Need Info please

Posts : 2 Join date : 2016-10-09

Good day everyone. Have a cow skin shield with the name ' Sergent Major Riches R/A 1879 ' written in ink on the back. Would like to know if there is any significance to the date/name --and the Zulu war. There's no bullet holes but is a spear hole. The shield belongs to an old couple I know and before they give it away want to find out if it could make their life a little more comfortable. Appreciate any help that's out there.
Andrew

Subject: Re: Need Info please Sun Oct 09, 2016 2:06 pm

"Conductor of Stores F. Riches, Ordnance Store Department, late Battery Sergeant Major, Royal Artillery
South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (1149 By. Sergt. Maj., 6th Bde. R.A.); Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, 1 clasp, Suakin 1885 (Cond. of Stores, O.S. Dept.); Coronation 1911; Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., small letter reverse (885 B.S. Maj., 6th Bde. R.A.); Khedive’s Star 1884-6, together with Victorian Battery Sergeant Major’s bullion arm patch and an original but faded portrait photograph of the recipient in uniform wearing medal ribbons'"

"Frederick Riches was born in September 1841 at Wymondham, Norfolk, and enlisted into the Royal Artillery at Norwich in October 1858. He served in the Zulu War of 1879 as Battery Sergeant Major of “O” Battery, 6th Brigade R.A. In September 1880 he was promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant on the District Staff and two months later appointed Conductor of Stores, Ordnance Stores Department, Dublin. In this capacity he served in Egypt and took part in the operations around Suakin in 1885. He was discharged to pension in November 1888."

Source:DNW

Posts : 2 Join date : 2016-10-09

Thank you so much . That's great. Now just need to know if the hide skin shield has any value .thats the hard part.
Kind regards

Subject: Need Info Please Wed Oct 12, 2016 2:40 am

Hi AndrewS
It certainly has value , could range anywhere from 700 - 1400 GBP's , just depends on condition and if the ' couple ' have any other information re the Shield and that of where and how Riches came buy it , ebay or an Auction House is you're best bet .
Cheers 90th Salute

Posts : 2448 Join date : 2011-09-12

A souvenir from the war no doubt.