Mervyn Mitton

Charles - welcome to GMIC. There were a number of smaller organisations - usually overlooked - that were awarded the Coronation medal in 1911. Additional to the Police Ambulance - the St. John's Ambulance also received an award. Again a small number - I have one in a military group. Perhaps members can suggest some other examples ? Mervyn

Hi Andrew - welcome to GMIC - and particularly to our Police Forum. I must be honest and say that Brian and myself would normally refer you onto the wanted section of the Sales Forum. However, your questions are most interesting and will help to promote research - so don't dare try to move ! There are very few of the 1860's tunics - most that you see today are tailors copies. And , you also have to remember that the changes for the County Forces took place over a number of years. For the Metropolitan Police our dress uniforms - which were issued to inner Divisions (incl. my old Div. 'H') - were based on the earlier types of tunics and had two dress buttons on the rear. This would fit in with your research. No-one person can be an expert on all changes of kit over a 183 year period - I presume you have seen a copy of my book, which covers a lot of early equipment. However, it does not go into great detail on uniform. The remaining parts of my collection are in my home in the UK and I do not have great access to them. Having said that, I may be able to help with a King's Crown numbered plate and possibly a belt(also, a wool cape). I will contact you in future. Meanwhile, I hope that our many police members and collectors will be be ablt to join-in. Mervyn

You need to find out if his Star is entitled to the Bar and Rosette. Read my post on Major Bloggie which gives background on the Star. (about 6 down the page) A trio with a 1914 star - but no bar - probably about $200-250. but, check some prices on auction sites. Mervyn

Michael - great to see your new blog - your sense of humour shows through. Although as I have never met you - I have to assume that ! Will look forward to further entries. Mervyn

This could well be for a Special Constable. The large letter 'A' would probably be for the town and 'SC' for Special Constable. The colours will probably be the clue - however, I don't recognise them. However, I am sure one of the Specials collectors will. Mervyn

and a very nice example Robin - but, why am I not surprised that it is has a skull ?

Very professional Brian. Worth all the work.

Bruce - there is something I want to check out for you - and that is the scabbard. I have only recently found out that Australian Forces used a different pattern leather scabbard for the jungle and this looks like the pattern. Should it be then you had a real bargain. The 'knicker' elastic to hold the hilt is quite correct. Mervyn ps. I'm keeping the shop for another year - or, until I 'drop dead' - whichever is first. Call in when you are next in Durban.

Andrey - welcome to GMIC - we don't get many members from Moscow on British Police.......... Your picture of the badge will not open - perhaps you could have another try ? Tell us a little about yourself - what work do you do - what are your main collecting interests ? We do have a number of Russian members - and a large Forum for them . Mervyn

Well - it certainly is medal mounted - and states 'For Faithful Service 1917-18'. I would say a commemorative for events at that time and possibly given by the Unit - or, perhaps a veterans' support unit. I hope that someone can make a positive identification ?

I would say that it was a very fair price - especially since the bar and rosette were not present. Being a top regiment helped. Mervyn

Bruce - it looks like a 2nd pattern. Is there a maker's name on the cross guard ? The general wear and tear seems to indicate a correct age - however, I;m not sure on the straight cross guard - usually they have a curve. However, different makers can use different styles. Go back through this Forum - we had a big section on these daggers some time ago. Mervyn

Interesting to see how many people have written on Sweetheart Brooches. A relatively new collecting field so, a lot of interest. Joanna Lumley - the famous comedienne - has written a series of three books. Also very good references.

The Connaught Rangers plaid brooch is a lovely piece - as you say only the size prevents confusion with a sweetheart brooch. Plaid Brooches are of course a separate collecting field and we haven't seen for a while. Odulf : Your HMS Vanguard was for Britain's last surviving battleship. She brought the King and Queen & the Princesses for a State Visit to South Africa in 1947. I was told that these pins were to give to the public to remember the Visit.

Bjoern - welcome to GMIC. You have raised a most interesting subject and I sincerely hope that we have members who will be able to assist with your research. Please let us know if there are any further ways we can help ? Mervyn

Adele - we wish you every success in your search. I am sure that our members who have an interest in the Polish Forces will be very pleased to help you. Please let us know how you make progress. Mervyn

'Damn eyes aren't what they used to be !' Isn't that a truism - I say that about most of me - but, on a daily basis...........

A nice specialised collection - I also prefer no.7. Medals are really only not cleaned in collections because silver is soft and becomes worn. The same applies to any silver item - however, were they mine - I would give them an occasional light clean with a quality silver polish. Dutch made Hagerty's is excellent. Well done. Mervyn

MAJOR BOGGIE WAS APPARANTLY BROUGHT UP IN INDIA IN AN ORPHANAGE. THIS CERTIFICATE SHOWS THE PLACE AS AN ASYLUM - THIS JUST MEANT A PLACE OF SAFETY IN THE WORDING OF THE TIME. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2012/post-6209-0-36691800-1334076248.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2012/post-6209-0-24054100-1334075849.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

HIS WEDDING CERTIFICATE http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2012/post-6209-0-30626100-1334075668.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

COPY OF HIS ANNUAL REPORT http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2012/post-6209-0-12676200-1334075465.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2012/post-6209-0-85025800-1334075306.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

FRONT PAGE OF THE WARRANT http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2012/post-6209-0-00396300-1334075144.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2012/post-6209-0-41432200-1334074972.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE