Mervyn Mitton

This shows where the band was closed around the arm. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2012/post-6209-0-68297200-1354114743.jpgclick

"The World is paved with good intentions" - an old British saying , but very true - time is never on our side. I have quite a number of interesting items to add to this post - however, for today, I thought we would look at important Zulu bravery awards. The most important of these is an Ingothxa - or brass ceremonial arm band. We have discussed these before but this brings them together. Only the King could make the award and if it was a 'political' one then it was to senior Chiefs and his personal advisors. However, if a warrior distinguished himself in Battle - then it became a Bravery award. Worn on the left arm it was fitted when red hot. The metal - opened wide enough to take an arm, was heated and the man - with his arm wrapped in wet hides - held it inside. The band was beaten to shape and allowed to cool. Once fitted it was never removed and was buried with him. Only about 15 or 16 are in museums. Only three of the Kings ever awarded them and this is from Cetchwayo - who was defeated in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. This one has undoubtedly been buried which would account for the patina. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2012/post-6209-0-53000200-1354114631.jpgclick

Trev - welcome to GMIC. I think Odulf has answered your question - even at 400 mag. I can't read the name on the cap tally - is it any clearer on the actual photograph ? Mervyn

I think that was why they changed it to a laminated style with a photo. I presume they still use that pattern ? Mervyn

DSC's consistently tend to fetch more then the MC or DFC. I suppose witha whole crew it is harder to pick someone out ? Mervyn

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Printed in 1788 - just 5 years after US Independence, there is very little of news from our exColony. The only item of interest is about a French General finding brick ruins. I wonder does anyone know where this would be - and if they were of any importance. I don't think they would be native American - perhaps the remains of an early Spanish settlement ? http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2012/post-6209-0-48594500-1353941260.jpgclick

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I recently bought a collection of old newspapers - dating between 1776 and 1816. There are several reports that will be of interest to GMIC Members. I will post them by Countries and then put them all on our Non-Militaria Forum. Papers that are 236 years old are RARE - even museums don't find them easy to keep in good condition. This set is therefore a rarity in the collecting world. There are two that cover the War of Independence - for 1776 and 1788. Strangely, neither has great detail on the War - more British Court news and adverts. Please remember that the US declared Independence in 1776 - the year of this paper. Actual Independence came when the War ended in 1783. I found it remarkable to be able to read the speech by Benjamin Franklin - and so relatively shortly after he made the address. However, this is balanced by the other report of intimidation and bullying to the printer. Unfortunately, when feelings run high, violence often breaks out. Please remember - all typesetting was done by hand - and on poor quality paper. 's' at this time looks like an 'f' Here is your early history - I hope you find it of interest. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2012/post-6209-0-64177000-1353939494.jpgclick

Sorry Kev - the weight of opinion is against you. I think Tony sums it up well - and I agree with the various points made by others. Mervyn

Thankyou Chris - I will get down to it soon - however, I thought it might also give our researchers a challenge . Mervyn

Hi - I think the problem will be to find a member with this type of information available. Still - our collectors' always surprise me, so you may be lucky. Just give it a little time. Mervyn

There are so many books on this period that I think this is the reason you have not had a lot of recomendations. Try these that Patrick (did we welcome you to GMIC Patrick ?) has recommended - also, try a search on Google for this subject - probably thousands of pages. Mervyn

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..............................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2012/post-6209-0-81090200-1353853896.jpgclick.................................................... This is a well kept Military Medal that was given to a fine Regiment - the 2nd. Lancashire Fusiliers. The recipient was - 3580 Sgt. G.E. Williams. 2/Lancs. Fusiliers. I only received it on Friday and have not had time to carry out any research - please feel free to make any comments - and add any info. that is available. Mervyn

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I am a little worried that this Coins and Medallions section - together with the Freemasons Forum is not getting many Posts. Should you have anything of interest to show us - please do so - without Members input Nick may decide to merge them with other Forums. This lovely set of cuff links recently came-in and they are unusual that Boer 1/2 Kruger Ponds from the Boer Republic have been used. They are of course, 22 ct. gold and have been mounted with 9ct. gold links. The Republic made their own coinage from 1892 to 1898 - I think, in the Mint at Pretoria. British Officers took many back to Britain with them and often they were made into cufflinks. The other main alternative was to have a hole made and suspend it from the pocket watch centre link. Since the box is for a jeweller in Elgin, Scotland, it is probable that an officer from one of the Scottish Regt's had them made-up. The box has a Queen Victoria Crown - so it must have been during the War (1899-1902) or, just after. She died in 1901. I no longer wear long sleeved shirts made for cuff links - otherwise, I would be tempted to keep them. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2012/post-6209-0-64891900-1353853019.jpgclick

219PJ - mine - issued in 1967 was identical. The facsimile signature on mine was for Simpson - the first Commissioner to rise to that rank from the ranks. You are right in that they are rare. I had to hand in tunic and wt. card - I kept my Victorian truncheon and helmets and cap. This was necessary to stop criminals getting hold of ident. material. Mervyn

If I remember rightly - Salford is one of the old satellite towns that used to surround Manchester. Probably a suburb now, but still worth contacting Manchester Police Museum. Mervyn

Noor - another great piece of research. I do hope someone wth-in the Membership will be able to help. Mervyn