Mervyn Mitton

Rob - until you have completed a certain number of posts, there are a few limitations. Not to worry, the additional information goes with the original post. An interesting officer , with a great history. Mervyn With regard to Commendations - these can be given at different levels. Were you thinking of the British Mentioned in Despatches ? These are often included in the Govt. Gazette for the period. Perhaps some of our Research members may be able to help you ? Best wishes Mervyn

Thankyou militarybadge - welcome to GMIC - and I apologise for this change. We just felt it was lost on the Blog. Oudtshoorn is a lovely small town in the Eastern Cape - on a map it is inland to the left of Port Elizabeth. The area has always been famous for Ostrich rearing and it was the centre for many years. The Oudtshoorn Volunteer Rifles were formed in 1890 and were originally 'G' Company of the Western Province Rifles. In 1897 they served in the Langberg Campaign . 1904 saw them presented with a King's Colour and by 1908 they were two Companies strong. For the Coronation of King George 5th, they were honoured by having their Band and a contingent of troops sent to take part in the Coronation ceremonies. They were disbanded in 1913. From 1891 they wore Line Uniform - with white helmet and shoulder straps. For field dress they wore khaki and a slouch hat. The Badge - shown above was the Arms of the Cape - with the motto 'Spes Bona'. My ref. has been Major Tylden's - The Armed Forces of South Africa. Mervyn

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2015/post-6209-0-35525100-1422270535.jpgclick This post on The Oudtshoorn Volunteer Rifles was posted on 15 January by militarybadge. Unfortunately, he posted as a Blog and although he has had 78 views there has been no answer. There is no easy way to transfer a Blog post to the standard forums - hence a photo - and you will need to enlarge.

Mike - I think this request has 'stumped' us ! I would suggest contacting the Reading Room and ask for their recommendations. You could also look in a recent copy of the MEDAL YEARBOOK and see who is advertising. Hope this helps. Mervyn

I've tried enlarging the picture - just too indistinct. Perhaps someone else will be able to get a clearer picture. Mervyn

I've had a good look - with enlargements - however, the detail just isn't there. I hope someone will be able to get a clear look. Mervyn

Stuka - please let us know how you get on with authentication? I find it a little strange how the 'foxing' or shading has taken on such a strange shape. From the clothing I would judge this to date from 1900 to about 1914 ? What do you put for a date ? Mervyn

The early Congo ones are now quite valuable. I have noticed that the average price of a non-specialised photo card seems to be in the 5 pounds frame. Apart from the obviously sought after Militaria cards , ones of early vehicles and street scenes always seem popular. Please add any you come across. Mervyn

Kev - I don't think I would like to pass an opinion.. I am afraid that this is one of the occasions when we need better pictures - any chance of that ? Should any member recognise the item then please post. Mervyn

Simon - I see you joined last August , however, as these seem to be your first posts - welcome to GMIC. The group is a fine one - Sudan Campaign + Khedives Medal with Khartoum Bar. The Queen's and King's Medals for the Boer War are also good - excellent bars and a total of 7. Please give us some details on the recipient when you have time. Meanwhile , you are wise to take all precautions on their safety. Mertvyn

OnceRetired - welcome to GMIC. Although this is an old post , I feel that your summary has many good points and you have covered the likely history of the awards. I tend to agree with your conclusions that this is not an original group - the medals just seem to be so haphazard that it is hard to find a reason for their grouping. You quite rightly point out that the Africa Service medal is not awarded on it's own - even when the man served only in South Africa the award was War Medal & Africa Service. The Uniform is obviously an original - however, I suspect that it has been put together for display and an RAF wings added in place of a proper SAAF wings. The pity of this is that the uniform is on display in an American Musuem and could cause confusion to any serious collector. Best wishes Mervyn

JohnJArcher - welcome to GMIC and thankyou for the information on ribbons. Sounds as if the company you mention could be helpful to our collectors. This will also apply to the company that Peter has recommended. Mervyn

Jamyam - welcome to GMIC. Thankyou for the information - this should be helpful to researchers. Mervyn

Eric - a few years ago one of our US members got into trouble for possessing Iraqi items. Many were pottery items but, I expect medals would have been included. Last we heard they were trying to prosecute him. Please use caution in what you post. Mervyn

Yes - an interesting set of photos - and as you say good explanations. I suppose the Gallery was the best place for so many, however, I hope he will post on this main Forum. Mervyn

Charles - welcome to GMIC. Your information on amalgamations and numbers will be of interest to members and I hope this will be the first of many Posts from you. Mervyn

Hi Timo. The first medal is the South African Pro Patria medal - a general service issue, most South Africans in the Border wars against Angola received one. There was only one extra bar - CUNENE - which does add to the value. The third one along with the Leopard is for anti-terrorism operations - usually Police. This indicates the bar is Police. I will look the other two up and let you know. This period for SA is specialised and prices are probably not high. They are hard to sell overseas so, you must make a decision. Best wishes Mervyn

Boris - some interesting old items - I liked the pictures of the Roman floors. Best for 2015. Mervyn

No - these are too rare to be used for profiteering. Much of my collection was sold in the UK some 17 years ago - some have appeard in major auctions and ones that I have noticed have all sold for good prices. You must remember that many members of the Public have little knowledge of Tipstaves and would not bid high prices. I think you were just lucky not to have a heavily contested auction. Most of the ones to be seen today are for VR - whereas your is George 3rd. between 1801 - 1816. During Victoria's Reign the carrying of a tipstaff conveyed great authority and many positions were created that would not have existed in the past. Often, the new bearers would have them very elaborately made in silver. We know of only one small gold one and that was for the Chamberlain of the Palace to carry in procession. Mervyn

Thankyou for picture Bluerinse. May I say a very distinguished look - and goes perfectly with your avatar. Please keep posting. Mervyn

The arms do appear to be Queen Victoria's. This is probably a pouch for messages and despatches. I think it would be attached either to a main belt - or, if carried by an officer to a cross strap. A nice item and a good buy. Mervyn

Good advice - I hope you can keep to it............. THIS SUBJECT WILL NOW BE LOCKED

This has been a very interesting thread - do any other members have old picture cards of ships ? Mervyn

Stuka - a nice dish. Not the quality of Rosenthal , but attractive. Those prices seem quite reasonable ? Mervyn

Suggestions were put forward regarding the possible authenticity of this drum. This was an exercise to allow members to judge the item and to join-in. Warnings were given that it may be modern and there have been a number of good replies. The mention of the dealers Blunderbuss was because they would not risk their reputation if they did not think the item had some merits. The comments by Jock Tamson that I am prepared to accept provenance for the drum because of one picture and the dealer is nonsense - I have warned all along that it is for members to make their own minds up. Unfortunately, as is often the way on forums when there are items where opinions differ , rudeness creeps into the posts. One or two are actually quite libelous and this should be remembered. I will not close-down the post - I think there is a lot that can be learned from it's content. However, do remember you are not a 'hanging jury'. Drinking a bottle of brandy and then trying to be clever don't always go well together.