Mervyn Mitton

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I have been offered this pair of Boer War Groups - and if I do this it will be because of our experts on the Forum confirming on their authenticity for naming. They are both rare for their Medical links. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_08_2012/post-6209-0-92319000-1345381496.jpgclick The naming is particularly interesting - Lt. & Qr. Mr. D.DALLAS RAMC This naming usually meant that they were older senior NCO's - either transferred or, brought out of retirement. They tended to be made Quartermasters for the efficient transfer of supplies etc.. My Grandfather had this happen - he was Captain and Quartermaster and Leigh helped establish that he was with one of the Glouster's Bns.. I suspect that Lt. Dallas may have been with a forward Field Hospital - in charge of the smooth running and in charge of the o/r's. The alternative to this is that he was with a base hospital. A few edge knocks - however, I will be pleased to have your opinions ? Mervyn

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Ah ! Yes. I know Damascus steel - just never heard that name for it. Looking at your blade I wouldn't say Damascus - you can usually see how it has been folded and worked-on. However, yours is very well made and collectable. Mervyn

Erich - a nice example. With the gold neillo work on the grip it was obviously of some importance. I am not sure what you mean by Wootz. Was that a maker - or, perhaps a style ? Mervyn

JF42 - always appreciated when a Member with knowledge takes the time to add an explanation on something rare. Thankyou. Mervyn

Brian - thank you very much for taking the time to take and post these photos. Adds a lot of info. to what we knew. Considering that the Heavy Artillery would have seen action in South West Africa, France and Mesopotamia , 150 KIA's doesn't sound a very high figure. I certainly think it adds rarity value to the medal. Any idea on the muzzle size on the Memorial gun ? Best wishes Mervyn

Virge857 - unfortunately Prosper is no longer with GMIC. Perhaps try an advertisement (free) on the Wanted section of the Sales section - and why not an appeal on the US Forum ? Mervyn

Rocjks - how can you think of ebay when you are a member of the top Military Forum ? Go onto our sales section - show your pictures and state your price. Should they not sell, then you consider the sales sites. But remember - you pay NO commission on GMIC. Best of luck. Mervyn

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One of the standard things of collecting is that people look for the unusual and the rare. KILLED IN ACTION medals will always command quite a high premium - sad for the victim and his family - but a fact of life. The World War One - War Medal below - is a South African casualty and the CWGC readout shows his unit, date of death and where he is buried. 1917 was an active period of the War and I will have his papers drawn to get further details. Meanwhile - please note that he was with South African Heavy Artillery. Normally they are quite a way behind lines - so it will be interesting to find out the circumstances. I am hoping that Arthur will spot this post and, perhaps be able to help with the total number of casualties to Heavy Artillery - I, somehow, don't think it will be a very big number. I am also not remembering what guns our H.A. were using. Was it the big 8 inch guns - or, perhaps the 5.5" Howitzers. He was only 24 when he died - so the WW2 medals must be for a son - or, more likely a Brother. As always - your input is welcomed. Mervyn http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_08_2012/post-6209-0-89465100-1345041863.jpgclick

You beat me to posting it ...................

Staamped 'Silver' - in English. Perhaps Malta ? http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_08_2012/post-6209-0-97830100-1345040353.jpgclick

A small badge - obviously with some equestrian background. However, can any member identify Country and purpose ? Mervyn http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_08_2012/post-6209-0-11081600-1345040217.jpgclick

Tresawne - a good reference picture - I think it will get some good use from members. Mervyn

Me too ! I think it will have to be a re-write. Mervyn

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Back in August 2010 I posted Part 11 of this series. I had bought a collection of Police hats from around the World and gradually entered them here for reference. There are still a few in the UK and a box has just arrived with another six. I will enter them two at a time , over the next week-or so. If they have labels they will be shown. Please add any info. that you can - Country, Force, Rank and Unit would be helpful. No. 1. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_08_2012/post-6209-0-24089500-1344958691.jpgclick to enlarge

Hi Bob - hope all is well. Your collection is going 'great guns' - some very unusual ones - I also just noticed the number of visitors you have had. I remember when you started and wondered if there would be any interest - over 11,000 proves that there is. How is Lorenzo doing - do you ever hear from him ? Mervyn

Nedelskiy - this is a very suitable forum for Firefighting medals and equipment since they are non-militaria. I see that you have opened a thread for African Firefighting - this can be for the rest of the World. Well done for thinking of it. Mervyn