15THPACAV

Certainly not uncommon, but still a handsome cap, IMHO. A visor cap for an officer of Prussian infantry, circa 1910-1914. Any comments most appreciated.

Much appreciated as well.

Again, many thanks for this.

That's great, many thanks! It appears Riddiford was a bit on the older side, being over 30 as a subaltern, and a New Zealander to boot. I can't say that is the most exciting MC citation I've read. My guess is that would NOT qualify for an MC in WWII. Well, he was awarded it; you can't take that away from him. Thanks so much; it is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Jerry. My old collection was MUCH better, including a Waterloo Medal ( 2nd.battn,), QSA/KSA pair, and a seven medal group that included medals for the 1898 Sudan Campaign, a QSA, and a 14-15 trio. I had no choice but to sell at that time; at least I made a significant profit. Now, I'll likely have to pay 2500 pounds or more for a Waterloo Medal; I paid 750 pounds in 1999! The weak dollar isn't helping, either.

No, I really should. I have the three volume history of the Grenadier Guards in WWI, and he is listed a number of times as the transport officer of the 1st battalion. However, no details of his MC action are included. Is it possible to access London Gazette citations online for free, or a small payment? Thanks.

Thanks, Mervyn. My first name is Bob 95% of the items were acquired from the UK; some with medal dealers, some on Ebay. The miniature MC trio was purchased with the named silver locket of the recipient, Lt. D.H. Riddiford. 1st Battn. Grenadier Guards.

I am slowly attempting to rebuild my collection of medals to the Grenadier Guards, after having to sell many of them about seven years ago, including my cherished Waterloo Medal, which i had vowed to never sell. Oh well, perhaps I'll get lucky before 2015, the 200th anniversary of the battle.

I"ve had this helmet for a long time, but i just got around to taking some ( semi) decent photos of it. I acquired in the 1980's , but it has a King's crown, so I presume it was in use pre-1953. The helmet has a few dings, not surprising given how thin the metal is; perhaps that's to make them more comfortable to wear for long periods. It seems to me that prices on these have remained rather stagnant over the years. Any other opinions appreciated.http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2014/post-16986-0-20317500-1399554855.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2014/post-16986-0-69372000-1399554888.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2014/post-16986-0-39109700-1399554926.jpg

Yes, certainly looks like a nice signals cap, from a rare maker. Definitely a keeper, IMHO. KG 27 "Boelcke", was, of course, a Luftwaffe bomber wing. I always wondered why a bomber unit was named after a fighter pilot??

The piping for general staff is carmine, not close to the scarlet red for artillery, or orange red for military police. Opinions on other forums varied between artillery, and military police. When I put my artillery cap up against this one, there is a distinct difference in shade, with the artillery a much truer red shade, and darker as well. Bloody Germans had too many shades that were close together!

This Erel visor cap appears to me to be the orange -red waffenfarbe appropriate for military police; it is much "oranger" than the piping on my artillery enlisted cap. Opinions have been mixed on other forums; any thoughts would be appreciated.

I believe that larger peak is common with WWII era caps, including army and RAF versions. I cannot say that ALL caps had a larger peak, but many that I have seen in hand, and in photos, have a larger peak than current examples.

This is a cap for RN ranks of commander and captain. It is named on the sweatband to a Surgeon Captain. The maker is Gieves, which can be barely made out under the right light. The material is a very soft, high quality doeskin wool. Comments appreciated.

Wow! I used to believe that a late close friend of mine had a great headgear collection, primarily British, with some Imperial German, but it pales in comparison to this oustanding display. To say that I am extremely impressed ( and more than a bit envious!) is an understatement. My congratulations.

You are right; it's a Q62, with a size 54 liner.

This is my only WWII German helmet, though I hope to pick up a Heer M35 or M40 in the near future. The helmet shown is a small, size 54 Quist M40. I added the 1944 dated chinstrap, otherwise, it's all original.

I was fortunate to acquire this rare Bavarian schirmmutze last year. It is for the Koniglich-Bayerische Leibgarde der Hartschiere, the King of Bavaria's ceremonial guard, founded in 1669, and consisting of only 107 men. Their fulldress was, of course, much more elaborate. The cap band and piping is black velvet. Must say that I've never seen another.

Here are interior photos:

Thanks much. Mine has a few mothing areas, but I believe the shako still displays well. Yes, I also believe KUK headgear is quite elegant, as are their uniforms. Underappreciated , IMHO, especially versus their Prussian neighbors! I would love to acquire dragoon, ulan, hussar, and artillery officer's dress headgear. One can hope!

Here is a KUK junior infantry officer's full dress shako. Apologies for my less than stellar photography.

A few Imperial German officer's schirmmutzen, including Garde du Corps, 13th Hussars, 8th Dragoons, and the 3rd or 6th Bavarian Chevauxleger.

It's of course a German ( presumably) officer. likely of a dragoon regiment. Nothing there to identify a specific regiment.