The 71st Highland Light Infantry trivet

This is an interesting antique brass trivet from the United Kingdom. It commemorates the 71st (Scottish) Highland Light Infantry. As the history of this regiment is complicated, please refer to the article 71st (Highland) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) for more information.

Incorporated into the central design is the large number 71 and the initials HLI. On the handle is a snare drum. Other design components include three Scottish thistles, two French horns with braided ropes, and a shako-style military hat that bears the small number 71.

This trivet measures 9 1/2″ x 4″ with three decorative, angled cleats that lift it 1″ above a table surface.  It appears the top has been polished over time while the unpolished bottom retains the dark patina of age. There’s no clear evidence of a casting mark, not an unusual finding considering brass is a softer metal and marks are easily removed. This trivet is not documented in any of my reference books so I can’t confirm its age or maker.

I recently discovered this YouTube video by Canadian military collector “gunnerjames105”. He has one of these trivets in his collection and discusses its attributes, dating it to between 1862 and 1881 for two reasons:

(1) The shako-style military hat was typical of those worn between 1862 and 1881.

(2) The Scottish 71st regiment was absorbed into the British Army in 1881.

Do you have any information to share on this unusual trivet? If so, please Contact Me or post below.