Melbourne Cavalry Tunic and Helmet with Plume

Askam Richard Nottage (1861 - 1918), Member of the Melbourne Cavalry, Nottage's Melbourne Cavalry tunic with six, original Victorian 'Pro deo et Patria' brass, buttons (and a Police Force Victoria' button, under the left epualette), accompanied by the, white helmet (by R.Z. Bloomfield Ltd, London), with gilt spike issued to the members of this, small force, which numbered only 45 men at its, inception in 1901. Also present is a ceremonial, horse-hair plume (in red) which appears to have, been used on ceremonial occasions. With reproduction photos of Nottage in uniform, on horseback and some associated photocopies. The Argus newspaper of 23 April 1901 reported, the Melbourne Cavalry. A New Corps. The Melbourne Cavalry Corps, which was, recently founded as a volunteer arm of the, Victorian militia force, will be represented, prominently in the forthcoming celebrations, a strong body of the cavalrymen being now, available. Therein a considerable percentage, of trained soldiers in this corps, which includes, several members of the old Rupertswood half-battery, of Horse Artillery, and the new corps have already, undergone a fair amount of drill. Colonel Tom Price, the commanding officer of the, Victorian Mounted Rifles, has been appointed to the, command also of the Melbourne Cavalry Corps. The uniform of the new corps consists of a blue tunic, with yellow braid, blue riding pants with a yellow stripe, black boots, steel spurs, and white helmet, with a gilt, spike. The troops will be armed with the cavalry sabre, and carbine. Nottage's family conducted business as 'Nottage's Wholesale & Retail Clothing Store at 220 - 222 Smith Street Collingwood. The business had been established at the height of the gold-rush, in 1852. At the time he joined the Melbourne Cavalry he was living in a home he built in Heidelberg Road, Clifton Hill. He worked in the business until he retired, in 1916, and also present in this lot, is the tray he received on April 11, 1916 from his colleagues in the 'Travellers & Warehousemen's Association.