Mervyn Mitton

chrisburr - I am a little disturbed that both of the medal groups you acquired - and with which Members supplied a lot of information - have both been immediately sold. We are only too pleased to assist our members - and many of the membership enjoy doing research - but for serious collectors. Unless someone specifically asks to see your 11 Victory medals I think you should try doing a little research.

A great - and very sad tragedy. Peter, I don't think firearms would have made any difference - he shot them in the street - as I understand - when they approached. The British Police are not defenceless - many cars carry firearms and lots of specialist armed units. No one could have foreseen this. BRING BACK HANGING

Boy was a rank - he hadn't reached the age to join as a regular. They were often messengers, drummers etc.. I make his name - Boy Dray . C. There is a thread on Boy soldiers on this Forum from Leigh Kitchen - well worth a read. Mervyn

Mickey - yes, the two middle ones are Zulu. Bound wire and the notches just under the heads where the pincers held them for beating out. I am trying to work out the others as these photos don't seem to tie in with the original pictures. Are you showing that the top and bottom are joined by the piece with the leopard skin ? I have never seen this arrangement for Zulu spears - although they do have a spear that splits with a thick rope holding the two parts. This is used for hunting hippos. The Zulus also adopted a twisted design in the metal shaft in about 1906. However, they are fairly rare. This is not strong enough to hunt major game. The pointed end is to make a second stabbing weapon - if they came-up behind him he would strike backwards. If he was leaning on it , then it would dig-in and give support. Taking that they are one piece - then I would hazard a guess that they are Mozambiquan or, perhaps further North. The Leopard skin usually represents a chief and of course , at full length it would be a formidable weapon and a symbol of authority. I suspect that the chief would just carry the central part for authority in the Kraal. Hope this helps. Mervyn

Paul - from what you have said - did you have a problem with the thread not appearing ? Unfortunately , with the updates, this does happen. However, at the bottom you will see - in small print - last autosaved. Press this and a message will comeup. Cancel this and a second 'saved' message should pop-up. Press this and I find the original message downloads.

Kevin - I've taken it up to 400 mag.. Very often the mitre front was a metal plate stitched into position. The embroidery work on this is not very well done - and it appears that a small centre to the badge is missing. The horse - is it embroidery , or metal. It represents - of coure - the white horse of Kent , carved into the chalk. Again, it is not well done but, then again it depends who actually made-it ? The advice I would give you is to have a proper identification - contact one of the Kent Museums , speak to Christie's and Bonhams and particularly ask Paul Wood - he has associations with a major firm. Remember - prove it is 200 years - or, more - and the price will be very high. Mervyn Don't forget the photos of the inside.

All of your posts on this thread have had real interest. I see that the naming to this certificate is to a 'Boy'. I wonder what happened to him ? Well done on keeping this collection together - one day you will be surprised at it's value. Mervyn

Hi Mickey. Some nice old spears - however, only two have Zulu origins. No. 1 is a throwing spear - but seems to have a shaped shaft - the Zulu Isiphapha , or throwing spear - has a long metal shaft but an even wooden body. No's 2 and 3 look like Zulu Iklwas - or, stabbing spears. Not all were the short style - taller warriors often preferred a longer one. The metal binding will be brass and copper wire bought from the Portuguese in Mocambique. This was bound to hold the shaft to the head. After the Zulu defeat in 1879 this style disappeared. No.4 - probably one of the other tribes around the area - the head and binding don't look correct. If you can do a close-up of the heads I can verify this. Thanyou for posting. Mervyn

Really Brian - at your age you should be in front of a fire - with your cocoa ! I shall now be looking forward to the second part. Mervyn

Kevin - I'm beginning to think you have a tunnel into a museum - you keep finding these rare items ? You are right that it has a Mitre shape - and if genuine will be 18th Century. Some closer photos would help, also for the inside. Are there any markings inside. The Crown is the rounded shape from the Georgian period and the horse could well be for one of the Kent Regiments. Let's see what other members opinions are ? Mervyn

Hi - Len. I agree with Nick that it is probably for the foundation of a new State or, Police Force. Personally, I think in 18 ct. that it was for the dignatories at the foundation of one of the Homelands. Many of them had similar Coats of Arms - although the shield does really belong to the Zulus. It is an Ishilungu - or, main battle shield. Will see if I can find out anything - and perhaps Brett will have an idea. Mervyn

Thankyou Paul - as always your expertise is greatly appreciated. Mervyn

A closer view of the coins. All preDecimal, of course. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2012/post-6209-0-81277000-1347806691.jpgclick

Royal Mint Mark in the top of the box http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2012/post-6209-0-50667100-1347806016.jpgclick

The coins are obviously representitive of those available in 1937. There are three small one that appear to be missing. Since there are 2 pennies and 4 pennies in silver present, I am wondering if the Maundy set for that year was included ? There are two separate shillings with different designs With the missing ones I expect the value will be low - however any ideas on these will be helpful. Mervyn

This is the red leather Morocco box for a set of coins - all 1937 - the Coronation year of King George 6th.

Yes - please do this when you have time. All helps to show the variety and skills of the glass makers. Mervyn

Some more excellent examples Robin. Do you have specialist dealers looking for you - or, find them as you visit shops and markets ? I have enjoyed watching this collection grow. Mervyn

Kalebdad - I am sure that you will be thanking Peter for his research on this extensive set of badges. For new members - just a few points to consider when you are asking for help. Firstly, many of our members enjoy tracking items down and have the resources to do so. However, please remember that it is nice for us to know the reason for the request. Tell us - are the items yours - or, are you thinking of buying them ? Make sure that the photos are as large as possible - that they face forwards and, that the details are all visible. Taking these awards they are a varied selection and valuable - knowing a few of the above details will give members an incentive.

Mark - is this another 'new' one for your collection. You have it looking like new . Mervyn .

Hi Aurora - thankyou for your comments. Taste is a very personal thing - although it is true to say that different Countries can often have an affinity for certain styles and decoration. 22ct is sometimes used as it scratches a little less easily - however, they do usually claim 24ct. Mervyn

Joy - I see he was graded as exemplary. This was the highest of 5 grades on discharge. This was important to men recently retiring , since they often found work in the City of London. The level of grade could make a big difference - they usually worked in the mail rooms or, as messengers or, doormen. There was a lot of competition for these posts and the level he was shown at could determine the job. Mervyn

Tom - welcome to GMIC. So many possible directives - very confusing. Mervyn

Airtrooper. Welcome to GMIC. Strange that there have been so many different idents. - we will have to see if other Members agree with you ? Mervyn

Roger - firstly, let me welcome you to GMIC. I am sure you will have some good posts on helmets in the future. I don' recognise this badge immediately - although the British sceptres around the border are interesting. Perhaps one of the Cape Regts. formed for the Boer War. This could well be wrong and we will have to wait for one of the helmet experts to make an identification. We will look forward to your future posts. Mervyn