Mervyn Mitton

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-32004000-1402319335.jpgclick http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-49867800-1402319438.jpgclick This is the earlier 1879 Double Eagle - a very sought after new minting. There were three variations and I think this was a 'C'. Condition and grading is everything with high value coins such as this - my opinion would only be FAIR condition. Some of the top grades are over US$5,000.. Sadly, I expect many Americans will never have seen this coin - they belong to a past time and another example would be the US silver dollars, which were not so long ago quite common. Rising silver and gold prices soon had them hidden in safes. I will show them together - front and then backs. Please feel free to add any info. or comments.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-81124300-1402318743.jpgclick http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-28248200-1402318878.jpgclick This is an 1896 United States 20 Dollar Gold Piece - or, as it is generally known a Double Eagle. The first Gold Coins were of 10 Dollar denominations and became known as Eagles. They were the largest denomination coin. However, this proved inadequate and the 20 dollar was created. They are still made today - for collectors - but, have a different design. These early Double eagles are of 22carat gold and sought after by collectors. I think this would only rate FINE for grading.

Ed - CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 70th. I wish we had known earlier. The additions to your collection are splendid - the one with the head carved on the back of the handle, what do you think are it's origins ? Perhaps native American ? Over the years since you joined , your support for our various Forums has been whole hearted - and we do appreciate your doing this. Reaching your 7th Decade is a great achievement and I feel that I speak for the Forum when I wish you Many Happy Returns. Mervyn

Originally started by Leigh Kitchen back in 2008 , this sub-Forum has had some good posts - unfortunately, once the immediate posts had been completed it sank down out of sight. Well worth being revived - and Jerry, a chance to show your exceptional collection of RWF material. Some super items - particularly with the uniforms. I feel that , wiith your knowledge on the subject, that you could enlarge on some aspects of your collection and post them as articles. This would be of great interest with the various Commemorative events happening this year. Mervyn

A superb brass helmet - and it appears to be in excellent condition , with all straps and fittings complete. Really just seems to need a good clean. I note that the badge is a Lion's head with a wreath surround. This matches the heads on the strap supporters on the sides. I presume the original description of Indian is from an auction catalogue - I would have no problem with that. The question has to be is this a particular Regiment or, is it a generic pattern for a specific type of cavalry ? Perhaps our Indian collectors - and indeed, our Helmet experts, will be able to comment ? Mervyn

This has been an interesting search - and thanks to Paul's ref.. material has made a succesful identification. Jerry's confirmation of the auction details prove it to be the one originally identified. Blueman - if you are the new - and very fortunate owner - perhaps you will let us know the hammer price ? Mervyn

Well done Brian - another worthwhile blog, which can only be of benefit to our newer and younger members. When I was running the Soc. for the Pres. of Militaria in Durban, it quickly became apparent that out of 500 members quite a few practised the 'numbers' game. This is where you try to have more items in a particular field then other collectors. They were buying in order to keep saying - 'look at my new sword'. However, the research was not there and they waited for more experienced members to tell them what thay had bought. We have this - to a lesser degree - within the Forum. Many members have bought or, are planning to, and use our expertise as a guide. I have no problem with this as many members like research. Anyway - well done - a good and informative article. Mervyn

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http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-80632200-1402050619.jpgclick These are a rare collection of 12 Zulu Arm or, wrist bands. Made of brass, they were probably to be worn by women and children in dance ceremonies. Each has been hand made and hand engraved - with all of the designs being different. I would say that they are quite early - perhaps even pre1879. However, I have only seen a few previous examples and it is possible that they were unique to just one Clan. I will show a few other examples for you to see the engraving.

Hi - Ed. Hope all is well. I think that foreign (ie not British) armbands would be best suited to our Foreign Police Forum - we can show a British one as part of the listing. Sounds interesting go ahead when ready. Mervyn

I am so sorry IG that you are not allowed to vote. I am sure you are right in your interpretation - I don't live in the UK - in fact I am shown as non-Resident , but was able to sign. I don't think even our Members realise just how big the Museum is or, what wonderful historical pieces are going to be dispersed. Mervyn

IG - if they won't allow people overseas to vote - then why put a box asking your Country ? Paul - you have done us a great favour by drawing attention to this planned closure. I have drawn our Chairman's attention and asked if we can put the weight of GMIC behind the protest. We will have to wait and see if he thinks it adviseable . Mervyn

Close-up of teeth http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-10877000-1401880025.jpgclick

On the top of the comb - at the end these Amazumpas - or, Wart design - have been carved. This proves their Zulu origin. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-93829200-1401879797.jpgclick

The Reverse http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-32574500-1401879636.jpgclick

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-75528100-1401879038.jpgclick I must tell you that I have ever only seen one other Zulu comb - and that was in a museum. The American who invented those metal combs with strong teeth to comb through African type hair, became a multi-millionaire. Yet, the Zulus had invented a similar instrument much earlier. This date back to about the 1850's and is made from bone - I don't think from a cow - not thick enough. Perhaps a goat - or, even a human leg bone. Perhaps an expert could help us on this ? The marrow is still present in the bone - although dried and shrunken. However, the strong teeth would have combed hair and this makes it very rare. Perhaps from Zulu Royalty ?

All of our Members outside of the UK are able to sign the Petition. Use the drop box to show your Country. The historical items they are getting rid of don't bear thinking about. They are going to hang VC's in the Officers' Mess................. If you are British - write to your MP and complain. If you belong to other Forums - please get this petition posted onto them.

I do agree with Odulf's point of view - however, there are thousands of old helmets on shelves - even today. The artistic work that you do is above reproach - and will be prized and kept by any collector. My advice - take whatever commissions you can get - for any subject, even race cars. Like Colin on our Model section, you have a gift - and like any artist should take advantage of it. Pensions are no replacement for the opportunities you have to make real money. Now - I have given you a good write-up ! Do you think some special paint would stick to a Police Helmet ? I would like to have one for a prize in the next Photo Comp.. I can supply the Helmet - a Met. pattern without the coxcomb - and if it is an earlier model. most of the felt finish will have gone. Please let me have your ideas. Best wishes Mervyn

Stephan - you are an Aussie rebel - but still very welcome on GMIC. Many of the serving or, exPolice on this Forum are Met. - so, watch out at Customs and Immigration............... Actually, I served at Bethan Green and we had a very close and cordial relationship with the City. Mind you, having mentioned the Met.. - all those from other Forces will now 'shoot me down.' Please tell us something about yourself - did you serve with the City Police ? What do you do now ? Best wishes Mervyn

Bob - I am assuming that your Forum name stands for 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry - my apologies if I have that wrong. If I am right - who were they - what period - do they still exist - where did they serve - and if they are in existance , did you serve with them. This could be a very interesting post. Best wishes Mervyn

One of my favourite shows Jerry.........

Colin - superb workmanship - you are a true artist. Mervyn

I was amazed to see that we have reached over 8,000 posts on this subject. I have now 'pinned' it and hopefully, members will add even more of their collections. For myself, I must say that from the very first post that I found this to be of interest - collectables for the future. Mervyn