paul wood

Somewhat confused as I cannot see any obvious Russian iconography. Paul

Most interesting letter, I have always wondered about the wisdom of chocolate for the Boer War as it must have quickly become liquid in the heat of the Veldt, however as Mervyn says untouched tins are quite rare and command a substantial premium. Paul

Timo you wife must be very understanding, lovely purchase. Paul

:cheers:Ah these student's have too much money these days

Herman, Thanks for trying Paul

Lovely, thanks for the pictures. Paul

Fantastic images, thank you so much for sharing, nice to see a pristine piece like that. Paul

Bill Werlich is great as a basic reference, however if you decide to go into the series in any great depth you will almost certainly need more specialised book. Paul

Nice one Brian. I so glad you managed to solve that enigma I'll be looking a the Sitara-I-Harbs more closely. Paul

Rogi, Thanks for the superb photos, a nice addition. Paul

Bertie was also godfather to Prince Aleksandar in 1945 (the present queen was godmother). Paul

Any chance of an image of the other side. Paul

Gros Delettrez. 22 November 13 I am fairly certain it was his chain based on other known examples numbers, alas it was withdrawn from the sale as someone told them it had to be returned to the central chancery, causing much consternation amongst two potential buyers who had flown out for the sale. However when it is a gift from the monarch to another head of state then it is not returnable and can be legally sold. Paul

Bill, Werlich's book on Russian Orders, Medals and Decorations, includes all periods and is a good overview. I still use it from time to time and there are several used examples available on Amazon at quite cheap prices. Paul

Yes the medical profession are probably the single greatest cause of death amongst elderly people. I recently went to see my doctor after several years for an injury I had sustained.He was cross that I hadn't seen him for years and he wanted to prescribe me several pills including statins, which I refused with thanks. He said I am prescribing these to help you live longer. I replied the reason I haven't visited you for years is precisely because I do want to live longer. RIP Denys Paul

I believe his chain turned up in a French auction a little while ago. Paul

marvellous photo. The thought of Bertie stammering through the Best man's speech in Serbian is somewhat mind boggling. Paul

Radmilo, Pavle received the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order on the 9 June 1922 during the Duke of York's (later George VI) visit to Belgrade for the Marriage of King Alexander and Princess Marie of Romania. Paul

A first day of the Somme German casualty, nice (although not for him). Paul

A huge monument for a giant of a man. (my favourite Czar). Paul

The 1912 Monument Inauguration was quite a bean feast, there was in addition to the various jetons a rouble coin produced (A nice example can fetch £10,000), two medals were made by Avenir Griliches Junior, 78 and 33 mm in gold, silver and bronzehttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2014/post-3085-0-94825900-1392300684.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2014/post-3085-0-68027400-1392300712.jpg. Paul

Fantastic, especially with the case. Paul

Thanks for the info Rogi. Paul

Amazing, thanks for sharing, never seen one of those beasties before. Paul

That miniature chain is something else. I know of miniature collectors who would kill for it. Paul