coldstream

Gentlemen, Here is an unused postcard which I recently obtained showing a Corporal and Private Soldier in tropical dress. My initial thoughts when I picked it up was that they were British troops wearing a badge based on the Prince of Wales feathers badge however having now had time to study the image I'm not at all sure. Having searched Peter's sun helmet site the closest resemblance I can find to the helmets is South African but I wonder whether the brass spike would be correct for that country. Going on to the badge, could it infact be the South African Special Services Battalion badge? (Would that units formation tie in with the date of this image?) As to the photographs location I have no idea but it appears that other tropical clothing is being worn by the other troops in the image. The rear of the postcard just states 'British Made' and so if they are indeed South African forces are they in the UK for a Coronation or other parade? Lots of unanswered questions from me again I'm afraid but that's the great thing about this forum, the wealth of knowledge of other members. Thanks in advance Simon

Jock You really know how to make someone insanely jealous on a Sunday morning! Hope we'll be seeing more of your collection on the forum soon. Simon

I would also say it is for protection of the uniform, I've seen examples at the Royal Sussex Regiment museum in Eastbourne. By the way is that a double barreled shotgun he has in his hands? Simon

Welcome to the forum Jock (hope its okay to call you that) I notice from the images of the helmet that its sitting on the wooden head display of Hogspear? He seems to a reputable trader, plenty of good material and ebay feedback from museums. There are many much more knowlegable members here regards helmets but Hogspear as a supplier seems a good start to me. Simon

Mike Thanks for that. I cant believe that I've never come across these before. A whole collecting field on their own I would imagine. Regards Simon

Mike Very interesting items, I have to say I've never heard of this bar. Can you give us some background information or a point in the right direction please. Best regards Simon

Mike As i said a wonderful painting and I'm very, very jealous! I know Payne's style of painting is not to everyone's taste, perhaps it evokes memories of Empire but I personally love the depictions of the British Army full dress which is now so sadly lacking in this modern era. Simon

Wonderful painting Mike, thanks for sharing. May I ask where you found such a wonderful piece? Simon

Mike Here's one to show your Cadet. Coldstream Guards 1939, definately with bayonets fixed!

Sergeant More photos? Well this one definately shows a skull but not perhaps the type you're after. :cheers:

Sergeant More photos? Well this one definately shows a skull but not perhaps the type you're after. Double post for some reason!sorry folks

Leigh Thanks for that, must admit I'd never heard the term before. Nice little CdeV of a Recruiting Sergeant though.(do you have any similar tucked away) Simon

Thanks for your replies Gentlemen. Craig, like Graham I'm not familiar with the term 'crimper', could you elaborate please. All the best Simon

Many thanks for the link Nick :cheers:

Mervyn Regarding the three types of helmet fittings you mention I have often wondered why there were indeed three and not one standard shape. Early in my Police service I was told by an old PC that the type of helmet worn by each particuler force depended on the preference of their earliest Chief Constables. Many were ex military men and they would choose a helmet shape in line with their former service, ie an ex Cavalry Officer would opt for the comb, ex Artillery or services the ball top and ex Infantry the bell or spike. Have you ever heard of this or was it just another old timers story? Simon

Our civilian friend.

The Sergeant.

Gentlemen This recently accquired carte de visite shows a Grenadier Guards Gold Sergeant and civilian. The obvious interest in this image is the fact that the Sergeant is acting as a recruiting Sergeant and has his pillbox type cap adorned with three twisted ribbons denoting his appointment. The civilian with him also has the twisted ribbons to his hat and so the question arises as to who he is? He could of course be a new recruit having just accepted the 'Queens shilling' but I wonder if his in fact some kind of recruiting agent working with the Sergeant. He appears well dressed and fed and carries a cane and watch, the ribbons around his hat would surely have taken time to apply and the cost of photography in those days would surely have made recruiting snapshots financially prohibitive. The CdeV was produced at the studio of FB Dann 35 Broad street , Reading which would still be a Grenadiers recruiting area today. Other points of note are the Sergeants lack of medals, he appears to be a relatively old soldier having reached his status as Sergeant but apart from his rank insignia only displays a marksmans crossed rifles. It would appear therefore that all his service was at home prior to his appointment as a recruiting Sergeant. His sidearm also appears to be either a very long bayonet or a sword, any identification would be appreciated. The Army still deploys Recruiting Sergeants but these, as far as I am aware are now posted to a specific region and no longer tour the Country looking for their recruits. Any other Recruiting Sergeant photos out there!

Stuart Thanks for the update. An intriguing piece indeed. I'm away from home at the moment but will go through my Yeomanry sources when I return and see what I can turn up. Excellent photos as always Leigh. Simon

Stuart Just been through your entire collection again and as always blown away by the range and quality of your collection. Just wondered if you 've had any luck identifying the Yeomanry cap in post 105? Simon

Leigh Another very interesting thread, thanks. Am away from home for a few weeks so do not have access to anything to add here at the moment. I do remember that the Royal Sussex museum in Eastbourne has a full London Scottish uniform from around 1910 - 14 period, I'll see if I can find my photos when I get back. Keep up the good work as always Simon

Regarding the trademark in post 122, an internet search reveals the following information. In 1913 Buttons Ltd had three manufacturing sites in Birmingham, Portland St, Worstone Lane and Clissold St making buttons, buckles and stampings. Trademarks included 'three domes' and crossed swords.The company now forms part of Francis Sumner engineering. Well spotted Leigh :cheers:

Its the ball top to the helmet and you're quite correct on the name, its 'Norman'.

Leigh Your right it could well be swords and not scissors on the trade mark, I will see what I can find out about the company and report back. Here is another photo which just arrived showing what appears to be a Great War veteran festooned with equipment onboard ship.

And the reverse.