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ID #SA1245333
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A Rare Watercolour and Gouache of a Solider of 1742, Lt E. V Howell, 1926
For sale by Rob Hall Antiques
for sale €322     $349
£275

Rob Hall Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2025
Browse dealers 38 items
Id #SA1245333
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A Rare Watercolour and Gouache of a Solider of 1742, Lt E. V Howell, 1926

1900 - 1920
Description

A Rare Military Gouache of a Private of the 1st (Royal) Regiment of Foot, 1742, by E. V. Howell, Dated 1926

An unusual and finely executed gouache depicting a private of the 1st (Royal) Regiment of Foot, later the Royal Scots, in the uniform of 1742. Signed and dated 1926 by the military artist E. V. Howell.

The figure is depicted in the distinctive uniform of Britain’s senior infantry regiment during the reign of George II, wearing the traditional red coat with blue facings, white breeches and long white gaiters, the latter carefully rendered with individual buttons and folds.

The uniform is representative of the dress recorded in the celebrated Cloathing Book of 1742, an important contemporary record of British Army uniforms during the eighteenth century.

The Artist

E. V. Howell was a former lieutenant in the Royal Artillery who subsequently specialised in historical military subjects, producing both paintings and hand-painted wooden military figures.

His work is particularly associated with the accurate representation of British regimental uniforms, and examples of his painted figures are recorded in regimental museum collections.

A surviving example depicting a private of the 4th (King’s Own) Regiment of Foot in 1742 is held by the King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum, Lancaster, together with correspondence relating to Howell’s work.

Although Howell’s painted wooden soldiers are occasionally encountered, his original works on paper appear considerably scarcer.

The 1st (Royal) Regiment of Foot was established in 1633 and subsequently became known as the Royal Scots. As Britain’s oldest infantry regiment, it enjoyed a distinguished position within the Army.

The present study captures the appearance of an ordinary soldier during the early Georgian period, with particular attention paid to the details of his uniform and equipment.

An uncommon example of early twentieth-century British military art, of particular interest to collectors of regimental history, historical uniforms and military illustration.

Gouache and watercolour on paper.

Signed E. V. Howell and dated 1926.

Measuring: 55 cm x 27 cm

English, 1926.

Date of Manufacture

Rob Hall Antiques has dated this Military Soldier Watercolour Painting to the 1920s.

Independent Date Check ID 09717331
Dealer's Item Date1920s
Sellingantiques Date1920s
Sellingantiques agingItem is 100 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating check
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to THE 1920s:
Signed and dated lower right: 1926.
Gouache on card: illustrative technique of the interwar years.
Narrow black moulding: simple framing popular in the 1920s.
Even paper toning: natural ageing over nearly a century.

This is an independent date and photo anotation report compiled by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1245333
Description
A Rare Military Gouache of a Private of the 1st (Royal) Regiment of Foot, 1742, by E. V. Howell, Dated 1926
“
An unusual and finely executed gouache depicting a private of the 1st (Royal) Regiment of Foot, later the Royal Scots, in the uniform of 1742.
Rob Hall Antiques

Signed and dated 1926 by the military artist E. V. Howell.

fig 1. A framed watercolour and gouache painting of an 18th-century British soldier in a red coat and tricorn hat, signed E. V. Howell 1926.
fig 1. A Rare Watercolour and Gouache of a Solider of 1742, Lt E. V Howell, 1926

The figure is depicted in the distinctive uniform of Britain’s senior infantry regiment during the reign of George II, wearing the traditional red coat with blue facings, white breeches and long white gaiters, the latter carefully rendered with individual buttons and folds.

fig 2. A framed watercolour and gouache painting of an 18th-century British soldier in a red coat and tricorn hat, signed E. V. Howell 1926.
fig 2. A Rare Watercolour and Gouache of a Solider of 1742, Lt E. V Howell, 1926

The uniform is representative of the dress recorded in the celebrated Cloathing Book of 1742, an important contemporary record of British Army uniforms during the eighteenth century.

The Artist

E. V. Howell was a former lieutenant in the Royal Artillery who subsequently specialised in historical military subjects, producing both paintings and hand-painted wooden military figures.

fig 3. A framed watercolour and gouache painting of an 18th-century British soldier in a red coat and tricorn hat, signed E. V. Howell 1926.
fig 3. A Rare Watercolour and Gouache of a Solider of 1742, Lt E. V Howell, 1926

His work is particularly associated with the accurate representation of British regimental uniforms, and examples of his painted figures are recorded in regimental museum collections.

A surviving example depicting a private of the 4th (King’s Own) Regiment of Foot in 1742 is held by the King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum, Lancaster, together with correspondence relating to Howell’s work.

fig 4. A framed watercolour and gouache painting of an 18th-century British soldier in a red coat and tricorn hat, signed E. V. Howell 1926.
fig 4. A Rare Watercolour and Gouache of a Solider of 1742, Lt E. V Howell, 1926

Although Howell’s painted wooden soldiers are occasionally encountered, his original works on paper appear considerably scarcer.

The 1st (Royal) Regiment of Foot was established in 1633 and subsequently became known as the Royal Scots. As Britain’s oldest infantry regiment, it enjoyed a distinguished position within the Army.

fig 5. A framed watercolour and gouache painting of an 18th-century British soldier in a red coat and tricorn hat, signed E. V. Howell 1926.
fig 5. A Rare Watercolour and Gouache of a Solider of 1742, Lt E. V Howell, 1926

The present study captures the appearance of an ordinary soldier during the early Georgian period, with particular attention paid to the details of his uniform and equipment.

An uncommon example of early twentieth-century British military art, of particular interest to collectors of regimental history, historical uniforms and military illustration.

Gouache and watercolour on paper.

Signed E. V. Howell and dated 1926.

Measuring: 55 cm x 27 cm

English, 1926.

Date of Manufacture

Rob Hall Antiques has dated this Military Soldier Watercolour Painting to the 1920s.

Independent Date Report ID 09717331
Dealer's Item Date1920s
Sellingantiques dating1920s
Sellingantiques agingItem is 100 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating check
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to the 1920s:
Signed and dated lower right: 1926.
Gouache on card: illustrative technique of the interwar years.
Narrow black moulding: simple framing popular in the 1920s.
Even paper toning: natural ageing over nearly a century.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1245333
Rob Hall Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2025
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Rob Hall Antiques Profile Page

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A framed watercolour and gouache painting of an 18th-century British soldier in a red coat and tricorn hat, signed E. V. Howell 1926.
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Archive I A framed watercolour and gouache painting of an 18th-century British soldier in a red coat and tricorn hat, signed E. V. Howell 1926.

A Rare Watercolour and Gouache of a Solider of 1742, Lt E. V Howell, 1926

Archive II A framed watercolour and gouache painting of an 18th-century British soldier in a red coat and tricorn hat, signed E. V. Howell 1926. View II
Archive III A framed watercolour and gouache painting of an 18th-century British soldier in a red coat and tricorn hat, signed E. V. Howell 1926. View III
Archive IV A framed watercolour and gouache painting of an 18th-century British soldier in a red coat and tricorn hat, signed E. V. Howell 1926. View IV
Archive V A framed watercolour and gouache painting of an 18th-century British soldier in a red coat and tricorn hat, signed E. V. Howell 1926. View V
Archive VI A framed watercolour and gouache painting of an 18th-century British soldier in a red coat and tricorn hat, signed E. V. Howell 1926. View VI
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07858 820345
Location
Northamptonshire
United Kingdom
Verified Since Aug 2025
Items For Sale 38
Items Sold 36
Rob Hall Antiques
Verified Since Aug 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Verified
Aug 2025
For Sale
38
Sold
36
A framed watercolour and gouache painting of an 18th-century British soldier in a red coat and tricorn hat, signed E. V. Howell 1926.
A rare watercolour and gouache of a solider of 1742, Lt E. V Howell, 1926
Ref: SA1245333
A framed watercolour and gouache painting of an 18th-century British soldier in a red coat and tricorn hat, signed E. V. Howell 1926.
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Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectFramed Artwork
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • Style1920s Historical Illustration
  • MaterialPaper, Watercolour, Gouache, Wood
  • ColourRed, Blue, Cream
  • MotifsRedcoat uniform, Tricorn hat, Musket, White gaiters

Historical military uniform illustration is a genre of figurative art dedicated to accurately depicting the dress, weaponry, and accoutrements of army personnel from specific historical eras. Popularised during the 19th and early 20th centuries, artists created these detailed studies for military records, historical reference, and collectors.

Illustrators during the early 20th century primarily used watercolour and opaque gouache on heavy paper or board. Gouache provided vivid opacity for regiment colours, while fine ink or graphite outlines defined intricate details such as braid, buttons, and leatherwork.

Authentic pieces typically show light age-related toning or foxing on paper, genuine hand-applied brushwork with visible paint layering, and contemporary artist signatures or dates. Framing materials of the period, such as simple painted wood or moulded gilt frames, also help confirm age.

A framed military illustration adds structure and historical texture when hung in a study, library, or hallway. It pairs well with dark timber furniture, leather upholstery, or stacked as part of a gallery wall alongside architectural sketches and vintage maps.

Display paper artworks away from direct sunlight and damp conditions to prevent fading and mould growth. Use acid-free mounting materials and UV-protective glass within the frame to preserve pigments and paper integrity.
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