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Everything posted by Mervyn Mitton
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Royal and Ancient Order of Buffalo's insignia is not a great collecting field . However, you can be sure that any of our Members able to help will respond. You all seem to live with-in a fairly limited area of Lancashire. Try to get the local press involved - this often the best way to recover these old pieces. However, you do have to face the fact that they may have been silver - and if bought by a dealer may have been melted down. Anyway - best of luck. Let us know how you get on ? Mervyn
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http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-39379800-1405769063.jpgclick http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-52091100-1405769169.jpgclick This picture is taken from my book - "The Policeman's Lot". At the top is a night watchman's rattle. On left, the first Metropolitan Police Rattle. Whilst, on the right, one for Manchester. The first domed whistles are below the Watch Rattle.
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http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-31469300-1405768624.jpgclick I am closing down my Bournemouth flat and intend to rent it. However, whilst it was being cleared a number of old items came to light. These included many of the items that will be in Wallis and Wallis sales over the next few months. See Pinned item at top. Some of the pieces found were my original equipment when I served in the Met. Police from 1967 to 1974 , when my Father died and I had to take over our Company. Rarely, I have my full set of official notebooks - rare, because they have to be handed-in. However, if you had Court dates coming-up they were left with you. I also had brought over my original truncheon. This will feature in further posts - however, today I thought I would cover my original whistle. Strange, that I would carry it for so many years - yet, I don't remember ever reading the front inscription. I was surprised that it turns out to be one of the very first issued. The original means to raise an Alarm for the Met. Police - was a rattle, which was carried in a pocket in the tail coat. These lasted for over 50 years, but by 1884 it was felt they were out- dated and also, they could not be heard easily with increased traffic noise. Tests were carried out between whistles and Rattles. The Rattle could be heard at approx. 400 yards - where-as the Whistle carried for approx. 800 - 900 yards. The first whistles were domed and used a pea inside. They looked rather like a Referee's whistle. The air whistle followed with-in a few years. The were always numbered for the officer they were issued to - however, common sense said that they would keep re-issuing them - even if the number was wrong. Mine has the key for the old Police Boxes - and the wording - The Metropolitan Patent METROPOLITAN POLICE Then address Details for Hudson's. Birmingham 031576 This last being the original constable it was issued to. Marched out in 1829 - progress to 1884, possible Warrant Number at that date - 031576. Whistles of this age are rare - COULD ANYONE HELP WITH TRACING THE NUMBER ?
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David - two very nice QSA's. I could have helped with the missing bars , however, they went to auction when I closed the shop. City Coins - the largest Medal auction in SA has started and the catalogue is on line. I think you will find that they will have some bars. They are in Capetown and I will give a link in a few days as I have 180 lots - the remaining stock from the shop. I am in agreement that medals should not be cleaned - unless necessary - or otherwise interfered with. However, where bars are on the Roll then I see nothing wrong with adding them to the medals. You would be restoring it to original condition. Originals would be preferable to copies - although , as a stop gap, even these could do for display. Interesting to see what other members think ? Mervyn
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Please remember that for British Territories - Australia, India, Canada, Rhodesia etc. - we have dedicated Forums under the British Forums. Nothing to stop you posting under both headings - if you wish. Mervyn
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I agree Chris - a rubbish report and he undoubtedly contributed to the injuries and perhaps the death of the young man. He talks about shooting the animal - then about the bullets not firing - due to the control being on eject - and then he says the rifle was in the tent. Are we missing something in the report ? Mervyn
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Blown up 17 times....
Mervyn Mitton replied to Chris Boonzaier's topic in Great Britain: Research, Documentation & History
His level of Bravery is really beyond description - the traditions of the British Army live with him. His Award of the Military Cross shows apprecition of the British people - his Family must be very proud. What is the framework around his helmet ? -
Markings help to identify please
Mervyn Mitton replied to FOR VALOUR's topic in Swords & Edged Weapons
The important and visible marking is the Regt. mark on the top of the scabbard. East African Battalion springs to mind - but was there a unit with this name. If German the initials would be different. Anyone have any ideas ? Mervyn -
Did he rely on the bicycle helmet...
Mervyn Mitton replied to Chris Boonzaier's topic in Firearms & Ordnance
Interesting Chris - however my feelings are that it is a pity he didn't aim lower................ -
Timo - you do find some unusual pieces in Dublin. This has been well described above - however, the question left hanging is - how did it get to Dublin ? Two possibilities , firstly something picked-up as a souvenir by an Irish regt. soldier. However, the Irish supported Kruger and his Republic - this may have been from one of the Irish fighting for him ? With the arms of the republic on the frame this will change values. Contact a London auction - or, ask Paul who will be able to help. Mervyn