Mervyn Mitton

Hello - Gentlemen. Haven't visited you for a while and have something to show that may make a change from Medals and Orders. I must tell you immediately that this doesn't belong to me - and I haven't seen it personally - which I always feel is the ideal way to test the history of an item. However, if it turns out to be as described then I would consider it an historic and important find. It currently belongs to a friend of mine in South Africa. When new edged weapon collectors' start out in Britain - older and wiser people always warn them to watch for two things. Old British family sword blades that have been re-hilted and scabbarded - this was done to conform to Dress Regulations. These first came into effect in the 18th Century and if possible old families liked to continue with tradition. The other Country new collector's are told to watch for - is of course Japan. Many old blades have been found since the War in standard WW2 hilts and scabbards and it is the ambition of most collectors to find an attributible blade from a past Japanese Master. This sword may well be such a piece - and perhaps you will be able to assist in the authentication. Hopefully, it will not turn out to be another replica. There were of course, many different sizes in Japanese swords - some with a Military background and others, more for civilian protection. I will show the pictures that have been forwarded to me - and then add the written detail. The Tang is well marked with lettering and this , of course, is where we look first for an old name. I must tell you that this is not always the case - I had a well marked Katana come-in - with some good stamping. This was before I belonged to GMIC and I had to get the Embassy in Pretoria to help decipher - it said - " The girls' of **** Arsenal, wish the bearer Good Luck" ! Quite a disappointment.

The Museums were good - well worth the effort. Now - we are waiting to see your kitchen garden burst out with life....

I don't know why - but something just doesn't seem right with this helmet ? Perhaps it is the turned over brim - the colour also would not be correct for African service. Perhaps it is preWar issue for Australia. Which Corps or, Division used this Insignia ? Tony, it was the South African helmet that had the three holes - they were at the front and were intended to have camo netting suspended from them. Over the years this has become confused and people insist that it was for a neck cloth to keep the sun off. I suppose if you put it on back to front it could do that too ! Certainly the dark green would make a good target in sand.

I think that I tend to agree with Jan. When I first saw this post - I thought some sort of Liason Officer. After all someone had to look after and arrange housing, meetings etc. for all of the visiting delegations. I am a little surprised at the Bronze Star - I always thought this was a gallantry decoration ?

Erich - one has to be realistic - we are probably seeing only the start of huge increases for all of the bullion metals (Gold, Silver, Platinum). With the un-rest throughout most of the Mediterranean Arab countries and in the Gulf States - you can see already that it is being hoarded. When you have lots of cash - but come from a culture that believes in holding it's wealth - then the cost is secondary. My advice to any collector - is buy now, before they all go out of reach. Also, do not let relatives part with jewellery for low prices.

This one is of a different quality. Firstly, it is a bronze and not clay as for the first two. The detail is well done and it is named at the front "Kehle" - and old Zulu Man. I suspect it was probably made by an amateur artist living in Zululand a 100 years ago.

This shows an older Zulu man - wearing the headring of maturity - the Isikoko. Again, I can't think of this as an ornament.

The Zulus are more known for their skill in weaponry - carvings and sculpture are more the forte of the more Northern tribes. However, they do make some interesting attempts - although I have always felt that these may have been intended for Sangoma ceremonies. Brett very helpfully let me have these.

As always - it seems some time since we lasted added to this post. Just a few assorted items - all of which add a little to our knowledge on the Zulus. Despite being basically Christian, like so many tribes around the World , their beliefs are mixed with earlier traditions. They have a very firm belief in - what we would call - superstitious 'old wives' tales. There are still 'good ' and 'bad' types of witchdoctors - usually called Sangomas. They are consulted on a regular basis for medicine, advice and to put 'curses' on neighbours ! They also still believe in polygymy - and the President - who is Zulu - has three or, four wives. This is a witchdoctor's flywhisk and is used in many ceremonies. To be struck with this at the time of the Zulu War in 1879 would probably have resulted in executuon. This probably dates back to that period - it certainly doesn't small too good !

Page 2.

Dan, a couple of pages from a small book on European Orders. Gives some history on your award. I don't think there is any doubt that it is gold - for the wire and also for the centre plate that the enamel is poured into. Probably 14 ct. and with gold the price it is - you have done very well. I will also post the second page.

Hi - Bob. Hope all is well - haven't seen you posting for a while ? This really is a big 'patch' - more like one of those sleeve epaulettes that go over the shoulder and fasten down the arm. Was there a reason that it was so big - were they an important unit ?

Nice bar Kevin - certainly a little different. What happened to some of the local police uniforms you were going to photograph when they weren't looking ?

Tom - a rare and very sought after badge - in fact anything to do with Railways is valuable. I would say stg 500 pounds - and upwards - you could be very surprised..... The short history is as follows - Eastern Union Railway - incorporated 1844 Amalgamated with Ipswich and Bury St. Edmunds - 1847 Taken over by Great Eastern Railway (which later became London and North Eastern Railway) 1862. Any other 'treasures' lurking in the background ?

Tony - we shall look forward to seeing the card.

Hope you can read this - try Hugh's Ctrl and + to enlarge. Ctrl and - to reduce.

Tom Smith receiving a presentation picture of H.M.S.Hood in 2002. I will show the full article separately.

Tom was for many years a valued member of the H.M.S. Hood Association. This was a card he received one year. The signature at the top is signed by Ted Briggs - the last living survivor of the three who were saved.

Just part of the medal naming -

This is the reverse of the R.F.R. - LS&GC

The Group shows his extensive service throughout WW2. From Left :39/45 Star ; Atlantic Star ; Africa Star ; Burma Star - with Pacific Bar ; War Medal ; LS&GC - named : SSX.25350 T.SMITH P.O.B. 23635 P.O. R.F.R. I was speaking to Paddywhack who has an earlier RFR to a P.O. and he also has difficulty making sense of the naming and numbering. From what I have been told the RFR were different to most units. I am sure we will both be grateful if anyone can enlighten on this ?

Ernie Smith - holding his Father's picture.

Tom Smith as an AB in his early days on Hood.

The last picture of H.M.S Hood as she turned towards Bismarck. Taken from the the Battleship H.M.S. Repulse.