A scarf knitted by Queen Victoria is set to auction at Spink later this month.

The lot is one of eight she personally crafted for British soldiers fighting in South Africa during the second Boer war – specifically for "the best all-round men taking part in the South African campaign”.

The scarf is made of khaki wool 

This one was awarded to one William Thomas Colclough of the Devonshire Regiment.

It’s executed in brown wool and embroidered with Victoria’s personal VRI cypher.

It also bears the cap badge of the Devonshire Regiment. This was attached to the scarf by Colclough’s oldest son, who followed in his father's footsteps.  

Colclough was awarded the scarf after being nominated for his bravery and fortitude by the rest of his regiment.  

Four were presented to rank and file soldiers, while the other four were awarded to officers.

While the honour was a considerable one, it was not part of the official British medals system.

The recipients did not see their name in dispatches. 

Only six of the scarves are known to exist today and this is the last one in circulation.

It will be offered alongside Colclough’s medals, which include an 1895 India medal with Tirah and Punjab Frontier clasps.

The lot is valued at £8,000-12,000 ($10,290-15,435).

We have a genuine strand of hair from Queen Victoria’s son, Prince Albert Victor, for sale.

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