The Armoury of St James’s recent Christmas email bulletin features a George V equestrian silver figure, 1927, dedicated to Captain Manuel Joseph Bilton (1826-1935), popular Bandmaster of the Horse Guards from 1904-27.
During the First World War the band toured the Western Front frequently and performed at Biarritz.
It arrived in Paris two days before the Armistice on November 11, 1918, and became a key component in victory celebrations. The next month, the band was with the cavalry as it crossed the Rhine into Germany.
Among Bilton’s compositions were the overture My Old Stable Jacket, dedicated to Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, and The Wreck of the Hesperus, a symphony in E flat.
Bilton became Director of Music, Land Forces, in 1919 and was appointed Cabellero by the King of Spain.
Standing 12in (30.5cm) high, this presentation figure depicts a mounted officer of the Royal Horse Guards or The Blues in review order.
It was presented to Bilton at the time of his retirement.
It is offered for £18,000.
