Riding whip, presented to Capt H Shirley, 88th Regiment of Foot (Connaught Rangers), by the ‘Ladies of Malta’ at their meeting in November 1841

Made by Thorn, London.

Plaited cord, possibly hemp, three ply thick; handle is made of plaited strips of horn and the head is gold and unhallmarked; the head is engraved with a classical head surrounded on each side with racing scenes in cartouches; the collar joining the handle and staff bears Maltese Crosses; an inscription beneath the collar is the dedication to Capt H Shirley, 88th Connaught Rangers, by the ‘Ladies of Malta’ at their meeting in Nov 1841.