paul wood

At todays silver price of £12.09 per oz a BWM scraps at £14 if it sells at £20 + 20% premium and Vat on premium (total 24 %) that's £24.80-more than £10 over the scrap which for a something where there were 6 million issued is not an absurd base price. Paul

The Group of medals to Rear Admiral William Arthur, who port Arthur is named after is to appear The Gibson Collection for auction by Webb's in New Zealand on 9 April (lot 1)the group includes the Chinese gold medal personally inscribed to him www.webbs.co.nz All the best, Paul

If it was done recently it's one of those naughty collectors (who should suffer eternal hellfire) who think that old ribbons don't look as nice as nylon blasphemies. Paul

I note that they illustrate a couple of our favourite E-bay fakes. Paul

Yes it is the Star of the Turkish order of Charity (Shefkat) Paul

Utopis thank you so much for your assistance. The collector who has this group will be delighted with the information. Paul

Thanks Kevin, I have trawled the Polish sites but without any joy. I will see if anything is on the reverse. Paul

No ideas anyone. Paul

A friend of mine who specialises in Russian W of A and who I help from time to time has sent an intriguing photo of a Russian noble lady wearing a peculiar diamond order, something I have never encountered before. The badge is similar to the Order of St Andrew but instead of the Saint in the centre there is the image of the Madonna and Child, also the ribbon is similar to that of the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky rather than the blue Order of St Andrew ribbon. Is it a one off order preceding the Order of St Catherine. Any help gratefully received. Paulhttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2014/post-3085-0-27395600-1395311550.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2014/post-3085-0-46415600-1395311586.jpg

Slightly amazed that a Serb would receive an Ottoman Order, any details of the award. Paul

Carol, Fantastic set thanks so much for showing. Paul

Badge is a stumper I have tried Patikeev's three volumes on Imperial badges but without success. Paul

Here is the reverse of the TWM looks German to me, the rivets should be able to give a definitive makers attribution. Alas Demir's book in storage at present while we are refitting our office or I would be able to give and answer. Paul

does anyone have any idea what the third medal in the group is and when it was instituted and what the award criteria was. All the best,

Interestingly I have two 14-15 Stars to the Ind Tel Dept and 2 afghan NWFs 1919 one to Ind Tel Dept. the other Tel. Dept. (all awarded to Indians). Paul

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2014/post-3085-0-82640100-1394793606.jpgHere is the medal and box that Cenkab mentioned. The Bramah case dates between 1910 and 1936. However the TWM looks German made to me and looking at the company records I can see no evidence of Bramah producing any thing other than locks, keys and other security equipment. I suspect the box and the medal are totally unrelated. I don't know whether there are any marks on the reverse of the TWM which will be able to give definitive attribution. All the best, Paul

Medal has now arrived, it is indeed gold and 36 mm in nice wooden box. Will be appearing at a certain London auction house on 2 July. All the best, Paul

Looks a bit like an unofficial concoction or a downright fake. Paul

After the end of the Napoleonic Wars the British army was drastically reduced in size and many officers were put to grass on half-pay. A fair number of them went on to find service in foreign armies, it is well documented that many British officers found service in the Portuguese and Spanish service (that was where the action was)but others also sought service in other countries such as Austria and Germany. This is a most interesting thread and I am sure with more digging other British Officers will come to light.Re the memorial is there any way that some fund can be set up towards the restoration of the grave. Paul

Bramah are a security firm noted for locks and alarms and have been for decades, I am surprised that they would make TWMs. Any chance of an image of the said box. Paul

Basically the problem with most non London auction houses is that they are not used to international clients and treat them with suspicion (it is possible that they may have been burnt on an expensive purchase from an overseas client). I would suggest if any one wants to bid in one of these auctions best contact a UK dealer to bid on their behalf. If anyone needs assistance in the future they are more than welcome to PM me and I will steer them in the right direction. Paul

He is wearing the Knight's Cross and Silver Cross of the Dannebrog, cypher looks if Christina IX (post 1863) not sure of rank though. Paul

Brian, thanks for this most informative and useful post. Paul

Either that or it's identical twin. Paul

No 5 Omer Faruk Efendi has a fantastic chest of medals. very nice. Paul