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This exotic unit was raised under Lord Curzon's famous 'forward' frontier policy starting in 1900 when, in the North West Frontier Province, the army was withdrawn from tribal territory and replaced with disciplined tribal irregulars under British officers. Four battalions of militia were formed in Waziristan totalling 3,200 men. After massive desertions from this unit in the Afghan War of 1919, the remaining elements then helped form the Tochi Scouts which served India with distinction in the next two decades. A bazaar casting in low grade silver, this would have been worn by a Viceroy's commissioned officer on a brown leather pouch belt. The securing nuts and backplate are missing. It is 2.75" high. |