Mervyn Mitton

I hope someone will be able to assist Paul with his enquiry ? Perhaps the local census for that period. Mervyn

Can any member assist Robert with his enquiry ? Mervyn

Thankyou for your correction on the MM , Paul. I thought the one side looked OK - although with the wrong crown. The King's head looked wrong with the hair. So, Venturii - get rid of the MM which Paul confirms is a fake. Mervyn

The Khedives Medal for 1884-6 was un-named as issued and was given to accompany the British medal. It also was given with the 1885 British medal given to commemorate the attempted re-taking of Khartoum. Yours has tarnished badly, however, the bronze can be seen shining through. I think that you can assume that this is a genuine medal. With regard to the Military Medal - this was first issued in 1916. At some point it has been taken from it's mount - probably to make a brooch or, pendant. Later remounted by a jeweller, who has used a strange mount. He has also moved the position of the head and a blob of solder is now obscuring part of the wording. Apart from these points - and the Crown being the earlier Edward 7th style it is probably correct. There were a number of variations for different units and this may account for the Crown. These were named - are there any details around the rim of the medal ? Other members comments may throw further light on these - however, do nothing about selling them for the present. Mervyn

This is a small pattern Town Constable for Birmingham. Mid-Victorian period - the arms are those of the Birmingham family.

This is a nice Parish Constable's truncheon for the Town of Bodmin - in Cornwall. A small market town it's main purpose was to supply Dartmoor Prison.

This may be an original for Suffolk - the outline looks clean. However, the paint may have faded and it has been repainted.

This is a well known copy - made in India probably in the 1960's. There are about 6 to 8 in the series and all are named for British Towns. How did I identify them as fakes - British truncheons are held at arm's length to show the inscription. With these they would have to be held in a downwards position.

I have friends in London who visit SA to see an elderly relative. Surprisingly, it is his wife who is the collector - she is presently researching a book on Zulu artefacts and has also started to collect old decorated truncheons. During their last visit she produced photos of recent additions for my identification and I thought members might be interested. This could take a few days, so I will 'pin' the post until finished. Please feel free to comment - and also add any interesting ones that you may have in your own collections.

Jock - I'm not surprised at the price - it must be a very rare item. German tin toys have always commanded a premium, and this has the advantage of WW2. If you have the chance at any tin toys - from say 1915 back - then try to buy. There is a big market in the US and in Britain. Mervyn

Would I be wrong in thinking this was of a ship style called a Lugger ?

Doesn't look deep enough between the slats to clean boots. Perhaps something you pulled behind a rotor to break up soil ? Mervyn

Jock - the detail is very good. When do you think this would have been made ? Can't be very modern as it would go against the decoration rule. Mervyn

I have never heard of this Section House. The main one for H Div. was off the Highway and held about 80 young constables. Do you know if this still exists - they have incorporated the Blue lamp as part of the decoration over the door ? Mervyn

Robin - well done on a fine historical post. Apart from the info. on the medals , the changes in uniforms , badges etc. for your Force will be usefull reference for the future. Mervyn

Brian - I am surprised when you say the Canadian Police used these Zaps. They do terrible head damage. Mervyn

BJW - interesting history. The picture of the old Police Station - do you know which one ? Mervyn

Rhodesians used a similar pattern Special Const. L.S. Medal.

Overthetop - welcome to GMIC. I am sure one of our members will be able to assist with your enquiry. What part of NSW do you come from ? Mervyn

Chris 71 - to get a full answer to your questions, you may have to draw his papers. There were two Palestine Campaigns - both with their own GSM's. Immediately pre-war it was mainly the Royal Navy trying to prevent illegal landings. Post war was a big operation with mainly the Army - even a Bn. of the Mauritius Regt. and a Regiment from Botswana. We were fighting the terrorism campaign set-up by Jewish immigrants who wanted the right to establish their home in Israel. For some reason the British authorities have always favoured the Arabs - and I have always thought it wrong that we opposed - instead of helping. Since this was after the end of WW2 I expect their were a number of changes to usual duties. Mervyn

Having the Commendation and the Gazette entry for the Military OBE , makes this a very desireable group. His duties explain why he was awarded the OBE , rather then an MBE. Being responsible for dealing with so many other military groups also explains the number of their awards. The US Bronze Star is a good addition - we had a similar group a few pages back. A very nice addition for your collection. Mervyn

This last one is a private purchase I made in France when I used to have a boat in Antibes. Never used, but it felt safer to walk off the boat at night A word of caution - these will all get you arrested if you carry them outside of a collection.

US Police Nightstick. 36 inches (80cm) 13 1/2 ozs (430gms)