Mervyn Mitton

This appears to have the King William 4th Crown - he had sharp sides - unlike the earlier Georgian patterns which tended to be rounded. Do you have any knowledge on who wore this - or, perhaps carried it for identifiaction. Some Scottish areas - Forftarshire for one - carried pewter badges as a tipstaff. It was attached on a ribbon around the neck . Mervyn

Jerry - all of this incredible history from one battered old hat ! I congratulate on an excellent article - which includes many reasons for the abolishment of heriditary titles ? Most interesting, thankyou. Mervyn

Hi - Jeff. A very unusual commemorative piece. Silver and enamel cost money - so, there is a good reason for it's quality. I am intrigued by the small figure standing on an epaulette and 'reaching out '. Perhaps one of our Members will be able to tell us more ? Mervyn

Can any member assist Paul ? Mervyn

Mike - I don't recognise it as an official issue - must be an internal award of commemorative piece. Perhaps one of our members can tell us more ? Mervyn

Lars - with miniatures there is always the temptation to up-grade an award - or, to take whatever is available. Perhaps one of our research members will be able to check the records to see what he received ? Mervyn

Can any members assist ? Mervyn

Mikehm - some clever research - and the evidence would seem to point to your having the right man. Does he appear on any lists for the India Mutiny medal ? The photo is of a good quality and shows well the style of running the medals up the side of the uniform. Certainly he looks a lot cleaner then some photos from this period. Perhaps some of our research members will be able to help you with more detail. Mervyn

On our Police Forum I have given the email address of Wallis and Wallis - probably the best Militaria auction in Britain. They have a sale on Sept. 2nd - this has many British badges. Have a look. Mervyn

Martin - your German document is another unusual one - and the newspaper article typical propaganda from the period - although that doesn't make the losses less important. Do you collect this type of material ? Can't be easy in California to find items. The British in the Boer War and in WW 1&2 sent large numbers of POW's for internment in Australia.' They set up camps and special guard units. Some little time ago I had one of the rare painted truncheons from one of these camps. Mervyn

Hi - Timo. I agree with you on the silver one. Westmorland 1818. This is a small County in the North of Britain. The wording is a little strange - some Counties had Parliamentary seats which were owned by large estates. This wording indicates that Westmorland did not have this sytem of 'rotten boroughs'. I don't think the second one is British - more probably French or Spanish. Were it British then the wording would say who the King is and his titles as King. I think it is quite early and from the style of dress could date back to the 18th Century. (1700's) I have enlarged the section on the reverse, but can't read it clearly. See what other Members maake of it ? Mervyn

Thanks Jerry - I think it must have been the angle of the photo that threw me off. Still a great piece. Mervyn

Lynn - this must have been a big shock for you to find this old post. You are very welcome on GMIC - what actually made you look here ? SABrigade - Will - is currently overseas (to my knowledge) - I am sure you will hear from him in the near future. Mervyn

Thankyou Jean-Paul - your postings are always appreciated. Mervyn

Thankyou Martin. The loss of HMAS Sydney was a great loss - and was grieved all over Australia. That one of the commemorative pins should turn-up in California is quite surprising. However, nice to see it. Mervyn

Timo - I'm sorry that no-one has answered. East Africa is a vey interesting campaign - but, one that requires a lot of local knowledge. I am sure we have collector's for this campaign and perhaps with this reminder you will get some help. Best wishes Mervyn

A good example Jerry. I was wondering if the peak has been slightly changed - seems very high. Maybe he was Guards - they seem to go for this look ? Mervyn

I can't agree with Dave - truncheons and tipstaves are part of our history - and date back hundreds of years. Without them the Constable could not perform his duties. In recent years these items have appreciated considerably in value - I take part of the blame for that, since my book - published 29 years ago - brought them to the attention of the public. With regard to Ross' truncheon - I could see immediately that it was not correct . I always hate to be the bearer of bad news and in this case sending me the picture would have helped. Ross, you do have means to deal with this man. You are a (retired?) police officer and should write to his nearest Station. I am sure they would be interested - particularly since large numbers of items with these arms are on sale. They are fraudulant and the offence is obtaining money by false pretences. I am sure you will wish to 'grovel' a little for my correct assesment of your piece ? Best wishes Mervyn

Dan - nice to see you posting. What has been happening in your life ? I carried one of these when I was doing National Service and my cadet training in Australia. I can tell you only ONE thing - they weigh 9 pounds 4 ozs. - which is very heavy in the Aust. sun......... how strange that the weight is indelibly with me - some 58 years later.

The slouch hat originated in South Africa and was worn by the colonialists. It was adopted by many of the combatant countries during the Boer War - 1899-1902. Whilst it was used by many other overseas units - as Peter points out - the Australians adopted a particular way of putting-in the central parting and pressed-in bits. This became known as a 'Bash' and I have seen very few other units get it so exactly. I remember my Sgt. when we joined for National Service - rejecting nearly all of the attempts. Took some days to get it right - however, once set it last for ages. My onee from 1960 when I briefly joined the Queensland Regt. - before going to a job in Thailand, is still as good as the day I set-it. Mervyn

A lovely set and of a different background to the usual ones we see. Anything RIC is rare and collectable - I've just sold an original 1860's issue RIC carbine and bayonet - was pleased with the price. Best wishes Mervyn

Hello Ross and Polsa. I am sorry to have to tell you that there is a very high probabability that they are fakes. Either East European - or, the unpleasant little Chinese that think we will buy anything. Firstly, the likelyhood of two quite separate items coming-up at the same time is unlikely. The workmanship on both is poor and they are transfers for the decoration. I do not know of these arms and although the British used the Fleur de Lis in a panel until 1802 - the appearance is quite different. These look like halberds. I have checked my book on Latin mottoes - Aimez Loyaulte exists. Love loyalty. : Lord Bolton ; Cowan. Bt.. : Marquess of Winchester. Aimez Verite does not exist. For the truncheon I think the VR and Crown are false - look at the nails ? I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news - may I ask where they were both bought ? Also, members should be aware of these. Mervyn

I believe that was the case with Sergeants'. You must remember thaat Orders required the uniform to be worn at all times - the wearing of the Duty Band showing if he was on 'actual' duty. I think the change of baand happened when the tunics replaced the frock coats in the 1860's. I will be interested to hear if anyone has any proof of that for the Met.? Simon - welcome to GMIC - what is your interest - are you a serving Officer ? Mervyn

Tony - that must have been a surprise to find you had a link with Johnny. Welcome to GMIC. Mervyn

Hello Simon - welcome to GMIC from Brian , myself and the other mods. and members. We look forward to seeing your interests aand posts. This is an old post and it may take time for Jeff to notice. Mervyn