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On the face of it, a really superb example, I would have no issue whatsoever with the alteration, notwithstanding, I dare say a number of other people would.

djb wrote:

Picture courtesy of DNW

QSA (4) Eland DoL LN Belf (95779 Piper M. Smith, Gordon Highrs:) original rank of ‘Pte’ neatly erased and ‘Piper’ engraved in its place

M Smith attested for the Gordon Highlanders in 1896, and was posted to the 2nd Battalion where he served as a Piper. He went with the Battalion to South Africa and took part in the action of Elandslaagte, 21 October 1899, and served throughout the defence of Ladysmith. He also participated in the operations with the Natal Field Force during the actions at Laing’s Nek and Belfast in June and August 1900. He was not entitled to the King’s South Africa Medal.

A lovely QSA to the ILH from the next DNW sale.



QSA (4) RoM Eland DoL Tr (44 Tpr. B. H. Hardy, Imp. Lt. Horse)

Hardy was the son of the Bandmaster of the 2nd (Volunteer) Battalion, South Wales Borderers, a veteran of the Indian Mutiny, in which he served in the 8th King’s Royal Irish Hussars. According to a local newspaper obituary, Hardy Jr. ‘served with the I.L.H. in the Boer War, being in the siege of Ladysmith’ and was employed for over 23 years by the East Rand Proprietary Mines.

That is indeed a lovely example.

I have dabbled with the Natal Police and all of Natal's Volunteer mounted regiments that took part in the Boer War, as well some of the irregular regiments raised in the Colony at that time. It is the record of the Imperial Light Horse and some of the men who served in it that has given me the most pleasure. I suspect that Tpr Hardy would be a great research subject.

Brett

You need to have it in your handsome collection, Brett!

I wish, Frank!!!