Canada, Dominion. A Queen’s Own Rifle Officer’s Leather Uniform Accoutrements for the 1910 Trip to England

A set of leather accoutrements worn by an officer for the 1910 trip to England, including:

A crossbody pouch-belt consisting of leather, with a silver regimental plate, whistle and chain. In the center of the belt is a black enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials, the central medallion features a large regimental 2, surrounded by the inscription QUEEN’S OWN RIFLES OF CANADA, on a silver plate surrounded by a wreath of leaves and surmounted by a crown with a black enamelled bar along the base of the crown, the plate measures 76mm (w) x 94mm (h – including crown), above the plate sits a silver lion’s head in high relief surrounded by an ornate border, the lion has a ring in it’s mouth containing a silver chain which attaches to a silver whistle, the lion plate measures 52mm in diameter, the connecting chain is 440mm in length, the whistle is contained a silver cone shaped receptacle located below the regimental plate, with ornate detailing around the opening and point, measures 84mm in length, the reverse of the belt presents lugs to secure each silver ornament on the obverse. At each end of the belt, a leather strap with three holes is attached by a silver post, to secure to the field glasses pouch. The belt measures 975mm from end to end and 1200mm including the additional leather straps, and 80mm in total width. The crossbody pouch-belt shows wear due to use, notably in the additional leather straps at each end. The silver is lightly tarnished presenting a lovely patina, the enamel on the regimental plate is slightly chipped, one base of the reverse lug on the regimental plate has been replaced, but the leather remains intact. In overall very fine condition.

An ovular shaped pouch for field glasses in black patent leather, the front of the lid presents the crowned bugle with ‘2’, on each side is a silver node with one integral silver ring and two additional rings increasing in size, the lid is attached with a leather strap on the reverse. The inside of the case is dark blue felt presenting the lugs for exterior insignia and attachments. The top of the lid measures 135mm (l) x 67mm (w), standing 95mm high, the case weighs 244.7 grams. The case shows exterior wear around the edges and deep grooves in the leather, in overall near very fine condition.

A sabretache comprised of patent black leather with three leather goat skin straps, the exterior of the flap presents a silver QOR monogram with a leather strap for closure tucked into the base of the inside of the flap, the interior presents a thin pouch with simple closure, the reverse of the sabretache presents a leather backing with singular horizontal strap and silver post for closure, the straps have a silver buckle near the flap, with leather string connecting all three, the monogrammed leather flap measures 285mm (l) x 240mm (w), the straps measure 550mm (l) x 17mm (w), the leather has been worn, the monogrammed flap has several marks and gouges, silver with a lovely patina, in very fine condition.

A sword belt in black leather, with silver snake clasps and silver mountings, the leather belt contains 20 holes, the clasp end has a folded section of leather marked ‘30’ on the interior, the belt measures 990mm (l – from additional leather flap to end) x 48mm (w – in main belt, 60mm w – thicker additional strap), presenting heavy wear in certain spots, silver snake hook showing heavy wear, leather intact, in better than fine condition.

Footnote: The Queen’s Own Rifles was established on April 26, 1860 and is Canada’s longest serving regiment. The QOR has taken part in every Canadian military campaign. As the first to be equipped with a ‘rifled’ weapon, the Queen’s Own Rifles were known for moving at a doubling pace, and their dress was more focused on camouflage instead of ostentatious colours. Their first active service commenced on Christmas eve, 1864, in connection with the Fenian Raids. The regiment was the first corps to be called upon during the North-West Rebellion in 1885 and is well remembered for the famous battle of Cut Knife Hill.

The QOR was the first colonial regiment to participate in British military maneuvers overseas, as they set sails for England in August of 1910. This trip was financed entirely by the regiment’s commanding officer, Sir Henry Pellatt. Prior to, the QOR gathered 600 strong in Quebec and trained for one week. Ceremonial parades, marches, and a heavy training program was endured by the regiment, who performed admirably, despite the challenging weather condition and loss of several captains due to typhoid.

The regiment boarded the S.S. Canada on September 24th returning to the country on October 2 after a trying passage. They were met with thousands of citizens in a civil reception.

The QOR was active during both the First and Second War, and remains active today.