Mervyn Mitton

I didn't think it would be silver - sergeants mess - silver plate. Although the copper bottom could well mean it is Sheffield Plate. This was where a block of silver, a block of copper and another block of silver were rolled out for shaping. I did think of this with the naming details and I can tell you now, that someone has deliberately rubbed out the top coat of silver to show the copper. You will see that the wreath is not even in shape. The number 3 will represent it's number in the original canteen of silver. They probably had up to 10 for large scale entertaining. Personally, I would have the pot stripped down by a silversmith and then re-plated. This will restore it to the condition in which the Regt. would have used-it. With the Sphinx finial on the lid and the body inscription I think it would fetch several hundred pounds in a London auction. Mervyn

I'm not sure - it would be a cap badge and most of the officers' patterns had enamel. I recently bought such a badge and found some good refs. on Google - I think I typed in Cap badges for RFC and early RAF. It was helpful up to a point.

Jeff - thankyou for that explanation , clears up some questions. The US Distinguished Service Cross - I was under the impression that it had to be awarded only to US servicemen ? However, I had a few years back the only DSC ever awarded to a South African. He was an officer with the Kimberley Regt. and was in Italy. His platoon came up against - in Northern Italy - the retreating German SS troops. He went forward - on his own and took out (if I remember rightly) six MG posts. This left the way open to proceed and he took his platoon into the next village. There was anothe MG post - which he took out and his platoon of about 25 men, captured over 80 SS prisoners. Since he was under US control he was awarded - initially, the Silver Star. The British gave him a MID. There is no doubt in my mind having read the citation, that this would have been a VC action if under British jurisdiction. The award was made to him by the US Ambassador in Pretoria and the Silver Star had been upgraded to the DSC. I suppose someone read the paperwork. Sorry if I've gone off topic - just part of GMIC ! Mervyn

A lovely set Sal. Unfortunately, so few miniature groups can be satisfactorily traced back to an owner - you are fortunate. I have seen mins. edge named privately - but, difficult with the narrow rim. Sometimes an extra bar with personal details will be added. Mervyn

Peter - probably doubtful if it ever saw Africa. Most of their stores were abandoned - probably from their Regimental home base. I think only about a 1/3rd were Welsh - they mainly recruited in the Worcester area. Hopefully, there will a hallmark. Mervyn

I looked on Google to find the new multi round grenade launcher used by the South African Police. I was amazed at the weapons available. Look up SAP multi round shotgun and scroll down to the SAP site. It is blocked for copying but, some of the weapons are very hi-tech. Imagine what the US have available. Mervyn

Thankyou for that info. Conner. Don't any other members have caps to show ? Mervyn

There are a number of members of the Forum who are exSAP - however, many of them live overseas now. I think an enlarged post on this subject would be welcome - we have to remember that it is now 15 years since the old Force was disbanded. I have a number of old hats etc. and will add them . However, I must say one thing - exchange anecdotes, stories and show the uniform and awards - but we must avoid any bitterness . We are a collectors' forum. I will support you to my best ability - if you know other ex SAP get them to join-in. Mervyn

Interesting to see Lt. Gen.Dutton as a younger officer - Commandant was an Afrikaans rank and one of the first acts of the 1994 Govt. was to change it back to Lt. Colonel. Gen Dutton became a friend over the years - he loved to come into the shop and chat. He would have been the Minister of Defence however, he was of British descent and it went to Malan . Dutton died last year - I think he was 82 - I will post a picture he sent to me via his Grandson. Dutton was the Head of the Defence Force. General Dutton was a most highly respected officer - and even the ANC presented him with an award. When Sth. Africa had few friends he became our Ambassador to Chile. When this appointment finished - he became our Ambassador to Taiwan. These were the only two Countries that had full Diplomatic ties. He was the epitome of the saying - 'An officer and a Gentleman' - this does not always apply these days. I miss not seeing him for a coffee - his wife used to 'lose' him - and then come into the shop and say ' I thought I would find you here '. Mervyn

Nick - you could well be right - I have always found that many of the Regulars look on it as a job - whereas the Specials get quite excited with the history. Having said that not many of them are prepared to give up high paying jobs to join full time.............. Mervyn

ayedeeyew - sorry, no one seems to have the answer. Perhaps he might be listed on one of the medal rolls ? Mervyn

Peter - the Victorian lamps used a fabric wick - the width of the slit in the burner. Don't forget there was a wheel to wind them up and down.

Alex - a fantastic find. Yes - it is the second Battalion of the 24th and SM stands for the Sergeants' Mess. Dating is all important as the 24th and part of the 2nd. Bn. were present at the Battle of Isandlawana in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Most of them were killed - the worst defeat our Forces ever took in a Colonial War. I'm not sure if the arms and wreath have been set in gold - or, if the silver plating has been worn away ? Please look around the rim - and under the pot to see if there are any hallmarks. If so, please take a photo and I can identify the date. Mervyn. ps. I should have said - Welcome to GMIC.

Hi - Phillip - and welccome to GMIC. The collar badges and the belt buckle appear to have the shape of the Royal Marines Badge - but not at all clear. On his left sleeve he appears to have the crossed rifles of a Musketry Instructor. I hope other members will be able to take this identification further ? Mervyn

This has been an interesting post - with some very good research. I am left with one question - what would be the equivalent British award for the US Bronze Star. Since it is across the board for US ranks I am thinking a DCM or, MM ? Mervyn

Nice one ! Style of Boer War and WW1 with Mother of Pearl background. Mervyn

During the 1st WW - with all of the intense trench fighting - there was a great need for fighting knives. You must remember that it was not until WW2 that the commando pattern came into use - introduced by Captains Fairburn and Sykes. The base workshops - for both the British and the Germans - converted many swords and bayonets into trench knives. One of the most popular conversions for the British was the 1880's style Martini Henry bayonet. This was already a shortish bayonet and was double sided for the blade.

No Peter - these are from the shop. I will continue with some from my own collection. Decanters are lovely items to collect - just difficult to display. Mervyn

Norman - do you have any idea on the numbers made for medals of the old Homelands ? I sometimes see them on the auction catalogues - but, never in the shop. So, probably low. Best wishes for 2013. Mervyn

Well - he would - wouldn't he..................

Put a notice on the Wanted section of the Forum's For Sale section ?

I have shown this decanter set in an earlier post - however, since we are looking at types of decanters it deserves to be included to show a different style. This is Murano Glass - from the famous factory in Venice, Italy. Made from Cranberry glass, it is decorated with 22 ct. gold and the small flower decorations are hand made from paste. There are four identical goblets . Different countries have different tastes - however,I have to say that it is not to British taste - and I will be glad when it's gone. Never- the- less, the decoration and workmanship is exquisitally done - as you would expect from such a famous factory. ............................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2013/post-6209-0-25028300-1357816501.jpgclick..................................

This is a rare Georgian decanter - possibly dating to as early as the 1790's. This would make-it King George 3rd. One of the features from this period, are the three rings as handholds, on the neck of the decanter. Heavy, handcut crystal gives a lovely 'glow' to the finish and it is quite a valuable piece. Over a period of 200 years so many of them get chipped. ................................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2013/post-6209-0-41161700-1357815764.jpgclick...............................

A beautifully proportioned Sherry or, Port decanter. Probably late Victorian. Heavy hand cut crystal. .................................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2013/post-6209-0-10025600-1357815209.jpgclick...........................................

These are a lovely matching pair of Victorian wine decanters. Probably dating to the 1850's you can see that whilst identical, they have been made individually. ....................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2013/post-6209-0-86968400-1357814703.jpgclick....................................