Mervyn Mitton

Geoff - what a small world - it would be a great thing for the medal and the historical document to re-united. Welcome to GMIC. Owen - just a note to say I have enjoyed reading your research - a fascinating man with a great history. Mervyn

Owen - well done. The suspension bar is the clincher.

A nice ceremonial ghukri. With these examples I think we must look forward to seeing more from your collection. What price would you put on the bowie - I know they have gone-up in recent years, but I don't see very many in S.A.

Nick - I enlarged the buckle - couldn't make out any details. Neil - perhaps you could post it here - we can enlarge for ourselves - but, the more who can view the better. Mervyn

Paul - a great job in helping our new member. Holyboy - you are most welcome to GMIC - a name would be easier to work with ?

Paul - I don't think Indian Service would have been allowed either. Certainly not a common shape for British Police.

David - with GMIC you will find that as you make more posts that the size allowance increases. Other Members have pointed out that it has probably been re-sheathed. Had he taken it with him on service in WW2 he could easily have had a new one made in the Middle or, Far East. I agree, it has an Egyptian or, Middle Eastern look. With regard to the blade - there are appears to be a 'cut away' shaping in the middle. Both Britain and Germany like handles made of stag's horn - however, in this case my inclination is that it is probably German. However, these things were made to be sold all over the World - so, no knowing where it came from. Price wise, I would think something in the region of about 250 - 300 pounds. They are always popular. By the way - very impressed with the Times as background - I hope we can keep up with you................. Mervyn

Good photos with useful uniform detail. Well done - a good collecting field. Mervyn

Leighrj. I have been able - on occasion - to provide letters of recommendation to British authorities - as a retired Police Officer some notice is taken for proof of character. However, you are asking for someone to recommend you without them knowing you - and I think you will find it difficult. Please IM me if I can help with any advice.

Firstly - we must say Hello to new members - pcdogberry and 219PG. Are you both serving Police Officers or, pensioners ? You are most welcome to GMIC and we will look forward to hearing more from you both. I did say that the older picture was probably a later copy and I agree that it is the same as yours. However, the detail of the trimmed part is most interesting. The Sgt. is wearing the new pattern helmet that was introduced in the 1860's - this had a curling brim and did not last long in service. Pictures are quite rare and none have survived in original condition to the present. I am showing an enlargement - see what you think ? http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2012/post-6209-0-54577700-1353421401.jpgclick

Some interesting pictures Simon. I am sure members will want to join-in - although I think there have been previous articles on the airlift. Being personal these have added interest. Mervyn

This would indicate that it fitted over pins - perhaps as part of a brooch ? There may also be a possibility that it was mounted above a ceremonial presentation plaque. I wonder what other members will think ? Mervyn

Most Bowie knives - at least those of British manufacture - usually have a maker's name , or mark. The appearance of this one suggests a British origin with the stag's antler grip. Try to enter a photo of the blade - the dealer listing is not relevant as we do not allow advertising on the Forum. Meanwhile, welcome to GMIC and I hope we see many posts from you. Mervyn

Shayne - welcome to GMIC. We are quite happy that you can negotiate by IM with fellow members. However, actually listing items on the general forum is not allowed. I would suggest that in addition to making direct contacts that you consider putting items on our 'For Sale' section. No commission is charged and they get a lot of members viewing. Mervyn

Jef - with this small size, I would say that it is a sweetheart brooch. Looks as if it could be 9ct gold. Does it feel heavy - are there any marks on the reverse ? Mervyn

Thanyou Michael for that additional info.. I have seen several to this unit since then. Mervyn

Some good observations. I am sure Paul will reply directly to your thread. Meanwhile, welcome to GMIC. Mervyn

I had a small collection of model vehicles brought-in last week. I don't usually have toys of any kind - however, these all seem to be in good condition and Christmas should find a buyer. I suspect that they were a specialist collection as there are 8 different types of busses. This could make some interesting posts for this Forum - apart from vehicles, there are many other types of toys - all of which could make good threads. Have a go............... http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2012/post-6209-0-55135900-1352903626.jpgclick

There can be no question Robin, that these pieces are greatly under priced. Their quality and the execution of the designs is first class. Just from these posts you have probably inspired several new collectors. I hope your wife shares your enthusiasm ? Mervyn

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2012/post-6209-0-16027200-1352825999.jpgclick

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Some of the reverse designs follow British patterns - others are very South African. The flowers are Proteas. .........................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2012/post-6209-0-91828500-1352825493.jpgclick............................................

I thought this was an attractive proof set of South African coinage. They were made by the South African Mint and are for 1947. They include a 5/- piece and also a Farthing ( a quarter value of a 1 d) All of these bear the portrait of King George 6 th. and are dated for 1947 - they have a good enclosed box. 1947 was an important date in South Africa - it was the year of the Royal Family's State Visit - the first by a reigning Monarch. In addition to the King, was the Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) and both Princess Elizabeth (our present Queen) and her sister the Princess Margaret. They travelled on the last British Battleship - H.M.S. Vanguard. These may have only been made for the Visit - I have no idea if they were a regular issue ? I will be grateful for any idea of value ? Mervyn ..........................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2012/post-6209-0-54496400-1352824798.jpgclick.......................................................

Talana was the first Battle of the Boer War - and the Bar is very sought after. We are credited with winning - however,Major General Penn Symons was killed leading a charge against Boer riflemen on top of the Hill. Retreat was ordered as the Boers had superior numbers and our troop fell back to Ladysmith and the Siege. The Battle of Elandslaagte took place during the retreat. The Royal Dublin Fusiliers were prominent in the action and their RSM was taken prisoner and sent to Pretoria. He was later exchanged and returned to the Regt.. He was Commissioned in the 1st WW and served with Natal Mounted Rifles. Your collection keeps growing - well done. Mervyn

Looks crisp and the forming is good. I would say nothing wrong with it - however, one caveat - I am not comparing it with a known genuine one. See if you can find one on the Internet. Mervyn