Victorian Silver Figural Inkstand. The rectangular stand with rounded projections to each of the four sides, chased foliate corners and bands of diaperwork and rosettes. The inkstand is raised on foliate knop feet. A detachable seated figure of a cloaked female supporting a scroll with the engraved badge of the 52nd Light Infantry occupies the centre of the inkstand and is flanked by two silver mounted and beautifully cut glass bottles of squat circular form.
The presentation inscription reads: "Presented to Bugle-Major Alexander White by the officers, 52nd Light Infantry as a mark of esteem and respect, April, 1867".
Bugle Major Alexander White became a Bandmaster of the Royal Antrim Rifles Militia upon leaving the regular army.
The 52nd (Oxfordshire) Regiment of Foot was a light infantry regiment of throughout much of the 18th and 19th centuries. The regiment first saw active service during the American War of Independence and were posted to India during the Anglo-Mysore Wars. During the Napoleonic Wars the 52nd were part of the Light Division and were present at most major battles of the Peninsula War. They had the largest British battalion at Waterloo in 1815, where they formed part of the final charge against Napoleon's Imperial Guard.
From 1853 until 1865 the regiment were stationed in India. In the following years they were posted to Ireland, England, Malta and Gibraltar.
The base of the inkstand is hallmarked for Sheffield 1866 by Fenton Brothers. The bottle holders and figure are all hallmarked for Sheffield by Fenton Brothers. The two ink bottle collars have overstamped Fenton Brothers marks for Birmingham 1866, possibly for John Clemmens. These would certainly appear to be the original bottles to this stand.
In excellent condition with light surface wear commensurate with age. There would appear to be no glass damage and no repairs.
Approximate total silver weight is 1.001 kilos, or 32.1 troy ounces.
Approximate total weight of the inkstand and glass bottles is 1.42 kilos.
Approximate dimensions are 32 cm length, 22 cm width and 16 cm height.