Hamilton & Co. - Bombay - 1885
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Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
Hamilton & Co. - Bombay - 1885
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
India Office, January 17, 1866.
The Secretary of State for India in Council hereby gives notice, that he has received Calcutta Gazettes, containing the following Notices of Orders made by the Court for the Relief of Insolvent Debtors there, under the provisions of the Act 11 Victoria, cap. 21 :
Court for the Relief of Insolvent Debtors at Calcutta
In the Matter of Russickloll Mitter, an Insolvent. On Saturday, the 18th day of November last, it was ordered that the said Insolvent is entitled to his personal discharge under the Act 11 Vic., cap. 21, as to the several persons named in his schedule as creditors, or claiming to be creditors, for the same respectively as to the claims of all other persons not known to the said Insolvent, who may be endorsees or holders of any negotiable security set forth in the said schedule, except as to the claim of Messrs. Hamilton and Co., mentioned in his schedule, and as to such claim of the said Messrs. Hamilton and Co., after the said Insolvent shall have been six months imprisoned at their suit, and that the hearing of this matter, so far as relates to the said claim of the said Messrs. Hamilton and Co., do stand adjourned until the first Court day in June next.—Goodall and Leslie, Attorneys. Date of Gazette containing notice, December 6, 1865.
Chief Clerk's Office, the 5th December, 1865.
Source: The London Gazette - 19th January 1866
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The Secretary of State for India in Council hereby gives notice, that he has received Calcutta Gazettes, containing the following Notices of Orders made by the Court for the Relief of Insolvent Debtors there, under the provisions of the Act 11 Victoria, cap. 21 :
Court for the Relief of Insolvent Debtors at Calcutta
In the Matter of Russickloll Mitter, an Insolvent. On Saturday, the 18th day of November last, it was ordered that the said Insolvent is entitled to his personal discharge under the Act 11 Vic., cap. 21, as to the several persons named in his schedule as creditors, or claiming to be creditors, for the same respectively as to the claims of all other persons not known to the said Insolvent, who may be endorsees or holders of any negotiable security set forth in the said schedule, except as to the claim of Messrs. Hamilton and Co., mentioned in his schedule, and as to such claim of the said Messrs. Hamilton and Co., after the said Insolvent shall have been six months imprisoned at their suit, and that the hearing of this matter, so far as relates to the said claim of the said Messrs. Hamilton and Co., do stand adjourned until the first Court day in June next.—Goodall and Leslie, Attorneys. Date of Gazette containing notice, December 6, 1865.
Chief Clerk's Office, the 5th December, 1865.
Source: The London Gazette - 19th January 1866
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
Monday, December 25
The sword subscribed for by the gentlemen of the Civil Service in testimony of their admiration of Sir Robert Sale's conduct at Jellalabad, is now, as we learn from the Star, at Messrs. Hamilton and Co's. The cost was 300l.
Source: The Bengal Catholic Herald - 30th December 1843
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The sword subscribed for by the gentlemen of the Civil Service in testimony of their admiration of Sir Robert Sale's conduct at Jellalabad, is now, as we learn from the Star, at Messrs. Hamilton and Co's. The cost was 300l.
Source: The Bengal Catholic Herald - 30th December 1843
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
A quaich by Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta:
SILVER - H&Co.Ld - Elephant
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SILVER - H&Co.Ld - Elephant
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
Hamilton & Co. - Bombay - 1882
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
Presidents of the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce that were connected with Hamilton & Co.:
G.F. Remfry - 1840-1843-1860
J.F. Snaith - 1925
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G.F. Remfry - 1840-1843-1860
J.F. Snaith - 1925
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
Hamilton & Co. - Bombay - 1891
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
Messrs. Hamilton and Co., have favored us with a sight of a very handsome silver cup which they have made for the Rajah of Nagpore, and which is to be run for at the Kamptee race meeting. It is an elegantly formed and elaborately wrought vase of considerable size, deriving a character of novelty and originality from Its cover, which represents a group of three spiritly designed horses, under the shade of a palm tree which rises from Its centre. As specimen of local art — which it is, we understand, both in design and fabrication — this handsome prize cup is particularly admirable.
Source: The Bengal Hurkaru and Chronicle - March 1850
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Source: The Bengal Hurkaru and Chronicle - March 1850
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
Hamilton and Co. - Calcutta - 1819
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
CALCUTTA'S WEDDING PRESENT TO THE DUCHESS OF YORK
SILVER CASKET PRESENTED TO THE DUCHESS OF YORK ON HER WEDDING BY THE PEOPLE OF CALCUTTA
After the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of York the people of Calcutta in public meeting assembled voted a wedding-gift to the Duchess, and subscribed some 30,000 rupees for the purpose, a larger sum being guaranteed if necessary. The matter was placed in the hands of a representative committee, the majority of the members consisting of rich and influential native gentlemen, and they resolved upon a casket of Indian design, which should be typical of this portion of Her Majesty's dominions. The casket was manufactured by Messrs. Hamilton and Co., Calcutta, and is in solid silver, studded with appropriate gems. It is 34½ inches in height, 31 inches in length, and 22½ inches in breadth, and is supported on four elephants. The workmanship is exceedingly minute, and some of the best artists in India were engaged on it. The photograph will give some idea of one side of the casket, but a separate description would be necessary, for the sculpturing work and the minute picturings. It is the finest wedding present, or, for that matter, presentation gift, yet sent to Royalty from India. Our illustration is from a photograph sent by Mr. Carmichael.
Source: The Graphic - 7th October 1893
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SILVER CASKET PRESENTED TO THE DUCHESS OF YORK ON HER WEDDING BY THE PEOPLE OF CALCUTTA
After the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of York the people of Calcutta in public meeting assembled voted a wedding-gift to the Duchess, and subscribed some 30,000 rupees for the purpose, a larger sum being guaranteed if necessary. The matter was placed in the hands of a representative committee, the majority of the members consisting of rich and influential native gentlemen, and they resolved upon a casket of Indian design, which should be typical of this portion of Her Majesty's dominions. The casket was manufactured by Messrs. Hamilton and Co., Calcutta, and is in solid silver, studded with appropriate gems. It is 34½ inches in height, 31 inches in length, and 22½ inches in breadth, and is supported on four elephants. The workmanship is exceedingly minute, and some of the best artists in India were engaged on it. The photograph will give some idea of one side of the casket, but a separate description would be necessary, for the sculpturing work and the minute picturings. It is the finest wedding present, or, for that matter, presentation gift, yet sent to Royalty from India. Our illustration is from a photograph sent by Mr. Carmichael.
Source: The Graphic - 7th October 1893
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
THE MOOLTAN PRIZE PROPERTY
The sale of the jewels taken at Mooltan took place agreeably to announcement, at the rooms of Messrs. Hamilton and Co. yesterday. The place was not so densely crowded as we have seen on previous occasions, the assemblage consisting more of up-country merchants than Europeans. The prices realised for the jewels were considered very good - being, in some instances, considerably higher than the market value. The pearls were of the best description, particularly Moohaj's necklace, which, as will be seen below, fetched a handsome price.
The first lot, consisting of a string of fourteen beautiful round white pearls, with tassels of gold, was first offered up entire and 180 rupees was the first bid, but at the suggestion of several parties in the room, the auctioneer put up for competition each pearl at a time. The first bid offered was 20 rupees, but it was knocked down for 33 rupees. The string thus realized 462 rupees, the purchaser being an up-country merchant.
The 2nd lot, consisting of 21 splendid bright round pearls, arranged in three strings, with gold tassels, was put up in the same way as the preceding lot, the pearls realising 55 rupees each. The purchaser was a Khottah. The total value being 1,155 rupees.
The 3rd lot, a valuable emerald and pearl necklace, composed of 80 beautiful white whole pearls and 22 emeralds, with small gold ornaments, arranged in two strings, was put up entire. This was a very handsome article, and many were eager to purchase it. The auctioneer commenced with a bid of 1,500 - it was ultimately knocked down for 1,760 rupees, to an up-country merchant of the name of Prem Chund Jowharry.
Lot 4 was a splendid pearl and emerald necklace of the same description as the foregoing lot, arranged in two strings, and composed of 80 beautiful white round pearls and 22 emeralds. The necklace was sold for 1,600 rupees, to Roy Bood Sing, an up-country merchant.
The 5th lot, the most valuable, being Moolraj's pearl necklace, described in the catalogue as being composed of 180 of the rarest large white whole pearls is far surpassing any like number ever offered for public sale here - being all of a select kind and forming the necklace daily worn by the Dewan Moolraj previous to the time he surrendered to the British authorities was next put up. The pearls were of the whitest and rarest description, and altogether the necklace was said to be the handsomest ornament ever exhibited in Calcutta. The first bid offered was 60 rupees for each pearl and it gradually rose from 5 to 10 rupees until it was knocked down for 83 rupees each to Gooroopersuad, Shaw, and Co. The total price realized amounts thus to 114,940 rupees.
The 6th lot was a handsome pearl torrah or turban ornament, in nine strings, composed of 81 valuable large round while pearls, unusually bright, with gold tassels. This was an unique piece of jewellery and much admired. The Seikhs, it was said, are in the habit of wearing the Torrah as an ornament on their pugrees. At first 50 rupees was bid for each of the pearls, but owing to the great eagerness of the up-country merchants to possess the article, the bid was raised to 70 rupees, at which price it was sold to Baboo Hullodhur Bhose. The aggregate price realized was 5,671 rupees.
The seventh lot consisted of a pearl torrah, equal, if not handsomer than the foregoing, composed of fifty-seven splendid large round white pearls, in nine strings, with gold tassels, - the first bid for which was 60 rupees. There was a great deal of competition for this lot, but it was knocked down to Mr. J. Jones, who bid 82 rupees for each of the pearls. The total amount this lot fetched was 4,674 rupees.
The next lot No. 8, was a pearl turban ornament, comprising 69 valuable bright white whole pearls, with gold tassels. The pearls were of a smaller size than any of the preceding lots, and the first bid which the auctioneer got was 40 rupees for each ; the bid gradually rose from 1 to 2 rupees, when it was knocked down to Ameer Chund Sett, an up-country merchant, for 43 rupees. The price which this ornament fetched was 2,967 rupees.
Lot 9 was an emerald and pearl necklace in a double row, composed of 90 whole white round pearls and 20 emeralds. This and the last lot were, with the exception of Moolraj's necklace, the most attractive ornaments offered up ; the lot realised 2,225 rupees, the purchaser being Baboo Gopal Chunder Sett.
The last lot of the Mooltan property, No. 10, consisting of a handsome pearl and emerald necklace, in a double row, composed of 89 fine white whole pearls and 91 emeralds fetched 2250 rupees. The purchaser of this lot was Gooroopersaud, Shaw, and Co. The necklace was admired in the room, and attracted considerable attention.
Simultaneously with the above property were offered a large quantity of jewellery mentioned in the catalogue, 'on another account.' The major portion of this, we believe, was bought in, with the exception of three lots sold to the highest bidder.
Source: The Indian Times - 14th February 1850
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The sale of the jewels taken at Mooltan took place agreeably to announcement, at the rooms of Messrs. Hamilton and Co. yesterday. The place was not so densely crowded as we have seen on previous occasions, the assemblage consisting more of up-country merchants than Europeans. The prices realised for the jewels were considered very good - being, in some instances, considerably higher than the market value. The pearls were of the best description, particularly Moohaj's necklace, which, as will be seen below, fetched a handsome price.
The first lot, consisting of a string of fourteen beautiful round white pearls, with tassels of gold, was first offered up entire and 180 rupees was the first bid, but at the suggestion of several parties in the room, the auctioneer put up for competition each pearl at a time. The first bid offered was 20 rupees, but it was knocked down for 33 rupees. The string thus realized 462 rupees, the purchaser being an up-country merchant.
The 2nd lot, consisting of 21 splendid bright round pearls, arranged in three strings, with gold tassels, was put up in the same way as the preceding lot, the pearls realising 55 rupees each. The purchaser was a Khottah. The total value being 1,155 rupees.
The 3rd lot, a valuable emerald and pearl necklace, composed of 80 beautiful white whole pearls and 22 emeralds, with small gold ornaments, arranged in two strings, was put up entire. This was a very handsome article, and many were eager to purchase it. The auctioneer commenced with a bid of 1,500 - it was ultimately knocked down for 1,760 rupees, to an up-country merchant of the name of Prem Chund Jowharry.
Lot 4 was a splendid pearl and emerald necklace of the same description as the foregoing lot, arranged in two strings, and composed of 80 beautiful white round pearls and 22 emeralds. The necklace was sold for 1,600 rupees, to Roy Bood Sing, an up-country merchant.
The 5th lot, the most valuable, being Moolraj's pearl necklace, described in the catalogue as being composed of 180 of the rarest large white whole pearls is far surpassing any like number ever offered for public sale here - being all of a select kind and forming the necklace daily worn by the Dewan Moolraj previous to the time he surrendered to the British authorities was next put up. The pearls were of the whitest and rarest description, and altogether the necklace was said to be the handsomest ornament ever exhibited in Calcutta. The first bid offered was 60 rupees for each pearl and it gradually rose from 5 to 10 rupees until it was knocked down for 83 rupees each to Gooroopersuad, Shaw, and Co. The total price realized amounts thus to 114,940 rupees.
The 6th lot was a handsome pearl torrah or turban ornament, in nine strings, composed of 81 valuable large round while pearls, unusually bright, with gold tassels. This was an unique piece of jewellery and much admired. The Seikhs, it was said, are in the habit of wearing the Torrah as an ornament on their pugrees. At first 50 rupees was bid for each of the pearls, but owing to the great eagerness of the up-country merchants to possess the article, the bid was raised to 70 rupees, at which price it was sold to Baboo Hullodhur Bhose. The aggregate price realized was 5,671 rupees.
The seventh lot consisted of a pearl torrah, equal, if not handsomer than the foregoing, composed of fifty-seven splendid large round white pearls, in nine strings, with gold tassels, - the first bid for which was 60 rupees. There was a great deal of competition for this lot, but it was knocked down to Mr. J. Jones, who bid 82 rupees for each of the pearls. The total amount this lot fetched was 4,674 rupees.
The next lot No. 8, was a pearl turban ornament, comprising 69 valuable bright white whole pearls, with gold tassels. The pearls were of a smaller size than any of the preceding lots, and the first bid which the auctioneer got was 40 rupees for each ; the bid gradually rose from 1 to 2 rupees, when it was knocked down to Ameer Chund Sett, an up-country merchant, for 43 rupees. The price which this ornament fetched was 2,967 rupees.
Lot 9 was an emerald and pearl necklace in a double row, composed of 90 whole white round pearls and 20 emeralds. This and the last lot were, with the exception of Moolraj's necklace, the most attractive ornaments offered up ; the lot realised 2,225 rupees, the purchaser being Baboo Gopal Chunder Sett.
The last lot of the Mooltan property, No. 10, consisting of a handsome pearl and emerald necklace, in a double row, composed of 89 fine white whole pearls and 91 emeralds fetched 2250 rupees. The purchaser of this lot was Gooroopersaud, Shaw, and Co. The necklace was admired in the room, and attracted considerable attention.
Simultaneously with the above property were offered a large quantity of jewellery mentioned in the catalogue, 'on another account.' The major portion of this, we believe, was bought in, with the exception of three lots sold to the highest bidder.
Source: The Indian Times - 14th February 1850
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
THE NIZAM'S GREAT DIAMOND
A STONE WITH A STRANGE HISTORY
If the news telegraphed through Reuter of the disappearance of the famous Imperial diamond from the treasury of the Nazam of Hyderabad be true, the theft (says the Daily Mail), if only for the enormous value of the stone, will rank as one of the biggest exploits recorded by history of the light fingered community. It is possible, however, that the alarm is ill founded, for only eighteen months ago the diamond was for sale in the custody of Messrs. Hamilton, the jeweller-princes of Calcutta.
After the collapse of the legal proceedings against Mr Jacob, a settlement was arrived at by which the Nazam, after payment of an additional sum over the twenty-three lakhs he had deposited, was to become the possessor of the stone. But it never went to Hyderabad, for the natives believed it to be unlucky. From the Bank of Bengal, where it lay in deposit, pending the payment of the balance of the purchase money, the gem was sent to Messrs. Hamilton and Co., of Calcutta. At the time that Mr Jacobs brought the stone out from Calcutta it was accompanied by two exact facsimiles in paste, for it was far too valuable for a person to carry about. When Mr Jacobs visited likely purchasers, he showed them the paste replicas, and one of these was left with the Nazam, and it may be that this has given rise to the rumour of the theft of the diamond and its replacement by a specimen in paste. The Imperial diamond has had a chequered career. Found at the Cape some years ago, it was bought by a syndicate and cut at Amsterdam, its size being reduced by one half. From its size and brilliancy it took rank at once as a historic stone, as it measured an inch and a half by an inch, and was nearly one inch in depth, of a pure white colour, and exceedingly lustrous. Its owners hawked it about among all the crowned heads in Europe, but without avail, as no one was found with a purse long enough to buy it. Mr Jacobs then had it sent out to him in India at his own risk, paying a premium of £2,000 for its insurance on the voyage.
Source: Taranaki Herald - 7th August 1897
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A STONE WITH A STRANGE HISTORY
If the news telegraphed through Reuter of the disappearance of the famous Imperial diamond from the treasury of the Nazam of Hyderabad be true, the theft (says the Daily Mail), if only for the enormous value of the stone, will rank as one of the biggest exploits recorded by history of the light fingered community. It is possible, however, that the alarm is ill founded, for only eighteen months ago the diamond was for sale in the custody of Messrs. Hamilton, the jeweller-princes of Calcutta.
After the collapse of the legal proceedings against Mr Jacob, a settlement was arrived at by which the Nazam, after payment of an additional sum over the twenty-three lakhs he had deposited, was to become the possessor of the stone. But it never went to Hyderabad, for the natives believed it to be unlucky. From the Bank of Bengal, where it lay in deposit, pending the payment of the balance of the purchase money, the gem was sent to Messrs. Hamilton and Co., of Calcutta. At the time that Mr Jacobs brought the stone out from Calcutta it was accompanied by two exact facsimiles in paste, for it was far too valuable for a person to carry about. When Mr Jacobs visited likely purchasers, he showed them the paste replicas, and one of these was left with the Nazam, and it may be that this has given rise to the rumour of the theft of the diamond and its replacement by a specimen in paste. The Imperial diamond has had a chequered career. Found at the Cape some years ago, it was bought by a syndicate and cut at Amsterdam, its size being reduced by one half. From its size and brilliancy it took rank at once as a historic stone, as it measured an inch and a half by an inch, and was nearly one inch in depth, of a pure white colour, and exceedingly lustrous. Its owners hawked it about among all the crowned heads in Europe, but without avail, as no one was found with a purse long enough to buy it. Mr Jacobs then had it sent out to him in India at his own risk, paying a premium of £2,000 for its insurance on the voyage.
Source: Taranaki Herald - 7th August 1897
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
Hamilton and Company - Calcutta, Bombay, Simla - 1876
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
Some years ago I acquired this teaspoon made by Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta, and following some research I believe it may cast some new light on the dating of the marks of Hamilton & Co. pieces.
The key that will hopefully unlock some mysteries is, of course, the engravings on this spoon. When numbers are engraved on flatware it is usually indicative of one of two things, sometimes numbers are applied to identify particular pieces, a feature most often found on Scottish spoons and at other times, it is to identify a British army regiment, in this case, the 87th Regiment of Foot, otherwise known as 'The Prince of Wale's Own Irish Regiment' and would have been part of the silver of the Officers' Mess.
The 87th was formed in 1793 and consisted of two battalions, the 1st initially serving on the Continent, West Indies and South America and the 2nd fighting in the Peninsular War where it received great distinction as the first British regiment ever to seize the French Colours, during the Battle of Barrosa.
The year 1808 saw the 1st Battalion leave South America for the Cape of Good Hope and then in 1810 on to Mauritius and in 1815 they set sail for Calcutta arriving in August and September of that year to serve along side the troops of the Honourable East India Company in their battle to control Northern India, they were to remain in India until their departure in February 1827.
The regiment was to return to India in 1849, and I originally thought this spoon was from the second period as most sources suggest these marks are from the mid 19th Century, however, after some more digging I am now convinced this spoon is from the first period.
In 1827 upon its return home the regiment was honoured for their exploits overseas by a change of name, they were now to be known as the 'Royal Irish Fusiliers'. This is confirmed in an extract from a letter to General Sir John Doyle, Bart. G.C.B., Colonel of the Eighty-Seventh etc. etc. from the Adjutant-General of the Forces, Sir Henry Torrens K.C.B.
Horse Guards,
17th November 1827.
Sir,
I have the honour to acquaint you, that the King has been pleased to approve of the Eighty-Seventh regiment assuming the title "Royal" and its being in future styled the Eighty-Seventh or Royal Irish Fusiliers, instead of the Prince of Wale's Own Irish Fusiliers.
I have etc.
H. Torrens,
Adjutant-General.
This change of name would have been of no surprise, as whilst the regiment was away the Prince of Wales had become King George IV, but the new name is vitally important to the dating of this spoon. The 'Royal' prefix was a great honour and would not have been omitted from the engraving if it dated from the post 1849 period. The Prince of Wale's Feathers were to remain as part of the regiment's colours, as can be seen below, but Royal protocol demands it has to be placed under the Crown of St Edward.
Conclusive proof, I believe, that this spoon dates from the twelve year period 1815-1827 and thus, that this mark struck by Hamilton & Co. was in use much earlier than originally thought.
That leaves just one question unanswered, the engraving of the 'hare' sejant. This device is likely to identify the bestower of the gift of silver to the mess. These devices are sometimes taken from the crest of a Coat of Arms, but often just a play on words, and may signify someone with a name such as 'Hare' 'Coney' 'Leverit' 'Warren' etc. Silver was presented to the mess by various persons, including newly arrived and departing officers, and also by grateful civilians who had been helped by the regiment, as can be seen from this account:
'On the night of the 6th September 1821, a very alarming fire broke out in the Honourable Company's Dispensary, situated in Calcutta, and surrounded by many valuable houses. As soon as intelligence reached the fort, two captains and ten subalterns, with about three hundred men, immediately marched to the spot, and, by the greatest exertions, prevented the fire from spreading to the neighbouring houses. The strictness with which the armed party protected the property of the inhabitants, called forth their admiration, which was followed by the annexed letter from the Governor-General, the Marquis of Hastings to Lieut. Colonel Miller of the Eighty-Seventh.
Council Chamber,
7th September 1821.
My Dear Sir,
It was a great satisfaction to me, though no surprise, to learn the zealous and meritorious conduct of the detachment of the Eighty-Seventh, employed in the endeavour to stop the fire last night. As some of the men have suffered in articles of dress, to repair that damage, as well as to reward the activity of the party, the Council has directed that five hundred rupees be paid to you, which you will please to distribute according to your opinion of claims.
I have, etc.
Hastings.
This mark of approbation from the Governor-General in Council, towards the party in general, was followed by one to the officers employed, each being presented with a piece of plate.
and
A very handsome piece of plate, which is now in the mess, was likewise presented to the officers by Doctor McWhirter, whose house adjoined the Dispensary, and which was saved by great exertion.
I made an enquiry with the Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum at Armagh to see if an officer could be found with a name that would fit in as the provider of this spoon, presumably one of a larger set. The curator of the museum found an officer by the name of Richard Warren who was serving with the 87th in India during this period, a likely candidate perhaps, although I would like to imagine that it may possibly have been a gift from the watchmaker, David Hare (1775-1842), who arrived in Calcutta in 1800, made his fortune and then spent it creating the Hindu School and the Hare School after seeing the plight of the children of Calcutta.
Trev.
The key that will hopefully unlock some mysteries is, of course, the engravings on this spoon. When numbers are engraved on flatware it is usually indicative of one of two things, sometimes numbers are applied to identify particular pieces, a feature most often found on Scottish spoons and at other times, it is to identify a British army regiment, in this case, the 87th Regiment of Foot, otherwise known as 'The Prince of Wale's Own Irish Regiment' and would have been part of the silver of the Officers' Mess.
The 87th was formed in 1793 and consisted of two battalions, the 1st initially serving on the Continent, West Indies and South America and the 2nd fighting in the Peninsular War where it received great distinction as the first British regiment ever to seize the French Colours, during the Battle of Barrosa.
The year 1808 saw the 1st Battalion leave South America for the Cape of Good Hope and then in 1810 on to Mauritius and in 1815 they set sail for Calcutta arriving in August and September of that year to serve along side the troops of the Honourable East India Company in their battle to control Northern India, they were to remain in India until their departure in February 1827.
The regiment was to return to India in 1849, and I originally thought this spoon was from the second period as most sources suggest these marks are from the mid 19th Century, however, after some more digging I am now convinced this spoon is from the first period.
In 1827 upon its return home the regiment was honoured for their exploits overseas by a change of name, they were now to be known as the 'Royal Irish Fusiliers'. This is confirmed in an extract from a letter to General Sir John Doyle, Bart. G.C.B., Colonel of the Eighty-Seventh etc. etc. from the Adjutant-General of the Forces, Sir Henry Torrens K.C.B.
Horse Guards,
17th November 1827.
Sir,
I have the honour to acquaint you, that the King has been pleased to approve of the Eighty-Seventh regiment assuming the title "Royal" and its being in future styled the Eighty-Seventh or Royal Irish Fusiliers, instead of the Prince of Wale's Own Irish Fusiliers.
I have etc.
H. Torrens,
Adjutant-General.
This change of name would have been of no surprise, as whilst the regiment was away the Prince of Wales had become King George IV, but the new name is vitally important to the dating of this spoon. The 'Royal' prefix was a great honour and would not have been omitted from the engraving if it dated from the post 1849 period. The Prince of Wale's Feathers were to remain as part of the regiment's colours, as can be seen below, but Royal protocol demands it has to be placed under the Crown of St Edward.
Conclusive proof, I believe, that this spoon dates from the twelve year period 1815-1827 and thus, that this mark struck by Hamilton & Co. was in use much earlier than originally thought.
That leaves just one question unanswered, the engraving of the 'hare' sejant. This device is likely to identify the bestower of the gift of silver to the mess. These devices are sometimes taken from the crest of a Coat of Arms, but often just a play on words, and may signify someone with a name such as 'Hare' 'Coney' 'Leverit' 'Warren' etc. Silver was presented to the mess by various persons, including newly arrived and departing officers, and also by grateful civilians who had been helped by the regiment, as can be seen from this account:
'On the night of the 6th September 1821, a very alarming fire broke out in the Honourable Company's Dispensary, situated in Calcutta, and surrounded by many valuable houses. As soon as intelligence reached the fort, two captains and ten subalterns, with about three hundred men, immediately marched to the spot, and, by the greatest exertions, prevented the fire from spreading to the neighbouring houses. The strictness with which the armed party protected the property of the inhabitants, called forth their admiration, which was followed by the annexed letter from the Governor-General, the Marquis of Hastings to Lieut. Colonel Miller of the Eighty-Seventh.
Council Chamber,
7th September 1821.
My Dear Sir,
It was a great satisfaction to me, though no surprise, to learn the zealous and meritorious conduct of the detachment of the Eighty-Seventh, employed in the endeavour to stop the fire last night. As some of the men have suffered in articles of dress, to repair that damage, as well as to reward the activity of the party, the Council has directed that five hundred rupees be paid to you, which you will please to distribute according to your opinion of claims.
I have, etc.
Hastings.
This mark of approbation from the Governor-General in Council, towards the party in general, was followed by one to the officers employed, each being presented with a piece of plate.
and
A very handsome piece of plate, which is now in the mess, was likewise presented to the officers by Doctor McWhirter, whose house adjoined the Dispensary, and which was saved by great exertion.
I made an enquiry with the Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum at Armagh to see if an officer could be found with a name that would fit in as the provider of this spoon, presumably one of a larger set. The curator of the museum found an officer by the name of Richard Warren who was serving with the 87th in India during this period, a likely candidate perhaps, although I would like to imagine that it may possibly have been a gift from the watchmaker, David Hare (1775-1842), who arrived in Calcutta in 1800, made his fortune and then spent it creating the Hindu School and the Hare School after seeing the plight of the children of Calcutta.
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
Hamilton and Company - Bombay - 1883
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
Hamilton & Co. - Bombay - 1890
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
Hamilton & Co. - Bombay - 1891
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
Hamilton & Co. - Bombay - 1888
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
Hamilton & Co. - Bombay - 1887
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Re: Information Regarding Hamilton & Co. of Calcutta
Hamilton & Co. - Bombay - 1879
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