand honour by its own exertions. The presence of the Retreat from Mons battle-honour suggests that this staff continued in use with, or was later re-issued to, an auxiliary battalion after the 96th Foot became 2nd Battalion, Manchester Regiment in 1881 Estimate £ 500-800

Sold for
£820