Tony

I think the X mark on the bayonet is the bend proof test mark, the sold out of service mark is very similar, the only difference is the X has a line going through the middle from top to bottom. On rifles the OA mark is for the manufacturer Orange Australia, I don't know if it's the same for bayonets or even if OA manufactured bayonets but the RE stamp is for Remington, maybe the scabbard, if it was originally made by Orange, was repaired at some stage with whatever parts were to hand. If it was made for and used by Commonwealth troops it would have a similar mark to the one Chris showed above depending on the country of manufacture - I think. The opposite side of the pommel may sometimes show unit markings which I believe could be the mark C 74250 although I have no idea which unit, Cheshire Regt. maybe? The number would have corresponded with a rifle number. Tony

I haven't heard the term chockos for a while, thanks for reminding me. Weren't they something like a territorial army or reservists? I'm not really sure which. Didn't the AIF stay the AIF during WWII? I thought the ADF (Australian Defence Force) was formed after 1945. Wasn't Mervyn in the ADF? Hopefully he'll see this and be able to give some answers. Tony

Mostly Unsung is your best bet I reckon http://mostlyunsung.com.au/ I used them about 5 years ago for a SWB and was very pleased with the way they work. Tony

I reckon the price was ok for what it is. JW Benson is a known maker, his watches can get quite expensive depending on the movement etc. and the inscription is great, although I'd have walked on if it wasn't in working order. So, tell us all about the hallmarks, is the case English silver or imported and if imported what are the import marks? I sometimes go out with my great grandad's pocket watch and even though I believe it's a great watch that doesn't need any day to day adjusting it's nothing like the fantastic sounding repeater Peter has. Tony

Yes you can and it would possibly cost the equivalent today e.g. 100 years ago you could have bought for the same money either a good pocket watch or a 2000 loaves of bread. I'm guessing of course as I have no idea of the cost of a JW Benson pocket watch or a loaf of bread back in the day but I do know a watchmaker who makes watches to order. The problem is they'll look too modern today. And yes, it's a great looking watch. What size is it Chris, about 50mm diameter? And how well does it run? Tony

The watch fob (I think that's what it is) is quite common. I've also seen a few rings in two different styles but never in a box. Do you know if they came in that box or if it was a later addition? They look great. Tony

I have LV S E. It's probably the sharpest strike of all my crosses. No photos I'm afraid and I know I have more than just that example, unfortunately I haven't noted the maker stamps of the others. Tony

A purse. Tony

Did it come with any paperwork? It's a pity these weren't named. I don't have many WWII British medals but wouldn't mind having an Air Crew Europe group together with the paperwork. There's a 5 piece medal bar on ebay.de at the moment, well, it's been there for months and months and only priced at about 4 times the retail price. Tony

I have one only I've never been sure if it's stamped Y or V, it's stamped with the letter and 800 in the same places as the one above. The core is different though especially the crown. Tony P.S.: what about LV S E and LW crosses, do you have any? They're my favourite.

Yes I've seen lots of them too. This one is the first I bought and the only one I still have. It shows unit, recipient's name and the street he lived in but not the town. Tony

I thought a 'scramble' bell was only associated with fighter squadrons during the battle of Britain. Tony

I quite like this one too. Tony

This one is a poor photo but my favourite. Awarded for a rearguard action on 10.10.18 and received in Muenster, January 1921 after returning to Germany from a French POW camp in Rhiems. It's very worn from being attached to a tunic all through WWII. Tony

Nice finds. Almost each time I went to a German flea market they were full of old clothes and rubbish so whenever I'm there I don't bother. I'll be in Germany later this year and will make a point of checking out a market again. Tony

Thanks for the replies and Peter, no I didn't know of the Great War in East Africa Association site. I'm still amazed that a pair of medals awarded to a man from a country where the silver content of the BWM possibly has much more value than many other inanimate objects has survived so long together with the VM. Harry, thanks for the offer, a pm is on the way. Tony

Seeing the name of the officer and your username I was wondering if it's a family piece. Great reply R-B. Tony

Sorry for the delay in replying, there was a storm over the weekend so I’ve been offline for a while and am still having internet problems. Dante, Now that’s interesting, thanks for letting me know. I’ve googled the name and apparently Wangari is a female name, do you have any idea if this is true or is it unisex? Harry, I'm good thanks (did google give me the correct translation?). 1/KAR is stamped on the rims and is also on the MIC however, the regimental number on the MIC differs from that on the medal rims. Thanks for the links, I'll look at them as and when the internet connection allows. Tony

The names can be seen in the photo above if you click on it, both have the regimental number 7000. Tony

I think Mike is correct. They're quite rare and very expensive too although the one above appears to be missing the mask if it is indeed a tank helmet. I think the last time I saw one for sale it was priced around £2500 although I have no idea if it sold and can't even remember where I saw it. Perhaps the one above shows the rear view?? http://1914remembering.wordpress.com/2012/12/07/rare-tank-helmet-found/ Tony

Aurora, Thanks for the instructions. I'll see how easy it is to buy the ingredients first and will then try it out with something I don't mind making mistakes with. Tony

Well dodgy! If they were Thai I'd have my doubts. Tony

Thanks Brian. I'll give Aurora's method a go too but that probably won't happen for a while as I'll be back at work soon, the helmet lives in a different country than my work place however, we'll be reunited later in the year. Tony

My first thoughts are the same as yours. I hope someone has a definite answer as I'd be interested in knowing too. Tony

Aurora, are the chemicals easily available to buy over the counter? Tony