Mervyn Mitton

I post these - all of which must have been shown on previous threads - only to keep Specials high-up on the listing. I think the information is too valuable to be overlooked. I think the one with ships is Cambridge and the Manchester would be good - had it not been chipped.

Hello - Setpoint. Welcome to GMIC. Quite a strange request with the illustration from an old film. These portable desks were known as 'Writing Slopes'. One side was made as a lift-up top and this sloped to allow writing. When the lid was lifted there would be different compartments to hold pens, paper, stamps etc.. There was often a lower compartment to hold files and - invariably - there would be one or, two secret compartments for gold and valuables. They were very common and are today collectable. Value will depend on the degree of finish and the condition. You were advised correctly - they would have been private purchase for an officer - most items of equipment were. Was there a reason for your enquiry - are you thinking of buying one - or, is it an interest in Lawrence ? He is buried in Wareham Parish Church , near to my home in England. A very strange man - he was killed on his m/cycles just outside of Wareham.

Hi - Strapper. I've been meaning to say hello ! Whereabouts are you in Sth. Africa - and please give us a first name - much more friendly. I'm not sure who Mary Shelley is ? I'm guessing she collects Jewish material - we get a a lot of enquiries. Perhaps you could IM me her email - or, let her know ? Best wishes Mervyn

Gerard - you're lucky, I was just about to make jokes on the Welsh Fusiliers ! How's your eyesight ? Actually, I am not at all happy with this bugle. The Indians have been making bad repros for the past 20 years and I'm afraid the moulding on the badge would ring warning bells for me - however, you can't always tell from a photo. Are there any Regt. markings that look genuine ? Mervyn

joerg - the price will depend on which pattern it is - and that is determined by the grip. I tried to open your attachment, however, Nortons said it was one of the first of this type they had encountered and advised me to cancel - don't ask me why, I'm sure there is nothing wrong with it - however, with computers I do as I'm told.... Could you post it as a picture ?

Thankyou for comments and information. Joe - your background on this bayonet will be of interest to Police collectors in addition to the edged weapon theme.

Could SCH stand for Police School - what we would call a college or, academy ?

The Germans used many different patterns for dress bayonets and this is a nice example for a 1930's Police dress bayonet. Chrome fittings and blade and with good stag horn grips. Well marked with maker's name - and , very importantly , matching numbers on cross guard and scabbard. Strangely, many examples were never fitted with attachments for a rifle - and must have been worn like a dress dagger. This one has full rifle fittings. Good examples of this bayonet are not easy to find - especially in this condition.

The pictures - the history - and the people involved - are the things that make this sub-forum.

Bob - Hi. I hope you can find the information to confirm the use on this patch. Makes it all more relevent - and of course, your posts are really helping collectors in the future.

Note the lead plugs - these helped the swing - but, also made it a formidable weapon.

Monty - following the earlier posts, I thought I would show you the pattern of whistle which was first introduced in the 1880's. The rattle was one of the last styles used - this one for Manchester Police in 1868. When I get around to it, I will be doing a short article on 'Methods of Raising the Alarm ' Do you have any interest in the Siege of Sidney Street ? The site of the siege was just across from my Home Beat and I have always found it an interesting story. The City Museum lent the original court exhibit model for our 'Police and the East End' Exhibition and also the Broomhandle Mauser found at the scene of the fire. Should this not form part of your interests I will do an outline - again at some time in the future.

' alt='' class='ipsImage' > Nothing really out of the ordinary with this mixed group. The trio on the left is named to Pte. D.A.Frankenstein - Star: 8th MR (Mounted Rifles) the Pair to same name but, 4th. SAI ( this was part of the Brigade that fought at Delville Wood). The Star means - in all probability, that he fought in South West Africa. Sth. Africans did not go to France until after the Star was discontinued. The two - War & Victory - in the middle are named to Dvr. G.A. Hyne - S.A.S.C. (Sth. African Service Corps.) - he was the Brother of Mrs Frankenstein. On the right are the medals to the wife of the first man . She was obviously quite senior in the Red Cross and the medals are the Sth. African Voluntary Service Medal,solid silver, given for two years unpaid service in any part of the World. This is followed by the Red Cross Medal - with bars and named to C.Frankenstein. Then there are the 20, 10 and 3 year awards + various badges. Always nice to have these and they add interest. You will realise that with this name that the family were Jewish and this adds to the group,' alt='' class='ipsImage' > as there is a collecting field for Jewish servicemen and women. However, I must say that after all the films, I think I would have changed my name - but then they pre-date the films........ ps. Sorry about the double picture - perhaps it could start a new trend ?

Les - right at the start of this series of posts , I said quite clearly that I may have knowledge of UK policing - but not a great deal on overseas forces. You have proved me right on that. Thankyou - I think I must get your email and let you see the hats before I actually post them - that will help prevent mistakes like this. I will have to speak - very nicely - to Nick or, perhaps Craig and see if the Spanish and Polish ones can be deleted. I will then re-post. You do realise that everyone will now be rubbing their hands and saying - he's made a mistake ! Tough ! p.s. Why did they all have to use b..... eagles - what's wrong with Lions ?

Hi - Les. Haven't heard from you on the Forum for a while - I'll have to post more to keep you busy............ Thankyou for this additional info. - my only purpose in posting these hats is to build-up quality background. You are certainly helping. Mervyn

Kevin - thank you for those details. I'm sure that over the years the value will go up - meanwhile you have the pleasure of owning one made by the only company authorised to make the originals. On the letter of authenticity do they say what metal they used ? You will know - of course - that the originals are made from one breechblock and there is concern about the amount left. However, London is littered with Russian cannon that were brought back following the Crimea War. They put them into the ground - barrels downwards - at road junctions to protect pedestrians from horsedrawn coaches and waggons that often cut corners. I thought it would be nice if they had used one of these old cannons to make the copies. p.s. When you can - post a picture for us all to see.

Since you've bought one, it would be nice to see a picture. Was there anything about it - box,paperwork etc. - that makes it special. Out of interest what did you pay ?

I agree with Lorenzo - they all look the same and I expect this one will just have more paperwork. If I remember rightly Hancock's make the V.C.'s - I know that they verify ones that come on sale.