Saucer, 112th (Bombay) Infantry, 1912 (c)

White porcelain coffee cup saucer by Minton, with blue glaze and overglaze painted decoration.

Originally raised as the 2nd Battalion, 6th Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry, the unit was renamed the 12th Bombay Native Infantry in 1824. With the reform of the Indian Army it became the 112th Infantry in 1903 and the 5th Battalion 4th Bombay Grenadiers from 1922 until disbandment in 1923.

The fine porcelain used in officers' messes reinforced regimental identity with the inclusion of insignia and sometimes battle honours, but also reflected wider fashions outside the army. Hence items from the early twentieth century are usually considerably plainer than the exuberant decoration seen in the Victorian era and earlier.