Mervyn Mitton

I just hope he never fell in his swimming pool  ?

For an Australian this is a very evocative scene.    As with Canada and South Africa at some point in WW1 most houses flew a flag of mourning  -  the death toll was just so high

Personally, I can think of several Aussie museums who would welcome being able to put it on show.    Thankyou.    Mervyn

Dave   -  Vic Wilkinson of  PICA would be 'jealous' of some of your numbered plates  - that is his speciality.

You  have a lovely collection and I would not be surprised if the first example is for senior officers (say Asst. Comms) and above.   The appearance is cast silver  -  easily tested.  Mervyn

Wasn't the Mk. 6 the version that was sold to Spain after the War ?

With your early interests you should be collecting observation balloons - parts and pictures  ?      Mervyn

Collectorin the USA     -  welcome to GMIC and thankyou for sending the Parker  Field tipstaff engraved for an Inspector of Prisons.   This would have been for a Regional Appointment and he would have been in charge of a given district.   The pattern of tipstaff is around the 1870's.    H.M.Inspector of Prisons would have carried a more elaborate staff - and probably in Ivory.      Do you have any other examples  ?    Mervyn

Peter Mc . has shown two early and important Royal Irish const. items.    The rattle may well have been carved by the constable   -   Peter, have you seen other examples.?

The metal and enamel painted metal badge   is in fact a Police Station sign to show the public.Mervyn

This noted and reputable firm of Medal Auctioneers , average just two auctions a year.   They specialise in South African issues   - but, also have issues from around the World.

Looking for rare items  -  then this is the place to look.  One whole  section is devoted to rare SA Lifesaving Medals.   There are also a number of combination  True Dienst Gallantry medals, accompanied by their ABO's.      Good hunting.       Mervyn

Timothy  -  welcome to GMIC.    Your comments on the manufacture of these poorly made helmets are interesting  -  however, I am still far from convinced that top regiments would use this quality  -  even for the band.   We must not overlook that there is always a good market for repros for use in theatres and for the re-enactment groups.    I wonder if other members have anything further to add  ?   Mervyn

I like the sea horses  -  are they cast - or, made from wire ?   Mervyn

Stuka   -   I always thought that was standard issue on Belgian airlines    -    helps get around those small borders.....................      Sorry !!!       Mervyn

Mike  -  take my word for it  -  your buckle looks absolutely correct.   Just a buff that has left a matt finish.    Mervyn

Jack  -  a lot of these WW2 assignment insignia ere quite quickly made  -  and this carried over to South Africa, Rhodesia and Australia.     If their are flaws in this one I don't readily see them  -  so perhaps it's origins are not so suspect.   Worth opinions from other members ?

Now the Pound coin  -  a shifty item these days that buys  less then it promises.   Also, at one time the Spanish peso looked and weighed the same , but cost 50%................  Mervyn

Dear Mike  -  back in 1987 I see that I could still write.  Muscular Dystrophy has changed that into a chicken scratch.    I am pleased that the book has given you help and information  -  after all it is the reason an author writes.

Do rejoin Pica   -  I have been a member for some 40 years.   Unfortunately the membership is getting old  - ex Ch. Supt. Wilkinson - the Chairman is retiring shortly.

With your tipstaff named to Wilson, Northumbria Police must have records available.

Best wishes   Mervyn 

Odulf  -  a distinguished old gentleman and in view of his age I would say either  medal is a possibility.    The NGS with it's size could well have covered early Naval sea battles  - how wonderful to know which bars are represented.   Unfortunately, I can't see an early identification  -  the quality is just not there.    Pity.    Mervyn

These are two of the rarest Convict helmet plates for South Africa.  These are the Victorian and Edward 7th for Robben Island   -  which lies off Capetown.    Mandela was imprisoned there so it has become a mecca for tourists.

Trooper D is almost certainly correct  -  this will have a colonial background.  The pattern is a standard Victorian one and I suspect has been re-polished to get years of tarnish off.

I also suspect a link with South Africa  -  however, our Colonial Services tended to establish patterns that were used in many Colonies.     Mervyn

I think this is the first time I have seen a set for New York.   Particularly like the 1880's pattern.   Mervyn 

He was lucky he never fell overboard   -  would have drowned for sure with all those medals.    Interesting story  -  thankyou both.    Mervyn

Stuka   -  did you get good prices for these  ?    Mervyn

Some of these initiation masks - particularly if old - can be worth a lot of money.  Take good advice.    Mervyn

Interesting collection - and probably quite rare.   I would expect them to be poison tipped for hunting.   Didn't they use curare ?    Mervyn

Stuka , I'm sure these will sell well.   However, I have to be honest and say this art deco period was quite ugly  -  just a personal view.    Mervyn

Stuka  -  these are called 'leading handcuffs'.     The prisoner had one wrist handcuffed and was led by the handbar.       Prior to metal handcuffs , this was the earliest method of securing a prisoner - using rope.    The British had a similar metal pattern , but with a half cuff that went around the constable's left wrist.   There was always the risk that with one arm free the prisoner could attack you.    Mervyn

Dublin Peeler   -  welcome to GMIC.    A nice half bust for the City of London  -  shows the helmet very well.   Look forward to seeing the US models.    Mervyn

SUNDAY  2nd.   August   2015

This post ran into some problems during the changeover.  Over the next week I will add some new material  -  please ignore the dates in the title.