Mervyn Mitton

Whilst Queen's South Africa Medals are being shown, I thought this board might have some interest. I have covered prices, as this is not a forum to sell. I will do close-ups - there are some rare units here.

Helen - this dirk looks quite old, I like the way the grip has been cut into a shape around the top of the blade. Your story re. the fake gun seems almost beyond 'cheek'. However, we had an even worse one in Sth.Africa. Two dealers bought an old van and fitted it out with lathes etc.. They then toured all the countries in this part of the World - asking local curators if they could take items out to the van to take photos and measurements. They then quickly 'turned' replacements, which they took back to the museum - and then drove off with items worth thousands!! The mind boggles..

An interesting post - I have seen them wearing these, but never paid much attention. In fact it's clever, because a) Very visible and 2) will stay clean.

We live - and learn. I did think of bringing it to wear in S.A. - but, we have two 'savage' dachshunds for protection. The Met. are issuing these vests to protect against knife attack - if I read it right, you don't think it effective - what else could they use? Mervyn

Board of Sth Vietnamese Forces badges. I understand these were from the period when the US first became involved - but, that is only what I was told. They were collected by a Sth. African army colonel - who corresponded with a US colonel - who sent them to him. So, pretty sure they're genuine. There is also a board of most Sth. Vietnam's medals - please let me know if anyone would like it posted?

A full board of different ones + some close-ups

Derek - thankyou for that info.. I have friends in Cheshire and they all said the Regt. was not posted here. I should have checked ! (Hope you are watching Ian!!)

We haven't had a truncheon for a while - and this is a rare one. Queen Victoria - it is named in a spiral - ' FOR HER MAJESTY'S MAIL COACHES LONDON TO READING '. I have never seen one named for mail coaches and some people doubt if they existed. Each mail coach was run by different companies and so , equipment will differ. Yes, we know the guards carried blunderbus's - and swords - and on occasion, pistols. So, it is quite logical that truncheons could also be issued. This would date from the early days of her reign - say 1840's.

Leigh - that is always open to interpretation. Cheaper copies will always have a market - however, in my book it is a forgery and would not be sold in the shop. I will give it as a raffle prize to the Militaria Society. You are a major collector and know how easily these things suddenly 'earn' a pedigree with age. They even make copies of 200 year old truncheons !!! Have a great holiday. Merv.

Yes, they are a current badge - but, not this one which is a copy. Look at the naval FOULED anchor !

One subject that I have not seen mentioned on GMIC - I know, I've left myself wide open - is that of SWEETHEART BROOCHES. They basically grew from the Boer War, when servicemen started to give their wives and girl friends small badges from their equipment - usually collars - to have pins put-on and to wear , to show which unit said husband ,or, boyfriend served with. Jewellers quickly got into the act and started to make them professionally. The practise quickly grew and continues to this day. Being British - snobbery quickly set-in and for higher ranks they often use gold - set with diamonds and other stones. Collecting them has always been in fashion - but, only when books were written - Joanna Lumley, for one - did it become 'big' business. Now every fair and antiques room has them , and at quite high prices. Unfortunately, many are copies. I wasn't sure where to post this picture - Naval or, Air Force - no-one seems to read Air Force ( only 20 looked at one of the oldest relics of pre-1914 - the first air show in 1909 !) - the bottom Sweetheart brooch is from WW2 and for The Fleet Air Arm. I paid ?70 for it two years ago and was happy to do so - however, remember what I said about forgeries. The top one is Indian made and modern - despite it's glitter , it is only worth curiosity value.

Yes - I heard that story. Apparantly She formed morning knitting groups. The soldiers who received them were chosen by 'lot'. But what about the contents of Indian tins ???

Yes - I heard that story. Apparantly She formed morning knitting groups. The soldiers who received them were chosen by 'lot'. But what about the contents of Indian tins ???

Yes - I heard that story. Apparantly She formed morning knitting groups. The soldiers who received them were chosen by 'lot'. But what about the contents of Indian tins ???

INTERIOR - AS REQUESTED.