Brian Wolfe

An Adventure? Are you out of your mind? Part Two. As stated in the last installment Linda, my wife and best friend, and I had paid our admission to the Christie’s Antique Show and were at last on our way to the happy (antiques) hunting grounds. Once we crossed the causeway the area opened up to reveal the affects the night long rains had on the dealers. The wide rows were blocked with large vans and trailers because many dealers had waited until morning to start to set up their booths. Normally something like this would anger me but given the hurricane-like storm that had raged all night and the steady rain we were now experiencing, who could blame them for this late start? Many of the dealers house their wares in tents, though these are mainly protection from the intense heat of the sun; that would not pose a problem today. Some had tents with sides and plastic windows of the same design you see at outdoor weddings, the sides prevent the rains from getting in but also impedes the customers somewhat. Many of the dealers who only have tables set up outside in the elements had cancelled and those who decided to brave the elements were now regretting it. Plastic covered the tables and looked much like the dew spangled web of a grass spider (Agelenopsis spp.) in early morning. Pools of water had collected anywhere there had been a pocket formed in the plastic sheets. In one case between the spokes of a ship’s wheel producing a circle of small triangle lakes and another, in the form or a rectangular pool that was bordered by a picture’s frame under the plastic. There was one poor lady who had left her wares out over night at the mercy of the elements and now had to deal with emptying out the water from dozens and dozens of bowls and vases. The positive aspect of this was that she only sold glass and ceramic ware so everything at least had a good wash. A few were not as fortunate because the winds had ripped the plastic away for the tables and the paper goods and photographs were in ruin. Anything made of cloth or stuffed items like bears and their ilk were saturated. I can only hope that these were able to be salvaged. Our immediate goal was to go directly to the pavilion, a permanent structure on the grounds, consisting of two adjoining show rooms, a refreshment concession and washrooms. It would seem that one of us was not willing to wait until we got to the show before consuming an extra large double, double coffee making the trek to the washroom of paramount importance. Yes, that would have been me, good sense and planning ahead not being a familiar state of my thought process. This would not have mattered anyway as we always go to the pavilion first as there is one dealer who always has a few medals and good quality black powder firearms for sale. I would like to point something out at this point regarding washrooms. The washrooms in the pavilion are always in good condition, however, when the show’s attendance it at its zenith the demand for the facilities out strips the availability of fixtures. It is for this reason the Conservation Authority brings in portable toilets and lines them up along the wall of the pavilion opposite to the entrance to the washrooms. Having worked for a conservation authority myself for some time now there is one thing I have learned. Water will always run down hill and if there is a depression in the ground the water will find it and fill it to the brim before continuing on to its destination at the lowest possible point wherever that may be. In this case that lowest point, at least for the time being, was where they had placed the portable toilets. These blue beacons of relief for the desperate victims of the extra large double, double coffees consumed, even though their spouses warned against it, were perched on wooden skids. I am sure this was to facilitate the placement and removal by the units by the waste management company. The water in this little lake was at least four inches deep judging by how little the skids were still out of the water, and that was not much. I could not help but think of later in the day when the skies cleared and the crowds arrived that there would be long line ups for the pavilion washrooms due to the inaccessibility of the portable toilets unless the conservation authority was about to open up a ferry service, though I suppose canoes would be a suitable alternative. Imagine if you will a long line of patrons, bladders filled to bursting, forced to wait their turn for relief with a large body of water adjacent to the walkway. Now think of a breeze causing a slight ripple on the surface of that pond. An exquisite torture that only Tomas de Torquemada could fully appreciate. Leaving behind the thoughts of the torments of those late arrivals to the show I’ll move on to the dealer I wanted to see here in the pavilion. As I have stated, more than once here on the forum, I tend to make purchases from only a few eBay sellers and some fellow GMIC members, in a couple of cases they are one in the same. With all of the scam artists and out and out fakes and reproductions out in the world today I suggest that all collectors find such suppliers, it will be well worth it. The dealer in question has supplied me with black powder firearms as well as medals over the years and his word is his bond. At this point in time at the show there were few collectors on the field so we had time for pleasantries which is a rare thing at this particular show, as the pavilion is usually a mad house of activity. I was looking to add a Snyder Rifle to the collection and I recalled that he had a couple for sale at the spring show. They had, as I feared, been sold but there was a British percussion rifle with bayonet and scabbard on display that caught my eye. I thought that it was an 1858 Artillery Carbine but he identified it as an 1853 Calvary Carbine, both look pretty much the same to my eye. The price was not too bad but there were some condition issues. In our conversation, remember there were few buyers at this point so we had some time, I mentioned that Linda has an interest in the War of 1812 as well as the Fenian Raids as do I of course. I’d have to say that my wife is much keener on these areas of Canadian history and I tend to concentrate on British Empire, Police and World War One history. The dealer pointed out a few condition issues I had missed and reminded me that this particular type of rifle fell between the two areas of our interest (1812 and 1866). Further, this was the rifle that was converted to the Snyder, which would be the rifle we should hold out for and then add to the collection. I think my point about sticking to a few select trusted dealers has been made. When I first arrived at the display I had noted a nice group of five World War Two medals with a boxed Memorial Cross (therefore Canadian) along with the supporting documents. I figured that I would purchase that since the rifle was not going to be secured. I turned toward the display case next to me and was about say, “I’ll take that group”, when I heard the voice of the fellow beside me as he said, to the dealer’s wife, “I’ll take that group”. I looked at the dealer and we both had to chuckle a bit as it was quite the coincidence. The collector turned and just inquired, “What?” I related why we found this a bit humorous and told him it must be his lucky day. He thought so too. There was a Canadian Decoration (CD) in a box, this is the Canadian Long Service Good Conduct Medal, and it was named to a Captain. I decided to purchase this one, not only because of the rank, which I didn’t have, but also due to the box which was different than any of the ones presently in the collection. The pavilion was staring to fill up so we decided it was time to brave the elements once again and besides the rains had slackened up a bit and it was now just what I would call a steady rain. The type of rain fall you like to see, one that would soak in rather then run off your lawns a gardens. Tough by this time the ground was pretty well saturated anyway. Just before leaving I took a last look at the rifle, you know how it is...just in case there was a change of mind. It was at this point the dealer asked me to wait a minute and he went to the back of his truck which was backed into the pavilion’s open side behind his booth. He pulled out an object wrapped in some dark cloth and started to unwrap it. He said that I might be interested in this and he that he had just purchased it. What he uncovered was a percussion cap dueling pistol. A British dueling pistol marked as being the Manton Patent. Joseph Manton was a very important gunsmith in the 1800s and his innovations greatly improved the dueling pistol, among his other achievements. This was the treasure of the day, an actual dueling pistol. These are usually in pairs (of course) and come in a fitted box. This was a single pistol from what was undoubtedly once a pair. As most who know me from this forum are aware I seldom disclose what I pay for items as I believe money is secondary to the artifact. If you can’t afford it, don’t purchase it. If you have the expendable cash then make the purchase, however, talking about what you paid for an item results in either bragging or whining, both I find distasteful, and crass. I will post the pistol in the appropriate area of the GMIC at a later date. The rest of the morning passed with no really exciting finds and we left just as the sun was starting to appear and the rains starting to recede. We were both pretty well soaked and with mud splashed half way to our knees as well we arrived back at the van to begin our trip home. Needless to say I thought the day was well worth the effort and not being one to just let it go (see part one) commented that the day had been quite the adventure. To this Linda just laughed and said, “An adventure? Are you out of your mind?” Regards Brian

Oh Nick, that was hilarious. Thank you for that one. LOL Regards Brian

Hi Claudius, Irritating? I prefer the word "provocative" as it implies the potential to garner a positive response. Sorry, but irritating, based on my time here would not really describe you well. So, keep "irritating" us, we need prodding from time to time to make us think. Regards Brian

Please don't take that attitude, your posts are very valuable. Before this series of posts I thought there were only two varieties of these badges and I also assumed that they all came in wooden boxes. I know assumptions are the not in keeping with serious research, so I've once again been remind not to make them. Other than this forum I have only "In the Name of a Living God" (Murphy & Ackley) and "Orders and Medals of Japan and Associated States" (Peterson) as reference material. Therefore, I thank the half dozen serious collectors of Japanese medals and badges on this forum for your assistance. By the way I see one glaring mistake in Peterson's book that I will bring up for discussion on another post at a later time to get your input so please do not be put off. Your participation is greatly appreciated. Regards Brian

Hello Everyone, I'm posting my specimen of the Naval Funding Badge, which is one of the common examples. This one came in a wooden box and you can see the attachment loop sewen into the purple backing material to hold the badge in place. Regards Brian

I would agree with Mervyn on both counts. Those who would have qualified for the Air Crew Europe medal but already were qualified for the Atlantic Star would have been awarded the Air Crew Europe clasp. This would have limited the number of Air Crew Europe Stars awarded. Though the same could be said for the Atlantic Star as it could have been awarded along witht he Air Crew Europe clasp. It's always best if the paperwork is with any medal or group to support the clasp otherwise, as Mervyn said, "loose clasps fill me with suspicion". Regards Brian

I've managed to dodge the retirement "bullet" a couple of times though the government sent me a letter earlier this week pointing out that I have not applied for my pension yet. I will retire someday, however, if I do then who will be left to point out management's mistakes to them? Regards Brian

I beleive this type of equipment had close connections to the military, or rather the navy, in many nations in the past and would be welcomed in other sections as well as this one. I have always thought that the old diving helmets were well worth having in a collection and on this particular subject even my wife would agree. Thank you for showing this to the membership and I highly recommend that anyone reading this post should also check out the link you have provided. Regards Brian

Some items in life are things of beauty and a joy to behold, these would fall under that catagory. Thank you for sharing them with us. Regards Brian

I would think so as well, Chris. It seems to me to be less common than someone with the Africa and/or Italy Star to have been sent off to fight against the Japanese. I do know it is more common to see an Indian group with the Africa and Italy Star along with the Burma but the European theater would have taken up much more time to complete. It would be great to see mnore information of this officer's service. Regards Brian

Hello Anthony and welcome to the forum. You have an interesting group of medals with an even more interesting story behind it. You should be every please to have such a group in your collection and thank you for sharing it with the members. Even though the order is not correct, if this is the way the recipient had them then it is probably best to leave them in this order, at least in my opinion. Odd that they would be mounted as such though. Regards Brian

Hello Everyone, While the order is incorrect there is a positive side to this. Throw-together groups are not considered a proper thing to do, among serious collectors. However, in this case years from now, this one is not likely going to be confused with an authentic group. It's always better to puchase a real group that has the ribbons in unsalvagable condition and then remount them. Even though the intent is to frame the above shown group as a "display only" it would be better to mount each one in a court mount style and display them as individual specimens in the same display frame and not as a mounted group. Regards Brian

Hello Moheb, Welcome to the GMIC I hope the members can assist you with your questions. Sorry that I can not help but I wanted to welcome your here anyway. Regards Brian

An Adventure? Are you out of your mind? Part One. Summer was just about over, a summer plagued with drought conditions here in this part of Ontario, Canada, with crops being devastated and shallow well drying up. For us at the Grand River Conservation Authority it was equally serious. Fire bans angered the campers, even though it was as much for their protection as anything else. The cottagers who lease their lots from us around two reservoirs were more than a little edgy as the “lakes” receded from the shore line to a record distance as the water was depleted and not replenished by nature. Boat launching from the cottage lots was out of the question and in front of each property was now a border of what could only be described as mud flats. After the drought we had started into what may be described as the rainy season and with its arrival the severe heat of the summer was vacating our lands. It was a heat that was reported to have been in the low forties centigrade, if you calculate the high humidity into the equation. I tend to hate the high temperatures, being born in the North, in a place formerly known as Fort William. The rest of my family are “Southerners” and can’t understand my love of the Canadian winter, I don’t mind being the odd duck of the flock, after all they’re Southerners and you just have to tolerate them; an attitude that led to many, to say the least, awkward situations while I was growing up. I really like autumn and refuse to refer to it as “fall” because it is autumn and not the direction of travel when one’s feet are suddenly horizontal with one’s head when footing is lost on ice. I like the slap in the face from Mother Nature as she strikes your cheek with that fine frozen drizzle propelled by high winds just before winter sets in. Suddenly I am starting to see my family’s point of view, perhaps I am the “odd” duck of the flock, could they have been right all of these year; no that would not be logical...they’re Southerners. The story is not about my eccentricities, though that is exactly what an eccentric would say, it’s about collecting. That last statement probably surprised absolutely no one. A neighbouring Conservation Authority to the one I am so fortunate to work for holds a bi-annual outdoor antiques show. This is the Christie’s Antiques Show, named after the Christie Conservation Authority, situated near Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. There are hundreds of dealers and is attended by thousands and thousands of dedicated antiques hunters, collectors as well as a good smattering of curious and interesting characters. As always the plan was to arrive before the show opens to assure a parking spot close to the means of egress as after walking for miles searching for collectables one doesn’t need to walk an additional mile to their vehicle. The older I get the closer I want to be to that most welcome exit at the day’s end. It was up at 05:00 and get ready for the day’s outing. Remember that this was the rainy season and the forecast had not bode well for a dry excursion, but we had our rain gear out and were ready for whatever Ma Nature could throw at us. My dear wife, Linda, was born and raised in Perth Ontario which is an hour’s drive south of Ottawa, our nation’s capital the home of our Parliament, or as I like to think of it, “the gas works”. The location where Linda lived would make her a Northern girl; however, the number of years spent here in the South has had an adverse effect on her. Her tolerance to cold wet weather is about as low as it is toward my sense of humor, though she is a good sport about the latter. I have heard her referred to as “Brian’s long suffering wife”; though what “they” are getting at eludes me as her health is just fine, thank you very much. So there we were on our way to the antiques show, in the dark, in the rain with windshield wipers on full speed and visibility far from ideal. After an hour ‘s drive in relative quiet, the possibility of this being an ominous silence never seemed to dawn on me, though dawn itself was upon us. As we sat there in our van, awaiting the gates of the show to open, the storm seemed to increase in ferocity. Gusts of wind laden with rain hit the side of the van at a near forty-five degrees rocking the vehicle with a violence that only the most vengeful elements can muster. Lightning and thunder were all around and I discovered right there and then that breaking into a chorus of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody (you know, “Thunder and Lightning, very, very frightening”) was not to be received in the vein of humour in which it was intended. My dear wife did say the anymore Queen renditions from me and it would result in “Another one bites the dust!” Oh, and I suppose that Queen reference was funny? Suddenly, with the storm raging all around, there was an uneasy silence that only men know when they tell their wives that they can’t attend the ballet because the Stanley Cup playoffs are being played on that same night. Women, go figure. In fairness to the ladies I suppose one could say, “Men, go figure”, though that, of course, would not be my first choice. Not being one to learn from my mistakes, no matter how recent they may be (it’s a guy thing), I broke the silence with the suggestion that one should see this as an adventure. I offered the image of Gregory Peck’s portrayal of Capt. Ahab standing on the deck of the Pequod as he sailed her around the horn. I often like to think of myself as one of Gregory Peck’s heroic characters, though I am beginning to regret sharing that, oh well, I did say I have a tendency toward the eccentric. Linda offered that this was more like being on the bridge of the Edmund Fitzgerald. For those not familiar with Great Lakes lore this was a ship that sunk in a gale on 10 November 1975 in Lake Superior with all hands, no bodies were ever recovered. Check it out on the internet it is an interesting story, one made legend by Gordon Lightfoot in his song of the sinking of this ship. By this time the winds had subsided though the rain continued in a torrential downpour and finally after what seemed an eternity the show’s gates were open. We approached the gate, Linda safely sheltered under her umbrella and me in my rain coat and good luck Tilley hat in anticipation of what treasures we would uncover. After passing through the gate we walked over an earthen walkway that cut through a pond, so water was on either side as well as teaming down from the heavens. I could not help but feel a little like Peck’s Capt. Mallory in the 1961 movie “The Guns of Navarone” as they approached their goal climbing up the shoreline cliffs in the gale force storm. Strange, as you would think that I would liken our pending adventure to some Indiana Jones movie but I have always liked the classics and let’s be honest Indie will never be a classic, not as far as acting is concerned. Finally we entered the hallowed grounds of antiques heaven. ....to be continued. Regards Brian

"Some may say it's only a pair to the R.A.but am please to think a group has been reunited." In that case "some" would be fools. Well done. Paul. Regards Brian

Hi Mervyn, I agree with Brett. This happened to a member of my own family. As most things in life, it's all in the timing. Regards Brian

Nick, Line in the sand. You make it sound so temporary. Yes, Sensi, perhaps I will start looking for these documents after all. RegardsBr ian

Every time the advertisement for "Collection Intervention" plays my wife just looks at me and "says" Hmmm. Whatever that means. Regards Brian

Very nice indeed. I've had to draw the line somewhere regarding the range of my collecting however seeing such true works of art, such as this document, makes me think the boundaries might just have to be shifted. Thanks for posting this interesting document. Regards Brian

Hi Kevin, Nice find. Remember that the first one or two go down without a lot of side effects but then the next thing you know you're hooked. The only cure is more and more and... Regards Brian

The only other Golden Kite in the collection, at this time, is the 7th class and I have included photos of the two below. Both cases are from the Showa period. Looks like I need to look for a 6th class now. Regards Brian

Hello Everyone, I tend to stay with only a few dealer and a couple of GMIC members when purchasing Japanese Medals. This time I took a chance and purchased my first Golden Kite 5th class from a different source, I believe I made a good decision. The box is from the Showa period and I am asuming so is the order, comments are welcomed. It just arrived and I wanted to share it with the members interested in things Japanese. Regards Brian

Hi Nick, Nice piece indeed. Any more details regarding the issue? The why, when and where or of it. It looks to have been hand engraved, so would this have been a field made piece? I ask as from what I understand some German Iron Crosses were made in the field, I think there are photos of this somewhere in the German section. Regards Brian

Hello Joy, Very nice photo, it really rounds out your initial post. I would not worry about your name as other members have done the same thing. Just sign off on your posts with the name you would like others to use and they will do so. Regards Brian

Hello Joy, No problem with your name not having a space, except now you'll have to change your driver's licence and passport. I'm looking forward to seeing a photo of your Grandad. Regards Brian