Statuette of John Jacob

Silver by the Goldsmiths [and] Silversmiths Company Limited, hallmarked London 1905-1906.

A legendary figure in India, and regarded by Sir Charles Napier as one of the best officers he had ever met, Jacob (1812-1947) raised the famous second Silladar Regiment of Scinde Horse -1600 of the best horsemen in India. He later raised two regiments of infantry - 'Jacob's Rifles' - armed with a pattern of rifle he had developed himself.

This statuette of Jacob, wearing undress frock coat and shown with his right hand on hip, stands on a cylindrical ebonized wooden plinth adorned with floral swags and a plaque with a presentation inscription. It was presented to the British officers of the 14th Prince of Wales's Own Sind Horse in 1947.