Tony

I might have shown this before - Thiepval in 1940.

Nice, and a spare tip too. I think these tins were for all men in uniform at Christmas 1914 including wounded at home and NOK of men killed. They were still being handed out in 1919 as far as I know. You can never have enough Princess Mary tins or contents but the lighter and writing case are two of the contents I'll probably never have. Good luck finding more especially from dealers who don't know what they have. Tony

A pity the King's badge can't be traced like the SWB can.

The only one I have.

If you're only going to have only one Brit mini bar then this is the kind it should be. Very nice.

This is only an average ID disc but a bit special for me, it was found in the back of a draw a couple of days ago and belonged to one of the two brothers in 3 Coy., Jaeger Bn. 7 who were killed on the same day http://gmic.co.uk/topic/66423-a-jaegers-last-cigarettes/ I’ll guess at it belonging to Hans as his brother was wounded and missing whereas Hans’ belongings were forwarded to his next of kin.

Never seen the navy one before, I'll have to keep an eye out. Any chance of posting a pic of the Lippe Detmold version, I haven't seen one of them either. I only have a Prussian and Saxon type.

I bought my wife one many, many years ago but for normal cotton sewing, I don't think she's ever used it and I'm no longer sure where it is. Were they all in your new place Kris?

As Jef says, the unit diaries are in the archives and online too if you have access to ancestry. Do you have any particular unit in mind? Tony

12 siblings? His poor mum. Another great group and lucky find, especially coming straight from the family.

The insert in the lid looks good, it might be worth asking where he/she had them made, but compared to that horrible polyester velvet in the base well, that just screams fake. I thought someone called oma (or similar?) sold them.

George, He the only Bonig from Dohnsen on the casualty lists. His unit isn't mentioned so it can't be confirmed he was still with the Dragoons in late 1917, perhaps that really is as good as it'll get? It doesn't appear to be a common name, only 9 listed on the German war graves site, 8 of them being WWII casualties. Tony

The writing is a bit untidy and reminds me of modern illegible German handwriting but they'd still fool me. Another minefield for someone who just wants a doc. to go with an iron cross.

What's the obvious mistake to spot they're both repros, is it the units or something else? Paying 8 euros for one being sold as a copy is certainly worth it for the fakers.

Les & Robin, very good tips and something I will try myself if I can get hold of any. Tony

Did you know his service history before buying the group? If not what a great surprise it must have been. Tony

Nope but just checked it online, they have oils for wood only as well as metal. Sounds similar to linseed oil which can also be used for metal according to the Frenchman who told me, as well as dry Brit MKII helmet liners. Let us know how you get on (colour changes etc.), I might put some of that Owatrol on my shopping list.

A light coating of linseed oil? You need to build a retreat in the backyard with a roof high enough to stick it above the entrance, I'll come and help. Don't forget you'll need electricity too.

You find some very interesting stuff, without the research it'd be just another officer's Star.

That will look good either above the front door or above the fireplace. In fact it'd look good anywhere.

Entitled to a pair only and served overseas (I assume France/Belgium as the number 1 is pencilled at the top of the medal roll page) 7/11/17 to 11/11/18. Sub unit Foot Branch. I couldn’t find anything else. Tony

Michael, I can’t help with the patch but did see a new book on ebay called WWII British Formation Badges Collector’s Guide by Bruno Boulanger. Although I don’t really collect WWII I’ve heard it’s a pretty good reference book but I can't compare it to the book Hugh mentioned. At least there's a choice of books. Tony

Thanks very much Lukasz, there was a rank bar with the ribbons which I now know was for a Captain. Yes it needs to be moved it to the correct area. Tony

I do think men who were in France/Belgium in 1940 should have received some kind of official recognition like the France & Germany star, or perhaps a clasp similar to the Aug.-Nov. 1914 clasp but yes, rules are rules and Commonwealth countries aren't usually big on handing out medals.

Thanks for the reply. The ribbon is actually only 32mm wide, I thought it looked wider. the buckle is gold in colour and possibly plated or brass and there's some old thread still sewn to what might be the bottom of the ribbon if hung from the neck. Tony