19th Battalion St. Catharines Brass Bugle Maker Henry Potter Dated 1876

The 19th Battalion St. Catharines Brass Bugle, crafted by Henry Potter and dated 1876, is a historical military musical instrument associated with the Canadian militia. This bugle features a classic brass construction typical of late 19th-century designs. It bears clear markings of both the maker—Henry Potter, a respected London-based instrument manufacturer—and the 19th Battalion, a regiment raised in St. Catharines, Ontario. The bugle was used to signal commands during drills and on the battlefield, reflecting standard army practice of the period. The instrument measures approximately the length expected for bugles of its era and displays the patina consistent with age. The presence of the date allows for precise historical placement within the post-Confederation development of Canada’s military forces. Such pieces provide insight into the materials, construction techniques, and regimental traditions of the time, and are tangible artifacts from the period of Canadian militia organization in the late 19th century.