WW1 period (possible) British military bugle

[HARRY THE MOLE]

A recent find was this double twist bugle made by A. Turtle of 86 London Road, Manchester. Although undated, it can be pinned down to a specific period. William Turtle set up shop at Ogden Street (Manchester) in 1886, and then in 1901 the business moved to London Road. In 1903, Agnes Turtle took over the business until her son succeeded her in 1911. So the bugle has to date from between 1903 and 1911.







There are is no WD stamp or crows foot stamped on the bugle, so there is no actual proof that it was ever used by the military - although the green cord (for infantry) has definitely been on the bugle for a considerably long time.







The general opinion amongst collectors is that if it isn't WD stamped, then it isn't a military bugle. But as a rule, it was only regular units that were issued with with WD stamped instruments while volunteer and territorial battalions usually had to purchase their own. The next instrument - a cornet - which is also in my collection, is a fine example of a privately purchased (or donated instrument). Again there are no WD markings, and there is no date either - although the serial number puts it at pre 1913 manufacture. What sets this apart from the other is that it is named to a battalion....

4TH (RES) BATT. K.S.L.I.







The 3/4th (Territorial) Battalion, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry, became the 4th (Reserve) Battalion on April 8th 1916... Proof that not all military used musical instruments were WD marked and/or dated.

Cheers,
Steve