Object Description
An exceptional and rare antique silver snuffbox reading ‘PRESENTED TO St. Mr. P CAMPION, 1st Bn 19th Foot, by His, BROTHER SERJEANTS, As A Mark of Their, Sincere Regard.’ in its original shaped fitted case and made by Cronin & Wheeler, Birmingham in 1847. The snuff box, probably unused, is simply stunning the cartouche shaped body engraved with rococo ‘C’ scrolls, engine turning and floral sprays with a hinged cover and richly gilded interior. The box has clear and crisp silver assay and makers marks to the cover and base and has date marks for 1847.
Provenance: The property of a gentleman.
Sergeant Major Patrick Campion was enlisted with the 19th Foot in 1838 and served in Malta, the Ionian Islands, the West Indies, Canada, the Crimea and India amongst other postings. He received a DCM at the Battle of Alma ‘for his gallant rescue, in company with a couple of his comrades, of a wounded officer of his own company, who was lying in front of the Russian line’s.’ and despite being injured in this act, he recovered and would see action at Inkerman, Redan and the siege of Sevastopol.