NAM.1993-06-164-1

Mauser Model 1896 7.63 mm self-loading pistol, 1900. With associated wooden holster stock. Manufactured by Waffenfabrik Mauser, Oberndorf a Neckar. Carried by E T Pottinger, Irish Brigade Militia Artillery, during the Boer War (1899-1902), 1899-1900. Eldred Thomas Pottinger (1840-1905) served in the Indian Army from 1857 until 1870, resigning the year after his marriage and returning to Ireland where, in July 1873, he became a captain in the Antrim Militia (Queen’s Royal Rifles). In October 1890 he became lieutenant-colonel commandant of the Antrim Artillery, and before leaving to serve in the Boer War with volunteers from the regiment was presented with this pistol, purchased from Mauser’s Irish agents, J Bradell and Son of Belfast, ‘by some members of the Royal Portrush Golf Club’. Pottinger served in South Africa from 1899 to 1900, commanding the Irish Brigade Militia Artillery, and later acting as Commandant of the Orange River and Hope Town District. For his service during the Boer War he received the Queen’s South Africa Medal and clasp Cape Colony, and was created a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in November 1900.

Boer War (1899-1902)