dpast32

Hello Gents, I just won the bid on another addition to my Met. Police collection. I 'think' I've narrowed it down to 3 candidates, although it's still speculative at this point. ( I just got it this morning. ) The relevant data is as follows; 'METROPOLITAN POLICE MEDAL COMMEMORATING THE JUBILEE OF QUEEN VICTORIA IN 1887, w/ 1897 BAR. PRESENTED TO: PC. W. WILSON of C. DIVISION IV If anyone would be so kind as to assist me in confirming it's recipient, I will be very much appreciative. This particular example is missing its ribbon drape, but I can't imagine obtaining a replacement will be all that difficult ? THANK YOU, Best, Dom P. / dpast32@aol.com

Hello Again Folks, This is basically an addendum to my previous Post just above. I forgot to include the fact that the recipient had Pensioner off in early January 1911, with his final document being signed by some Superior on 03 February 1911. Please tell me how he would have qualified for the 1911 Coronation Medal, since he was no longer on duty on that date ? ANY assistance here will be very much appreciated. THANKS Dom P. / dpast32

Hello Gents, I'm currently looking at a very nice 3 pc Metropolitan Police Coronation Group, & wish to confirm 2 things. 1st, the seller lists the 1902 example as being named with Rank & Name, which we all know is incorrect. As far as I'm aware, it should be, Rank, Name, Division ? I E-Mailed the owner to ask if this was possibly a simple oversight, & to please check the medal to confirm ? 2nd, the seller is asking around 150 GBP, & as I haven't been keeping track of the market values lately, if that's a fair price for such a Group ? ( All Met. Police Coronation, 1887, w/ 1897 Clasp, 1902, & 1911 Coronation Medals. I am hoping the description is in error, & the 1902 is properly named, but you never know ? I have always loved U.K. medals & awards, especially Police related, but haven't actively collected them in years. If anyone has any comments either regarding the naming, & the selling price, I would really appreciate hearing from them. THANK YOU Best, Dom P. / dpast32

THANK YOU Graham & Dave W., as always, I really do appreciate the kind replies. I have observed a few various examples over the years, but unless they were related to a particular group, I wasn't interested in the least. On this one however, I felt that for $12.50 U.S., I shouldn't pass it up. I'll put it away in my junk drawer, just in case I ever do have a need for it ? Not to change the subject too much, but I also noted a nice, 1903 'Visit To Scotland' U.K. Police Medal, at IIRC $90.00 U.S.D.. Now that's much more in my line, but I did vow NOT to buy anything else unless it was an absolute 'steal', so to speak. Personally, I just love the U.K. Police / Law Enforcement awards, but to delve into another collecting realm at this point isn't financially feasible right now. So, I simply have to stick with dreaming about them !! THANKS, Best, Dom P. / dpast32

Hello Gents, I thought I might inquire about this particular Medal, as I really don't know very much about it, other than the obvious intention of the award, as indicated on it ? The only reason I purchased it to begin with was the price. I'm into it for the whopping sum of $12.50 USD. ( RE: $5.00 Medal + $7.50 Shipping ) I believe it's from the WW1 era, although I'm not certain. Could anyone please give me an idea as to if it was worth my 'investment', and or anything else about it ? It appears to be officially engraved to someone named: F. Barry. THANK YOU Guys, Best, Dom P. / dpast32@aol.com

THANK YOU Peter, I really appreciate your reply ! In interim since Posting this Query, I've learned a bit more regarding their recipient. He was Acting Sjt. Benjamin Vincent GLAISTER, who [ if it is indeed 'my' guy ] appears to have served quite a while in H.M.'s Army. His primary assigned unit[s] was in assorted Battalions of the Manchester Regiment, starting from 1914 / WW1 onwards through to service all over the globe. [ WW1 Service w/ 2nd Battalion, while later duty appears to have been in the 7th Battalion. ] I noted him being in France, India NW Frontier, Iraq, & Burma, possibly along with some other locales. The final Rank I observed for him was Acting Sjt., but that's in no way confirmed as his actual final Rank. I did find him listed as being awarded the G.S.M., with the Bar / Clasp 'Burma, 1931 - 1932'. One observation I've made so far is his somewhat 'unusual' [ if it is unusual ? ] was his remaining assigned to the Manchester Regiment for so long ? I'm also curious as to the 'Capt.' reference on his 'Marksmanship' Medal, as do far, I haven't noted anything listing him as being an Commissioned Officer ? Right now, my primary interest is in identifying the 'crossed rifles' Medal which in my experience almost always indicates some form of Marksmanship award ?Hopefully, someone here has come across this particular award, & can at least point me in the right direction. I'm certain that as I delve deeper into this, I'll hopefully make more progress. As we all know, these things can take a little time to unravel everything, & seeing that I just obtained them yesterday afternoon, at least I'm starting to make some initial progress. THANKS Gents & PLEASE do let me know if you happen to have any ideas on this somewhat unusual 'Pair' ? Best, dpast32

Hello Gentleman, I recently picked up the following 2 awards, which I believe to be either British or Commonwealth Marksmanship Medals, based upon my very cursory examination. If anyone has ever encountered either of these examples, I would deeply appreciate their input. THANK YOU, Best regards, dpast32

Utt Ohhh, I APOLOGIZE, I guess I should have closely read the 1st reply prior to responding. Yes, that was the 'term' I got as I initiated a search on the aforementioned U.K. WW1 National Roll for the person in question. I thought that perhaps it was an assignment nomenclature for some obscure RN unit or something similar ? Lately, I've been stumbling across numerous WW1 British & Commonwealth Trio's for sale, & if the price is really reasonable, I'll grab them. This group is nothing spectacular, just a WW1 1914-15 Trio, accompanied by the recipients Geo. V LSGC. I can have it for $190.00 USD / 152 GBP [ Shipped ] which after thinking about it, I guess isn't really a super bargain, but no too bad, right ? I keep telling myself I must cease buying medal groups 'just because', as I have truly run out of room !! But, we all know the intense thrill of those inital searches when looking up a new purchase. THANK YOU Gents, I really do appreciate any & all replies !! Best regards, Dom P. / dpast32@aol.com

THANK YOU Gents for the replies, but I'm somewhat at a loss to understand them in relation to my original Post ? We're these specific terms used only in these volumes, or ? I simply wished to know if that term was related to a specific Royal Navy duty assignment or posting ? It's in relation to an WW1 R.N. Able Seaman's Geo. V LSGC. Noted ship on the rim was HMS Pembroke, which IIRC, was a sort of Depot Ship. Any other hints will be much appreciated. Best, dpast32

Hello Folks, I'm attempting to determine the meaning of the following R.N. Term / Designation from the WW1 Era. If anyone knows the meaning, I would deeply appreciate hearing from them. THANK YOU @ >>> TNRGW1914-18 Section VII London Regards, Dom Pastore / dpast32@aol.com

Here's the M.S.M. recipient's WW1 M.I.C.. Perhaps someone will see something that I have missed, although it appears to be a basic example of an MSM ? THANKS

THANK YOU Paul, I appreciate your input. Yes, it was for France, & his WW1 M.I.C. is stamped 'Devotion' right on the front of it. Also, if I recall correctly, he was authorized an annuity for it. I promised myself to not do anymore 'impulse purchases', by it's just so darn hard as I truly love to collect British & Commonwealth medals ! The owner initially wanted more, but just offered it up for the price I just quoted. Dom Pastore Jr.

Good Morning Gentleman, I sincerely hope everyone here is feeling well, & more importantly, remains that way. I have a quick question regarding a potential purchase I'm considering, & I want to get an idea as their current market value, & or desirability. It's an British WW1 era Army, 'Meritorious Service Medal', [ G.V., basic style obverse, with F. M.'s uniform. ] Properly named to a Cpl., or Acting Sgt., R.F.A.. [ Can't recall which Rank at the moment. ] It also notes his particular sub unit, Battery & Brigade. From what basic research I've done, it does appear to have been awarded for 'Devotion', not an 'immediate gallantry' award. All in all, just your basic, excellent condition WW1 Geo. V M.S.M.. Now, I can purchase it for 166.305 U.K. Pounds, [ with Postage Paid ] which equates to $208 U.S.D., based upon today's currency rates. So, my question is; Should I grab this M.S.M. for that price, or is it not that great of an value ? I've always noted the the M.S.M.'s tended to sell for somewhat more than say an M.M., but is that fact still true in today's market ? If anyone here would be so kind as to point me in the right direction on this, I'll be very much appreciative. THANK YOU Best, Dom P. / dpast32@aol.com SORRY Guys, I have no idea why my above query appeared as it did, not do I know how to correct it ? ( I have tried ! ) At least my actual question is legible, so I guess I'll just leave as is. Again, I do apologize !! Dom Pastore Jr.

Hello Gents, Today's query concerns a beautiful little 6x30 [ or possibly 8x30 ] set of Binoculars that I picked up about 20 years ago. I knew the nomenclature markings were some variant of East European, & that they appeared to be of superior quality. They're definitely either Military or Para Military issue, as they possess an integral 'Range Finder' Reticle on one of their lens. ( Perfect if I ever need to call in Artillery fire on the neighbors. ) As far as I've been able to determine, the logo indicates issue to, or property of, 'People's Militia' Force, or some similar organization. They came in an excellent quality leather case, & I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they were of Carl Zeiss manufacture. I'd love to know their relative date of manufacture, who made them, & if possible, to whom they were issued, or used by ? AS ALWAYS, any & all replies will be deeply appreciated !! THANK YOU Gents, Best, Dom P. / dpast32@aol.com P.S.: I apologize for the scans being somewhat askew, as I'm finally managing to at least get them posted !

I apologize for my recent mishaps in attempting to include my cap badge photos here. However it appears as if I've corrected the issue, & both sides of the badge are exhibited below. THANKS Gents Dom P. / dpast32@aol.com

SORRY Gents, This query was a bad one, I re-posted a corrected one here. THANKS

Hello Gents, I'm seeking to determine the approximate manufacture date of what I believe to be a true, WW1 era Suffolk Regiment Other Ranks [ Enlisted Man ] Cap Badge ? From what little I've learned from a few U.K. based Dealers is that 'most' true, early WW1 production pieces were of Bi Metal construction, with 'blow holes' on their reverse ? If this is correct, my current example does appear to possess all those features. Apparently, circa mid - late 1916, the manufacturer's began running low on the Bi Metal material, & resorted to all brass construction, commonly referred to as 'War Emergency Type'. I'm hoping my example is a genuine early War piece, but would really like to either confirm or discount that fact. Enclosed are the front & back of my example, not anyone would please be so kind as to advise me on its relative period of manufacture, & if possible, it's originality, if at all relevant. Also, I had trouble including the 2 Scans of my Suffolk's Badge, so I figured that hopefully I could add them via a Link, as included below. THANK YOU Best regards, Dom P. / dpast32@aol.com s-l1600 - 2020-03-25T091240.374.jpg s-l1600 - 2020-03-25T091226.245.jpg

Hello Gents, I'm seeking to determine the approximate manufacture date of what I believe to be a true, WW1 era Suffolk Regiment Other Ranks [ Enlisted Man ] Cap Badge ? From what little I've learned from a few U.K. based Dealers is that 'most' true, early WW1 production pieces were of Bi Metal construction, with 'blow holes' on their reverse ? If this is correct, my current example does appear to possess all those features. Apparently, circa mid - late 1916, the manufacturer's began running low on the Bi Metal material, & resorted to all brass construction, commonly referred to as 'War Emergency Type'. I'm hoping my example is a genuine early War piece, but would really like to either confirm or discount that fact. Enclosed are the front & back of my example, not anyone would please be so kind as to advise me on its relative period of manufacture, & if possible, it's originality, if at all relevant. THANK YOU Best regards, Dom P. / dpast32@aol.com Best regards, Dom P. / dpast32@aol.com

Hello Gents, I sincerely hope everyone here is well & safe, & hopefully remain that way ! I'm not sure if this is the designated Forum for my query, but if not, I apologize. I've recently obtained a very nice, well filled out Imperial German Militarpass, to what I initially thought belonged to a Saxon Jager Soldat, & later Gefreiter. Someone I know was kind enough to translate some of its entries, & although the book's cover is ink stamped to the Saxon Jager Battalion, he feels that the guy more likely served primarily with the 133d & 134th Infantry Regiments, & later with 133d Infantry's 1st M.G. Company. He was twice WIA, & had subsequent hospitalizations after each. From what's recorded in the book, this young Soldier apparently saw quite a bit of combat !! What I'm really trying to discern is which Division was each of his Infantry Regiment's assigned to ? I'm also enclosing the 6 scans I have, in the event that someone may be able to decipher any of them. I would just love to create a overview & memorial of this Soldier's 'Great War' Service, but won't be able to until I can translate more of the dates & event contained within. I'd be most appreciative for any information I may receive regarding this interesting Militarpass. . Mm..THANK YOU Folks, Best, Dom P. / dpast32@aol.com

THANK YOU Gents for the kind replies ! By now, I've read through most of his 2 Files. It appears as if there's 2 related to him, 1st is the standard Attestation, & the 2nd is his Pension File. He definitely received an GSW to his head, as it's referred to on numerous occasions throughout his records. It states that this right eye required removal, & although I'm not certain as of yet, he may also have become totally blind due to his injury ? The problem is that the text ( writing ) within the records is very small, & most appears to be in cursive, which is extremely difficult to decipher !! He must have been pretty well injured, as he was listed as 'totally disabled' on 13 June 1916. However, he get married a year or so after being discharged, & apparently live quite a while, not passing away until 1974. I'd love to know where he was buried so that I might create some form of memorial for him, but haven't been able to determine that fact yet. I'm also now on the hunt for his SWB # 159681, but where the check that may be is anyone's guess ? It's funny that his Trio was intact, but his SWB was missing ? Oh well, as always, the search goes on !! THANKS again, & Please everyone, stay safe out there !! Dom P. / dpast32@aol.com

REF. TO: Pte. - A/Cpl. Walter LEONARD 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, France 1915 - 1916, Severely W.I.A. / G.S.W. - Head on 17 March 1916, 'The Bluff ', vicinity of Ypres. Good Morning Folks, Although U.K. Medals aren't my usual purchases these days, sometimes I just can't resist if it appears to be too good of a value ! I just grabbed a very nice condition 1914 - 15 'Trio', all correctly impressed to Pte. - A/Cpl. W. Leonard, Suff. R. 8896. { RE: No. 8896, Walter LEONARD, Coy A, 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, 1914 - 1916. NOTE regarding his sub-unit assignment. I am fully certain as to him serving throughout his 'career' with the Suffolk's 2nd Battalion, BUT can not for my confirm his assignment to Company A ? My indication referring to Coy A is per an official 'Character Assessment Form', dating from shortly after his Enlistment. Document is signed by an Officer stating his unit as, Coy A, 2d Suffolk. Now, was this A Coy Officer signing Documents throughout the Battalion, or ?? } Yet another point to wonder ? Initially, I was was of course hoping that the recipient had been from amongst the very few surviving members of Suffolk's 2nd Battalion was escaped being overrun at Le Cateau in 1914. It wasn't to be unfortunately, as 'my ' Soldier didn't arrive over in France until 27 December 1914. Although I'm still in the very early stages of my research, I have already learned that the recipient had an extremely interesting, yet somewhat brief Service Career. He Enlisted just 11 days past his 18 birthday during February 1914, but for some reason, most possibly training requirements, he didn't arrive in France until late December 1914. He served with his 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment until having to be medically evacuated due to an intestinal infection of some sort during May 1915. After his diagnosis of Gastro Enteritis, he was evacuated home to the U.K. for treatment. He was ordered by Medical Officers to remain in the U.K. for at least 3 months, or more. So, he remained undergoing treatment until, as per his own request, he returned to France with his 2nd Battalion on 01 March 1916. ( Well, the poor kid sound have stayed home in 'Blightly', as the future didn't bide well for him at all !! ) As per his Soldiers' Pension File, he suffered a 'G.S.W. - Head', sometime during March of 1916 in 'Ypries'. ( Apparently a misspelling of Ypres. ) That pretty much ended his U.K. Military Service, as the wound resulted in the removal of his right eye, thereby making him 'unfit for further military service'. From what I can discern so far, it appears that he was Officially Discharged as an 'Invalid' on 13 June 1916. He does appear on the official S.W.B. Rolls, as being awarded Badge # 159681, for 'G.S.W. Head'. { NOTE: If course if anyone has ANY information as to the current location of S.W.B. No. 159681, would they PLEASE let me know !! } Well, that's all that I've managed to accomplish so far, but, as always, 'the eternal hunt must go on' !! THANK YOU for reading. Best, Dom Pastore Jr. { dpast32 / dpast32@aol.com }

THANKS again !!! Oh BTW, I forgot to mention the 3rd 'reference' I had to Craig as a Captain. When obtained, I also received some assorted paperwork from the seller. One document was from a researcher here in the US who specialized in UK & Commonwealth medals. ( RE: Richard 'Dick' Crawford, of Peekskill, NY USA ) He reported Craig as a Captain, along with is overall dates of service. He list the following dates as his sources; "Army List, 1918 Quarterly" / "Army List, March 1920 Monthly" / "London Gazette, 28 September 1921" <<< END. Just note that in the L.G. Date of 28 Sept., I found Craig on the 27th, not 28th ? I checked with a few older collectors as to who Crawford was, & they all replied that he was was absolutely top notch, & his reference was always spot on. Soooo, that also adds to the Captain's credibility, I think ? Honestly, if I hadn't read about the Tourmakeady ambush & Craig's participation it it, I wouldn't have grabbed it as it's not my primary collecting focus. But, as I delved ever deeper into Craig's service career, I felt I had better take it or I'd almost surely regret it down the road. As always, the hunt goes on !! Take care Gunner, Best, Dom

Hello Gunner1, At this point in my research, I'm tending to believe that your above theory is the most probable. Perhaps he was appointed to a Captain's rank, either before or after his initial retirement from the 'Regular Army on 02 June 1922, IIRC. After that, it appears as if he served in the 'Reserve of Officers', a although his Reserve years aren't quite as well documented as is earlier years. The Indian Army G. Craig intrigues me somewhat, although deep down I really don't think it's him. And, I've noted that the date the 'Indian' Craig was posted to be a Captain was prior to the action in which he earned his M.B.E. ? ( M.B.E. action was on 03 May 1921 / L.G. on 27 September 1921 ) Probably just meaningless data, but worth a look I thought. ) I'm certain that as additional data becomes available online, we'll learn the full story of Lt. / Capt. George Craig, but unfortunately that may not be for a few years ? I learned years ago that sometimes you solve these riddles at the least expected times. I have an M.M. ( Geo. VI, WW2 ) that had been awarded to an American for his actions on Christmas day & night 1944. Talk about a tough research project, anyone & everyone told me I'd never solve that one. Well, after much great effort, along with the assistance of a UK friend & the PRO at Kew, we solved it. ( And, what an interesting story it revealed. ) Another interesting story revealed was an WW1 M.M. awarded to a Canadian somewhat early in the War. I purchased it as an 'Somme / Courcellette' award, tough further investigation proved it to be a a bit more desirable 'St. Eloi Craters' example. And lastly, a rather I purchased as a 'basic' WW1,Trio turned out to belong to a family member of one of the founding families of South Africa. I guess that's one reason we all collect, the preliminary hunt ! THANKS again Gunner, I'll let you know if I come up with any additional information. Take care, Dom / dpast32@aol.com

Hi Gunner, THANKS again ! Yup, I've already been there. I received his 65 page Officer's Svc File a week or two ago, & although it's somewhat comprehensive, almost 35%+ of it is related to injuries he suffered in 1917, & 1918. Sadly, many of the pages tend to be almost unreadable, while others exhibit terms & codes that I'm really not familiar with ? It is possible that there is a reference in it, buried somewhere noting him as a Captain, though I haven't been able to find it. I'm reference to the unofficial naming, both I & other experienced British collector's have observed more than a few named M.B.E.'s throughout the years. This example was formerly part of Tom Nier's collection, & he was fully satisfied with it. Obviously, his Wife was convinced he was a Captain, at least for a time. It just doesn't make sense for her to include that rank in her Will ? ( She drowned in the River Foss, in York during November 1945. ) And, why would Craig, who had served H.M. Forces since age 16 incorrectly name his M.B.E., which appears to be his only gallantry decoration. ( His other medals are campaign & coronation, as in 1911 Deli Durbar, & 1914 Star - WW1 Trio ) It just doesn't add up for him to his-representative is final rank ? I'm doing my best to find his grave location & perhaps a photo of his Gravestone. It will be interesting to see what rank, if any is listed on it ? Best, dpast32

I've been thinking about all the various scenarios that could be relevant here, but ? And if course, there's still the 2 mentions of him as a Captain ? 1st, why would his Wife's Will refer to him as such ? 2nd, His M.B.E. had been known to collectors since at least 1984, named to him as a Captain. The medal itself is an older example, 1919 proofed. Honestly, I've been researching medals for over 45 years now, & I have to admit this one's a real bugger ! Best, dpast32