An Historically Important 19th century English Military Presentation Postal Scale dated 1891

The engraved brass presentation plaque reads " Presented to the Officer's Mess 1st Battalion 24th Regiment by Capt. A.C. Worlledge, June 1891." The oak stand has the traditional weight insets as well as the postal rates engraved on two separate brass plates. Included are two 4 pound weights, one 2 pound weight and 1 one pound weight. There may well have been additional weights which are now missing. HISTORICAL NOTE: Twelve years earlier during the ZULU Wars there was a Battle at Isandlwana on January 22, 1879. Twelve hundred men of the 1st Battalion 24th Regiment of Foot, using breech loading rifles with bayonets, were wiped out by 12,000 ZULU's using shields and spears in a defeat that stunned the world. This important piece was presented to the reformed 1st Battalion. Further research may provide more clues as the history of the donor Capt. Worlledge.