Silver Plated Shooting Trophy to Lieutenant-Colonel G. Hart Dyke, 5th ( Northumberland ) Fusiliers, Commanded 2nd Battalion, 1896 - 1898.

Two handed silver plated shooting trophy awarded to Lieutenant Dyke, 5th Fusiliers in 1874 at Hythe. Hythe was the location of the British Army School of Musketry. There is a dent to the reverse, just above the parallel lines, and a slight nick on the rim, otherwise it is in good condition and the engraving is attractively done. Armourial arms to the reverse. Measures 11cm in diameter and 13cms in height. Maker's stamps to the bottom. It comes with a photocopy portrait photo of Colonel Dyke in mufti, taken from St George's Gazette of 1898, plus supporting research.

Colonel Dyke served continuously with the Fifth Fusiliers from 1865, when he joined the 1st Battalion at Curragh in Ireland, until 1895, when he was placed on half-pay (his marriage was announced in that year in the St George's Gazette) and rejoined the Regiment again in 1896 as the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion. During his long service with the Regiment he served for over 23 years overseas.

Colonel Dyke was badly injured in Singapore while commanding the 2nd Battalion when thrown from his horse in August 1896, which left him permanently lame. As he was a keen sportsman, and never considered the Indian sun too hot when the sport as good, his lameness must have been a great trial for him. He retired on the grounds of ill health in 1898. He saw war service the Afghan War of 1878 - 1880, and was Mentioned-in-Despatches, as well as being entitled to the campaign medal. His death was reported in 1922 in the regimental journal, the St George's Gazette.

An attractive item which would grace your dining table (it is wide enough to stand a bottle of wine in it) or would just look great in your display cabinet.

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Code: 55360