Mike McLellan

If the condition of those badges is any indication of how hard those guys had to work, I don’t think that I’d be a good fit for those units! Very nice collection, and welcome to GMIC. Mike

There is a wonderful mural in the Detroit Institute of Arts painted by the world famous Diego Rivera. I’ve not seen another mural, until this moment, that I’ve admired as much. What a beautiful piece of wall art. Absolutely stunning. I wish I could see it in person. Thanks for posting!

Thanks Craig. Mike.

Is there a way to discretely match a Metropolitan Police warrant number to the constable’s name, if he’s still alive, but retired from service? When I started collecting, back in the 1980’s, I was given some really cool items by a former copper. I’ve forgotten his name, and I don’t want it just blurted out on the internet, but would like to get in touch with him again. Can someone with that capacity send me a private message? I don’t think I should post his warrant number for the world to see either. Thanks in advance. Mike. Truncheon Strap showing partial number.

For my eyes, the most distinguishing identifier is the “shadow” of the left collar on the medal on the right. That, as well as the chin, as you point out, makes me think that this is not a case of incorrect ribbon. The medal is, indeed, an EviiR. If not coronation, then what would be lower in precedence than that. I think that your theory is the correct one. Knowing that he would soon have his third medal, but not soon enough to have it in time for the photograph, he opted to pin on one of his mate’s medals, probably thinking, “Nobody will ever notice the difference!”.

Amazing page out of history, and amazing award to highlight the story. Thanks for educating us. Mike

Holy cow! That is a beautiful hat. Really, really cool. Mike

Wow! What a chest full of heavy metal. Your colleague friend is a national treasure and we are all in his debt. (sorry to change the subject, but seriously, Wow!). Mike

I suppose death shouldn’t be a laughing matter, but still... The incongruities of war.

Beautiful pot. Is it in your collection? I had assumed, perhaps incorrectly, that the tobacco jar was in Wasp’s collection. Retirement gifts might be an unusual focus for collecting, but they’re part of the history, and quite beautiful in their own way.

As a neutral disinterested third party, I’d like to see the medal and tobacco jar in the same display case. ?

A bit blurry, but the winged knife looks like the insignia of the Special Air Services of the British Army. But, you already knew that.

What? Me? Incorrect?? Well, that’s the first time that’s ever happened. How humiliating. I’ll try to do better. Mike.

I’m sure you’ve already considered this, but the Efficiency Medal was for non-commissioned officers. That might narrow the field just a bit. I’m still hung up on that number. It certainly identifies some person, group, or thing. Mike.

Very nice display. The ribbons look new. Super. Mike.

Wow, Cazack. That’s a pretty impressive collection. I don’t know if I believe your claim that it only took a “couple of months” to accumulate that many terrific badges. It would take me longer than that just to neatly print the descriptions on your mounting boards. Very cool, indeed. Mike.

The label looks much older than the tunic, as though it was salvaged from an earlier jacket. I’ll reserve judgement on the other “red flags” that you mentioned, although the eagle looks suspicious. I hope a more knowledgeable set of eyes will say I’m wrong. Mike.

It’s much too tempting to assume that RBR stands for Royal Something Regiment. After we eliminate the obvious Berkshire, Borders, Bermuda, etc , there are very few to zero in upon, even among the amalgamated regiments. I would almost wager that it was not a Royal regiment, but rather a privately sponsored entity with or without official endorsement. I think that it’s also safe to say that it is now defunct but still within the grasp of a zealous historian. Good luck! Mike.

The inclusion of the order of Medjidieh makes this one beautiful trifecta of the Crimean War. The box, regardless of outward appearance, is icing on the cake. Stunning. I’d love to hear more about Capt. Stuart. Mike

Haven’t a clue, but very, very nice. Mike.

Wow! That was fast! What were the ribbons that sealed your search? The orders? At any rate, nice job

Wessel, the WW I Victory medal was a multi-national medal which is discussed at great length in its own section of this site. The WW II victory medal, however, was a US medal, and would not be worn on the uniform shown above. There’s no reason to suppose that the Colonel was attached to any American Outfit. Mike.

S.A.C. : South African Constabulary? Mike

Beautiful! Mike

Okay Wessel, my vote is the Glengarry. If you mount it in a box type frame, it can lay flat and be recognizable as a hat. The tam, once it’s smooshed flat will be unrecognizable. On a mannequin, either will look nice. Better yet, get another badge and display both hats. Mike.