Relics from AZW??

Posts : 9 Join date : 2011-10-17

Just curious, Why does one not see a lot of relics from the AZ wars?? Here in the States, our Indian Wars took place around the same time frame, and yet, at our collector shows, you will find numorous tunics, headgear, edged weapons, insignias, etc..... when I look on Ebay or British Websites and it is almost impossible to find 100% original pith helmets, red frocks (AZW period), insignias, etc...., so am I looking in the wrong places and they are ot there, or is there evidence as to why they are so hard to find. Where many of the items destroyed (burned) after the campaign? regards, Grant

Subject: Relics from AZW. Fri Dec 02, 2011 2:11 am

Hi Tormar9496.
The main reason is the AZW was fought in Sth Africa so much of the gear was lost , destroyed or in such poor condition it was
discarded before the troops arrived back in the U.K . Whereas your Indian Wars were fought on your own front door . Hope that
makes some sense . Idea

.
cheers 90th.

Subject: Relics from AZW. Fri Dec 02, 2011 2:17 am

I forgot to add they ( Tunics , Relics , Helmets ) etc etc are around but not plentiful , just a case of searching Militaria sites
and Auction Houses on- line . Also antique shops , curio shops and the like will sometimes turn up something you wouldnt
expect to find . Good luck in your endevours .
cheers 90th. Idea

Posts : 9 Join date : 2011-10-17

90th,
Thanks for the reply. I understand what you are saying about the campaign being far away from England, but even if they were issued new uniforms, equipment, etc..... They still would have worn new uniforms home for parade purposes. Also, did the British army not use the same style of uniform throughout the Egypt and India campaigns? I just cannot believe that all of the equipment was destroyed. Now, i would believe that the Isandhlwana uniforms would have been long lost or destroyed by the Zulus, correct? Custer's 7th calvary stuff is extremely rare to find. I know that the indians wore the tunics and hats as trophies, as did the Zulus. If anyone has pictures of original Isandhlwana artifacts as pith helmets, uniforms, etc.... And would like to show, then that would be something to see. Regards, Grant

Posts : 552 Join date : 2009-10-14 Location : Loughborough

The Victorian infantryman had two tunics, a seven button home service and a five button foreign service. The main difference was the fabric, which was much lighter weight for tropical work, likewise a white tropical helmet for foreign and a blue cloth (green for Rifle) regimental helmet for home service.

Four years on campaign in the same tunic day after day would render it in tatters, and stinking, hence its quick removal on return to England.

Examples of one of these may be seen in the Staffordshire Regimental Museum in Whittington Barrack near Lichfield.