Object Description
A leather Writing Case by Thomas Briggs with protective outer case.
The blue leather lined interior is fitted with various compartments for writing paper, envelopes and pens along with an inkwell and two boxes containing sealing wax and nibs etc. The case is made of cross hatched leather with blind tooled decoration. Below the brass lock, Hon.ble Charles Hay Scots Fusilier Guards is stamped in gilt. This is also stamped to the protective case. The outer case has certainly done it’s job. Whereas it is worn with the belt strap broken, the Writing Case it held is in good condition save for its missing key.
When 18, Charles Rowley Hay-Drummond purchased the rank of Ensign and Lieutenant on the 14th of April 1854 in the Scots Fusilier Guards. He made Lieutenant and Captain on the 15th January 1856 and purchased his Captain and Lieutenant Colonel’s rank on the 21st November 1862. He served in the Crimea and took part in the siege of Sebastopol earning him a Medal with one Clasp and the Turkish Medal. He sold his commission on retirement in 1866. Hay became a Justice of the Peace for Berkshire and lived at Harewood Lodge, Sunninghill, Ascot.
The Briggs gilt stamp is o the back of the case and to the top of the compartment for writing paper. They were at their 27 Piccadilly address from 1828 to 1880. This case is circa 1855.
The size of the outer case is given.