Product Details
AN E.J. CHURCHILL BRASS-CORNERED LEATHER SINGLE GUNCASE, fitted for 30in. barrels, the interior lined with green baize, the interior lid fitted with an 'E.J. CHURCHILL. PRACTICAL GUN & RIFLE MANUFACTURER. 8 AGAR STREET. STRAND. LONDON.' trade label, the lid outer gold-inlaid 'COLONEL SIR DAVID HARRIS', leather fixing straps, brass lock, with some accessories
Provenance: Colonel Sir David Harris KCMG, was a man of multifaceted pursuits, was not only a distinguished soldier but also a prominent figure in the diamond industry and a respected legislator. Born on the 12th of July, 1852, in the bustling city of London, England, his life's journey led him to the distant shores of the Colony of Natal in 1871.
Setting out on a remarkable path, Harris traversed 950 kilometers from Durban to Kimberley, where he immersed himself in the world of prospecting. His endeavors bore fruit swiftly, amassing wealth within a mere two years and introducing him to the influential Cecil Rhodes.
The military became a significant chapter in Harris's life, as he enlisted in the Du Toit's Pan Horse Regiment in 1876. His valor was tested in the Gaika-Galeka war, a segment of the Xhosa Wars in the Eastern Cape. Further campaigns awaited him, and he notably distinguished himself in the Langeberg Rebellion of 1896-97. During the Siege of Kimberley, Harris dutifully served in the Home Guard, showcasing his unwavering commitment.
Transitioning seamlessly into the realm of politics, Harris entered the Parliament of the Cape of Good Hope in 1897, filling the void left by the late Barney Barnato. Remarkably, he held this esteemed seat for an impressive 32 years. Concurrently, in 1897, Harris assumed the role of director at De Beers Consolidated Mines, a position he retained until 1931, marking a substantial period of influence in the diamond industry.
In his personal life, Harris embarked on the journey of matrimony with Rosa Gabriel in 1873, marking the occasion with the first Jewish wedding in Kimberley. As Colonel Sir David Harris continued to leave an indelible mark on the military, diamond trade, and political landscape, his legacy echoed through the annals of history.
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Estimate £150-250