Mervyn Mitton

Daniel - welcome to GMIC. You seem to be a Police collector - so, we will look forward to seeing some of your pieces. Rod - I am most sorry to hear of your wife's illness. Welcome back. Mervyn

Mike - I probably have a piece of ribbon for this medal in my ribbon box. Finding the box will be the problem ? I will have it found and let you know. Mervyn

Mike a lovely addition to your collection. The Battle of Belfast was on the 26 & 27 August 1900. I thought Strathcona had returned to Canada by this time ? Mervyn

Timo - a very fortunate find - well done. Mervyn

Brian - good to see you have resurected this old post - your illustrations are very good. Mervyn

Paul - I bet you're off his visiting list..............

Hello Richard - welcome to GMIC. I hope one of our members will help you trace the origins of your uniform - is it British issue ? I suppose it is possible that he may have moved to Australia just pre-war - however, it could just be a co-incidence of names. Mervyn

No - I didn't buy them - I was only asked to value. Mervyn

My Cousin - a retired doctor from Capetown has just visited. She said the risk to old people going into hospital is high - with infection coming from viruses which are resistent to treatment - and which are endemic in many SA hospitals. Another veteran has gone - may he RIP. Mervyn

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I have just noticed how long since we have posted on this section - I hope members will look to see if they can find suitable edged weapons to add ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yesterday I posted on the Lounge a magnificent commemorative sword made for the Queen's silver jubilee in 1977. The firm that I was asked to visit and to identify and value their sword collection , had years ago been the SA reps. for the Wilkinson Sword Company. I think the 25 swords that I was shown were sent for their Boardroom and also , to take special orders. At a later date I will repost the silver jubilee sword on this Forum - then we will have a record . For today I am posting the rare - these Commemorative Swords by Wilkinson are all made in limited numbers, usually only 100 - Royal Air Force 'Battle of Britain ' sword. Made in the form of a medieval two handed sword, this has magnificent casting on the grip and cross guard. The blade is etched very finely with scenes of airmen running to man their planes during one of the battles. The German Luftwaffe attacked Britain in night raids for a pro-longed period of time and our smaller Air Force was hard pressed to defend our military areas, factories and docks. This period became known as "THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN". This was in 1941 and we inflicted heavy casualties on the raiders, who eventually gave-up the night sorties and reverted to daylight bombing. Please feel free to add any additional info. on this period - and any memories that older members of your family may have of that period. I was a small boy in WW2 and described my memories on our Blog site. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2014/post-6209-0-23781100-1392460342.jpgclick

These are two nice bronzes that I was shown yesterday. They are in the Boardroom of a large factory and I would feel probably date to the 1930's. They have plaques giving casting numbers, however,can't see a name. I will do some research. Probably quite valuable - they have good patination. The wood carrier is from the Xhosa Tribe in the Eastern Cape. The Zulu one shows a witch doctor or, Sangoma. A fairly rare subject. Please let me know if you have any ideas on the artist ? Mervyn http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2014/post-6209-0-09826500-1392457294.jpgclick http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2014/post-6209-0-18577900-1392457642.jpgclick http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2014/post-6209-0-87535900-1392457750.jpgclick http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2014/post-6209-0-47189200-1392457878.jpgclick

Rod - you've gone quiet again - hope all is well ? Any more of these lovely old Australian pieces joined your collection ? Mervyn

A very profound article - and one that makes you think a little more deeply into the many collections of ephemera that collectors accumulate. However, it also shows that our interest in Militaria can help to preserve the past - and as you show - are often the only memory off a man's life and service. Well done. Mervyn

Rohitbalak - no problem - welcome to GMIC. Which Country do you live-in ? The information sounded as if it could be of interest to our members. Add whatever you think will be of interest - and tell us about your interests ? Mervyn

Hilda - welcome to GMIC - and good news that you have found details on your Grandfather. SABrigade is overseas at present - however, I am sure he will be in contact when he is available. Mervyn

Rohitbalak - I am not sure from your post if you are commenting generally, or , offering a planning tool from the firm - Rolta ? This Blog section would not be the place for a sales talk - however, your subject matter could be of great interest if expanded to cover the various points you mention. Please give this your consideration. Mervyn

LO70 - welcome to GMIC. Thankyou for giving us some interesting info. - I had no idea that the number on the epaulettes was for clothing only - although members of the public would have assumed it was the Force No..? I don't know of any British Force where the shown number wasn't the constable's identification ? Mervyn

With so many exRhodesians scattered around the World , I think the present drop in prices will soon be forgotten and people who sold will regret this. The more unusual items will obviously the ones to recover more quickly. I have a group coming up at City Auctions (Capetown) in May/June and this was a Ch.Supt./ Asst. Comm. in the BSAP - who had his LS&GC as a Ch. Insp. and has the GS Rhodes head medal. Full set of Rank badges and insignia and his Father's medals from WW2 - he was with SA 6th Armoured and was seriously wounded. So, I am hoping prices recover. Mervyn

Joe - a very good addition to your original post. There must be a great deal of additional material available on gas protection - goggles , gas masks, capes - and of course, these head covers. I feel that this is a neglected subject - particularly in view of the high number of casualties from gas attacks. WITH THE ANNIVERSARY OF WW1 - DO ANY OTHER OF OUR MEMBERS HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD ?

What does 'Fuss' mean . Mervyn

Mickey this is a nice set of Rhodesian camo - and with it's webbing , cap and rank insignia - I would think a fairly unusual piece to come on the market . There has definetly been a lessening of interest in Rhodesian items - I think mainly due to the elapsed period of time , and also, that people have forgotten the conflict. However, having said that - there are always collectors looking for good pieces. I would certainly include this as being sought after, so your idea of $500 sounds quite possible. The question is - were you quoting in US $ or, NZ $ - a difference ? Mervn

These are getting harder to find Jock - most of them were handed in after the war. Does this one have any markings for the Force. Sometimes you can find them with rank badges painted on the back. Mervyn

Theey look to me like wrist and ankle restraining cuffs. However, without locks they would not be prison - and 'slave' types were beaten iron. I feel that tthey may have been used in a mental hospital to move disturbed patients. The other medical use that has been suggested is for bed restraints - but, what you fix them to - doesn't seem to be any spare room. You also touch on another possibility - like a jubilee clip ? Mervyn