Mervyn Mitton

I just hope he never fell in his swimming pool ?

For an Australian this is a very evocative scene. As with Canada and South Africa at some point in WW1 most houses flew a flag of mourning - the death toll was just so high Personally, I can think of several Aussie museums who would welcome being able to put it on show. Thankyou. Mervyn

Dave - Vic Wilkinson of PICA would be 'jealous' of some of your numbered plates - that is his speciality. You have a lovely collection and I would not be surprised if the first example is for senior officers (say Asst. Comms) and above. The appearance is cast silver - easily tested. Mervyn

Wasn't the Mk. 6 the version that was sold to Spain after the War ? With your early interests you should be collecting observation balloons - parts and pictures ? Mervyn

Collectorin the USA - welcome to GMIC and thankyou for sending the Parker Field tipstaff engraved for an Inspector of Prisons. This would have been for a Regional Appointment and he would have been in charge of a given district. The pattern of tipstaff is around the 1870's. H.M.Inspector of Prisons would have carried a more elaborate staff - and probably in Ivory. Do you have any other examples ? Mervyn

Please see if you can get someone to help you translate this into English. Mervyn

Peter Mc . has shown two early and important Royal Irish const. items. The rattle may well have been carved by the constable - Peter, have you seen other examples.? The metal and enamel painted metal badge is in fact a Police Station sign to show the public.Mervyn

This noted and reputable firm of Medal Auctioneers , average just two auctions a year. They specialise in South African issues - but, also have issues from around the World. Looking for rare items - then this is the place to look. One whole section is devoted to rare SA Lifesaving Medals. There are also a number of combination True Dienst Gallantry medals, accompanied by their ABO's. Good hunting. Mervyn

Timothy - welcome to GMIC. Your comments on the manufacture of these poorly made helmets are interesting - however, I am still far from convinced that top regiments would use this quality - even for the band. We must not overlook that there is always a good market for repros for use in theatres and for the re-enactment groups. I wonder if other members have anything further to add ? Mervyn

I like the sea horses - are they cast - or, made from wire ? Mervyn

Stuka - I always thought that was standard issue on Belgian airlines - helps get around those small borders..................... Sorry !!! Mervyn

Mike - take my word for it - your buckle looks absolutely correct. Just a buff that has left a matt finish. Mervyn

Jack - a lot of these WW2 assignment insignia ere quite quickly made - and this carried over to South Africa, Rhodesia and Australia. If their are flaws in this one I don't readily see them - so perhaps it's origins are not so suspect. Worth opinions from other members ? Now the Pound coin - a shifty item these days that buys less then it promises. Also, at one time the Spanish peso looked and weighed the same , but cost 50%................ Mervyn