2-982-416 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Testimonial recently presented to Major-General Hall, late of the 1st Life Guards, 1858. 'A magnificent piece of plate...presented to Major-General Hall...as a mark of the esteem and regard of the officers who served with him in that regiment...The Duke of Beaufort presented the testimonial in appropriate terms, and Major-General Hall expressed his acknowledgments. The Duke then invited the officers present to a sumptuous luncheon, served with great profusion and elegance, the testimonial itself forming a splendid addition. The intrinsic value of the piece of plate is about £900. It consists of a massive pillar of silver, surmounted by a figure of Fame; on the base are inscribed a record of the occasion, together with the names of the subscribers, and at the foot of the pillar are three large mounted figures complete at all points representative of the Regiment of 1st Life Guards at three periods - 1st, under Charles II.; second, under George II.; and 3rd, under Victoria. These Guardsmen are splendid in their reality, the very horses being faithful reproductions of the Flemish charger, the Suffolk punch, and the modern black trooper. This fine work of art was executed by Mr. Hancock, of Bruton-street, from a design by Mr. Armstead'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.