Instructional military handkerchief, c 1895

Man's fine cream cotton handkerchief with a printed red border. The entire handkerchief is over printed in black. In the centre are rules and maxims for soldiers, a diagram of a Lee-Metford rifle, signalling information, map reading keys, bugle calls and rifle drill instructions. Each corner has an image of a medal, the Victoria Cross, Distinguished Conduct Medal, Army Long Service and Good conduct Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal. Around the edge are tactical and trench building instructions. The final square after the tactical instructions reads 'It is the duty of every man to defend the country to which he owes his birth against every enemy...LONG LIVE THE QUEEN'. The handkerchief is printed in one corner 'Fulton's Patent No.12801'.

Typical of military instructional handkerchiefs produced in Europe in the 1890s. This one appears to have been manufactured for the British Army in India as the maps illustrated bear Indian names.