Brian Wolfe

Hello smiler, Congratulations on your latest additions. There's something about the EK that just draws you attention. Good luck with your future collecting, you are now "doomed", but if you going to be "doomed" by any area of collecting this is a good place to be (GMIC). Regards Brian

I concur with Chris, the "nose" looks like an explosive round. From what I have read and heard these can get more unstable with time. Use extreme caution! These may not have claimed their last victum...yet. Regards Brian

From what I have read over the years this would not be possible. The BWM 1914-1919 was intended to cover the actions taken in Russia from 1919 - 1920. Having said that I have been watching a similar discussion on another forum as to what can and can not happen when it comes to medal awards. It would require producing the recipient's military records and his medal allotment for such a thing to be accepted in the collecting community. Perhaps the serviceman did indeed serve in the Russian "action and felt he should have received the second BWM for his efforts and added the ribbon to the bar. It would not be the first time a serviceman felt he was deserving of another medal and simply added it to his medal group and/or his ribbon bar. An interesting piece if it is contemporary. Regards Brian

Hi Kevin, What a great source for photos of these gentlemen. I must admit that when I first read your topic I thought it was a joke of some sort and didn't read it until today. I'm glad I finally noticed the section you had it posted in (not the Lounge) and realized it was a serious post. Thanks for taking the time to gather these images and posting them. Regards Brian

It doesn't look to be Indian or Pakistani to me and a check of my references books has turned up nothing for these two countries. It has a crudeness about it that makes me wonder if it was something less than a standard government issue. Possibly something like a veteran's association would produce to commemorate service in a conflict? Regards Brian

Many thanks, I was worried about the miniature. Regards Brian

Hi Jason, Thanks, I have a lot to learn about this area of collecting. Regards Brian

This is the back of the mount. Thanks again for any haelp you can give me. Regards Brian

Hello Everyone, A year or more ago I ventured into Imperial German territory and found that I had been "burned" by a local dealer. Lucky for me he took the material back but as credit only. I ended up using the credit for some genuine British Medals so it was just a learning experience that cost me nothing, except a little embarrassment. Now I am trying to get my "feet wet" agian and hope I have not made the same errors in judgement. This group comes from a different dealer. I've learned my lesson and purchase nothing from the first guy. This trio was sold as WWI Prussian. The War Effort Cross (my name for the sake of description) looks to have been mounted up with the reverse side out, the familiar Commemorative Medal and the Vetran's Association War Service Cross are all in very good condition. What is the feeling of the members regarding this group? The ribbons look good though slightly soiled. I'll post the back of the mount next. Brian

Last is a view of the reverse of the stick pin miniature. Thanks again for any assistance you can give me, it is greatly appreciated. Regards Brian

This is the stick pin. It's 18mm wide and 57mm in total length. I hope it is genuine as I really like it as the enamelling really shows up well.

Here is the reverse. It looks good to me but when you're new to an area of collecting... Thanks for your help. Brian

Here is a view of the full sized Star on its own.

Hello Everyone, I have just gotten this Turkish-made TWM in and a stick pin miniature Star (two different dealers). I would like your opinions of these new additions. I believe the TWM is real but I would like to hear from more knowledgable members as to their opinion. The ribbon also came with the full sized Star. The stick pin was sold as genuine but this is the first mimiature Star I've seen as a stick pin. I'm very new to this area of collecting and could really use your opinions. As always you opinions are welcomed and valued. Regards Brian

I just read your previous post featuring the sword and belt buckle, you've topp it with this post! Great bit of history and another excellent post. Thanks Peter. Regards Brian

Excellent post, Peter, thanks for sharing these items. Is the sword from your collection? Regards Brian

Hello Will, A truly beautiful collection. Thank you for sharing them. The multi-clapsed example is fascinating. Regards Brian

You can never have enough... Very nice Tony, I've only had one of these and have regretted selling it ever since doing so. Regards Brian

Are you sure it was from polishing and not damage done by the removal and replacement into the scabbard? I've had TR dress bayonets in the past that showed such damage of the size and location you describe. Of course either way it will effect the value but in my mind scabbard damage is not as damming as over-polishing damage. Regards Brian

Hello MnrBloemie and welcome to the GMIC. There are several members from South Africa on the forum and they are probably better qualified to comment however, I believe "burger" mans "citizen" and in the case of the naming on your medal that would be equal to a "provate" in the British Army. I hope this helps and I'll await comment from the South African contingent as to my accuracy. Regards Brian

An enjoyable post, thank you for sharing it with us. Regards Brian

These are great, Kevin! Very enjoyable. Thanks for posting them. Regards Brian

Welcome to the forum Kevin, The Constabulary is now obsolete and part of the Staffordshire Constabulary. That is a great artifact, I absolutely love it! Regards and thanks for posting it. Brian

Hello Demir, A truly beautiful star. What are the requirements for the awarding of this star? I am assuming that it would be a higher decoration than the Turkist War Star. Thank you for sharing the photos of it with us. Regards Brian

Hello Joe, A very nice looking item. It must have been polished somewhat though it seems to have a nice patina aquired through age. I am taking it that this is hollow from your comments regarding detonation. I have two cannon balls in my collection but they are solid and not nearly as nice looking as the one you have posted. I've been told that "back in the day" the army would fire, collect and refire the same ball over and over again during gunnery practise. I have no proof of this but I was told this took place. If that is the case, could your neighbour's property be situated in a former training ground? If so then the origins of the ball may be tied to the country whose artillery were training there. Just a thought. Regards Brian