Mervyn Mitton

A great find - mount the WW1 closest to the centre of the chest and the WW2 follow to the left. However, if you are going to wear them at the Anzac parade , they will be on the right side of your tunic or, blazer. I suppose you could then mount them for the opp. side, with the WW1 again being closest to your buttons. Show us a picture of you wearing them. Mervyn

Mickey - thankyou for adding your family history sad, but very interesting. I find it hard sometimes to put a time scale on all of these events. The first exploration expedition was in 1890 and from that point until 1980 when power was handed over to Mugabe was only 90 years. Yet in that time a complete Country's infrastructure was established and the inhabitants fought in 3 major wars - Boer; WW1; WW2. Under Brit. Badges and Uniforms I have started a thread on Matabele weaponry. I added some historical events - there is one final post of native axes to be added. Mervyn

Kevin - from the single picture it appears to be fine. An officers' pattern from towards the end of the 19th C. If it is all OK, then I would have thought 120pounds upwards ($200) Mervyn ps Interior and close-ups are always helpful.

Deas - I fully agree with Ulsterman that he was an Orangeman. Datewise, the style of clothing would indicate a period between 1860 - 1880 - or, even a little later. Welcome to GMIC - you may already know the history of the Orange Order and how William 3rd.set it up in Northern Ireland when he became the joint Monarch with Queen Mary. However, this post could be enlarged for member's comments and added history - provided we can avoid the political side. Mervyn

Ed - they are very common - US$ 10 - a little more if it is one of the named type as IG mentions. Mervyn

Alex makes good points - the original ribbons were made to be changed with wear. Just like silver plated items which are made to be re-silvered every so many years. I see a lot of medals - I would certainly buy original ribbon - or, modern if it was silk and properly coloured. Unfortunately, this market seems to be dominated by the Chinese and Indian manufacturers - and their only interest is selling in bulk. This could be a good opening for a small specialist company. Mervyn

There are few 'developed' countries that allow a sword stick. For the UK it is an offence to own one , to carry one, or, even to make one. For SA it is not an offence to carry one - the offence would be to use-it. The Indians have been making sword sticks and concealed daggers for a long time - however, that does not mean that the military did not make use of them. This set is unusual by having a matching swagger stick - my opinion and dating makes me think that it probably was carried by an officer and possibly pre WW2. Peter - you are quite right - let them unsheath the blade and then you carry forward. I had a lovely example for an early Victorian Police officer. The handle and stick were made from cast iron - so, it was a weapon in it's own right. The top was a brass polished knop and when pulled there was a good sword blade inside. The word Police and the Royal Cypher 'VR' were on the sheath. But then in England and Wales it wasn't an offence until The Offences Against the Person Act of 1864. Until that time you could carry a pistol or sword. Mervyn

There were three bars for Lucknow - very desireable. Was this the special set you mentioned - I think it has to be ? Mervyn

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This is an unusual decanter - around the turn of the 20th Century - it would probably have been one of a set for Spirits. The original owner was the Deputy Governor of Natal - who was honoured to officiate at the naming of a British cruiser - H.M.S. NATAL. .....................................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2013/post-6209-0-10736900-1360591873.jpgclick...................................

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This is a traditional Spirits decanter. Heavy lead crystal , it would sit as a set to hold Whisky, Gin , Brandy etc.. The shape makes it difficult to get a good photo. .....................................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2013/post-6209-0-60940500-1360591439.jpgclick............................

Nice pair, Robin. From the days when a Gentleman carried one - although the 1864 Act had theoretically banned them. I still carry a 200 year old one that a Captain in the Gordon Highlanders used in the 1879 Zulu War battle at Ulundi. This one has an old Levee sword blade - an ideal size for a stick. I carry it with me in the chair in case of attack - I have it planned with my assistant that I will hold it up with the handle towards him and he can draw it and charge. I fear though, that he would have run for his life and I will have to do battle on mine own. I have actually used it - but, that's another story. Mervyn

Delm - I will only say , welcome to GMIC. Hopefully one of our members will be able to help you with the red markings. Mervyn

Hi - Vosper - if we haven't said this before - welcome to GMIC. I have mentioned that County Forces had to pay extra for naming, this does mean a lot of whistles have no attribution. The important point to remember is that virtually every household bought them selves a whistle in case of emergency. The point applies to bulls eye lanterns. They were the torches of Victorian times and do need the police hook to prove origins. Mervyn

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This is the matching swagger stick ..................................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2013/post-6209-0-25731200-1360502706.jpgclick..................................

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I suspect that these two items are Indian in origin - at least the sticks. The probablility is that they are pre-war (WW2) and were carried by an Army officer. I say this because the leaf carving is identical on both sticks - possibly a BanYan tree - and they screw in for the top of the blade , and the blades themselves may well have been made in a base engineering workshop. The mechanism is a little slow if you were in an emergency situation - however, you will notice at the base of the big stick that the ferrule is a sharpened point of aluminium. This would certainly act as a sword point for quick action. The workmanship is of quite a high standard and each leaf has been carved separately. Comments - and alternative suggestions of origin will be welcomed. I did also think of Canada - the Maple leaf is similar. I will show a number of pictures - to have a walking-out stick and a swagger stick , both identical and with blades is rare. ............................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2013/post-6209-0-32239300-1360502101.jpgclick.....................................

Kevin - do you have any evidence that it was a 'scramble' bell for the RAF ? Certainly a King's Crown - I can't see the Broad Arrow butt obviously , as you mention it, then it is there. This could well be a mess bell to announce dinner - or, even an air raid alarm. Mervyn

Meurig - you are very welcome as a member of GMIC. I hope you will be able to find time and join us with some posts ? Take no notice of Chris - 'British War of Aggression' indeed ! A limited police action against the oppressors of the local tribes...................... Mervyn