Mervyn Mitton

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I have just been offered a box of WW2 German items - many of them looking like Tinnies and lapel badges. I will post them here and would greatly appreciate any help with what or, who they were for - and a rough guide to a price on each would also be very helpful. Please do'nt spend time researching - just a quick identification. Many thanks. Mervyn I will number each one. 1. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2013/post-6209-0-01046500-1363010184.jpgclick

Hi - George - hope you are well ? I think this post has just been moved here - probably during the new changes. I think that it is a perfect spot - although, I suppose Naval ships should go under their respective Forums. Anyway, since it's here - and San Diego is my favourite US city - please show a few more pictures. Mervyn

Gentlemen - thankyou for your kindness in answering this question. Mervyn

Cameronian - welcome to GMIC - and thankyou for the advice to our membership. Mervyn

I don't think that there is much doubt that this is a British group. The chances are that he was seconded to a Sth. African Wing or, Squadron to assist. We had many in that area - even Rhodesian Sqds.. The other thing to look at is the large piece of shrapnel - was he shot down and assisted by a SA Sqds. ? Until you draw his papers you can't be certain, there are many possibilities ? The red background to the shoulder titles shows that the wearer of the Sth. African badges was probably in Nth. Africa. The colour of the man is not important - although as Chris says the medals had a prefix to show this - N for Native and C for coloured as Chris lists - there was also I for Indian. These groups can now have a small premium attached. Mervyn

Very interesting Paul. You say an imitation - which it obviously is when you view the two together - but, still very well done. The detail on the coat-of-arms is exceptional for free hand copying. You don't say, but is this pure gold ? You mention a small number are known - handworked or, cast ? Perhaps they were commissioned by a Provincial Governor to give out to tribal headmen as tokens of Spanish authority ? Africa has had similar badges for years - is anything known about the area they come from ? Best of luck with your research - do let us know how you get on ? Mervyn

You can buy watch stands contemporary to the watch. When a Gentleman retired for the night, his watch hung on the stand to act as a bedside clock. I expect these will still be available from good antique shops in Germany. Watches make an excellent subject - I hope other members will post old pocket watches. Mervyn

Chris a good find. Solid silver - however, to get the hallmarks for a date , you will need to open the back and they will be on the inside of the case. A great pity that we don't know his unit - but, nice that his colleagues thought to give him a good gift. I wonder if he ever returned to Barry ? Many stayed in Sth. Africa after the war - not so class regimented. Unfortunately the watch will not have a great intrinsic value - although the inscription will help. I would not think more then about 80/100 pounds. When they are not working and don't have inscriptions like this - I just scrap them. These days people are stopping wearing watches - their cell phones have a built-in clock. Mervyn

Afrikander. Big and solid - think of Chris. Perhaps he could post a picture ? Mervyn

Good research Odin. However, as you say, badluck if he is one of a few to end up with a re-name. Hope you are well. Mervyn

Erich - the MBE and the OBE are identical - apart from a light gilding on the OBE. This wears off very easily with rubbing - however, I can see traces of gold on the edges, so I think an OBE. The white line in the middle of the ribbon indicates a military award. The award is in silver - and at the top of the ribbon it is stamped 'sterling'. This is the 2nd issue - the first had the figure of Britania. These early ones were not given out with the frequency of today's awards. Hope this helps. Mervyn

Steve - on behalf of GMIC I will immediately accept your kind and generous offer of the painted waterbottle. This will make a wonderful 1st. prize and I am sure will encourage many entries. For the present please hold on to it - after the Comp. has been judged, I will pay for the despatch to the winner. Slight change of pace - I have a nice WW2 Sth. African light tan painted desert British pattern tin helmet. This would make a good subject with the North Africa campaign covering so many areas. I will be happy to send it to you - please let me have your address - although, I think it is on file. Once again - thankyou for the generous gift for the Forum. Mervyn

We've said it before - brilliant artwork and a great idea putting them on old relics. This must make them a valuable item ? I think I've spotted the 'pawprint' - right tail on the plane - on the tank under the first gun - no idea on the last one ? We have a 'biggie' in the June/July Competition - if we can afford it one of these would make a wonderful prize. I'll try and find a base suitable for a small painting and will talk to you about it in the next month. Best wishes Mervyn

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Another nice silver Agricultural Show medallion. This one is from South Africa - 1929 - and the famous Boer War Siege town of Kimberley. ....................................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2013/post-6209-0-50501700-1362492844.jpgclick............................

Kevin - that is an unnessary step - no one wants you to leave. In fact you have posted some very interesting items. However, it came as rather a shock to find that we have become part of a 'panel'. There is no problem with being on other forums - or, in consulting them. The more information the better. Your decision. Mervyn