Aluminium Binoculars Retailed By R & J Beck London

French, c.1890, engraved to each eyepiece 'R & J Beck, London' and further engraved to the drawer tube 'CECIL BOYLE Braghill Wimboldon', finished in polished aluminium with black leather covering in original leather case, missing its lid, length extended 38cm

Captain Cecil William Boyle was a notable English sportsman and military officer whose life was marked by significant achievements in both sports and military service. Born on March 16, 1853, in Westminster, London, Boyle excelled at rugby and cricket during his time at Clifton College and later at University College, Oxford.

In the sporting arena, Boyle made a historic impact in rugby union by becoming the first Oxford University player to be selected for the England national team. He earned his cap in 1873 in a match against Scotland. In cricket, he played for Oxford University, where he was known for his fast round-arm bowling. During his brief first-class cricket career, he took an impressive 30 wickets at an average of 10.30. Notably, in a match against the Marylebone Cricket Club, he took 7 wickets for 40 runs in the first innings and followed it with a remarkable performance of 7 for 33 in another match, showcasing his considerable skill.

Boyle's military career was equally distinguished. He served as a captain in the Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars and was later appointed a lieutenant in the Imperial Yeomanry for service in the Second Boer War. His dedication to duty was profound; he took 30 of his own horses to South Africa, where he fought in the war. Tragically, he became the first member of the Imperial Yeomanry to be killed in action during the Battle of Boshof on April 5, 1900. This battle marked a significant moment in the war, and Boyle's death was notably the first among the Yeomanry officers in this conflict.