The 17th Lancers had a distinguished military history which included taking part in the ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ in the Crimean War. They were despatched to Zululand in February 1879 as part of the reinforcements sent out after iSandlwana. Attached to the Cavalry Brigade, they were present at the burial expedition to iSandlwana on 21 May 1879, and at the recovery of the Prince Imperial’s body on 2nd June 1879. They were involved in the skirmish at the foot of eZungeni mountain, on 5 June, when their adjutant, Lt. Frith, was shot and killed. Most famously, they took part in the battle of Ulundi where their decisive charge at the end of the battle drove the exhausted Zulus from the field.
Included here:
A stunning and rare Anglo-Zulu War period Victorian plate, in gilt and silver, from an officer’s dress cap, Chapka, bearing the Royal Arms, the regimental ‘Death’s Head’ badge and motto ‘Or Glory’, and Crimean War battle honours.
A two-volume set of the Regimental History of the 17th Lancers by Sir John Fortesque, 1895, nicely bound in regimental colours, and in good condition.
A coloured print from the Illustrated London News, ‘Are Those Zulus There?’, depicting a patrol of 17th Lancers searching for the enemy. In mount and protective cover; overall size 19 x 15 ins, print size 12 x 8.6 ins.
A traditional ‘old toy soldier’ style 54mm vignette of the 17th Lancer engaged with a Zulu at the battle of Ulundi.
