Original Item: One-of-a-kind. Well, this amazing named set pretty much speaks for itself, included is the following-
The first framed display includes the Vellum Officer’s Commission dated 31st December 1878 and SIGNED by QUEEN VICTORIA appointing “GEORGE HALL McLAUGHLIN, GENTLEMAN” to be a “LIEUTENANT” in her Majesty’s land forces. In fact, Lieutenant McLaughlin joined the prestigious Regiment, THE ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY. He saw active service in the Egyptian Campaign in 1884 receiving the Campaign Medal and Kedive’s Star, examples of which are framed together with the Commission and a large photographic portrait of the Officer in full uniform wearing the medals and other accouterments included in this archive.
The second framed display includes his officer’s embroidered waist belt, his embroidered cross belt with message pouch and his document SABRETACHE, meaning a large Officers Document Pouch that is suspended from his Sword Belt. All bearing the regimental coat of arms. No expense was spared with the gold and silver wire embroidery work for Victorian Officers. In addition included is a magnificent 15″ x 12″ framed photographic portrait hand colored again showing Lieutenant McLaughlin in full uniform holding his busby and sword with sword knot. On the rear of the frame there is the Victorian trade label of “J.HAWKE, Photographer, 8 George Street, Plymouth.”
Lieutenant McLaughlin issued officer’s sword, as pictured in both portraits, complete with original Sword Knot.
Gerorge Hall McLaughlin was born in 1859 and commissioned in 1878, he remained in the regiment until the outbreak of WW1 when, at the age of 55, he was killed on the Western Front in the very first year of the war.
A magnificent Victorian Officer’s Set from the peak time of Empire, beautifully displayed and well worth more serious research.