Mervyn Mitton

The question is - should this be under British or, Italian ? During WW2 South African Forces drove through Africa - all 28,000 of them and forced 250,000 Italian troops to surrender in Abyssinia - now Ethiopia. Lt. Col.MacMillan was the C.O. of Natal Mounted Rifles - S.A.'s oldest regiment - in those early days and this Italian General's cap badge was found with his own badges. I have made enquiries but, we have never been able to find ref. to an incident where a General would have surrendered to him. Did Italian general's wear a generic badge - as ours do - or, is this for a specific rank at that time. All input greatly appreciated.

An interesting piece of 'kit' which is often overlooked by collectors. This is the Boer War (1899-1902) pattern frog for an officers sword in the field service scabbard. The main difference when compared with later ones, is the 'apron' between the slings.

You should intro. yourself on the Lounge - not many will see it here. Once again - thanks.

Thankyou John and Peter. I feel we have made some advance with the Air Ministry - I was convinced it was Naval, which is why I put it on this sub-forum. A friend - who I think belongs to Forum, but doesn't post - has pointed out that the bars on the compass show military use - he thinks 1930's for them - and cleverly, has pointed out that they have been stripped of their original paint, to show the brass which is more attractive in a collection. If they are from the RAF - then how and why, did they use them. I can't imagine it being on a plane - was it at the aerodrome - to guide planes in ? Another thought - could it be anything to do with anti-aircraft guns - or, observers posts?

Peter - please, why are you apologising ? Neither meant anything in our comments. I was very tired and when I re-read it realised that it sounded a 'challenge' - which I hadn't intended. Anyway - back to our Sirdar. I was thinking about it this morning - at this time Egypt was part of the Ottoman Empire and they, certainly used to carry emblems of authority - usually horsehair. A Pasha always had horsetails on standards carried in front of him on staffs. So, perhaps a Sirdar did also ? This rank, although having a military equivalent, was also used by civilian administrators. I think we will have to wait and see if anyone else can add - I wonder if we have any Egyptians in GMIC ?

To show the importance of a fly whisk in certain countries - this a chief's from Uganda. Made from ivory and ebony - the hair will be from the end knot on a giraffes tail. In some ways, they are not dissimilar to an old British tipstaff in showing authority.

The swagger stick, I mentioned. 26.5 inches long (67cm). Will be interested if it was NCO's or, officers ?

Peter - that's a good point. I do hope someone has the knowledge to help - I feel that it is possibly quite a rare and early item.

Wouldn't it be more effective to throw the camel at the enemy ?? Nasty, vicious brutes and apart from Man, I believe they are the only other animal to carry syphilis !!!

This is the main instrument - the Azimuth. The crown is almost certainly Edward 7th (1902-10) - unless it is late Victorian. There appears to be maker's initials - or, are they owner's - or, the branch of the Service ? Is it Naval or, mercantile marine? Does it go with either of the above pieces ?

This appears to be the bottom and must fit onto something?

There are four pictures of this one - no-one has any idea what it is - does it belong with the next item?

I recently bought a number of items and included was a box that held the three items I am going to post . I know that the third one is an azimuth - and I think it has something to do with finding the horizon - apart from that it is a total mystery. Probably only an older seaman will know how it works - satellite navigation must have stopped all of these old instruments. The question that is of importance is - do all of these three pieces work together, or, have they just come together in the box ? The first is the compass - brass and similar quality to the others - however, the Indians have been making excellent copies of compasses. There is no makers mark, or other identifying mark.

Thankyou Richie - Leigh had identified it very well - , but must have missed my question. When you say NATO - does that mean it is a standard pattern to all Forces ? Welcome to the Forum. Mervyn