Description

Circa 1820 – The Asiatic Register for 1832, Indian Army, Hon. East India Co. (HEIC) entry for The Adjutant General’s Office dated April 23 states: “The following officers to accompany Commander in Chief on a tour of inspection and review through Centre and Mysore divisions: Col.R.B.Fearon, deputy adj-gen.King’s Troops; James Strachan, Esq., inspector general of hospitals, ditto: Major W.Strahan, acting qu. mast. gen. of army…..etc.” As Teak is a native hardwood timber of the Indian sub-continent this box may well have been made there for James Strachan. To have risen to the post of Inspector General of Hospitals implies that he may have been there for some time.The Teak case is fitted with brass straps, corners and carrying handles and a brass escutcheon plate to the front. The locks and keys both work. As part of the British Empire locks, keys etc. would have been available there having been imported from the UK.

NOTE: This box is complete with three brass capped inkwells which are not original. The green cloth on the slopes is original and is what is often referred to as “Gun Cloth” as it is not a true baize but is what rifles were traditionally wrapped in for transportation.

H: 9”, 23cms, W: 21”,53 cms, D:12 ”,31 cms.