17th Lancer's portable Writing Desk - Circa 1880's. (2 Viewers)

[Fort-Stamford]

I've posted an Album of photos on a beautifully decorated writing desk that belonged to Lt. George F. Milner (who rose to the rank of Brig. General). He served in India (1883) and S. Africa (1900-02 as Brigade Major to Gen. Broadwood). He served in the following regiments: 4th Battalion Leinster Regt. (as Lt.); 17th Lancers (as Lt.); 1st Life Guards (Capt. to Lt. Col.& 2nd in Command); 5th Lancers (as Commandant); Lowland Mounted Brigade (Commander); and finally Inspector of Cavalry (1914). Awarded DSO in 1902 and Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George in 1918. Died 1922. Found and purchased this gem in a local antigue store; assume acquired from an estate.

 

[Louis Badolato]

What an amazing find! I have an antique writing desk, but to have one with magnificent history and personal connection to and officer of the Death and Glory Boys . . . just amazing!^&cool

 

[The Military Workshop]

Agree with Louis, a great purchase especially when know the background of the former owner.

 

[lancer]

What an absolutely incredible find. Congratulations. -- Al

 

[Fort-Stamford]

I've posted an Album of photos on a beautifully decorated writing desk that belonged to Lt. George F. Milner (who rose to the rank of Brig. General). He served in India (1883) and S. Africa (1900-02 as Brigade Major to Gen. Broadwood). He served in the following regiments: 4th Battalion Leinster Regt. (as Lt.); 17th Lancers (as Lt.); 1st Life Guards (Capt. to Lt. Col.& 2nd in Command); 5th Lancers (as Commandant); Lowland Mounted Brigade (Commander); and finally Inspector of Cavalry (1914). Awarded DSO in 1902 and Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George in 1918. Died 1922. Found and purchased this gem in a local antigue store; assume acquired from an estate.
View attachment 95784

Correction: Served in India from 1885, joined the 17th in 1883.

 

[Fort-Stamford]

I've posted an Album of photos on a beautifully decorated writing desk that belonged to Lt. George F. Milner (who rose to the rank of Brig. General). He served in India (1883) and S. Africa (1900-02 as Brigade Major to Gen. Broadwood). He served in the following regiments: 4th Battalion Leinster Regt. (as Lt.); 17th Lancers (as Lt.); 1st Life Guards (Capt. to Lt. Col.& 2nd in Command); 5th Lancers (as Commandant); Lowland Mounted Brigade (Commander); and finally Inspector of Cavalry (1914). Awarded DSO in 1902 and Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George in 1918. Died 1922. Found and purchased this gem in a local antigue store; assume acquired from an estate.
View attachment 95784

Correction on Dates: Served in India from 1885, joined the 17th in 1883.

 

[johnnybach]

What a beautiful thing to have found. Crying out for a mounted painted version of him to adorn it though. I know where you could obtain a re-cast of that old Britains figure of a Lancer Officer turned in the saddle - which you could paint yourself as the good Colonel. This is mine - as a 16th Lancer Officer.

Give Giles Brown at Dorset Soldiers a shout with an e-mail - and tell him johnnybach suggested you call................ You will enjoy painting him - I'm sure.

 

[Fort-Stamford]

What a beautiful thing to have found. Crying out for a mounted painted version of him to adorn it though. I know where you could obtain a re-cast of that old Britains figure of a Lancer Officer turned in the saddle - which you could paint yourself as the good Colonel. This is mine - as a 16th Lancer Officer.

Give Giles Brown at Dorset Soldiers a shout with an e-mail - and tell him johnnybach suggested you call................ You will enjoy painting him - I'm sure.

Johnnybach,

Great suggestion, I have Dorset's casting list; and I will look it up and definitely place an order (I may flock the base). As with Britains, I will paint in gloss. In the mean time, I will transfer my Britains piece of that pose (from my classic collection) to a place of honor next to the writing desk.

If you want a copy of Dorset's Casting List, in MS-Word format with a Table of Contents (a small project I did for myself and also sent to Dorset not too long ago), let me know and I'll email it to you.

Thanks again,

Charles
(Fort-Stamford)

 

[Martin Tabony]

Never mind the line cavalry, he was 2IC 1LG !

Martin

 

[johnnybach]

BUT - there's a Lancer hat thingy and some of those spear thingies painted on the box! - AND Britains didn't do the Life Guard 2IC sitting sideways on 'is 'orse! anyways-up!....................jb

 

[marco55]

Great find,congrats.
Mark

 

[Napoleon1er]

That is a BEAUTY! I wish I could have found THAT one{sm4}! May I ask what the price tag was?
-Sandor

 

[Fort-Stamford]

Gentleman, since he served in the Lifeguards as well, I'll include a Britain 21 alongside the box as well, even though there is a spear and hat thingy on the box. Britains No. 23 is the 5th Lancers (Royal Irish), produced between 1894 - 1903 (right for period of service) which is now on display. Britains 81 is a 17th Lancer officer sitting sideways (need to get this one), but a Life Guard is another issue. I may need to do some radical surgery. :rolleyes2:

 

[johnnybach]

Johnnybach,

Great suggestion, I have Dorset's casting list; and I will look it up and definitely place an order (I may flock the base). As with Britains, I will paint in gloss. In the mean time, I will transfer my Britains piece of that pose (from my classic collection) to a place of honor next to the writing desk.

If you want a copy of Dorset's Casting List, in MS-Word format with a Table of Contents (a small project I did for myself and also sent to Dorset not too long ago), let me know and I'll email it to you.

Thanks again,

Charles
(Fort-Stamford)

You're very welcome Charles - as soon as I saw that beautiful box - that idea hit me. I don't really need a list of Giles' castings though - as I think I must have a fair old number of a lot of them by now - (even though it's a monster of a list!). I always try and swing by Dorset when I'm nearby - and have a chat with Giles about what items I have in mind - and we usually agree on a plan of action then and there over a cuppa. If he doesn't have it - he can usually either make it up from spare parts - or just make it! He also has a new showroom now - which I am looking forward to visiting this summer.

Cheers for now chum - johnnybach

 

[Fort-Stamford]

That is a BEAUTY! I wish I could have found THAT one{sm4}! May I ask what the price tag was?
-Sandor

I believe I paid around $350. It was an item I believe on consignment or from an estate and not yet displayed (it was on the floor). I just happen to look down among some area floor rugs that came in, and there it was. The lady attendant had no idea about the item or where it came from. After purchase, I eventually did the research, with most of the help from the Queens Royal Lancer Museum and HQ, at the Prince William of Gloucester Barracks in the UK.

 

[Fort-Stamford]

You're very welcome Charles - as soon as I saw that beautiful box - that idea hit me. I don't really need a list of Giles' castings though - as I think I must have a fair old number of a lot of them by now - (even though it's a monster of a list!). I always try and swing by Dorset when I'm nearby - and have a chat with Giles about what items I have in mind - and we usually agree on a plan of action then and there over a cuppa. If he doesn't have it - he can usually either make it up from spare parts - or just make it! He also has a new showroom now - which I am looking forward to visiting this summer.

Cheers for now chum - johnnybach

Wished I was back in the UK (that was my last overseas assignment; worked in London, but lived in East Croydon between 1972 and 1981). Last time in UK was about 3 years ago. In mid-70's, I visited a little shop in Knightsbridge (can't remember the name) where I got the bug to assemble and paint model soldiers. Sorry for rambling on, give my regards to Giles, love to see his shop. Cheers

 

[Napoleon1er]

I believe I paid around $350. It was an item I believe on consignment or from an estate and not yet displayed (it was on the floor). I just happen to look down among some area floor rugs that came in, and there it was. The lady attendant had no idea about the item or where it came from. After purchase, I eventually did the research, with most of the help from the Queens Royal Lancer Museum and HQ, at the Prince William of Gloucester Barracks in the UK.

Now that is simply some impressive RESEARCH you did!

 

[Martin Tabony]

Wished I was back in the UK (that was my last overseas assignment; worked in London, but lived in East Croydon between 1972 and 1981). Last time in UK was about 3 years ago. In mid-70's, I visited a little shop in Knightsbridge (can't remember the name) where I got the bug to assemble and paint model soldiers. Sorry for rambling on, give my regards to Giles, love to see his shop. Cheers

We were in Knightsbridge at the same time then.

Martin

 

[johnnybach]

Well - if you like big Cities and lots of people around - That's fine. I had my fill of all of that when I was working for a living - and used to go into "HQ" periodically in the City of London. Loved the convenience of "The Tube" - but hated the push and shove of too many people in too confined a space.

Knightsbridge, of course, is a rather swish address nowadays - and anyone running a Toy Soldier business from there - has to be able to manage the associated property costs involved - which do impact on the prices they have to charge for their products.

I much prefer the open spaces nowadays - and the less busy and quieter life involved with living in the country. The Internet has also meant that "The Toy Soldier Shop" - rather than in bricks and mortar, can be virtually anywhere, ( A "virtual shop" in fact). All you need is an e-mail address - and a reasonable postal service - and you're off.

As stated though - you can't really beat the personal visit - to see and explain just what you would like to do. That's why I value my "annual" visit to Dorset Soldiers. Incidentally - if you want a view of Giles' shop - just access his excellent web-site - and click on "New Shop" for a pic. It's in Fortuneswell - at the foot of the hill near the harbour - so a nice place for a visit - and a stroll with an ice-cream later on. La Commandante enjoys that part of our visits the best!

I would also recommend a nice tin of chocolate biscuits for your local "Postie" around Xmas time - not exactly bribery - but the cheapest goodwill builder and insurance for your packages that I know.

 

[Fort-Stamford]

Well - if you like big Cities and lots of people around - That's fine. I had my fill of all of that when I was working for a living - and used to go into "HQ" periodically in the City of London. Loved the convenience of "The Tube" - but hated the push and shove of too many people in too confined a space.

Knightsbridge, of course, is a rather swish address nowadays - and anyone running a Toy Soldier business from there - has to be able to manage the associated property costs involved - which do impact on the prices they have to charge for their products.

I much prefer the open spaces nowadays - and the less busy and quieter life involved with living in the country. The Internet has also meant that "The Toy Soldier Shop" - rather than in bricks and mortar, can be virtually anywhere, ( A "virtual shop" in fact). All you need is an e-mail address - and a reasonable postal service - and you're off.

As stated though - you can't really beat the personal visit - to see and explain just what you would like to do. That's why I value my "annual" visit to Dorset Soldiers. Incidentally - if you want a view of Giles' shop - just access his excellent web-site - and click on "New Shop" for a pic. It's in Fortuneswell - at the foot of the hill near the harbour - so a nice place for a visit - and a stroll with an ice-cream later on. La Commandante enjoys that part of our visits the best!

I would also recommend a nice tin of chocolate biscuits for your local "Postie" around Xmas time - not exactly bribery - but the cheapest goodwill builder and insurance for your packages that I know.

When working in London, I commuted from East Croydon. My friends in UK say E. Croydon has changed, not for the better. Back then, we bought an Edwardian period detacted home there on a 1/4 acre corner lot on Northampton Rd. Regret selling when I left UK, since house and property value is now close to 1 million pounds. Oh well, now retired and living in a spacious home in a rural setting like yourself. Almost 1/4th of the house now is dedicated to Toy Soldiers and Militaria. As you suggested went to Dorset wedsite and clicked "New Shop", only saw front of shop (blinds down).....Giles must of have been on a Tea and Biscuit break. Your right on virtual stores, most of my purchases have been via the web. Occasionally, my wife and I visit Toy Soldier Shows, and always the great "Eastcoaster" in Hackensack, New Jersey in the Fall. The shows are great since they provide a personal touch (meeting the dealers and TS artists and seeing their upcoming and new creations or offerings). Next time in UK, my youngest son (also an TS enthusiast) and I, will endeavor to visit Giles' shop. In the meantime, I'll put the address in Google Earth, and see his town and the shop from a satellite. For now; Au revoir. Mon Ami.

PS. Google Earth shows his shop between the Tea Cosy Cafe and the Pine & Country Furniture Shop. Looks like photo taken before he moved, since his painted window sign "Dorset Soldiers" was not yet up. Amazing software!!!