Mervyn Mitton

When the Metropolitan Police first marched out of New Scotland Yard in 1829, few people thought that they were to become the forerunner of all other main civilian Police Forces. However, this was to be the case and although some people try to claim other Forces were first, none had the importance or, influence of the London Force. The very fact that they are administered by the Home Secretary (despite some changes in this authority) shows the importance attached to the Force. The numbers of Sworn officers and Constables now approaches 35,000 men and women - and in addition, we must not forget the additional 20/25,000 Civilian employees who assist in many office posts. 2010 marked the 181 st. year of the founding - however, the 100th and 150th. were the important anniversaries. 1929 was the 100th. and all men received a printed scroll showing the achievements of the force. These are now very sought after and quite rare. I will add one to this thread at a later time. For the 150th. Wedgewood - the famous pottery, were asked to produce a number of commemorative plates. The first design was reserved only for Senior Officers and only 500 were made - they were quickly bought and I have never even seen one - only a picture. The one I show above was for general sale and only 2500 were produced. They were sold only to serving Police and were finished in days. The final smaller type, had 5000 made and again were sold only within the Met. . All were in the famous blue jasper that made Wedgewood famous and had gilt finish - they are properly named on the reverse. All three types are very rare and I was fortunate - with the help of a friend who was still serving - to buy types 2 and 3.. They have probably appreciated a lot since 1979.

Norman - under British Navy (next one down) half way down page 2 - under - British Navy First Three Months of Boer War - the first picture shows HMS Doris. A very strange name for a British warship. The crew must have spent their time fighting the crews of other ships ?

Thankyou for this post, Stuart. They were all local men and were given the rank of Sgt. - they were attached to British Units and their purpose was to help them get around in unknown country. I was in the negotiating stage for one of their medals - however, I think the family have changed their mind.

Attractively displayed and a lovely group - I think the DCM award is one of my favourites. Your research makes it 'live', Mike.

Well done Jonas - you won that 'fair and square'. Mike that was a very good challenge - and I will be quite honest and say I have not seen one before. OK - another 'not so easy one' : 1. What is the purpose of this item and, 2. Who was the Sultan. Clue - he is famous for an infamous deed. (that's giving it to you........)

Thanks Gordon - but what on Earth is in the other pan ?

Seeing this post for the first time - there are a number of very nice sets of Rhodesian medals and awards - copies and well mounted in a mahogany case with four drawers. The point I want to make is that the copy GLM is set with Emeralds which are genuine and some of a good quality. So, should you have a set - and quite a number were made - remember they are real.....

Hi - Helen. The Chinese managed well enough !

An interesting patch - Leigh has the great interest in these UN ones and will be pleased to see your post. I'm trying to work out it's meaning ? The sword is the weighing balance and in one pan it looks like a 'loaf of bread' and in the other a 'genie's lamp' ? I have probably got it quite wrong - but, if I'm right - what on Earth does that represent ?

Brian - I want to congratulate you on starting this thread - which has just exceeded 9000 posts. For that many on a Forum such as Police must be exceptional and, I am pleased to see, that the majority have covered subjects of interest to us all. Strangely enough I have always found that our Specials have more interest in Police History than the Regulars. Perhaps it is because many Specials have never been able to actually join and for the older Regulars it has become just a job ? When my book was first published back in 1985 it was the Specials who got excited about our history. I feel that this subForum will become a standard reference for the history on Specials and their equipment - and with Kevin adding so many good Orders and Regs. - I for one, know a lot more about their progressive history. Mervyn

Hi - Mike. I identified this (on Collectors Corner) as late Victorian and into Edward 7th. Will be interested to see if you can identify as late as the George 5th and 6th. ? Mervyn

Hello - Rob. Welcome to GMIC. Are you 'Job' - or, just have an interest? I was interested to see your photo - as Monty said in those days it was Bethnal Green - now it is 'H' Division and I served there for 7 years. 'J' Div. is now Hackney. The Helmet Plates that had the officer's number and Div. are now very collectable. For some reason you don't see so many photos showing them in greatcoats - the belt has long been discontinued. I hope we hear more from you. Mervyn p.s. - I've just noticed how the whistle is fixed - the style changed for this as well.

Hi - Shams. I can't really help you with some of the info. you require - and it does seem members have it at their 'fingertips'. However, please satisfy my curiosity - what do you need so much information for - are you writing a book on British Regts. who served in India ? Anyway best wishes and keep 'chasing' Stuart .....

Ash - another good medal in splendid condition. The other items you mention sound very interesting - something for us to look forward to when you post them. Lawrence is buried in the Parish Church at Wareham - near to my home in Bournemouth. Keep posting. Mervyn

Yes - IG is right - he does seem to keep trying to get arrested......... There was a thread under World Policing.

Tony - thankyou for posting that information. I have never seen a distribution and numbers list before - very interesting.

Welcome to GMIC Ash. A very nice medal with good research. Did you say if he was a relative ? 'Army Historian' is the URL for Captain Albert. He is a well known American collector and esteemed member of our Forum.

Hi - POW ( a first name would be nice) Welcome to GMIC. I have never seen a green and white band personally, so we must hope another member will be able to help. There was a period in the 1870's when Worcester Police went a bit 'mad' and introduced green uniforms and helmets. The Home Office soon put them right - however, if no other Force is pinned to the colour, then - just perhaps - these might go back to Worcester. I would say that this is probably unlikely. Do you collect Police items ? Mervyn

Pictures and artefacts add so much to a medal. Nice to see them kept together in a frame - very professional.

With time 'marching-on' these tins are becoming harder to find - even the pencils can fetch stg 40 each ($60). I often see the tins with the man's medals - it kept everything together. Having a history from the engraving makes it a very collectable piece.

This is another unusual Zulu related item. After the final battle of the Zulu War of 1879 - the Battle of Ulundi - King Cetswayo fled inland, but was captured and taken on board a British Warship. He was taken to Caopetown and confined but, eventually was sent to England. Queen Victoria made a point of having him brought to Windsor to meet Her. Reports always say how She enjoyed the meeting and thought him a Gentleman. She presented him with a silver , three handled Loving Cup as a mark of Her friendship. Eventually Cetswayo was allowed to return to Natal - however, there were a number of troubled years before his death and the Cup disappeared. Some years later it was found by a waggoner in a ditch outside of the town of Eshowe. There was quite a lot of damage, but this was restored and the cup is now in the Museum at Ulundi - the Zulu capital.

Chris - as Craig says - I also posted on the Lounge. Please put your pictures on - it's only for a bit of fun and to show members a little about us. I hope Craig will also re-post on the Lounge?

False economies, Craig. They will regret the cutbacks in years to come. Thanks for adding that great photo with the dogs - are you on the left or, right ? I hope you realise that where you are standing is where 'H' Div. always paraded for Trooping the Colour - the position was so good I always vol. - and we faced the Parade.....

The population figures for Bradford are quite startling - no wonder the authorities had trouble in coping. Bear in mind that the numbers for England and Wales in 1800 , were (approx) only 15,000,000. I don't want to cut across this interesting thread, so will answer 'HF' re swords in another post. Mervyn ps. Did you buy the 2 volumes on Police headgear and badges by Jon Weston. They are very good and I will do a review for our Police Forum.