Can someone explain the purpose/custom of this bowl.
The engraving: "Presented by the commissioned officers & privates of the first troop of Royal Linlithgow Shire Yeomanry Cavalry to Alexander Duncan (Esquire) their Captain as a mark of their esteem and regard for him as a officer and a gentleman 1821."
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It's about something Capt. Duncan did for the Troop. It might have been a memento upon his retirement. The guy may have been adjutant, pay master or the like. Wasn't a drinking vessel. More like a gold watch.
Linlithgow Shire should be one word.
Further research has the Army List for 1825 still listing him as a captain. He was not retiring or transferring.
It should have a hallmark on it showing when it was assayed, somewhere.