Original British Second Boer War 14th Hussars Victoria Cross Recipient Edward Douglas Brown’s Spring-Loaded “Campaign Furniture” Boot Stand

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. Colonel Edward Douglas Brown-Synge-Hutchinson, VC, CB (6 March 1861 – 3 March 1940) was an Anglo-Irish soldier and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Brown was 39 years old, and a major in the 14th Hussars, British Army during the Second Boer War when the following deed took place on 13 October 1900 at Geluk, South Africa for which he was awarded the VC:

On the 13th October, 1900, at Geluk, when the enemy were within 400 yards, and bringing a heavy fire to bear, Major Brown, seeing that Sergeant Hersey's horse was shot, stopped behind the last squadron as it was retiring, and helped Sergeant Hersey to mount behind him, carrying him for about three-quarters of a mile to a place of safety. He did this under a heavy fire. Major Brown afterwards, enabled Lieutenant Browne, 14th Hussars, to mount, by holding his horse, which was very restive under the heavy fire. Lieutenant Browne could not otherwise have mounted. Subsequently Major Brown carried Lance-Corporal Trumpeter Leigh out of action.

This is an outstanding piece of “Campaign Furniture” used during the Second Boer War by Major Edward Douglas Brown, 14th Hussars, an officer’s boot stand or boot jack, meant to aid in the removal of boots. The stand has a lovely plaque on the base reading:

Major Brown
14th Hussars

Further up the base is the manufacturer’s tag:

PEAL & CO.
MILITARY
BOOTMAKERS
487 OXFORD ST.
LONDON

The stand still appears in working order and has a lovely patina. When open, it measures roughly 15 x 17 x 6”. Folded up it measures about 21 x 6  x 3 1/2".

This is a tremendous piece of history used by Victoria Cross recipient Edward Douglas Brown in the very conflict for which he was awarded his VC. Comes ready for further research and display.