Well, if it is true he came about 1900, then it (the scales) would seem to indicate British forces prior? For certain the blade seems later installed. Should have a heavy wedge from Heiffor or Reyolds in them, IMO (Kind of a sacrilige, I suppose! :) The Brits had many campaigns the world over back in the mid to late 1800's......:hmmm: It is beginning to sound like the old guy had a new blade installed in his favorite scales!