Mervyn Mitton

Lieutenant Harftford was attached to one of the Native Contingents during the 1879 Zulu War. Very few of them fought with any great distinction - and it would be true to say that the sight of the Zulu Impis caused mass flight. The Lt. reached Rorke's Drift and latter wrote a book on his exploits. The items shown here were in the family's possession. His spurs are at top right - the two cow horns are Zulu powder flasks and there are a number of neck collars and a foot bangle - these have the dried seed husks to make a sound when the feet are stamped. I am showing them because whilst many Zulu pieces are attributed to Isandlawana, not many have written proof. Top left are two snuff spoons and in either lower corner are pot stands. These have been cleverly carved out of one piece and seem to show a sexual act ?

Looking through an old auction catalogue I found a couple of interesting Zulu items that came up for auction in London. These first two are IQUBANGAS - they are slightly different from Iwisas or, knobkerries, in that they are not really intended for fighting. Chiefs when relaxing in their Kraals carry these as a badge of office. However, in case of trouble they are still a formidable weapon. Note the copper and brass bindings at different points - all part of the status, Overall length is approx. 5 feet (150cm)

tsarenko1975 - now, that was an interesting experience............... An entire Forum - entirely in Russian - and flashing pictures as well ! Looked to be well done - I wish I spoke Russian , but alas, I only speak English, Canadian and Australian. Perhaps another member will have a suggestion. Mervyn

I would say to have a medal specifically for Armed Services or, Police killed in action is unusual. Offhand , I can't think of any other specific Countries. Have you asked Megan if she can help you. I would also suggest that you write direct to the Pakistan Police - explain you have his medal and ask for details and ribbon - tell them it will be shown publicly (which it will on GMIC) and will honour their Force.

I would say not British - perhaps one of the smaller Countries. The crown above the badge is trying to look like the British Naval Crown. Did it have any provenance when you bought-it ?

Jean-Paul - a very interesting cutting - they RNLI has always had my admiration. I know several collectors of life saving awards - however, in recent years prices have gone high. Bit late for anyone to do anything on this one, but a lovely item to have in any collection.

And even these are 38 years old ! The RCMP should have had my tipstaff from 1873 - but it is committed now. Funny - the day we decide to unpin there are two threads.

Steve - welcome from myself as well. The truncheon could be for a factory - there is no Crown and it looks like initials with & in the middle. There is a no. 46 at the base - which again, could indicate a large concern. I really need to know what the letters are - see if you can work them ot - and some photos - going around the body - would be helpful. Mervyn

We have apologised to Paul - however, with no posts since December, we feel this topic has to be un-pinned. Keep adding new threads and maintain interest and it will remain high on the list.

Brett pointed out that even here - which is probably still better then most parts of Africa - the traffic police will ask if you want to pay the fine in 'cash' - or, go to Court. I find it hard to express the feeling of 'disgrace' that I personally feel over this humiliation. The Metropolitan Police has a tradition that goes back to 1829 - virtually every change - in procedure or, uniforms and equipment - has been pioneered by us and then adopted in other Forces. We have many retired and serving members within our GMIC - some of them retiring with very senior ranks - and I am quite sure that all feel this same sense of being let down by people of low moral values - and an urge to get something for nothing. Someone pointed out - the Commissioner could have had any treatment he needed - the Met. have enough facilities. The sooner it all goes away the better - meanwhile, I shall no longer speak to Craig (not really) and will tell everyone I used to serve in Dorset Constabulary...........

Was it made in Hong Kong - they were very good at using old dies and only changing ther 'big' bits ? Unfortunately, I don't think it makes it more valuable...

Prosper - it makes a fascinating story and a salutory one in that Britain - repeatedly - allows it's heroes to be badly treated. I would agree with you that the engraving shows clearly it was done with pride for the family to remember him - after all, what else were they left with - match salesmen don't get big pensions. The cutting is particularly interesting - VC's with a good citation were expected to sell at 10,000 pounds sterling. ....... A few years ago I was told a true story that happened in the old Rhodesia. A long established private business was sold when the old owner - I believe in his 80's, died. The new owner took over and one day climbed up to look on top of a cupboard in his office. Wrappped-up - in a box was a full 1st World War Group - with the original VC ! The owner had been the old man - however, the purchase had been with all contents - this meant the new owner had entitlement. Fortunately , he was a Gentleman - tracked the family down and returned the medals. Does anyone else have any interesting things they can add ?

Thankyou Graham for your observation on picture 2. I had wondered about the 'gormless' look - but for some reason we had not thought of 'shell shock'. So many young men suffered the trauma of this nervous ailment - and as we know - some were even shot as 'cowards' because of it's effects. The picture is actually very sad and I regret ever thinking badly of him. Mervyn

Will - another good article on a rare subject. Brian and I both agree it is worthy of the two week pinning. I must tell you that I am a Life Fellow of the RGS and I've never seen any history in the Society House. I found it fascinating.

Will - firstly , we have pinned this article for the two weeks. With the spears I have in stock the military short assegai and a game guards - I could send you photos of these. I will see if I have any books covering them. Mervyn

Spasm (I can't really keep calling you this - give us a first name - please !). This should be the section for all things African - however, I have noticed that medals pre-dominent. Feel free to leave it here - but, do add a note on the different pieces. Mervyn

I agree with Robin's comment on Prosper's reply - just about sums things up ! I made a point of watching the UK 10p.m. news last night - and as an aside they revealed that the British Army is the smallest in numbers - ever...... For clarity with our non-British members - the Commissioner is the top police officer in Britain and is the equivalent of a full general. There are four Assistant Commissioners - each the equivalent of a major general - or, in Police terms - a Chief Constable. This has been coming for some time - young 'high flyers' being politically promoted above their abilities. You mention Sir Robert Mark - probably the last of the disciplinarians - he was brought into the Met. to sort out the CID - and did a good job. He opened my exhibition in the East End and I sat on his left at the formal opening lunch - I think I was the only Constable there .

Hi - Spasm (first name ?) Welcome to GMIC. These interesting pieces would be better on our Forum within the British section - near the top. We specifically cover South African - look at the titles. I would suggest that you re-post there - on this Forum it will get lost with medals. When you do, tell us a little about yourself and your collecting interests. p.s. whilst Sth. African viewers will know what these are - I'm afraid the rest of the World won't. Give a brief description of each and the unit involved. Mervyn

From what I have heard today, it would seem the Highest Police Officer in Britain - the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police AND the Deputy Commissioner (3rd. highest) have both had to resign due to a bribes scandal. The Metropolitan are the oldest civil Police Force (1829) in the World - 182 years - and it is a terrible disgrace. I expect it from some Countries - but not our senior Force - I really am shocked.

Will, congratulations on a fine article - lots of good information. Should you be able to do these on a regular basis , we could treat them as per "Writing for GMIC " posted at the top of Badges. One piece of info. that may be of help - the spears are the standard African Constables Assegais. They are longer then the standard SADF spear used by sentries etc.. I suppose these - being longer - were more suited for a parade. SAP issue always have a thumb rest in order that all of the heads are at the same angle and direction. There were different versions for Game Guards and for Prison Officers. The early ones were made in the UK by Vickers - during the War we made them in S.A.

Unfortunately, Prosper - rare medals are like rare paintings - certain collectors 'just want them', whatever their provenance. The one you discuss - where the awardee said it wasn't his, has probably gone into a hidden collection. Some few years ago, we heard that a VC had gone missing from the Jo'burg Military Museum - eventually they admitted this was the case - now they deny that it is missing - but no-one has been able to view (to my knowledge). We also heard of another one missing from a MOTHS (Memorable Order of Tin Hats) - one of their senior officers told me this - however, not another word has ever been said. Copies of the VC and the GC have been made in considerable numbers for the past few years - I suppose that they are the two reproductions that are acceptable. Some collectors like to just have one example of every medal in their collection - and how else do you get a VC. Mervyn

Poor old Simon - a true war hero. I've never been keen on the Dickin awards to pigeons - probably the most stupid animal on Earth. But, it was interesting that you were at that auction. Mervyn

Alan - check my book - I forget which page. There is a picture of a Metropolitan Special Constabulary truncheon with the initials as you show. If I remember , I made a mistake and said it might be Middlesex - however, I had it proved to me by over 20 letters, that it was Met. I told them Congratulations ! You have found my deliberate mistake.

Tony - I must take this opportunity to welcome you to GMIC. Your memories are obviously still fresh in your mind - I am afraid today that most of the 'oldies' from WW2 have either 'passed on' - or , they are in their late 80's. I'm possibly older then you are - as a small boy in London during the War, I can still mentally remember aerial dog fights above the house - and see the convoys of troops heading to Dover. Tell us a little about your background ? Mervyn

Prosper - as I understand things he has just been expelled from GMIC - at least that was how I interpreted the different threads. Under the circumstances, I would like to have the subject closed at this point. However, your point about discussing repros and copies of VC's is a very good one - and worthy of keeping the post alive. So, let's have a 'go !' I must be honest and say that it is not something I have really considered - until the Boer War VC's were sold for quite low prices and I doubt if many repro's existed. Perhaps some Jeweller's copies for uniforms and also, for stage costumes. What do you think ? Megan - do you have any specific info. ?