Rare, unused, antique cased pipe set dating from 1904. This set was presented to Quarter Master Sergeant Charles Henry Barnes of the Dorsetshire Regiment on his retirement from the service in 1904.

Very nice quality set of four briar pipes, all with hallmarked sterling silver bands in their original, fitted leather case. Each pipe is of a different design, they all are marked "First Quality" and are decorated with sterling silver bands, which are stamped with English (Birmingham) hallmarks corresponding to the year 1904. The bands also bear the maker's initials, "GWS". None of the pipes have ever been lit or smoked! They are all in excellent condition, having just a few light teeth marks on the end of their stems. They come with a very nice fitted burgundy leather case which bears a hallmarked sterling silver plaque on its lid (also 1904). This plaque is beautifully hand engraved with the following inscription "Presented to Qr. Mr. Sgt. Barnes By The Members of Sergts, Mess, 39th R.D. On Leaving The Service - Dec. 04" (39th R.D. = 39th Regimental District - the name of the Dorsetshire Regimental Headquarters). Case dimensions: 151mm x 158mm. The set comes with 12 pages of photocopied records including Charles Henry Barnes' military service records, his discharge papers and both his birth & death certificates.

Charles Henry Barnes was born on the 9th November 1861 in Portland, Dorset and joined Dorsetshire Regiment on 12th September 1883 at the age of 19. Barnes served at the Regiment's headquarters (39th Regimental District) in Dorchester. He was gradually promoted through the ranks, finally reaching Quartermaster Sergeant in April 1891 and was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. He retired on the 31st December 1904, serving over 21 years with the regiment. Charles Barnes died in 1954, aged 92.

Inventory No. O-154

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