Jug, 27th Madras Native Infantry, 1842

Silver, made by George Gordon and Company, Madras, India, 1842 (c).

Bulbous, kidney-shaped body, with highly decorated bifurcated handle; on elliptical base with ring inscribed, 'Presented by Major Robert Thorpe to the Mess of the 27th N I May 1842'.

This jug is one of a pair presented to the officers' mess of the 27th Regiment of Madras Native Infantry by Major Robert Thorpe.

The Hodson Index of Indian Army Officers records Robert Thorpe (1797-1864) as being commissioned as a lieutenant in 1818 and gaining the rank of captain in 1829. He was promoted to major on 23 November 1841. He rose to the rank of major general in 1859 and served as Colonel of the 26th Regiment of Madras Native Infantry from 11 July 1861 until his death on 17 January 1864. Thorpe's son, Robert Doveton Thorpe (1838-1873), served with the 27th Regiment of Madras Native Infantry.