Harrington & Scott
The
Poonah Irregular Horse underwent several official name changes during the
percussion era, with the weapon's use being specifically dated between 1847 and
1861, when it is believed to have been used by the East India Company's
expeditionary force that went to Persia in 1856, possibly playing a role in one
of the great charges of the 19th century.
Battle
honours awarded to the regiment for this campaign include Reshire, 9 December
1856; Bushehr, 10 December 1856; Kooshab, 8 February 1857; and Persia,
1856-1857.
After
this campaign, the regiment's badge was changed to reflect their capture of the
1st Kushkai Regiment from Fars Standard.
The top
plate of the .67 calibre, 9 inch Damascus twist barrel is engraved with the
retailer's address: Garden and Company, 200 Piccadilly, London. They started the
business as a leather working company that supplied saddles and associated
equipment to the British and Indian Armies.
This well
balanced weapon has a checkered walnut stock and captured ramrod and is of the
quality of workmanship found on expensive civilian and officer grade weapons.
But due to hard use on the campaign trail and the light, almost 'sporting
quality' construction of this weapon few would have survived. I can think of
perhaps four examples including this one over the years I have been aware of
this model.
The lock
plate is prominently marked Poonah Irregular Horse. The main iron components, as
well as the trigger guard, are delicately engraved with a scroll pattern. One
thing that stands out in the few examples studied is that the correct hammer
lacks the customary "eyebrow" found on many single-shot percussion pistols of
the era. All secondary mounts-trigger guard, Endeavour, lion's butt cap mask
with eyelet, ramrod pipe and sconces are pale brass.
The
serial/assembly number 26 is stamped on the underside of the barrel and inside
the barrel channel.
The
maker's mark, (H & S), was stamped on the underside of the barrel and inside the
lock plate. According to published sources, Harrington and Scott operated
business in Cecil Street, Birmingham. Double proof marks stamped from the proof
house of that city are found on the underside of the barrel, followed by an
unidentified 6-pointed star.
Ellis Joubert
