Mervyn Mitton

I have felt for some time that - despite our obvious Militaria attachment - that there could be room for a sub-Forum dealing with other types of collectables. Nick has kindly set this new Forum up, and it's success or, failure, will depend on your joining-in. Over all the years of our collecting we tend to buy attractive pieces outside of our militaria fields - look on this as your chance to show them - or, to ask the Panels advice on identification and an approx. value ( these will be given without prejudice to GMIC or it's members). I, and Brian - will oversee an Advisory Panel from different Countries in order to give accurate advice. We are hoping that this new Forum will encourage outside members to visit and to join. Public Relations press articles will also be able to make mention of it as an added benefit. So, please spread the word - the only 'one stop' forum. ADVISORY PANEL : MYSELF ; BRIAN - CANADA ; HUGH - THE US ; STUKA f - EUROPE . Since we will run in a slightly different format - the following are our only rules : IF YOU ARE JUST SHOWING AN ARTICLE FOR INTEREST - POST PICTURE AND DESCRIPTION AS USUAL. MEMBERS CAN JOIN-IN AND COMMENT IMMEDIATELY. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ASKING A QUESTION ON AN OBJECT - POST PICTURE & RELEVENT INFORMATION. ** MEMBERS LEAVE PANEL TO ANSWER ** - THEN YOUR COMMENTS WILL BE WELCOMED. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I can only add - welcome both of you to GMIC. Rather different that we have a question raised by a new member in New York - and answered by a new member in London. I hope that your question has now been answered ocpd ? We will be pleased to hear from both of you about yourselves and any collections you may have. I am guessing ocpd that you are a serving officer ? One note - we try to use first names amongst ourselves - more friendly.

Collectors Showcase - My Medals - by Will Endley. He is showing his collection of South African medals. Beautifully framed and displayed I would recommend all of our medal interested collectors to view this post - a lot to be learned from it's presentation.

This sounds a very interesting story - it would be nice to learn a little more about these courageous men. It seems rather reminiscent of the scene in 'South Pacific' where they took over from an Aussie Coast Watcher ? p.s. - sorry Medaller - should have said welcome to GMIC. Tell us a little about yourself and what you collect ?

Both Captains in the 2nd. World War - between them they came-up with this design for a fighting knife. This was to become widely used in desert and jungle close fighting and was widely adopted by many commando units and overseas armies. They are widely collected and an be expansive - this photo shows the first three patterns - starting with the first one on the left. Hopefully, members will find this useful when making identifications.

Hi - Alf - did you ever establish an answer for those full admiral's shoulder boards ? I am probably being facetitious here - but these two have a definite resemblence to the Nigerian African Grey parrot ! And why not - they produce a fortune every year in smuggled young. I appreciate that the answer will probably be a poor representation of an eagle - or, for Nigeria, a vulture. But I still think it's a parrot..... Hope you are well and enjoying the sunshine in Singapore ? Mervyn

Hi - Jad - welcome to GMIC. With the known association to British Commandoes, I am surprised that you did not find reference to the badge. It is of course Pegasus - the winged horse badge worn on both shoulders by Commandoes. The horse is usually in maroon and the white might have a connection with spheres of operation - as Steve has suggested. However, I'm sure our many experts on this subject will set you right.

Hi Aussie 85 - welcome to GMIC. We are making some changes at present and British Policing - which Canada comes under - is now in the British Sector, nearer to the top. I expect Brian will want to move you there - so have a look. You are more likely to get a reply - however, a photo (even a small one) will help.

Nick - I would certainly agree with that observation. Some of the early Chief Constables thought they had been given their own private armies. The County of Worcester in the 1870's were actually changed to a green uniform by their ex-army man. The famous incident was the Chief Constable - who applied to the Home Office for a detachment of field artillery - this was to shell rioters. The Home Office finally took control - which is why there are only three approved styles of helmets. I have shown this helmet before - I believe it to be the Chief Constable of Birmingham in the 1880's - the helmet plate is solid silver. However, as Stuart has pointed out - just look at the similarity to Line Officers' blue helmets. (I think the chain has been replaced - it would have been silver)

Earlier German bayonets tend to have the Royal Crown and cypher on the spine - and underneath this the date of manufacture. Shown here as '99' - which represented 1899.

Maker's Stamp

This is probably the Regiment - perhaps someone can help to work out the details ?

With-in scabbard

Amongst the collection I recently purchased was this M1898 sawback bayonet for the Mauser. There was also a plain back version of the same size. This one is dated 1899 on the spine - they were mostly issued to Machine Gunners and the Pioneers. The extra length of the blade making it even more useful for cutting down trees and shrubs to give a clear field of fire. They seem to be quite rare and very collectable - Chris ? I understand that it was known as the Mauser LONG GEWHER 98 Sawback. Please - as always, we post these items for the interest of members. Some of you will be experts on particular pieces - so, do feel free to post any info. and additional pictures.

Balance of write-up

Part 1

This doesn't deserve to be on the posts that are seriously considering changes in headgear - however, it was a patented design that nearly went into production. I have put the write-up on as well. There must be many weird and wonderful variations on helmets and caps - ones thought-up, but never proceeded with. Should you know of any - do add them here, and give us a laugh........

They never showed it on the filming - probably because he was the wrong way around when they were talking. A most impressive badge - you will have to make one up for your collection Paul......

Back in February 2010, Paul Murphy had a very succesful post on RSM's arm badges. I was watching the Trooping of the Colour this morning, when they mentioned the senior Guards RSM - he was standing by the Queen's saluting dias - had been given a new badge of rank. This is apparantly based on the Victorian version and has 4 stripes with the present coat of arms above. I'm not sure if he was the Scots Guards RSM or, the Garrison Sgt. Major. I'm sure Paul will be interested and it would be nice to see an illustration and learn a little more about why they have made the change ?

Hi - Darrell. I'm always impressed with the amount of research you do - and how complete your records are. However, I must say that finding two marriages and a deceased child, are really getting to know the ' man and his medals' ! I always tell people that sell me medals, that when they go to a collector they will be respected and researched - and you certainly prove the point. How much better than if they are just left lying in a drawer and forgotten. Mervyn

The only markings on the Portuguese bayonet are the maker's name.

Markings on the Swedish blade - these show that it was used in their Navy.

With blades unsheathed.

Reverse of bayonets

Here are two examples of Mauser bayonets - an 1896 Portuguese version and a 1904 Swedish. Quite why there are so many variations on a theme I don't know. I expect it was the preferance of the Country making the order - certainly there are lot. One of the biggest decisions a collector has to make is how much to clean. Certainly it would be possible to restore to almost new condition, using fine wire or copper wool and oil. For myself I think a good clean down with some oil allows a natural patina to remain - after all, the Portuguese one is 115 years old. I will not go into a great detail - the bayonets are well known. It is just interesting to see how great the variations were. However, I would ask that if you wish to add background - then please go ahead.