Mervyn Mitton

With a very useful umbrella inside. The bamboo covering folds down for the pocket. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-28536100-1331480341.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

An ordinary looking stick with an outer bamboo covering http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-54289800-1331480200.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

Close-up of head - with Battle Honour Hindustan http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-40314100-1331480013.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

The silver top http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-58806800-1331479816.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

This was my Grandfather's Regimental walking stick - The Leicestershire Regt. the 17th of Foot. The Tiger is part of their arms. This is a malacca stick and will date back to the turn of the 20th. Century. The dents were caused by me as a small child ! http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-77192100-1331479302.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

This is a modern walking stick - very heavy walnut with a gold band. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-51422100-1331474584.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

Guy - I always confuse the Dutch and Belgian Crowns. Is there an easy way to remember which is which ? Jef - I think it will be very helpful to identify this - so, yes please - see if you can get it identified ? With the Medal Group there were a number of unusual items - all of which have proved genuine. These included an SS armband with a label ! Mervyn May I make a suggestion to our Belgian Members - your links with the UK are very strong - and yet we don't seem to have a lot of interaction. The group I mention above - and which I will post soon - has the Mons Star and the proper recognition Bar for Aug. 5th to Nov 22nd. I also posted one a few weeks ago to the British Royal Naval Reserve who fought as Infantry at Mons and Ypres - he also helped to defend Antwerp. Ypres still have a daily ceremony to commemorate this defence - how about some photos and also the feelings of modern day Belgians on these old events ? Mervyn

Guy - I agree that it would be wrong to use the photo without full accreditation - however, the Crown Copyright was set-up to distribute material to interested people. I think therefore that you could post this picture of the tailor - it would be interesting. Should they object - which I doubt with the GMIC credibility - then we can always apologise - and perhaps, sacrifice one of the newer members. Mervyn

This version of the Star covered 1914 to 1915, when it was discontnued. The details on the reverse show that he was attached to the Royal Field Artillery. These were land based and therefore - nothing to do with the Fleet Auxilieries. WW2 though, saw Artillery gunners stationed on merchant ships to man the guns fitted against German submarines. One of our members may be able to help you with some further details. Mervyn

Dave - both drawings are brilliant. Had it not been from yourself, I would have doubted that the medals could be drawn so accurately - and convincingly ? How are you with colour on drawings of this nature ? Also, how are your Regimental figures and uniforms ? I ask this for a reason - there is a dearth of really competent artists for this type of accurate representation. My blog story - Mathew Tiller - Parish Constable , will require good black and white drawings of places and people. When it gets closer to being published I will try to agree a figure with you - or, let you have a share. Meanwhile, have a look at the blog and suggest a couple of pictures we could use now. I do sincerely congratulate you on your talent. Mervyn

Thanks - Jef. The fact that it is a 'fouled anchor' would seem to link it to the Navy - perhaps even the Merchant Navy. Period wise - we will just have to hope someone will recognise it ? Mervyn

Reverse - with pin. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-61412900-1331314095.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

This attractive gilt badge came in with a very special WW1 Group that I will be showing on the British Section in the near future. He served in Belgium and was awarded the Mons Star for service betweeen Aug 5th and Nov.22nd.. There were many small contemporary items in the box , including this Belgian Crowned (I hope it is ) fouled anchor. Was it perhaps a Naval cap badge - or, a lapel pin ? Your opinions will be welcomed. Mervyn http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-34302900-1331313951.jpgCLLICK TO ENLARGE

His advice will be much appreciated . Mervyn

Pete - when you say a set of 20, I take it that these are modern ? Mervyn

Thankyou Pete - I always value your opinions. Mervyn

Pete - thankyou for your suggestion. The later one is strange - that I could see as a token. However, the older one appears to be a coin - surely that could not be used as a token ? Mervyn

Just for interest - a Commander in the Royal Navy - is the equivalent of a Lt. Colonel in the Army.

Thankyou Guy - a lovely clear picture - and what an impressive badge it is ?

THIS HAS VERY STRANGE WORDING - ALMOST LIKE AN EXPERIMENTAL ONE ? http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-65160900-1331132364.jpgclick to enlarge

The second coin - 1869 - head of young Victoria http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-32262400-1331131665.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

THE REVERSE http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-39759500-1331131543.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

Dated 1791 this George2 3rd. coin is about the size of an old shilling. It has been drilled to use as a pendant. Appearance is Gold - but, doesn't seem heavy enough. Your thoughts will be appreciated. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-50755300-1331131326.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

REVERSE OF 2ND. ONE http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-49947700-1331048292.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

SECOND ONE (LOOKS OVERPAINTED ) http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-16631200-1331048150.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE