Mervyn Mitton

Nothing is safe any more ! This illustration of a British Police truncheon - circa 1880 pattern in teak - was sent to me this week by a firm in Pakistan. You will see their name is across it. I don't know what they are asking - probably not very much - however, if I reply they will never leave me alone. Value for an original would be between 35 and 40 pounds ($60) That old expression 'Caveat Emptor' really does apply these days.

Nice weapon - am I reading the number correctly - 4672 - ? I wonder if the records still exist to show who received the weapons ?

Danny - firstly welcome to GMIC - we must hope that you will become a regular contributor. I am sorry to tell you that Leigh left some time ago - he had illness in the family. I think that I can give you permission to reproduce the above photograph - providing that you give GMIC a credit. I hope other members will be able to assist you further in your research - and we will all be interested to learn how you get-on. Mervyn ps. I have just noticed on the comments sections that you are advertising spare parts for a m/cycle. I am sorry that this is not allowed and I have had to make a deletion. Perhaps put them on - one at a time on our For Sale section - better still just mention to any members that may contact you.

Thanks to Kevin identifying it as a Belgian Award - I have read the links he gave and it would appear to be a Gallantry award with this ribbon. Chris rightly points out that he may have been in East Africa - but, until we see his record, he may also have been in France - only War and Victory were eligible to Sth. Africans. Also, to my mind contact with Berlgian troops would be more likely. We will see in due course.

Thankyou Kevin - I wonder from what period ?

Looks as if I have pressed the wrong button on my comments section - will try again. The penalty of getting old ! This unusual group of seven medals has some very different combinations - I will run through them in order ? The WW1 pair for War and Victory are named to him as a 1st. Class Warrant Officer. His unit was the SAMC - South African Medical Corps.. This is followed by the WW2 South African Medal. His rank is not shown - as was usual for Officers'. I think this ties in with the naming on the Officer's Decoration which shows him as a Major with Natal Rifle Association. I suspect he may have been an instructor for Recruits. The Award is for 20 years - however, War Service counted double. Next is his Meritorious Service Medal. We do not know - at this stage - why he received this - perhaps it is to do with the Dutch Award ? Next is the Decoration, followed by the 1937 King George 6th. Coronation Medal. Finally, the Dutch Award. Perhaps he assisted wounded from the Netherlands Army? I thought at first this was Greek - however, the Lion is Dutch. I look forward to your comments and thoughts ? Mervyn

Naming on WW1 pair.

Reverse of Officers' Decoration

South African Officers' Decoration

Reverse

I will show the group + individual pictures first and then discuss generally. There is still a lot to be found out regarding this rare grouping - the combinations and namings are quite unusual.

Where are all our experts - someone must have a photo ?

This is a current picture of the South African Police at a passing-out Parade. The two tone Blue uniform is full dress and was, in fact, the old uniform for the pre1994 Police Force. There are very few white officers joining these days - however, there are still quite a number serving from earlier days.

Hi - Jean-Paul. I remember his bravery at the time - a most well deserved award. How can anyone blame him for selling the medal if it gives financial security to himself and his family. We must hope a museum has funds to make the purchase ?

The Forte

The grip

Scabbard and blade

This pattern of bayonet could never be described as rare - although it has to be said that in the last few years prices have gone-up and good examples have become scarcer. It was the main British Bayonet for the 1st World War - which meant that millions were made. Most of these were destroyed after the war and for the 2nd. WW there was a shorter version in use. However, some Countries found a use for them by issuing to their Police Forces. This is such an example - the date of issue is shown as 1929 - however, there is an indistinct mark on the other side which may have an earlier date. The South African Police carried the .303 in those days and with such a long bayonet they had a good weapon for fighting in rough country - or, against over- whelming numbers. This example has a very clear S.A.P. incised into one of the wooden grips - and could we have reason to be suspicious about the small cuts just above-it ?

I've never seen a faked ZARPS martingale - however, that doesn't mean they haven't - or, won't. Quite a simple casting. I have seen examples of sand castings for British Boer War Cavalry.

Those two belt ones are something secret police would wear - and I suppose the size is necessary to be seen at a distance. I wonder what ranks the colours represented ? Good additions to your collection. Mervyn

jhol - I am afraid Stuart is no longer on this Forum. However, we have a number of helmet experts and I am sure they will be able to help. I am possibly wrong , but at first glance it looks as if a few alterations may have been made. The plume holder usually rises where the spike is. The Dragoon Regts. are heavy cavalry and their officers have gold plated helmets in order to be seen in the dust of battle. This appears to be an officer's - but, I am not sure about the badge. If you go to the bottom of this page I illustrated the breakdown of an officer's helmet. We will wait for the experts to give their opinions.

Alf - they abolished a lot of the top ranks - ie. - there are no more Field Marshalls - only surviving members of the Royal Family. However, I always understood that an Air Chief Marshall was the equal of a FM ?

Reverse

Fronts

There are great numbers of these small belt daggers in the different Countries that make-up the upper African countries. Individual tribes will often have their own style and of course, they are sold and bartered throughout the area. The larger - top one - is quite well made and covered in camel skin. Probably an old piece of metal was put in as the blade. I suspect Somalia or, Eritrea could be it's home. The small Arab Jambiya could be from any of the Arab countries on the Med.. Although, it does have the look of an Egyptian bazaar sale item ? It has been worn as can be seen by the wear on the back. I will show a few extra pictures - as always comments are most welcome.