Mervyn Mitton

Are any members able to assist ? Mervyn

Just to add onto Brett's explanation - the Rhodesia Medal was created for British servicemen and Police who were seconded to Rhodesia to help keep order during the handover period. He would have been awarded both medals. Mervyn

Jean-Samuel - interesting question. The cupro-nickle one is probably the one with Cecil Rhodes profile ? They were normally named, but there may not have been time before the hand-over. The Independence medal is not named - it is a rather garish gilt. I would suspect that they were both given to the same man - at the same time. You say awarded to someone taking part in the 1980 Independence procedures - are you referring to a Rhodesian citizen - or, to one of the British observers and army personnel sent over to assist in keeping the peace ? He would not have been eligible for the Rhodesian GSM - may have acquired one as a souvenir. Unless the British Government have gazetted - or, given approval - I don't think the Rhodesian medals could be worn by an ex-Rhodesian citizen with later awarded British medals. We really need the opinion of a Rhodesian who later joined British Forces. With regard to the Independence medal, awarded to British personnel - then I would think this would be allowed. Mervyn ps. One point - prior to the 1965 UDI takeover by Ian Smith's Govt. - Rhodesia had been a British Crown Colony. Very many of Her citizens had fought for Britain and their medals would be worn in the normal way.

Jonas - with just that brief post you have told us something that probably few people knew about ! I think the whole subject of rings is interesting - and has such historical connections. One has to consider the Church signet rings - Papal and for Bishops in other denominations. They represent the wearer's authority with-in his Church and are generally 'kisssed' as a sign of respect. An English gentleman always wore a signet ring - usually with the family arms engraved. This was normally worn on the small finger of the right hand. When people could commonly recognise coats-of-arms it was a way for the wearer to be recognised. The indentation of the ring into a wax seal - when most gentlemen could not write a signature - was legally binding. This was latter used on letters - when they were folded and held by the wax. Hence the ring on the right small finger as it could be pressed easily. People today seem scared to wear symbols like this - everyone wants to be part of the 'pack' and not stand out. The only person that I know who is proud of his Arms is Robin. My Family have Arms and my Father wore a family ring - but, I don't. Our family motto is "Semper Fidelis". It means Always Faithful and only six families in Britain have it's use. You will recognise it as the American Marines - 'Semper Fi'. I think they should pay a copyright ? Anyway, what I'm suggesting is that we enlarge on the US Class rings - and consider other heraldry from around the Globe ? Mervyn

Hi Ed - hope all is well ? Your collection continues to grow and you have some very good examples. People tend to think of model cars as something for the kids - as you show so well, they can form a very good historical base for future generations. What about our Members from other Countries - are you able to add pictures on this subject ? Mervyn

Dave - I always thought this was an interesting subject - and something that seem to be uniquely American. I hope one of our Members will be able to throw some light on this example. To our many other US Members - please post your Class Rings - they are not only interesting but, also have historical value when details are included. Mervyn

Britain's War Graves Commission is a wonderful body who supervise British War Cemetries around the World. Their work will probably never finish - so many bodies still to be found. Interesting to hear about these latest re-internments. Mervyn

Thankyou for commenting Stuart. Despite the many problems you have pointed out , there has been nothing detrimental to the plate - personally, I think it is an original - perhaps the only thing on the helmet that is ? If any other members would like to add comments, please do so - although I think the two experts on helmets have covered the many problems. Mervyn

Very interesting Brian. Probably well worth a visit. Whilst on the subject of Japanese displays , the top Museum is tucked away in London's East End. Owned and run by the Victoria and Albert Museum from Kensington - the Cambridge Heath Museum concentrate on the the V & A's exceptionalJapanese collection and also Toys. The Toys are also worth a visit. The Museum is easy to get to - go by sub-way to the Bethnal Green Station , this brings you to Cambridge Heath Road - turn right and the Museum is a little way along the road. When I was a Home Beat Police Officer this was in my area - always attracted lots of visitors. They are probably on line. Mervyn

I commented on our Overseas Police Forum , just yesterday, how difficult it is to make decisions on the authenticity of items when only photos are available. GMIC provides the experts to help in these identifications - they know the small things to look for. Members should therefore take advantage of this knowledge and post good photos from all angles. With regard to this helmet the photos have been taken by the auction house and are not of good quality. Yourself and Stuart are almost certainly right that it is a composite item - although from what I can see of the Plate it looks original. I think the lesson to be learnt is that try to get authentication on items by using the knowledge of our Members - but, remember - quality of pictures is important and enough time must be allowed for the experts in the field you are asking about , to come on-line and see the post. Thankyou pjac for taking the time to make a decision on this helmet - and of course, thankyou Stuart. Mervyn

Chrisvo - thankyou for that ref. - they certainly existed at that time. Will be interesting to see refs. from the Dept. of Def. Mervyn

I think this post illustrates the 'minefield' that badge collecting has become. The simple fact is that so many people are collecting that is just impossible that enough genuine ones are available to fill the need. Now, remembering that I am not an American collector , but never-the-less have a good knowledge of British Police, I would have said that this badge looked good - and stood up to the criteria that OCPD71 put forward for spare badges often being of better quality then the originals. Looking at the badge - from the photos supplied - the details look quite sharp and the numerals well made and fitted. Most fakes are not of this quality and quite frankly to prepare quality dies is quite an expensive proposition. I would therefore, have been prepared to put 'my foot in my mouth' and say that it looked a good example. Wrong ! Les-Art - whom I have great respect for - has answered with thoroughness, and if he says FAKE, then we must accept his answer. I think we can all learn a lesson from this post - we belong to one of the top Forums in the World - let's remember to use our advantage and ask for Members opinions. Mervyn

Are any of our Members able to help Patrick on this interesting Boer War Group ?

I can find no trace of a 'Gatsrand Commando' - will be interesting to see if they identify it by that name. Ladybrand Commando were an OFS Commando. They fought in the following engagements - Boshof, Magersfontein, Poplar Grove, Brandfort, Sand River, Korrannaberg, Biddulphsberg, Wittebergen, Brandwater Basin , Commando Nek , Blijdskap. Mervyn

Patrick - thankyou for your comments on price - you are more up to date on prices then I am. Mervyn

Jock - have you seen the examples on Edged Weapons ? Mervyn

A tipstaff (tipstave - a plurality word) was the badge of office for many different categories. Judges, Chief Constables, Parish Constables, Insspectors of Pavements - really, anyone of some importance who needed to show their authority. Their history can be traced back a thousand years. Most disappeared from use in the late Victorian period - although some are still used on ceremonial occasions. Your Manchester tipstaff was a silly price - more like 4/500 pounds. However, not everyone recognises them. My book showed that there are probably between 2 and 3000 still in existance. If you are going to collect you need a ref. book. Some copies are in the UK - if you want to buy a copy please IM me. Mervyn

Harry. Briian and I have jointly decided to award your well researched article our "Regional Admin. Award" and you will also receive a Certificate of Merit. Well deserved recognition. Mervyn

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Blueman - looks to be a nice example - and the Victorian helmet plate to Queen Victoria looks sound. I am attaching some pages from a History of the British Army Regts. - published in 1900. This will give you the early history for the 16th. Lancers and their equipment at that time. Value wise - I would think for o/r's - missing the feathers - about 1500 pounds upwards. Mervyn http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2014/post-6209-0-74821400-1394444193.jpgclick

Harry - this has been an exceptional series of posts - in what, unfortunately, - is an almost forgotten set of battles that were so important to WW2. You have enhanced the knowledge of this period for all members. Mervyn

Paul - sorry to hear of your loss. Do you not have a claim against the seller - he is the one who has forgotten the details ? I hope members will keep an 'eye open' for them. Mervyn

There is a difference between an ADC and an Equerry to the Sovereign. Usually both of these would have officers at about this level - however, the senior Equerry to the Monarch is a General and is known as the Equerry General. Remember, that Equerries are permanent appointments - Aides could be for any period - often for a particular occasion or, visit. All officers who have served in this capacity have the right to wear the Sovereign's cypher - in miniature - beneath the rank badge. This also applies to other senior members of the Family. You can therefore - have several cyphers to one officer, covering different members of the Royal Family. Mervyn

Nightbreak - as you say George 4th (1820-30). This style is known as a Baluster shape and was in common use, particularly around the Manchester area. This one is in poor condition - one of the problems with old truncheons is that when a hammer is needed - they were often substituted. You can actually see the cut cross nail heads. The rest of the body is still nicely polished - they served as both a tipstaff and an emergency weapon - usually about 7 to 10 inches long ( 18-27cm). With this condition I think up to 150 pounds would be ample ($240) Mervyn