Mervyn Mitton

Helen - on the bolt grip - it is very hard to make out details - I don't see any direct links with a lancer regt. - the 'X' usually means sold out of service - but in this span of time seems unlikely.... Tom's point is very valid re cutting down - but why ? In many Countries after WW2 there were so many old .303's that they were cut down to use as hunting weapons - but this early??? The other point is that the Enfield was not common - at the time of the Boer War it was the Lee Metford - later it became the Lee Enfield when it was made at the Enfield armouries - I think Lee was the inventor. Perhaps someone with more firearms knowledge could confirm this - or, put us right ???

If the two uniforms and the helmet are to the same Ch. Supt., it is interesting that he wears the MC bar on his service tunic. Assuming that he was detached for War Service that only gives a few years prior to 1922, when the Force was disbanded with the dissolution of Ireland. Could he have earned it for the Dublin rising ?? Would he even have been eligible, with the criteria for awarding an MC ? Without a name I don't think we'll ever know - perhaps you could contact the museum and ask them ?

Roger - you're turning 'up' some lovely items. I can see the I.O.W. and the Needles from the Bournemouth flat - if I ever come back will come and have a look at your auctions !!! Seal was not unknown for headress - but, is certainly not common - to have the extra pieces makes it even more interesting. Tell us a little more about the IOW contingent ?

I was looking back over some old posts and had a 'flash' of memory' !! When you are facing Trafalgar Square - with the National Gallery behind - there are two large glass lanterns on either side of the square - the side that will be nearest to you. These are the stern lanterns that were on Victory during the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson's tomb is in the crypt of St.Paul's and most of the bronze on the monument is from captured French guns from the battle.

Found this Boer War picture of a rare Rhodesian unit wearing either this bandolier - or, the cavalry version. However, I think it looks like this one.

Helen - this is really rather a strange item. Issue marks from 1898 and captured in 1902 - near the end of the War. I wonder who Judge Hugo was ? Do you have any biographical info. on him ? The question of course, being, what was he doing with a British rifle and how did he acquire it ? I don't know a lot about these weapons - perhaps a member will add comments? With the barrel exposed is not the normal pattern - or, at least I don't think so. The one I used to carry had stock right to the top?

There was a canvas version - don't know if your history is correct - perhaps someone can tell us ? The Boers Mauser cartridge belt was very similar to the British - I always have to look twice - must see if we have one. I thought cane toads were only in Aussie - did we have them in West Africa???

Richard - I think everyone will be pleased that you posted these. They are magnificent - being for an earlier period they were always a little 'showy'. The rank is Chief Superintendent and the last one is his ceremonial uniform.

Second band of carving

Top of stick ornamentation

A difficult item to photograph and to fit as a post. This is the central support pole for the largest Zulu war shield - the ISHILUNGU. This shield - made from the Royal Nguni bulls' hides , can be as high as 5' 5'' ( 165cm). They were colour coded for each particular Impi - or, regiment. In fact, the Ishilungu was so heavy, that when fighting at a distance from their base, they carried the smaller Umbumbululu. One of the difficulties with a big item like this, is how do you store it ? What they used to do , was to take out this strengthening stick - roll up the hide and store it in the thatched roof of the hut. This lead to a very high damage rate, since rats, mice, cockroaches and other Nunnu's (Zulu for insects) would eat the hairs off and also, the leather. The result is that historical shields are one of the rarest items. The sticks - since they are separated from the shield - are highly sought after and are valuable. This one has two bands of amazumpas and is 59 inches overall (151cm)

Chris - trust you to spot the - 'deliberate' - mistake. I was hoping to get away with-it ....

Did you see that a Danish Doctor - a kidney specialist - has decided that Napoleon died of kidney failure. He is a Dr. Soerensen. I was under the impression that the concensus of opinion was that he died of asrsenic - possibly from the paste used in wallpaper , at that time ?

I thought it must be a first. Overlooked NZ - but, obviously, know of the medal issues. Thanks. You raise a good point with separate issue - but, would that make it a 'broken group' ??

Certainly based on the Canadian version - and I'm sure will be worn with pride. I know Canada , Australia and Sth. Africa have all issued family medals - but, apart from the 'Death Plaques' of WW1 is this the first time the UK has issued such a medal ?

Sorry the previous post didn't open - in the middle of downloading, GMIC went 'off' line for a few minutes. Needed Rick to put things right !!! This is the Infantry bandolier for the British Lee Metford rifle - Boer War period. (1899-1902). The ammo. was .303 and each compartment held five rounds - with the points projection through holes in the bottom. There were 8 compartments - i.e. 40 rounds. The bandolier could be worn crosswise round one shoulder, or, around the waist. There were other patterns of cross belts - the cavalry wore a quite different type - I don't have one now and perhaps someone could show them ? The overall length was 38 inches (97cm)

Where to post this lovely gilt badge has been a problem - we don't really have a sub-heading to cover CUSTOMS. One of the most important parts of any Government , is the collection of money and before income tax was introduced in the 18th. Century, the collection of revenue from imports into Britain was most important. The Customs Service has a far longer history than the Police and in many cases, their powers were - and still are - far greater than other authorities. Money speaks !! With the medieval Kings one of their ways to honour and support their favourites, was to give the right to collect taxes on certain items. Precious metals, cloth - even salt - all could be given to reward someone. When Police still consisted of a local village constable, there were organised bodies of men to prevent smuggling - known as the 'Revenue Men' - they often worked under the direction of the local magistrates. They had their own ships - Revenue Cutters - and many battles were fought with smugglers - particularly during the Napoleonic Wars, when goods were in short supply. Today, their Headquarters are in a lovely Georgian Building , in Lower Thames Street - near the Tower of London. I am not sure if this is a standard badge - or, with the gilding, for officers ? I would be interested to hear more about the Service - and also, about Custom Services in other Countries ??

This shows the long stave - or, truncheon which the mounted branch carried for years. Always known as a ' sabre' it was approx. 3' 6" long(105cm) and was made from Ash - bound with a special twine. There was a leather guard for the knuckles. I believe that they have been dis-continued and they only use the 17'' truncheon - but, this has also gone - so, are they only armed now with that metal expanding 'thing'?

Fine model of a Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch Officer. The mounted branch dates from the 1805 period when they were know as the Bow Street Mounted Patrol - it was not until the late 1830's that they became part of the Met.. Whilst they do an 8 hour shift - only half of that is on patrol - the rest is looking after the horse. They are great favourites with the public - and when I was younger you could give them something to eat, if the officer gave permission. This is totally forbidden today - anti-police people were trying to feed them with razor blades and nails concealed ! A sad World...

No, the one has little grips, one has a handles and the bottom one, they have carved a section out to provide grips. These are very collectable - the American tourists , particularly, like to take them home - they probably look good with a dried flower arrangement.

I meant to add this one with the other two examples. A particularly well carved one, I will add it now to show different styles.

Thanks Thomas. I think I am now in agreement that it is an early Italian Carcano. That must have been the design with the up-turned quillion.