Mervyn Mitton

Check the inside lofts very carefully - just prior to the War many Germans packed up valuables and hid them. The daughter of one lady still living in the family house in Germany, brought me in a Field cap from 1939, which had been left behind in the loft when he was sent to the Russian front. He was KIA. All of the documents were with-it , incl. the official letter from German authorities. All were wrapped in the newspapers of the day aand she said there were still 4 dinner services in the loft............ Mervyn

As I understand from the daughter - the medals were stolen in the 1980's - there is no record of a police report and it isn't even established that they were stolen in Sth. Africa. They think it was probably Zambia or, Rhodesia. I think that under the circumstances Len has behaved quite honourably - without anything to back the claim, he has been willing to sell them to the Lady whose Husband they belonged to. And, in my view he is entitled to ask a fair market price - let the family prove past theft that has been recorded in SA and it might become a different matter. However, on their word alone that is not sufficient. Mervyn

Jeff - you just have to keep battling away - you have quite a following on this and we are hopeful you will succeed in the ident.. Just a note on Viscount Acheson. The British peerage has the son of a titled person taking the next Honour down - so as a Viscount he was the son of an Earl - a second son would be a Lord and any after - Honourables. Whilst he is shown as Viscount, it is unlikely that he would use that title whilst in the Services. He would have become the Earl of Gosford on the death of his Father. Mervyn

I have recently realised that I am unlikely to leave Sth. Africa and have had my Bournemouth flat cleared ready for Letting. A van and a car were required to take it all to auction. I chose the leading Militaria Auction in the UK - Wallis & Wallis - in Lewes in Sussex. I have known the owner Mr Roy Butler for many years - he used to be the militaria expert on the Antique Road Show - one of the most popular shows on TV. Mostly with a Police link - my Lots are 605 to 628 + 633 and 750. The auction is on July 22nd. The catalogue is full of lovely items - worth buying for reference. The online catalogue is at - www..the-saleroom.com Here are a few of my items : click This is the 1st pattern for the Royal Irish Constabulary : http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-99651400-1404903803.jpgclick The very rare Lovell's Bayonet for this rifle http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-36634100-1404904080.jpgclick Victorian belt and cuffs to subdue violent prisoners http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-27335100-1404904365.jpgclick 4 early staves from the Victorian period. 1st on left. Overseer's truncheon/stave from the early days of Australia. Markings (a little faint from wear, but visible) for Van Dieman's Land. Became Tasmania in 1855. " Crown, VDL, 16, and Port Arthur Penal settlement. " It existed 1830 to 1877 - however, this will be pre 1855. Some real history for Australia. 2nd on left : They are showing this as an Indian staff of office. I had always thought it a Midlands Police Force walking stick for an early Police Head Constable. It has the Royal Cypher - V1R. This dates it between 1837 and about 1841 - when they realised she was the only Victoria and dropped the '1' 3rd and 4th: These are Nigerian Staffs of Office - presented by the Govt. to deserving Chiefs. Both are Edward 7th, 1901 - 1910. There were three categories. A 1st class chief had a beautiful silver one , with a silver Hippo on the top. Only the British could make someone a 3rd. class chief............... All of these items are genuinly investment pieces.

Smartie - welcome to GMIC (for the second time - he was on the blog section). Hopefully our members will be able to assist - both for his origins with Swansea Police and Northern Rhodesia. Try looking back on the Badges section above and also on the South African - just below. Both have had considerable input on both Northern Police and the BSAP. Perhaps you could contact some of the writers ? Mervyn

You must post some of the pictures - however, if you do 46 pages it might be bit long - but then, why not, our members enjoy a well written account. Mervyn

Well done Brian - another informative article which will help create new collecting interests.

Hi - Smartie. Welcome to GMIC. We have quite a lot on Rhodesian Police on different sections of the British Forums - all together near the top. This section is wrong for you and will get few replies. Re-post under Research, on the Brit. Forum Mervyn

Many South African , African labourers taken to France to dig trenches and carry supplies lost their lives during the WW1. They have no particular gravestone, or Memorial and I thought this a nice gesture to show reconciliation. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-27545900-1404816799.jpgclick http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-05754800-1404817092.jpgclick http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-53739300-1404817223.jpgclick

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-54140200-1404816089.jpgclick

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-38020500-1404815906.jpgclick Throwing the bones to divine the future

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-52116300-1404814149.jpgclick We have recently had a conference in Durban on 'Cultural Medicine'. The Professor in charge took these pictures which appeared in our Sunday papers. These are not staged photos but show how 'Muti' (the Zulu word for medicine - and used now by most SA's) is still done. The Govt.have now recognised these types of native practitioners to give sick leave certificates ! There are two types of this medicine - that practised by Sangomas , which is based on herbal infusions. However, many other things are added these days , which you really wouldn't want to know about. To consult a Sangoma is an expensive business and can cost thousands of Rands. The second type who practise are called Inyangas - this is witchcraft - and includes animal parts - and even murdered Africans - adults and children. They still play a big part in 'advising' and treating those who believe in this. I had a direct example of this at my home - the gardener had a stomach upset. He saw a Sangoma and was told it was one of my maids using poison - after which he wouldn't eat or drink anything she had prepared. He started to bring his own lunch - and hiding it under bushes in the front garden where he could keep an eye on it. After two official warnings he stopped threatening, but she gave up and left. Now he is back to his usual pleasant self. The clipping shows the costumes and beaded tools used by a Sangoma. The long haired whisk is a badge and when they threaten to touch someone you won't see them for dust.

Timo - don't be 'cheap' - go back and buy it - this is a lovely collectable. Mervyn

I agree with Jerry. The Helmet has been 'played' with and is in poor condition. The Helmet plate has had the Crown broken off and re-soldered back. This is not uncommon - but, at least get it back straight to the body of the badge. Kevin - I would avoid this one. Mervyn

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-59908400-1404471187.jpgclick

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-80416300-1404470643.jpgclick I recently acquired this 1st WW Pair to a Gunner. His details are clearly on the original box. I liked that he had the box and the original envelope. However, he never mounted them - the original ribbon is present - and never wore them. I think this was quite a common re-action from men who had faced the reality of a bitter War . THIS WILL BE ONE OF THE PRIZES IN THE SEPT/OCT 4TH GMIC PHOTO COMPETITION

The Natal Coronation Medal came in three sizes. The smallest was given to schoolchildren. The middle size to local dignatories - Mayors, councillors, businessmmen etc. It is probably this size that Kaplan is selling. I would value at about Rands 700. The largest size was given only to Zulu Chiefs - and is quite rare. Mervyn

I have noticed quite a number of Ladysmith siege items coming-up on Auctions. Perhaps something happened to him ? Mervyn

Are any Sth. African members able to help ?

Are any Members able to help David with information on his query. The subject matter of these lists could be interesting. Mervyn

David - this was the first of it's type that I have come across. With the excitement of the Siege being lifted a lot of people started selling souvenirs. I posted , somewhere, the original sheet from the Mercury - printed in red, white and blue on linen backed paper. Perhaps it's just that I'm getting older but, I don't think the same feelings of Patriotism to your Country seem to exist today - electronics have lessened the impact of news. Mervyn

Timo - I'm afraid that you only have a competition prize. Certainly Scottish in origin - but not a well made piece, you can see where it has been cut out. The belt and the Scottish Lion are I think, just generic and not Regimental. However - as always on the Forum, someone may have other identification. Best wishes Mervyn

Thanks Jock - it's the spirit of help and co-operation that makes GMIC an important resource for collectors.. I will certainly take you up on your generous offer - not sure if I'm up for the July Comp. - I will speak to Peter and see what we can arrange. Mervyn THE GMIC PHOTO COMP. WILL BE IN SEPT/OCT - START TAKING YOUR PHOTOS.

jemtw - thankyou for adding this informaton - and welcome to GMIC. I am sure many of our members will delighted with the information on how the POW radios were smuggled into the camps. We look forward to hearing further from you. Mervyn

I think a lot of the recipients thought that way. I have just put a nice Crimea group on City Coins Auction in Capetown. Has the Balaclava Bar - he was in the Cameronians. Also Mutiny - Relief of Lucknow.