paul wood

Specimens like this were never mounted they were gilt and placed in glazed lunettes. A set of 4 in gold , comprising Candahar Ghuznee Cabul, Kelat-i-Ghilzie, Jellalabad Flying Victory and Meanee-Hyderabad, presented to the Duke of Wellington were sold by Morton and Eden, 3 Oct 2003, lot 583, having previously been sold at Sotheby's 2 July 1980. Specimens, as they were not issued to any recipient, tend to make considerably less than the awarded pieces, probably as little as a few hundred pounds whereas my specimen awarded to the 43rd NI cost many times more. Hope this is of help. Paul

What you have is a glazed gilt specimen of the Khelat-i-Ghilzie medal which was produced as a presentation piece originally with a full group of Afghan medals in a leather case. The awarded medal is one of the scarcest of British campaign medals, I have the priviledge to own one, with only 932 awarded, these mainly to Indian and Afghan troops, the fort withstood a siege of 4 months with virtually no casualties. If you can't have an issued piece this is not a bad thing to have as it was produced at around the time (probably a few years later). All the best, Paul

Assam Rifle Volunteers? Paul

And awarded to a female. Very nice. Any more information about the disaster. Paul

. Dear Mervin, Both the coins appear to be very well circulated and as such tend to retail at about £15 each. Interestingly the 1845 crown also has the regnal year VIII meaning it was struck prior to the June of that year and your coin was struck following June. All the best, Paul

I have just returned from a lovely fortnight in Madeira. The first full day I was there I went above Madeira to Monte to see the "5 Gardens of the Emperor" which is where the Emperor Karl lived from November 1921 until his untimely death on 1 April 1922. I was I must admit quite surprised. I was the only visitor there. The garden where quite nice but neglected in places, some of the out buildings have been restored and photos related to the emperor placed on the walls,. The main house however is in a fairly ruinous state and is borded up, the only part restored is at the rear and is used as a public lavatory (taking the Pxxx literaly). It seems such a tragedy that some money cannot be found to restore the house to its former glory. Surely it's a project which Austrian and EU funds could be used for. It is a shame that it seems off the tourist track and if it was better publicised I am sure that more people would visit it. The church where his funeral took place is packed with tourists. I would be especially interested if Christian has any ideas. All the best, Paul

I suspect that E-bay will be awash the blighters. Friend of mine had one in the pub and a colleague of mine has two. I suspect the price will decline somewhat. Paul

I have never seen a case for an Indo-Chinese one. The cased ones I have seen have always been in standard French cases. If anyone has an Indo-Chinese case I would be interested in seeing a picture. All the best, Paul

:rolleyes: You most definitely do not want to buy medals to Indians from the Raj period, terrible investment, honestly. Paul

1960's or later, can tell by the case. Paul

Alex of this type there is the Grand Cross Special Grade, Grand Cross and Commanders neck badge with star, so yours is in effect third class. All the best, Paul

You are right first French, second locally made. Whenconferred by French authorities to French citizens engaged in service in Cambodia white with orange edges, when conferred by Cambodian government red with green edges. Effectively a French colonial order so arguably should be placed in French forum. All the best, Paul

Alex, The main difference is that some are Parisian made while others our locally made hence difference in quality. Paul

I have been given the job of remounting an elderly Spanish friends fathers medals. Two are very tatty and I need replacements, the first is the Morrocan canpaign (Alfonso XIII with helmet; green) and the Morrocan peace medal 1927. If anyone can help PM me. Thanks in advance. Paul

General Plumer 1857-1932 Joined 65th Foot 1876, served Sudan, 2nd Matabele War, Boer War, Commanded 2nd Army WWI and won a victory against the Germans at Messine, Governor and C in C. Malata 1919-24, High Commissioner Palestine 1925-28, GCB, CGMG, GCVO, GBE. Egypt medal 1884, BSAC Medal, QSA 4 clasps, WWI trio, Order of St John, Knight of Justice, Grand Officer Legion D'Honneur, Grand Officer Belgian Order of the Crown, Grand Officer St, Maurice and Lazarus Italy an Turkish 4th Class Mejidjie for Sudan. Paul

second is the Michael Artillery School. First is the Imperial Techinal School Werlich Fig 132 and 756 respectively, both quite late and not particularly rare. Paul

It's a grenadiers badge of some description but where from I have no idea. Paul

Thanks for showing. A most interesting sideline to my collecting passion. Paul

Top quality early or clearly attributed groups can make very good prices. There is a sizeable number of miniature collectors. For example a good quality attributed field officers peninsular miniature group with Waterloo, Gold medal, Peninsualr Cross and orders can make a couple of thousand pounds. The highest price I can record for a single miniature is an Order of the Crown of India which made a staggering ?1,700. Paul

See Morton and Eden 12 December 2008 lot 795 which clearly date prior to 1838 (Sir Neil Douglas) see wwwmortonandeden.com and follow the links. All the best, Paul

Many thanks for that, has clarified several points. Paul

Chappati flour. As to insert I was thinking of the little card enclosed. Paul