Hi all,this is one coolest things I bought this year. From what I could research I think this is from the 2nd Boer war (1899-1902) and a 15-pdr Begbie Foundry (Johannesburg) common 18 grooves shell made by the Boers for captured British field guns (these guns were in service from 1892-1918) Obviously I don’t know when bird was put on (looks ‘engraved’ on)Think it’s a Grey Heron. The shell stands 30cm tall and weighs about 4,25kg. Thanks for any comments.
Isn't that unusual? One would suspect the maker was familiar with and influenced by Asian art. https://www.sellingantiques.co.uk/730689/japanese-mixed-metal-ozeki-style-egret-vase/ Debora
It is certainly a very cool piece. I have one similar in the corner of my living room, but minus the beautiful artwork! if you wish to know more about the shell itself, then I'd suggest asking at the British Ordnance collectors Network: https://www.bocn.co.uk/ I am sure they can help.
Thank you for the link and comment (I will check it out) Good to hear you also like it. I also used this website for researching https://www.angloboerwar.com/
Here are some medals from my collection from the Boer War. This recipient fought in the Boer War then 12 years later in WWI Each one of those bars is an award for a separate battle.
As far as I know, we didn't have conscription in the British Army until WWI, 1916 IIRC. So they would all have been volunteers for the Boer War. During the Second Boer War, there were lots of volunteer regiments, militia or yeomanry etc. This was also true at the outbreak of the First World War.
There were still some volunteer units in the USA in the Spanish-American war, but they weren't allowed by the time we got into WWI.
