While it is well known that Queen Victoria sent her troops tins of chocolate boxes for Christmas in the second Boer War (1899-1902), the eight scarves she personally crocheted to send to individual soldiers are not so familiar.
The 5ft 4in (1.62m) long scarves were created in the last months of Victoria’s life in 1901. She specified they would be distributed to four British and four colonial soldiers. The recipients were selected by ballot, with units of soldiers choosing the most deserving among them.
One of these scarves will be offered at London saleroom Spink & Son on July 26, together with the medal group of the original recipient – William Thomas Colcough (1872-1955) of the 2nd Battalion, The Devonshire Regiment.