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    Mike McLellan

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    Posts posted by Mike McLellan

    1. Hello Mark. It’s a beautiful piece, but let me add a word of caution. Short of a forensic analysis of the paint, it’s not possible to positively declare a painted truncheon “authentic” or even less than authentic. Most of us have been deceived at one time or another, and it’s often quite embarrassing. 

      Whether a particular piece has been altered, re-painted, touched up, or otherwise enhanced is always food for thought. Even if a truncheon has been “doctored”, it still might be legitimate if the changes were made by the issuing agency or the user/owner. 

       In short, it’s anyone’s guess. Again, it’s a beautiful piece and created by a very skillful artisan. 

      Mike. 

    2. What a beautiful old piece! I have to wonder, though, why anyone would cut that notch in such a conspicuous place. Even if it were for carbon dating or other molecular testing, a more discreet chunk of material could be had. The wooden part is as well preserved as could be expected, and together, they make an exciting bit of history, with or without the “story”. 

      Mike

       

    3. Hello and welcome to the forum. Your truncheons do indeed represent a puzzle. The one on top is fashioned in the style of early 20th century Hiatt truncheons, while the lower one is not as easily recognizable. Both appear too short to be issued to regular coppers, at least until recently, and both have been either newly manufactured or refinished by the same person and, apparently, at the same time. An old truncheon, even if it spent the last 200 years in somenody’s underwear drawer, would show at least some wear on the ends. 

      I may be guessing beyond my expertise level, but I think that the stamps do not indicate any official connection. 

      If nothing else, they are both attractive pieces, but of limited historical significance.

      Now, with a bit of luck, one of the real experts will have some better news for you.

      Mike  

       

    4. Thanks for the additional insight. And thanks also to J. H. F. Kemp for compiling all of that information for our benefit. If it weren’t for the efforts of historians such as you, Mr. Kemp, and a few others around here, our collections might seem like shiney curiosities without much meaning. 

      As an afterthought; bravo to GMIC for offering a comfortable quorum for the historians, researchers, and experts to mingle and exchange information for the benefit of students, like me. 

      Mike. 

    5. Well, this certainly offers a new perspective on the possible range of medal recipients. I wonder if Mr. Carpenter was merely on duty during the celebrations or was he actually a participant in the parades? And if so, in what capacity? Crowd control, logistics, etc.?

      I am also forced to wonder what other professionals were included as possible recipients, such as farriers, caterers, and so on, not to mention those hardy lads with the rakes and shovels following the horses. Seriously though, some criteria had to have been adhered to in the dispensing of medals. 

      Fascinating stuff. Thanks for posting. 

      Mike. 

    6. 3 hours ago, slava1stclass said:

       

        As a side note, based on the research I conducted for my book, there was a handful of other Full Cavaliers who were similarly stripped of their status and all decorations owing to their criminal convictions.  Like this Full Cavalier they, too, succeeded in their requests to have their status and decorations restored once completing their sentences - a not all too common occurrence.

      Regards,

      slava1stclass

      Fascinating stuff. As a youth, I read (with difficulty), Solzhenitsyn’s dreary accounts. It’s gratifying to see that there were, from time to time, happy endings. I had never presumed that the awards could be restored. Thanks for posting. 

      Mike. 

    7. According to Mr. Google, Gieves & Hawkes of Saville Row, London still possesses a Royal warrant to manufacture bespoke uniforms, etc. I imagine they would do a super job on the button repair, if given the opportunity. 

      It’s not something I would normally wear, but it’s a beautiful bit of head-gear none the less. Show us the finished product when it’s done. 

      Mike. 

    8. Thanks. That’s what I meant. I’m not too keen on starting a collection, but I must applaud the whole concept of giving some token of appreciation to those workers who strive for excellence, regardless of their oftentimes mundane Professions. Instilling pride might not put food on the table, but it sometimes makes the hunger pangs less acute. 

      Mike. 

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