Mervyn Mitton

I have recently acquired this very sought after short sawback bayonet for South West Africa - the condition is splendid. This pattern was first issued for the Herero Rebellion of 1904-7 and was for the new G98 Mauser rifle. Like the British, the Germans have used sawbacks for many years. Their main purpose was to cut down small trees and brush to allow a clear field of fire. They also helped clear the bivouac area. Overall it is 17" (41cm) The leather - cross hatched grip - is 6" (12.5cm) and the blade 11' (25cm). The actual length of the serrated area is 7" (15cm). KS stood for Kaiserliche Schutzentruppe - and the service number for this bayonet is KS 2232. Both blade and scabbard have matching numbers. The weapon was made in ERFURT and has date markings on the spine for 1912. We used to see quite a few of these bayonets - mainly because Sth. African troops brought them back as souvenirs. However, they are one of the most popular edged weapons for collectors and most of them are now overseas. They can fetch very high prices in good condition. This one has just a little 'bruising' on the blade from being handled - perspiration eats into blades - so, always wipe after handling.

A very nice example Brian. Usually RED is associated with the City of London - and in fact they still wear a red Duty Armband. However, as far back as WW1 it could be for other Towns. Hiatt's were the official armourers to the Metropolitan Police and had most of their items made in Birmingham. I have seen WW1 vintage brassards named for other companies.

I know we were discussing if the Military and Police aspects of these interesting little 'coins' should be split - but, suddenly it's an accomplished fact ! Most of the coins shown were actually Police - and if any section needs some new subjects it's Foreign Police. Without in any way wishing to start WW3 - may I ask who decided to make the move ?

Michael - great that you could find those references. You say - quite rightly - that what would earn a medal today, was expected of the Constables at that time. At least the public were willing to come to their help. For Timo the story certainly makes his medal of interest - for whichever Frank.... When are you off to Panama ? Make sure you get pictures for the Foreign Police section ?

ONE FINAL POST AND THEN I WILL GIVE THE COMPLETE INDEX - I WILL BE HAPPY TO POST ANY PARTICULAR OFFICERS THAT MEMBERS MAY BE RESEARCHING.

BRIGADIER DARTNELL WAS THE COMMANDER OF THE NATAL POLICE AND HIS EXPERIENCE IN THE NATAL CAMPAIGN TO RELIEVE LADYSMITH WAS INVALUABLE.

MOST OF THESE LT.COLONELS WERE THE LEADERS OF COLONIAL REGIMENTS WHICH WERE NAMED AFTER THEM. THEY ALL HAD EXCEPTIONAL BATTLE RECORDS. NOTE THE WOODEN HOLSTERED MAUSER, WHICH TURNED IT INTO A SEMI-RIFLE.

Hi - Scott. I think we've come across this problem before - military v police. I suppose Les is right in saying we should keep our police sections for this interest - however, in a small collecting field such as these coins - would anyone really complain about seeing the different varieties ? Perhaps if enough are shown, you could start a military section - but, under which heading ? Les says I should keep up with new collecting trends - I have enough trouble with the 'old' ones ! I take your point about them not having legal status - never-the-less, they are being handed out by official organisations and in the right circumstances would help to aid in identification. We recently discussed this under Police - apparantly many Canadian and US police forces do have a badge for retired officers. I don't know why Nick made our section Police - I suppose it was to prevent a mix-up with the Military section. The main thing is that new visitors can find us.... Joe - it's good to see you posting. How is Malta these days ? You obviously collect these little 'coins' and I hope you are able to add some.

A friend of mine - Pat Rundgren - acts as the Sgt. Major for the Dundee Diehards. They always take part in the Jan 22nd. events and wear the correct uniforms. They do have to be very careful as the Zulus get 'very excited' in battle scenes - they are a little like Millwall football supporters ! Some years ago I remember talking to one of the staff of the film 'ZULU' - because of their tendency to get out of control, all of their spears and weaponry were silver painted rubber. Even so - he said on the first charge against the British rampart wall , our actors turned tail and ran for their lives - very closely followed by the victorious Zulus. The problem was that they didn't understand they were supposed to 'die gracefully' on British bayonets. I believe that there were some injuries. History is always open to different interpretations - and as we know poor Baden-Powell and J.M.Barrie both suffered that fate. However - history is also immutable - and if there is evidence to support your view then that is probably what happened. The Natal archives are very extensive and in my humble opinion Morris had 'the feeling' for what was in the 50's, the not so distant past. I would like to invite Brett Hendey to give us his opinion on Morris. Brett comes from an old Natal family and I greatly respect his opinions. He may not like me mentioning this but he holds his Doctorate and before he retired was the Director of our Science Museum.

I'm actually 'gob-smacked' with the variety of these attractive items. I thought I knew all - or, most - of the collecting fields , but this is so different. Since thay are almost an official ID is it actually permitted to have them ? I hope we will see many other examples - I'm going to put a note on the board at the start.

I agree with Les - examples are from two different size sets. The Met. have always used the thinner silver thread style of stripes - perhaps to distinguish from the military. Many of the later Constabularies did use the tape style of the military - and still do so today. Many members of the public think that a military sergeant has the same powers and duties as his police equivalent. This is not so - a Police Sergeant is far senior in his responsbilities and the only time they really do the same duty is when a patrol sergt. is supervising a number of constables. **What is the collective noun for a number of constables ? A 'truncheon' of police ? Please make your suggestions here - or, on the post I'm going to start on the Lounge.

Cassius - welcome to the Forum. Please re-assure us that your avatar is not a self portrait ? Are you in any way connected with police ?

Patrick - I knew Morris in the 1950's when he was researching 'The Washing of the Spears'. He was coming back a few years ago to write an up-date, but unfortunately died. I have read most of the current crop of books on this period and am still firmly of the belief that this is the best one. The detail and politics that you mention, are what makes it so accurate and you must remember that in the '50's there were still Zulus alive who fought at Isandlawana - not many. From the Boer War nearly all Afrikaaners had someone still alive.

Helen - the Iziqu , or Bravery Necklace is second only to the Ingxotha or, brass bravery arm band. Genuine Iziqu (would this count in Scrabble ?) are very rare. Unfortunately, because they are made from a thorn tree, there are a lot of forgeries. Obviously this is 100 % and is worth at least 2000 pounds ($3000). Thankyou for putting it on - long time since I've seen one. Any other 'little' treasures ?

Thankyou Captain Albert for an interesting and well researched article. I enjoyed reading the details. I visited Peral Harbour in 1986 and went on board the Arizona - one of the places that you visit in your life, that will never be forgotten. Mervyn