Mervyn Mitton

I bought some months ago, these attractive models of Italian Regiments. I would think they are from the Napoleonic period and each represents a different type of Regiment. From left : Dragoon , Grenadier , Infantry , Hussar. Each one is 12 inches high (30cm) and appears to be made of a plaster - they are mounted on blocks of Italian marble. They make a fine display and are in good condition. I will be interested to see if the model experts agree with my description ? If you have any idea of when they were made - or, of value the info. will be appreciated. Mervyn ........................................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-6209-0-40562100-1365070923.jpgclick............................

Hi Dan. In no way to correct you - just to help with the identification. The cup with Queen Victoria has three handles and was known as a 'Loving Cup' - it was intended to be filled with any drink - incl. cider. The Cup was intended to be passed around a gathering to make a toast. Mervyn ps. Mike - what's the big medallion in a case ?

Hi Paul. Cocteau was another Frenchman who couldn't paint...................... or, draw. However, with the values I wouldn't mind some of his works. How about this set - would it sell at your auction ? Mervyn

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.......................................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-6209-0-79945800-1364998211.jpgclick.......................... This strange object came in during January - and has been a cause of much research. I had thoughts on it's purpose - including a table lighter for an officers' mess to pass around after dinner to light cigars. Last week we had the BRICS conference for the heads of State for Brasil, Russia, India, China and Sth. Africa. A very senior Chinese diplomat came-in and took great interest in the lamp. He immediately identified it as a special lamp to be passed around the rooms used by Opium addicts. Possibly as old as the mid-1850's. He was able to read the engravings which totally cover all of the brass surfaces - and identified it as a famous Chinese poem. I have attached it to the earlier post on opium pipes - together with the rare lamp it would make a fine collection for a smoking collector.

I think I agree with Chris - the white area should probably be the QSA. When you think about this group an Artic medal would seem very out of place ? Mervyn

Chris - you didn't give us a cross ref. ? Sounds to have had an interesting career. Mervyn

Hi - Rod. Strange that Victoria were wearing the 1st style of Brit. arm bands at this late date ? Did other States have this pattern as well ? Mervyn

Mike - it had been brought back - should be near this post now. Mervyn

Looks well with the group. Mervyn

Serving officers were not allowed to join the Specials - although they could be sworn-in for assistance to the Civil authorities. He may have joined as a young man - before becoming a Royal Engineer. Perhaps he was at Univ. during the disturbences of the Great Strike in 1926 ? King George 5th. reigned from 1910 to 1935 so he had time as a younger man.

Hi Brett - a lovely group - as you well know it is hard to get medals for Indian campaigns on a South African group. I would say that this group is correctly mounted for the last three - and then this strange reverse order. You don't mention - but, I assume that he wasn't KIA ? The only other reason I can think of - perhaps he was showing some grudge against the Govt.? Very unlikely, although there have been case like this. I do agree with you that relatives don't re-order to wear at ceremonies. I hope one of the members will have better ideas. Mervyn

Hi Jeff. I would agree with you that this is an OBE. The MBE was silver frosted - which soon became smooth. The gilding on the OBE wears off just by touching - and if you polish it's gone. However, there are always tinges left - I would say that yours is typical after a few year of wear. Mervyn

Peter - Brian and I can see you are going to become a very welcome member - your knowledge and background will be very helpful. I will be very happy to drop you an IM - however, a lot of my background in on my personal page. (click on my name) With regard to further details on your book - do a self review on our book review section - somewhere below the Lounge. Then you can go into details about pricing and ordering. Also, show a pages for format etc.. Mervyn

Robin and Conner - thankyou for telling us about these changes. I hadn't read anything about them - however, from your comments it would seem that they have created one National Force ? The face of the future for England and Wales ............................. Mervyn

Rod - how very good to hear from you again after the gap. I must be honest and say we were worried that you may have been taken ill ? We are delighted to have you back and Brian and I will look forward to seeing more of your collection - as I said once before - a light on Police collecting in Australia. Best wishes Mervyn

rodknee - welcome to GMIC. There have been a number of posts on Temperance Medals over the years. Worth checking back on them - also, please show some pictures of yours. Mervyn

Mike - both very nice medals. The Royal Humane Society Medal has rocketed in price over the past three years. Was it a succesful saving - or, did the person drown. The wording on the reverse shows this - I did list the wordings on an earlier post. Mervyn

Timo - you must remember that to get an original silver clasp, the medal has had to be taken apart. Most of the ones offered on line are modern reproductions. However, if they serve the purpose of putting the medal together, then it is a good interim measure. Mervyn

Please note Ed. Haynes is no longer a contributing member of this Forum.

Mickey - I have a large coffee jar filled with .577/.45 bullets picked up from Isandlawana prior to 1960 - after which it became illegal to do so. Whilst many are deformed from hitting bone and rocks - others are still perfect from where they ran out of 'steam' and just fell. I don't sell them - rather give them to serious collectors - however, they can be worth a 100 pounds each - with provenance. The frame you have would have been put together from a man in Dundee - now dead. He obtained most of the items from the Battlefield of Kambula - where Sir Evelyn Wood VC - won our first victory in the 1879 campaign. The British troops dug three large pits and the Zulu dead - over 2000 - were just dropped-in, together with their equipment and weapons. The locals are busy digging them out - which is totally illegal - however, it is a remote area. Mervyn