Mark Holden

I have see period officers tunics with cuff rank lace applied directly to the cuff. A large stable of tailors made officers service dress in WW1 so variations to the accepted norm do appear. The lace is in fact WW1 lace seen mainly on NCOs chevrons ostensibly for the greatcoat. There is a picture of this type of lace on Sgt chevrons in John Bodsworth's book. While the rank pips are unusual the quality of manufacture seems to be of a high standard going by the photos. While it may well be a post war theatre piece it may be worth further study before dismissing its idiosyncracies.

Thanks Leigh

I am not sure if this is the correct forum but I have a Polish Monte Cassino Cross numbered 12913. I have seen these identified to individual soldiers. Does an on line list of receipients exist? If not where might the list be held? Many thanks Mark

Bill, I am pretty sure that some Scottish Regiments wore no cloth behind the badge, I just can't recall if the Black Watch is one of them. With all the evidence I would say you have an original cap and very nice badge I just don't have the knowledge to date it. regards Mark

Bill, I am sure you have done this already but you could see if the cloth behind the badge has not worn or faded to the same extent as the rest of the body. It won't help date the cap but will at least indicate that the badge has been fixed to it for some period of time. regards Mark

William, The Badge is certainly Victorian and looks like a two or three piece NCOs version. As for the Glengarry I cant help you as Scottish Regiments are not my area(I only know about the cap badge as I saw one today at ashow). regards Mark

Graham, Good find I have seen these go at ?50 a piece! regards Mark

Martin, The Stirrup Insignia is for army Rough Riders, Riding Instructors, and Remount Trainers institued under clothing Warrant dated 1865 The Crossed Swords was Initially for Best Swordsman in Cavalry Regiment and then adopted as the Insgnia for Gymnastic Instructor. Instituted in Clothing Regulations 1881. hope this helps PS very nice Insignia Mark

Chris, can we see more shots inside etc. regards Mark

I notice the remains of some dark greencloth could it be that the moths have eaten all the wool and left the cotton base, giving the impression of a 'tropical' set?

Pikestaff, Unfortunately this is a reproduction. The runes are too thin the wool is too coarse and the almost full covering of wool on the back is not typical of wartime manufacture, when materials were in short suppy. The metal pick and shovel are of the style used on the wartime patches but I have not seen an original one with metal insignia. I recall seeing a few of these in the late 70's when I started out. A few of the more advanced collectors may be able to show you an original one. best Mark

Anyone know of a Gravity Knife repairer? There used to be a Guy in Texas 'Battle Blades' but his website is no longer active. thanks for any help Mark

Johnny, Remy Spezzanos series on KURSK is outstanding. Cost is all relative, if you are a collector these are invaluable for period close up shots of SS Camo in wear. If you are a Model Builder some great tank shots. While there are some well known pictures in the series, many have never been shown, or are very obscure. These books are in my top 5 photo books. Highly Recommended in fact I was browsing my set at the weekend. Spezanos photo books are all outstanding. Platz Der Liebstandarte, For God and Fatherland are also excellent, the former has just been reprinted. Look on amazon you can pick up reasonably priced copies of the KURSK series. Just my opinion of course. Mark

Andre, I believe this to be a reproduction and not even a quality reproduction piece. The stonewashed look is something I have seen on copies designed to give a field worn look. The pockets should be lined in herringbone, not camo material, which was conserved where possible, The black reinforcing thread in the drawstring holes is also off putting and finally the material looks too 'heavy' like denim not the cotton one would expect. I thinks this group has been united to get rid of a dealers bad buy. Hope this helps Mark