Soup tureen, 14th Madras Native Infantry, 1849

Sheffield silver plate, by 'T W', 1849. Inscribed 'Presented to the Mess XIV, Reg. MNI By Major George Burn 1849'.

The origins of the 14th Regiment of Madras Native Infantry date back to 1776 with the formation of the 14th Carnatic Battalion. The unit was renamed the 14th Madras Battalion in 1784 and became the 2nd Battalion, 6th Regiment of Madras Native Infantry in 1796. From 1824 the unit was known as the 14th Madras Native Infantry. The term 'Native' was dropped from the unit's title in 1885.

The Chinese dragon on this tureen reflects the Regiment's participation in the 1st China War (1839-1842). Major George Burn (1803-1893) served in China and rose to the rank of colonel in 1854. He died in London on 5 February 1893.

The Regiment gained a battle honour for service in Burma, 1885-1887. When the Presidency Forces of Madras, Bengal and Bombay were absorbed into the Indian Army in 1903, the unit became the 74th Punjab Regiment. With the reforms of the Indian Army in 1922 the unit became the 4th Battalion, 2nd Punjab Regiment. When India was partitioned in 1947, the unit became part of the Indian Army.

From the mess plate of the 2nd Punjab Regiment.