Mervyn Mitton

I posted a little time ago, an interesting South African Police pattern officer's sword. Post 1960 - when Britain refused to sell weapons to Sth. Africa - it was made in Solingen, Germany. I am now showing the Army Officers' pattern for the same period - 1960-1994. Again, the blade is of stainless steel and the guard is reminiscent of a British Artillery pattern. These swords are not of a high standard - and I show this only that both types can be identified to collectors. The regular Army had swords withdrawn after the change of Govt. in 1994 - however,our territorial regiments - some of which go back over 150 years still have them for officers and senior NCO's.

The naming is correct on Ind's medals - however, Peter wondered about renaming ? I feel that this may have happened - have just 'blown' them-up and there are signs on the Victory of over naming. However, I cannot be 100 % sure - what do others think ? The lettering has been put-on very haphazardly - and officers usually have a little extra care.

You're mad Brian - nice pin and good design - but still mad ! However, with the powers vested in me as an OLD Plod, I now declare you the official keeper of the Staffordshire Plod Museum - Ontario Branch..............

Greg - just a note to say - Welcome to GMIC. Paul's post has added greatly to our understanding of the uniforms and equipment of the RCMP - now, we are all looking forward to seeing what you are going to add. I always have found it strange, that the World perception of the of the Force really only extends to a red uniform and a pointed stetson. Do you have anything from the NWMP ? Are you an ex Mountie ?

Peter - I think it was to mark either an official - or, someone who needed to be identified in order to move around. The wording sounds official and the 'E' could be for a given area. However, the number was meant to change - and is quite high - so a fair number were issued. However, I've never seen one before ?

Hi - Timo. The Baltic is a nice medal to have in your collection. Not easily researched, but you may be lucky and have someone turn something-up. The pair to IND - the naming has not been done at all well - however, he is on the roll as Chris verified. I must admit I didn't think of this as his surname - I've never come across this before. Your Lt. in the Airforce - with his late joining and discharge in 1919, the pair are probably his only entitlement. However, still a WW1 officer. Your collection has been coming along nicely in the past few months. Mervyn

Nice example, Darrell. The research and paperwork makes it particularly interesting. Who knows - the other one may turn up yet ....

Odin - there is a slightly larger version which is worn as a breast badge - usually, I have seen it to the immediate right of a worn group. I think this breast ribbon came with the box - if you look the ribbon has been set for mounting. I do know that the neck version is smaller.

This is an official bronze lapel badge for South Africa , and more specifically for Natal. I suspect it is for the Boer War (1899-1902) - on the other hand it may be WW1. The Crown looks to be Edwardian - so more probably Boer War. Named to the 5th District and then E + number it could be for a local militia guard - or, perhaps for a prominent local ( like the bank manager) who need ed to travel ? Any thoughts will be welcomed ?

Saw this in today's paper and thought what a good idea. The article is self explanatory, so will not go into the workings. I personally think it is a good idea - but, I have reservations ! Most of us on this Forum have had experience - in one form or another - of controlling suspects. Whilst I think this metal detector will have benefits, what happens if he/she turns violent when you are bending down. The detector is in the palm of the hand and will , surely, prevent a proper grip for control ? The same will also apply at other times - your left hand will be restricted . Could be useful for 'clumping' them around the ear - but then the cost will be charged to the P.C.. My thoughts would be that the detector should be on the wrist - and a probe run down to the area above the palm - this would give grip. What do you think ? Durban Tribune. ( and.... His helmet is not on straight ! )

Post 1967 plaque

Pre-1967 plaque.

Nick - these ref.'s for the met. police official Arms may be of some use for the new Forum. Should they not be clear enough I can send by email or, photo. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2010/post-6209-127099132356.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2010/post-6209-127099132356.jpg Sorry -pressed twice...

The only reason to show this CofA is that the lion passant is in full. Also, the drawings of the lion and the wolf are very clear.

I have been through the standard work 'Corporate and Municipal Heraldry' and the closest I can come are the arme for Chester. If the three figures in the centre of the badge are Lions Passant - then they are quite rare in Corporate heraldry. Mostly Lions are showing as Rampant - standing. I suppose the thinking was they they looked too similar to the Royal Arms. The main part of Chester's arms go back to 1580. Only Chester shows three, as on the badge , however, the supporters don't look exactly the same. Chester's are a Lion and a Wolf. See what everyone thinks - the alternative is Scotland. For myself, I can't see Manchester - different supporters and centre. These later arms show only half of the lion - they would probably have been entire in the earlier version.

Thankyou for showing the original version Odin. Does yours have the additional breast ribbon ? I see it is the same smaller size - so that must have been from the beginning. Book prices are about the same - however, I'm told the 2nd version is more sought after ? I think this is one of my favourite award designs - impressive, but not over-stated.

This official instruction sheet is usually missing - it makes interesting reading.

This shows the panel lifted out to reveal the ribbon space underneath. When the CBE is for wear as a neck badge , it is smaller in size then when it is shown as a breast badge.

The label on the inside of the box is interesting in the description of the Company as - Gold and Silver Lacemen to the Queen.

The award is on the right of the box - although a neck award, with the correct ribbon for hanging around the neck it also has breast ribbon, ready for mounting. These are held under the pressed out form.