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Title Cavalry officer's pickers & chains, William IV hallmarked silver
Nationality British
Period 1831-36
Sold

This set would have been mounted on the front of the bullion cross belt, on which a silver-mounted pouch was suspended in the small of the officer's back, usually with the cypher of the monarch thereon. These were carried by regular line cavalry and also yeomanry units.

Historically, the pickers (arrows) were for cleaning out the touchhole on the flintlock pistol when it became fouled with use. They then survived into the 20th century as ornamental items.

The hallmarks are for William IV's reign (1831-36), although there is no date letter, only the lion passant and the maker's mark SH (possibly for Samuel Humphreys). Only the lion passant and the maker's mark are on the pickers. There are no marks on the larger belt mount, but clearly the engraving is in the same hand as on the smaller one, ergo they are a matching set. London is the assumed workplace.

This has had a bit of a life and there are some bends and dings in both elements of the belt mounts. The chain is in nice order, as are the arrow pickers, with some signs of minor use, perhaps in cleaning the touch holes of the officer's pistol.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Militaria : Badges : British : 19th Century]

testimonials

[From a vendor, rather than a buyer]

I'm delighted that you are happy with the badge and I hope you can sell it to someone who will value owning it.

I tried to sell it on eBay but they won't accept Nazi items. I then contacted several dealers via a Google search who mostly offered me £40-£50 after some haggling. Most of the other dealers tried to conceal its true value in their replies and also lacked manners which doesn't inspire confidence.

Ultimately it's about trust. I should think that most prospective sellers have done their own research and therefore know roughly what their item is worth. You were the only dealer who had the integrity to concede that my valuation was approximately correct and I respect your comment that you can't offer this as you need to make a profit. Your honest approach is greatly appreciated and I felt comfortable taking the risk in sending it to you.

Thank you for a smooth transaction

C D, UK, 01.07.2015

Order received today - many thanks for your swift and efficient service!

M F, UK, 30.03.2010

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