Mervyn Mitton

Boots - even at 400 mag. I can only make out that the ribbon has two colours - in two parts. Taz - a fascinating clipping on the incident. How quickly we forget the 'blood baths' of earlier years. Mervyn

Thankyou Tresawne. Very useful info.. Welcome to the Forum - I hope we will see more posts from you. Mervyn

Erichjr - I am attaching a page from Lyles Official Arms and Armour Review for 1983. Your dagger is named - however, these are better quality then your version, which has a wooden grip. After 29 years expect the prices to be a little higher....... Mervyn http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_08_2012/post-6209-0-57406700-1343832845.jpgclick to enlarge

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_08_2012/post-6209-0-60055100-1343831463.jpgclick to enlarge

Boots - thanks for telling us about this change. I would say 'penny pinching' - it will look very strange to have - say - 5 identical medals and ribbons that will disappear into the background. Rather like the Zulu King - he wears five identical medals (we don't lknow what for ! ) and they just have plain coloured ribbons. Mervyn

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2012/post-6209-0-71174800-1343665362.jpgclick to enlarge with acknowledgement to Medal Yearbook 2012

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Firstly, one does not very often see Efficiency Medals for sale on their own - usually they are attached to a WW2 Group. Secondly, the South African version is bi-lingual in English and Afrikaans and is very sought after by collectors. This one was awarded to Corporal E.J. Hammond of the SAAF (South African Air Force) I have no details of his service - or, which Branch of Service he was in. Rather then take a long time to print out the Conditions of Award for the Efficiency Medal I am going to re-produce the entry from the: Medal Yearbook 2012 edition. My thanks to the publishers and I would recommend this volume to every medal collector. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2012/post-6209-0-65724400-1343665052.jpgclick to enlarge

Chris - couple of points - my German is not good. 1. Is this an original box for the firm - or, have they added the label ? 2. How was the Iron Cross applied to the lid ? 3. They appear to have had a plastic inside box made and then covered it to match the lid. Or, is it all false ? 4. How genuine are the medals ? Dependent on what you say , then surely this is a total case of fraud through deception. This being the case then the German Police and ebay should be informed ? Surely, as the World's leading Militaria Forum we have a duty to use our knowledge for the benefit of Members and the public ? Mervyn

Since 2008 - 30,508 views and 20 pages. I would like to pay my respects to all of the Members - particularly Graham Stewart - who have shown such enthusiasm for the Regiment - and knowledge that would be difficult to find elsewhere. Keep it up everyone - this is the sort of post that keeps GMIC at the top of the Forums. Mervyn

Excellent photos Peter - are you in amongst them ? Mervyn

Two very nice illustrations. I think we would all be interested to see some general pictures of the re-enactment. Hope you managed to get some good photos ? Mervyn

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2012/post-6209-0-18881800-1343226172.jpgclick to enlarge...........this post starts on page 8

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The head of King Cetywayo's staff http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2012/post-6209-0-42698200-1343225800.jpgclick to enlarge

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Decoration on shaft http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2012/post-6209-0-74884800-1343225465.jpgclick to enlarge

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http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2012/post-6209-0-65332900-1343225217.jpgclick to enlarge

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2012/post-6209-0-35990600-1343223851.jpgclick to enlarge I haven't posted on this thread for a few months and quite a number of new items have come-in. I will download over the next few weeks , but today want to show one of the rarest ceremonial items used by King Cetywayo in the 1870's. There does not appear to be a name for it - and so far I have found reference to only Cetywayo carrying one. The significance of the clenched fist is that it represents authority - tribes around the World have used this symbol. The one I will show further down was shown in the book Zulu Treasures and was presented to the Museum by Colonel Bourquin. He was an expert on Zulu history and his identification and interpretation will be correct. The weapon in the Museum is in lovely polished condition , whilst the one I illustrate is a little worn. What then is it's origin. Was it the original one for Cetywayo - or, was it carried by the Crown Prince ? The two Iwisas shown above were carried by a very senior Zulu - of General's rank. This staff was brought in by the same lady and were part of the collection. I think it fairly safe to say that they had an historical ownership. Perhaps King Cetywayo himself ? I doubt that we will ever know for sure -

Good one Brian - you've struck a chord with older members. Mervyn

Dave - welcome to GMIC. It is always nice when old pictures come back to the top - gives a chance for new information to be posted. Do you have any other pictures of your Great Uncle ? Mervyn

Congratulations Stephen - a very fine group that you can be very proud of. Under the Lounge section is a long post of people showing their medals. I think it is called 'Post your own'. Have a look and add yours - keeps it fresh for the Forum. Mervyn

Tony - thankyou for taking the trouble to take photos and post them. I'm sure that Mike will be pleased to see a modern interpretation of the uniform. Please also say Thanks to your friend Paul Biggins - he makes a very convincing 'old soldier'. Mervyn

Sorry Greg - misunderstood you. We must hope that everything goes smoothly. Mervyn