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    Mervyn Mitton

    Honorary Member
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    Everything posted by Mervyn Mitton

    1. I just hope he never fell in his swimming pool ?
    2. 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
    3. 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
    4. 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
    5. 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
    6. Please see if you can get someone to help you translate this into English. Mervyn
    7. 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
    8. 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
    9. 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
    10. I like the sea horses - are they cast - or, made from wire ? Mervyn
    11. Stuka - I always thought that was standard issue on Belgian airlines - helps get around those small borders..................... Sorry !!! Mervyn
    12. Mike - take my word for it - your buckle looks absolutely correct. Just a buff that has left a matt finish. Mervyn
    13. 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
    14. Dear Mike - back in 1987 I see that I could still write. Muscular Dystrophy has changed that into a chicken scratch. I am pleased that the book has given you help and information - after all it is the reason an author writes. Do rejoin Pica - I have been a member for some 40 years. Unfortunately the membership is getting old - ex Ch. Supt. Wilkinson - the Chairman is retiring shortly. With your tipstaff named to Wilson, Northumbria Police must have records available. Best wishes Mervyn
    15. Odulf - a distinguished old gentleman and in view of his age I would say either medal is a possibility. The NGS with it's size could well have covered early Naval sea battles - how wonderful to know which bars are represented. Unfortunately, I can't see an early identification - the quality is just not there. Pity. Mervyn
    16. These are two of the rarest Convict helmet plates for South Africa. These are the Victorian and Edward 7th for Robben Island - which lies off Capetown. Mandela was imprisoned there so it has become a mecca for tourists.
    17. Trooper D is almost certainly correct - this will have a colonial background. The pattern is a standard Victorian one and I suspect has been re-polished to get years of tarnish off. I also suspect a link with South Africa - however, our Colonial Services tended to establish patterns that were used in many Colonies. Mervyn
    18. I think this is the first time I have seen a set for New York. Particularly like the 1880's pattern. Mervyn
    19. He was lucky he never fell overboard - would have drowned for sure with all those medals. Interesting story - thankyou both. Mervyn
    20. Stuka - did you get good prices for these ? Mervyn
    21. Some of these initiation masks - particularly if old - can be worth a lot of money. Take good advice. Mervyn
    22. Interesting collection - and probably quite rare. I would expect them to be poison tipped for hunting. Didn't they use curare ? Mervyn
    23. Stuka , I'm sure these will sell well. However, I have to be honest and say this art deco period was quite ugly - just a personal view. Mervyn
    24. Stuka - these are called 'leading handcuffs'. The prisoner had one wrist handcuffed and was led by the handbar. Prior to metal handcuffs , this was the earliest method of securing a prisoner - using rope. The British had a similar metal pattern , but with a half cuff that went around the constable's left wrist. There was always the risk that with one arm free the prisoner could attack you. Mervyn
    25. Dublin Peeler - welcome to GMIC. A nice half bust for the City of London - shows the helmet very well. Look forward to seeing the US models. Mervyn
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