Orderly Books--Eliott's Light Horse (15th Light Dragoons).

dated 12 July to 13 October 1760, c.180 pages; 14 October 1760 to 19 June 1761, c.170 pages; 4 August to 1 October 1761, c.170 pages; 2 December 1762 to 18 April 1764, c.250 pages; in two different hands, all oblong 8vo, one with a marching route tipped in, two in plain calf, one in blind tooled calf, one in stiff vellum, boards worn, two volumes lacking upper covers and a third with upper cover detached, remaining hinges weak, marching route torn

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A series of orderly books recording the regiment's service in Germany on the Western front during the Seven Years War, including daily general and regimental orders, memoranda, courts martial, passwords, and other official communications. The final volume follows the armistice and the regiment's return to Britain.

The regiment that became the 15th Light Dragoons was raised in 1759 by George Augustus Eliott, Lord Heathfield, who was also their first Colonel. They served with distinction in the army of Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick against the French (who had occupied Hanover earlier in the war), Austrians, and their allies. The regiment's first major action was at the Battle of Emsdorf, 16 July 1760, where their rapid advance - with the loss of 125 men - secured the victory and bought them high commendation from their commander:

"...H.S.H. [the Duke of Brunswick] therefore gives his best thanks to these Brave Troops, and particularly to Elliotts Regt which was allowed by everyone one present to have done wonders. H.S.H. the Prince could not enough commend, the Bravery, Good Conduct, & Good countenance with which that Regt. fought. H.S.H. desires much to be able to find means to acknowledge to Major Erskine principally who was at the Head of that Regiment, & lead it so Gallantly, as well as to the other officers & men his real satisfaction..." (General Order, 20 July 1760). 

As a result of their success the regiment was awarded the right to bear on its Guidons and appointments the word 'Emsdorf' - the first battle honour ever awarded to a British regiment.