THE MAGNIFICENT ROYAL ARTILLERY UNIFORM OF MAJOR GENERAL SIR...

Hammer

£2,500

THE MAGNIFICENT ROYAL ARTILLERY UNIFORM OF MAJOR GENERAL SIR GEORGE McKENZIE FRANKS KCB. The black uniform with raised gilt lined red collar with flaming grenades to either side, the front with nine Queen's Crown Royal Artillery buttons, two buttons to the cuffs with elaborate scrolling bullion braid, the wound braid epaulets with a crown and one 'pip' for the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, with knotted aiguillette to the left breast with lace-tags decorated with Roman fasci. With a pair of matching trousers with broad red stripe with a label for Mc Bride & Sons, 17 Charles Street St James's London, in ink 'Capt Franks R.A.' With a brocade belt with snake fastening and oval panels with a Lion above a Queen's crown, with sword hanger and strap with lion mask buckles. With matching shoulder belt and pouch, the pouch with rich braid decoration of Royal arms and Royal Artillery crest, the belt with flaming grenade and decorative gilt buckles.
Major General Sir George Mc Kenzie Franks, KCB (1868-1958) was the son of Thomas John Franks and Elizabeth Clara McKenzie Kettle. He married Paula de Garcia on the 20th June 1901. Educated at Marlborough College in Wiltshire he was commissioned with the Royal Artillery in 1887. 2nd Lieutenant from 23rd July 1887, Lieutenant 23rd July 1890, Captain from 1st April 1898. He fought in the Waziristan Expeditions of 1894-95 and 1897-98 and was twice mentioned in despatches during the Nile campaign of 1898-1899. Working with the Egyptian Army between 1898 and 1901 he was on the Staff from 1904 as a Staff Captain, at Staff College in India prior to the great War he became a Brigadier General with the Royal Artillery from the 28th February 1915. His great experience and authority seem to have made him an invaluable Officer being Mentioned an impressive five times during the First World War during his time serving on the Staff in France, the first occasion being in June 1915. He was awarded a CB in the New Years Honours List in 1917 and K.C.B.M. from 1927 when he was General Officer Commanding, United Provinces District, India. he was Colonel Commandant of the Royal Artillery between 1931 and 1938.
Resident at Ryecroft, Bray, County Wicklow in Ireland having previously sold Ballyscaddane the family estate of 3,196 acre near Knocklong Co. Limerick. His daughter, Cynthia, remained at Ryecroft until her death in 1975 and it was at the sale of the contents that this uniform was believed to have been purchased. The National Portrait Gallery in London hold four photographic portraits of Sir George McKenzie Franks.
See Burke's Irish Family Records, 1976.
Provenance: ex collection of Daniel H.F. Gillman of Dun Laoire and Bray Co. Wicklow. (1909-2005). Gillman and his brother Sylvester were regular attendees at country house auctions. Being Irish Georgian Society members, they were noted for their knowledge and collections of such items being credited in a number of relevant books including the 2nd edition of Mark Bence-Jones 'Guide to Irish Country Houses of 1988. *CR Slight damage to rear of collar where the fabric joins thew collar. Repair to trousers, slight fraying to belt where braid and leather backing have become detached. A few signs of wear but generally a magnificent uniform in very good condition given its age and wear.