The British army has a structure based largely on local recruitment of Regiments. These, along with specialist departments and the other Armed Services, have a long tradition of marking significant events in their history by commissioning sculptural pieces of silver. Over the years, this has led to the build-up of some fine collections. The pieces take many forms; often they are statuettes, singly or in groups, or they are models of ships, aircraft, tanks, guns and so on, the constantly evolving hardware of war. Within these collections can be found a wealth of information on the dress, both ceremonial and combat, and the equipment of the Forces.