40cm (15.5in) x 39cm (15.3in)
Painted wood hoops, rope tension system, wood cylinder, and hand painted regimental emblazon of the Royal Arms, William III’s lion of Nassau emblem, the Irish crowned harp and a motto ’Virtutis Namurcensis Praemium' ('Reward for Valour at Namur’), flanked battle honours from Namur (1695) to South Africa 1900-02. Signed to the side of the emblazon ‘Henry Potter & Co (Drums) Ltd., 36/38 West Street / Charing X Rd / London.’
The drum maker Henry Potter of West Street, Charing Cross, London was established as an independent concern in 1872. The business was owed its origins to Drum Major Samuel Potter (1772-1838) who enlisted in the Coldstream Guards in 1786 at the age of 14. He founded the Potter dynasty of Army musical instrument makers in 1810 by setting up Henry Potter & Co., in the name of his new born son, Henry Samuel Potter (1810-1876), as military regulations disallowed his direct involvement in a commercial venture. Drum Major Potter compiled and published in 1815 the authorised Bugle, Drum and Fife Calls, including the Last Post which in revised form is still in use today. In 1817 he was recorded as ‘infirm’ and was admitted as a pensioner at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. He worked in the business at 20 King Street, Westminster, after leaving the Army. Henry Samuel carried on his father’s business at 37 Marsham Street, and later at 2 Bridge Street, before moving to 30 Charing Cross in 1858. Henry Samuel was succeeded in the business by his eldest son, also Henry (1840-1935).