A good quality Victorian portrait of an officer of the 39th Foot, almost certainly a captain.
The white tufted ball on the shako was in use for two years from 1844-46 when it became white and red.
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The 39th were in India in 1844 and had been for some years; the battalion came home to UK in 1847 and were initially stationed in Canterbury.
As the officer's shako decoration is the white ball discontinued in 1846, it seems most likely that this portrait was painted in India.
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The officer is not wearing any medals, but the Battalion had taken part in the Battle of Maharajpore in 1843 for which a medal was awarded; however it is possible that they had not been presented when the painting was done.
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Below is a list of the captains of the 39th at this time; the portrait is of one of them, but which one is not yet known:-
Henry Francis Stokes, Robert Newport Tinley, Arthur Herbert, Charles D Campbell, Henry Strachan, William Clarges Wolfe, Thomas Wright Hudson, Thomas Edward Willbraham, Edward Croker.
The 39th. Regiment of Foot was formed in 1702 and was the first regiment to serve in India, hence the motto 'Primus in Indis'.
In 1881 the 39th. Foot became the 1st. Battalion of the Dorset Regiment.
Our thanks to Nick Speakman, Researcher at The Keep Military Museum, Dorchester for his help with the above information.
SIZE: 26.5 x 22.25 inches inc. frame.
PROVENANCE: Private Collection, Canterbury, Kent.
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art Profile Page
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Sold...portrait of an Officer of the 39th Regiment of Foot; C.1844-6, Anglo-indian School
