Object Record
Images
Additional Images [2]
Metadata
Object ID # |
1996.019.001 |
Object Name |
Belt |
Other Name |
Cross-belt? |
Title |
CANADA RIFLES Belt & Whistle |
Lexicon category |
3: Personal Artifacts |
Date |
19th-century |
Made |
Unknown |
Place of Origin |
Unknown |
Description |
A "CANADA RIFLES" belt and whistle. The dark tanned leather belt has a large metal insignia piece, which has a crown, a central beaver, a wreath, and the wording "CANADA RIFLES". There is also a cast metal lion's head, from which two chains are hanging. The chains connect to a metal whistle. The whistle has no lettering on it, but it is decorative. It has its own sheath, to keep it from dangling when not in use. |
Provenance |
Belonged to Major James Cannon Sr. (d. March 11, 1888, age 80). Major Cannon came from Wigtownshire, Scotland. He settled at Lot 29, Con. B., Sydenham Township (Annan area), Grey County, in 1860 and built a stone house there in 1867. In 1866, he was Captain of the No. 3 Company of the 31st Grey Battalion. It is unknown what year he achieved the rank of Major, but it is possible that he was at the Battle of Batoche during the Riel Rebellion of 1885. James Cannon Sr. returned to the Annan area, and the belt was passed down in his family. It was last owned by Jack Moore of Toronto, Ontario. |
Collection |
Military, 19th-c Collection |
Material |
Leather/Metal/Dye |
Dimensions |
W-6 L-90.5 cm |
Found |
Sydenham Township (formerly), Municipality of Meaford, Grey County |
People |
Cannon, James Riel, Louis |
Subjects |
Northwest Rebellion 31st Grey Battalion Militia Canada Rifles Whistles Military uniforms Military officers Lions |
Search Terms |
31st Grey Battalion of Infantry Northwest Rebellion (1885) |
Function |
Worn over the chest and shoulder by a Canadian militia officer? Or a Sergeant? The whistle was a signalling device. |

