Mervyn Mitton

HMS SHROPSHIRE - a County Class Cruiser. There were 143 South African sailors serving on board. Including our man. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2012/post-6209-0-87176100-1337615900.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

This was part of the paperwork and may be names of other ships involved ? http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2012/post-6209-0-93739100-1337615723.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2012/post-6209-0-22960900-1337615587.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

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His two Russian awards. Following this picture are details of the medals. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2012/post-6209-0-92778600-1337615226.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

His Bosun's Whistle - meaning he was the Chief Petty Officer in charge of Deck Crew. Note that it is numbered and has the Ordnance Board Broad Arrow on the ball section. This means he was issued with it. Many permanent force bought their own silver ones. I think the Naval crown is to be worn on the sleeve for identification of rank ? http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2012/post-6209-0-67305800-1337614842.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

This picture shows his Mentioned in Despatches award. A cap band or, Tally for HMS Shropshire - she was a County Class Cruiser of some 11000 tons. Also, his picture at the time. The medal group are his miniatures - the full set will be following. From left. 39/45 star ; Atlantic Star (Murmansk Convoys) ; Africa Star ; Burma Star ; Defence Medal ; War Medal ; Africa Service Medal. (All British awards apart from the Sth. African War Service medal.) http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2012/post-6209-0-15155100-1337614064.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

Details of his service and the ships he served on. A unique way of keeping this information. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2012/post-6209-0-80507700-1337613754.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

Continuation of list http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2012/post-6209-0-23225600-1337613569.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

The left side shows all of the countries he served-in during WW2 http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2012/post-6209-0-61958500-1337613395.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

The reverse of the collar - showing the details of his service. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2012/post-6209-0-63226900-1337613159.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

This first item is a standard British Naval ratings collar - the top of the picture shows the part that would be folded down the top of the back. The two outer sections come around the front to be secured. Very unusual to see one at least 57 years old. However, the main interest is what he wrote inside. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2012/post-6209-0-86802400-1337612832.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

This is a most unusual group that I have just purchased. The amount of material that came with it means that no extra research will be necessary. He was a Reservist with the South African Navy - which numbered about 7500 men at the start of the 2nd. WW. Approx. 2500 were sent to serve in Britain with the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserves and he was amongst those. I think you will find his history over the period of the War to be an interesting one - and he was awarded a Naval MID - only 100 of which were given to South Africans. Naval personnel never seem to get high numbers of awards - I suppose one reason could be that it is hard to distinguish just one man , when there is a whole crew to consider ? His two Russian medals were awarde on the 50th Anniversary of the end of WW2 and were to commemorate the bravery of the British Navy in supplying Russia with supplies in the Artic Convoys. There are a number of items - I will work through them and hope they are of interest - please ask questions or, post comments.

Brian - you have a good example with the figure of 8 cuffs. The case would be specific to the RIC - at least in the 19th C. However, this pattern is of a much earlier date and is almost identical to the first issue for the Metropolitan Police in 1829. They carried theirs in one of the tail pockets in the original swallow tailed coatees. I was interested to see that we have a new member with over 600 sets of handcuffs. I used to know someone in Bournemouth who had well over 500 pairs - I used to dread him calling to the house - bits of oily metal everywhere ! The Americans have great numbers of cuffs with just slight differences - they also like thumb cuffs. For a collector the interest is in these small variations because, unfortunately , they all do virtually the same job - securing wrists together. Mervyn

John - very nicely carved and interesting pieces. I tend to agree with you that they are probably intended as powder flasks - although with the intricate carving I would have expected hunting scenes. Just to 'confuse' you with a further thought - what about pilgrims' flasks for wine or, water ? This would explain the hole beneath the neck as it would be easier to fill with a liquid. Do a bit of research - in the middle ages everone carried them when travelling - and these have an appearance of age. Mervyn PS. I realise that I thought originally that you had two flasks - which worried me a little. With only one - and the Heart shape (usually associated with Christianity - I do think it is probably a pilgrim's flask. Possibly Spanish - - or, an alternative of Italian. Please let us know how you get-on with enquiries ?

Have had a look and his description seems genuine. The quality of this is superior to Linas' (sorry Linas) - which I still think is intended for stage use. I do not think yours - or this one - are intended as sweetheart brooches - far too big. However, it has been traditional for very many years - for officers' wives to wear an ornament identifying themselves as having an affiliation to a famous Regiment - usually through marriage. The Guards have had these as belt buckles for wives at official functions for a long time. The quality and the enamel work certainly make me think along these lines. Mervyn (worth buying at this price)

Craig - congratulation on the Award. This goes to all of our Members who may be recognised. Chris - I couldn't agree more with your comment. Sometimes I think they try to make the Queen look silly ?

PFC Auctions - you are very welcome as a new member - however, we do not allow advertising of this nature. Re-post with the photograph and ask members if they can assist.

Nice to see the medal 'in the flesh' - also the box. Personally, I think it is an elegant award.

Mike - it is hard to believe that your KRRC badge is not genuine ? Even to casting wording - which Linas' does not have. Too good for a re-enactment group - perhaps it was more intended as a large sweetheart brooch ? I must admit that I am leaning more towards a stage prop for his. Mervyn

Linas - I would like to see a clearer picture of the panel with the Crown above. With just an effect of wording then I think the next possibilitiy will be that it has been made as a stage prop. Very often in period dress Orders and Awards are worn for the correct effect. They would not use originals as they are too valuable. So, perhaps not costume jewellery - but, rather a stage item ? Mervyn

Mike if none iof the members can help let me know and I will put you in touch with a good researcher. Mervyn

Linas - whilst I tend to usually agree with Mike's identifications ,I must admit that on this occasion I am not sure it can just be written off as costume jewellery. The workmanship is of a good standard , the enamel with a centrepiece of George and the Dragon well caste. What I can't make out is the panel above St. George - what does it say ? Should the word be 'ONWARDS' - then it could well be for an Association. The use of the Royal Crown is strictly limited and would indicate - to me - that Royal Patronage is involved. The other feature that indicates an official use is that the surrounding mount is a standard 8 pointed star - with good moulding. The fact that the KRRC writes that it is jewellery can easily be attributed to - 'if they didn't issue it - then they have no interest ?' Please confirm if it is 'ONWARD' - in which case it does ring a bell with me. I have a book on mottoes and will look it up. Mervyn

Nice pair of cuffs, Brian. The problem with the locking bar at the top is getting them to hold still while you press it in. Mervyn

Bjorn - look at the top of the Forum - the first section on the right allows auction entries. There is also a further 'For sale'section lower down -above the Lounge section. You can post a picture of the MC and also refer members to this post as we have given verification. Try a reserve of approx. 400 pounds ($650) and it should be bid-up to it's market price. Ask for further help if you have problems. Mervyn