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Title Porte-feu or slow match holder, unmarked silver
Nationality Indian
Period c 1850
Price £150.00

This little device, 12cm long, would have held a lighted slow match for igniting cannon, powder charges or fireworks. The match was held in place by the silver hook on the short chain under the lid which has a model of a monkey eating a piece of fruit. Perhaps this is a souvenir from the Mutiny of 1857/8.

British grenadiers of the mid-18th century carried something similar but much simpler, in brass, on their grenade pouch belt, for lighting their bombs.

The silver is worked in typical South Asian style, ie repousee from thin silver sheet. It could just possibly be Burmese rather than Indian. There is a little silver shield midway down the tube, the style of which suggests that the piece was made with the European market in mind, ie for an officer to have his initials or crest engraved on it.

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


[Militaria : Equipment : Indian : 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

Just a quick mail to let you know the medals arrived today, very pleased with them and your service.

S S, UK, 10.03.2010

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