Robin Lumsden

Just a quick snapshot to show some of the many types of metal TKs.

Looks fine to me. These zinc Lindens always seem to have that 'painted' look.

Tom. They use mess dress for dining-in nights etc. at the Scottish Police College. Staff seconded to the College for the usual 3-year period usually have special mess dress made for them. Unfortunately, it seldom fits them at the end of the 3 years - waistbands seem to expand with prolonged attachment to that particular establishment. I don't have a photo, but it's pretty much the same as British army mess dress, but in very dark blue. Miniature medals are worn with it.

Does anyone else have a helmet like the one at lower right? Lower left is a standard 2nd pattern NSKK crash helmet. Lower right is very different and is shown in the Angolia 'Cloth Insignia of the SA and NSDAP' book as an 'SA/SS Riot Helmet'.......but I've never seen another. I think it's another variant of the crash helmet, rather than a riot helmet. These are, I believe, converted surplus WW1 flying helmets.

And a bit closer......

Here's another.......

Here's a panel from an SS kettle drum cover for comparison. Much more ornate of course, but you can see how I drew a comparison.

And I think this is a slightly clearer picture of the whole thing. You can just make out the leather 'tunnel' sewn along the top edge. The 'tunnel', the 3 loops on the back and the 'male/female' buckle and strap are what made me think it was a panel from a drum cover. I now don't know what it is.......but it looks nice hung up on the wall.

The strap........

Here's the buckle and braiding a bit closer......

This is the 'false pocket flap' bit - so I think it's meant to be displayed like this rather than folded over. The braiding is in cotton-like material. There are 3 x vertical 1" leather loops at the back of this part - as if a rod or strap was to be threaded through them......a bit like a banner suspension.

Many thanks to everyone for your observations and comments. There's no slit in this thing - although the top panel at the front seems to form a sort of 'false pocket flap' which has been sewn closed - so the ornate pseudo-reporting pouch theory seems very feasible. A mystery item indeed!

Last one......couldn't resist!

can I find a photo of this little baby in use???????? His little pennant friends always seem to get all the glory.

So, where.......oh, where.......

Or in their barracks.......

They didn't show it on their postcards..........

Or here either....

Or here......

No kettle drum here........

I believe that picture was taken during Hitler's 'flying visit' to Vinnitsa in the Ukraine.

Bob. I think it's the guy in FRONT of the trombone player who should get the danger money!

Thanks gents.

Here's the LHR1 regimental band parading with the Kaiser in Danzig.........but no sign of the kettle drum

Here's the back - the thing weighs a ton.