TOPIC:

Stirling explains how this currency came to be issued by the Border Scouts.

The regiment not having drawn any pay for many months, and the authorities stating it was impossible to get money safely through, Major Birkbeck decided to make his own money. A block stamp was cut out of wood to represent a jackal, as that animal's skin was worn on the men's hats. Underneath was written, "Issued by Paymaster Border Scouts, pay to Bearer"; then signature, John Birkbeck, Major, OCBS. The notes were issued for £5, £2, 10s, and 2s on cloth, and as few of the men could read, ink of a different colour was used for each value. Cloth, like everything else, began to run out, so that in the end blinds, bed-sheets, and table-cloths were commandeered and torn up to make into money. £45,000 worth was issued and in circulation. It was the current coin of the district, the Post Office and Savings' Bank accepting it. The Civil Commissioner used it, while the traders took it or gave it as change. The notes were not redeemed until after peace was declared. Many were cashed far from the district; for example, the Standard Bank alone cashed many hundreds at Cape Town, and a few were presented even in Natal.


K771: Picture courtesy of Spink


K726: Picture courtesy of OJW

R142. Picture courtesy of OJW.

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

Described as:

Upington Border Scouts, shirt money for £2, 1 March 1902, serial number C548, superb condition with exceptional print quality and minimal fading, good very fine and rare

Estimate £1,500-£2,000

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

Described as:

Upington Border Scouts, £5, 1 February 1902, serial number G.6, with CANCELLED BY PAYMENT handstamp across face, in excellent condition, with clear print and white cloth, the highest denomination known for this issue, rare

The Border Scouts' £5 sold for a hammer price on Thursday of GBP 2,400. Total GBP 3,091. R 71,800. AUD 5,760. NZD 6,170. CAD 5,110. USD 3,770. EUR 3,470