An unusual late 19^th century Anglo – Indian unmarked silver goblet, probably Cutch dated 1888

Raj period. Of rounded form upon a spreading circular foot, the stem with a central knop. The bowl section with repeating stylised foliate forms with quatre-lobed vignettes, interspersed with rosettes against a textured ground, all above a band of rosettes, the upper section with a trailing foliate band between beading. The underside of bowl with an embossed calyx of stylised leaves. The stem with a spiral band of rosettes, the base with trailing foliage and rosettes, edges with trailing scrolls. The underside engraved with a presentation inscription reading “To Norman Franks from his Godmother T^e Keegan 1888” in script.

Height – 15.5 cm / 6.1 inches

Weight – 246 grams / 7.91 ozt

The inscription could relate to Norman Robert Franks (24 Oct 1885 - 14 May 1893), son of Norman Franks (1843-1923) and Frances Mary Jane Lucas-Calcraft (d.1927). He gained the rank of Captain in the East Kent Regiment (The Buffs.) He was appointed Companion, Order of the Indian Empire (C.I.E.) in 1896. The 1st Battalion saw action in the Anglo-Egyptian War, was from 1885 stationed at Malta, then moved to India where it saw several postings, including in Shwebo in inland Burma until late 1902 when it moved to Poona.

From Singapore the 1st Buffs went to India in Jan 1887 but it was not until March 1895 that they went on campaign on the Northwest Frontier with Sir Robert Low's 1st Division. The aim of the expedition was to relieve Chitral, a fort that was garrisoned by Sikhs and Kashmiri levies, besieged by Pathan tribesmen.