Victorian 90th Perthshire Light Infantry Regimental Needlwork

A particularly attractive Victorian military regimental needlework relating to the 90th Regiment of Foot, the Perthshire Light Infantry, beautifully worked with crossed regimental colours beneath a crown and royal cypher. The needlework is centred around two crossed standards, one incorporating the Union flag and the other displaying the regiment’s insignia and a series of embroidered battle honours. Among those visible are Sevastopol, Martinique, Mandora, Egypt, Guadeloupe and Lucknow, reflecting the distinguished campaigning history of the regiment. Below the colours is the distinctive Sphinx and “Egypt” honour, surrounded by finely worked foliage and floral decoration, with a scrolling banner reading: PERTHSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY Above the flags is the crowned VR royal cypher, confirming its Victorian origin. The 90th Regiment of Foot, also known as the Perthshire Volunteers and subsequently the Perthshire Light Infantry, was raised in 1794. The regiment had a distinguished service history before becoming part of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) under the Childers Reforms of 1881. The use of the Perthshire Light Infantry title therefore allows this example to be placed firmly within the Victorian period and most probably circa 1870–1881. The quality of the embroidery is particularly pleasing, with strong surviving colours and a good level of detail throughout the flags, battle honours, foliage and regimental devices. Presented behind glass in an attractive period walnut-veneered frame, the whole makes a highly decorative and historically interesting piece of Victorian military memorabilia. An excellent example for a collector of British military history, Scottish regimental material, Victorian needlework or campaign memorabilia, while also having considerable decorative appeal.