Watnall Troop S.N.Y.C. local history

  Another Martini-Henry Cavalry carbine has come to light recently marked to the Nottinghamshire Yeomanry. The butt stamped, Y over NTT.S over 236. Previously recorded was an identical carbine with identical marking, but with the individual number of 166. It is still unclear as to whether the "S" refers to Sherwood, or South for either of the two respective  Yeomanry regiments of Nottinghamshire. Some swords with similar markings with the "Y", and "NTT" have also had "SN", and presumably, swords issued to the Sherwood Rangers would be marked "SR", but the observed carbines only carry "S". It may be that both units were supplied with firearms from the same armoury somewhere in Nottinghamshire, and therefore firearms were only marked as belonging to the Notts Yeomanry, rather than one, or the other of the two regiments.  Both carbines carry a store's date in the 1880's, one clearly marked 1886, the last digit on the othe

 A pair of cased field glasses by one of the worlds best optic makers, Ross of London. One tube engraved "S.N.H.", the other with the issue number of "66". The case lid stamped "S.N.H.", and the base with the same issue number of "66". Also written at the base of the case, "Cpl.Walker". The writing now a  little faded, but the full lettering can be made out when held against angles of light. The set remains in excellent overall condition.  It would be interesting to know when the South Notts Hussars acquired these field glasses, and how many. With this one being number 66, maybe it was the case that every man was issued a set, or maybe just the Officers and N.C.O.s. Were they may be purchased by the South Notts Hussars in their preparations to embarch for South Africa, field glasses being of much use for mounted troops in the vast expanses of land across the South African landscape.  George Walker was born in the Parish St Marys Notting