Wickwar & Co . 6 Poland Street. Manfrs. to H.M Government
A Victorian Black Morocco Leather bound Despatch Box with central swing handle, the bevelled top embossed with the VR Cypher and inscribed in gold lettering 'Sergeant at Arms', 'House of Commons', 'H.D. Erskine'* .
The box retains its original Mordan & Co. 4 lever lock and key.
Measurements
46 x 30 x 15 cm
*Captain Sir Henry David Erskine of Cardross K.C.V.O. J.P.D.L (1838-1921) He entered the British Army in 1854, serving in the Crimean War, he retired from the army in 1861 and from 1875 - 1885 served as Deputy Sergeant at Arms for the House of Commons. From 1885 until 1915 when he retired, he was the Sergeant at Arms. In 1908 was tasked with removing the suffragettes Helen Fox and Muriel Matters during the famed 'grill incident' when they chained themselves to the ladies' gallery of the house. He served as Groom of the Robes to Queen Victoria from 1870 - 1901 and from 1901 - 1919 he served as a Gentleman Usher to Edward VII and George V. He was appointed C.V.O. 1901 and was Knighted in 1911.