13th Bengal Infantry. A named silver snuff box of 1834

An unusually personal survival of a William IV period gentleman’s silver pocket snuff box with a presentation inscription. The simple rectangular box is hallmarked on the gilded inner lid and base  Birmingham 1834 with the maker’s mark JW for Joseph Willmore. It measures 73 x 41 mm and weighs 71 gms. The engine turned decoration shows wear at the corners from use in a pocket but is not damaged. Most unusually thew lid is engraved Presented by Mr. J. W. C. Chalmers 43rd Bengal Infantry to Mr David Manuel in testament of the attention he and his Family have ever received at his Hotel. Chalmers was appointed ensign in the 43rd in 1829 and disappears from the East India Register in the early 1840s. A touchingly personal presentation from an officer of a type which we seldom see.   oct24/1