Mervyn Mitton

Tom - this is very interesting and we appreciate your efforts to sort out the chronology. Do you think the collector you mention would allow a photograph ? Mervyn

This is too important a subject for this Forum to lose down the pages. I am sure we have members with suitable items ?

Sam - welcome to GMIC. You don't ask easy questions - do you ? I think your answer will be from one of our uniform specialists. I will also look into a few ref. books for you. Don't be put off if you don't get an immediate answer. Mervyn

Damian - welcome to GMIC. From the markings it would appear to be a tunic for a British or, Commonwealth unit. I have no idea which one - and it certainly has an unusual cut and appearance. Could it have been tanks ? Again, you must hope that one of our uniform specialists will be able to help you with more information. Mervyn

Naming with date

Naming on Bronze

Reverse - with abbreviated Latin for a succesful saving of life.

RHS - front of Bronze Medal

Both reverses

Life Saving medals have always been collected and over the years many Societies have been formed to to honour civilian courage in the face of great danger. Some of the private foundations have gone, however there are others which have existed for over two hundred years. One of the premier societies is the Royal Humane Society. They were formed in 1774 and to receive one of their medals is a great honour. The original format of their medals was changed in 1869 - the medals were made smaller, more the present day size of a medal. They also marked the medals with different wording on the reverse - this was to acknowledge great bravery, even if un-succesful ; the other version marked bravery which resulted in the saving of life. The entries are on the reverse of the medal and in English would read - The Royal Humane Society presented this gift. His life having been exposed to danger. The succesful woprding would read - The Royal Humane Society presented this gift for saving life. He was a Durban resident - Gert Johannes Schmidt - and won the award on 3rd. November 1951. He was a professional fisherman and was out of sea. Someone fell of a passing ship and he dived in - fully clothed , to save the man's life. The first medal is the Africa Medal - in silver, which was presented to mark war service. He was a member of the Active Citizen Force - formed in 1913 from the old Provincial Militarias. I understand that as a professional fisherman he was in a reserved occupation - but, would have been called-up if required.

A very interesting post, Will. Very few collectors appreciate how rare they are - I have had badges stay in the shop for years. This is particularly good as it has his photo and all of the other bits and pieces. Mervyn

God and my Right - an interesting seal - not owned by the Prince , but probably used in his office to seal letters and envelopes. The British arms shown date from from 1837 and the Crown will be for Queen Victoria. Welcome to the Forum - I think you'll have to give us a first name - no one will remember the old French motto.

Brian - I was sorry to hear that you are unwell - and 'swinging the lead' ! Get back to work at once.......... However, on a more serious note - I must - as a representitive of the Racoon population - take you to task for your cavalier attitude to their health and well being. When you have wiped out the Ontario population with your cold - do you intend to start on the next Province ?

I suppose it is the link with the Belgium Justice Dept. and the Roman magistrates ? I had not known of this badge and think it is a splendid little item. Some of the embroidered insignia that jaff shows are magnificent.

Could be Corps of Military Police - the Provost Marshall at that time was the man who founded Securicor. Not sure if he is an officer ? The cap maybe officer's pattern - however, if he is an enlisted man, then he is not in the Mil. Police. The minimum rank they had to have was L/cpl in order to have a power of arrest. The other thing about him is that his boots are dirty and he looks very 'off duty' Nothing wrong with that - but not part of the image for Mil. Police. Glen, I hope someone can identify the badge - menawhile, welcome to GMIC. Mervyn

I don't think bluemans shako is going to be worth so much - just too battered. However, the GPO badges for these are quite sought after - probably worth about twentyfive pounds ($35)

It's an early shako pattern postman's hat - I'm pretty certain the badge says GPO - but, as always, it might not be !

Scott - thankyou for that info. - You say a premium for Afro-Americans - doesn't a KIA carry a premium in itself - as in the UK ? Mervyn

Prosper - thankyou for such a detailed answer - it will help Keith a lot. Mervyn

TIA - an unusual belt. The open carrying of the cartridges was mainly the British cavalry in the Boer War - but the belts tended to be part canvas. There were just so many Countries with different styles that we must hope that someone can make a positive identification. With regard to the buckle - to me - this just does does not look right ? I am very happy to be corrected, but with this snake, the end is not laying flat and would therefore stick into the body. The right side appears to have been made to take a lug - in which case the opposite side would have closed over to hold it in place. I would conjecture that the 'male ' side has been replaced with the snake - look at the stitching and you will see the 'male' side has a much more open, hand stitch. We will have to see what other members' have to say. Mervyn

Scottplen - A great find for you - is it usual for the Purple Heart to be given for KIA - or, do you think he had been previously wounded ? I have just been fortunate to buy a WW1 pair to a British KIA - in the UK they always have a premium - does this happen with US medals ? Mervyn

Christophe - I bet the Berlin Police were unhappy with their, very bent, new Porsche ? Dan - thanks - you've added a lot of good posts. Mervyn

Well done, Dan. Just the type of post we are always hoping for on this Forum. I too, liked the German Porsche, but the little Italian town car is probably the most practical. As Craig says - most of the others are just to get some attention for the Force. Many of the South African cars are BMW's - donated by the Company. They don't last long.

Keith - Hi. An interesting item - which does unfortunately raise a question. I hope some of our exMilitary members will be able to help. The question I have is that the sweater appears to have had some use - you can see the knap on the wool is not flat. However, the flash and the sgt's stripes appear new ? Did you have any provenance when you made the putrchase ? Mervyn

I am always amazed at some of the replies. Now that you have pointed out the ribbon on Will's mounted example you can see that it was folded as for the 1st WW Victory medal. Also, they used a nice watered silk. Something to remember for future medals of this type which need new ribbon. Mervyn