Mervyn Mitton

Both Hallmarks are identical - this is the one on the stand. From left : maker's mark ; lion passant - the mark for sterling silver of 925 parts to 1000. The balance is tin to strenghten the silver. Next is the Crowned leopard head showing it is London assayed. The letter is for the date year. Finally the head of King George 3rd. to show that the duty required at that time had been paid.

This is the oldest - King George 3rd. 1798. Unusually the matching stand has remained with it for over 213 years - which is rare. Both have matching Hallmarks. The style of this teapot is called a Melon shape and the stand matches the cut-out exactly. Remember, it was only a few years earlier that America fought for it's Independence.

Continuing the theme on teapots , here are three very good examples of sterling silver. We will show lots of different items over the coming months - now is the time for you to send us pictures of anything unusual that you have - and to challenge the Panel ? The three lovely teapots shown here span a time distance of 103 years - can you tell which is the oldest ?

I rather like it - and it is after all the 'Diamond Jubilee'. My critiscism would be that she looks a bit stern. Do we know anyone within our ranks who might receive one ?

Created in 1866 in honour of Prince Albert - Queen Victoria's husband - the Prince Consort. Originally it was to mark great bravery at sea and included an anchor in the design - the bottom picture. Later it was altered to show bravery on land - and it was this top one that the two children received.

Page Three :

Page Two :

Page 1 of the catalogue write-up. I hope it is clear enough to read.

Anthony and Doreen after the award of their Albert Medals

This is the Government Gazette entry for the Albert Medals.

Introductory paragraph.

This appeared in an Illustrated Magazine of the times. Remember - he was 8 and she was 11 - so the scale is fairly accurate.

I came across this incredible story of devotion and bravery in an old catalogue of Spink's. The original action took place in 1916 and the children - brother and sister, were 11 and 8 respectively. Both were very severly injured and the Govt. Gazette made clear just how, at that young age, they had defended each other. Both were awarded the ALBERT Medal for Bravery and when this was discontinued they were given the George Cross in it's place. The incident and the awards are famous - however, they are not easily found. I am showing the full write-up from Spink's as a lot of research was included. The reason for this was that the sister's GC was on their sale. I should explain that Puma's or, Mountain Lions are found in North America. They are about the size of a Leopard, but are very fierce. They are prone to sudden - and usually, fatal attacks. This is the sister's GC mounted with the bow for a lady to wear.

John - I'm sorry no-one has picked-up on your query, hopefully someone will do so in the near future. I suspect SG could be Scots Guards - but, it needs someone with a modern knowledge - I'm well lodged in the past....

I have discovered that I can add a message under a Topic Title. When a posting needs the Panel to assist I will add on the 2nd. line - "Advisory Panel to Assist ". Many thanks - Mervyn

Thankyou Brian - any idea of a local value ? Ed - are you happy with this information ? This thread is now open to the Forum members to post comments or, add pictures. PANEL MEMBERS PLEASE WATCH FOR THE 'ALERT' UNDER TOPIC TITLE. ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------

Hi - Mack. Welcome to GMIC. I think you will find that this is the 1845 British Infantry Officers Sword Pattern. It has the folding guard and was gilt. Jonathan is probably the best to help you with the maker - however, at that time there were many small shops and foundaries turning out swords. Gradually they went out of business as it became unlawful to carry a sword in public - for civilians that is - and became forgotten. Did you say you were in NZ - check back into family history - it may have been originally in the Maori Wars ? p.s. No - my mistake - you're in California. Any idea where your Grandfather obtained the sword. By the way - Newgate was one of the Original gates to the City of London and was the site of a prison. Not far from the Old Bailey.

Very unusual - I would think a presentation from the CO for good service - or, length of service. Obviously a generic pattern with the details engraved on the reverse - but, no name or reason. The troops in uniform with their cannon are well done. I would check with one of the London auction houses - Spinks or, perhaps Christies - for a value.

A nice story Mike. He had made his arrangements and I think the party for his friends was a nice gesture. But why Las Vegas ?

Name details on the base - the fuzzyness is from the stamping.

This shows the open top for the soap - drainage holes for the water from the brush.

This view clearly shows the domed soap in the top and the brush on the left. Usually, this would be head down into the water.

With this Forum being so new, I am adding a few items to show just how interesting it could be - we already have our first question and a lot of people will be posting as time goes-on. With progress very few people use a blade to shave with - unless it's one of those expensive three blade types - electric shavers are the item of choice. But, think back a hundred years. Shaving was a cumbersome business and for most people still required a cut-throat razor. Firstly you had to get hot water for your shaving mug, then use a brush to smooth lather from a round soap around your face. This lovely old shaving mug - probably dating back to late Victorian days - has the name FLORIS on the base. They still exist and are very high class perfumiers, with a Royal Warrant. The mug is Ironstone and was made in the potteries in Staffordshire. Ironstone meant that it had a portion of ground stone mixed-in to give strength. Brushes - if you could afford it - were made from Badger hair. The soap was especially rounded at the top and was flat at the base to fit the top of the mug. Despite being a common item in their day - now they are quite rare, particularly in this condition. Since there is no question attached to this post, please feel free to comment - we would like to know if you find this new section of interest ?

Hi - Ed. Thankyou for re-posting, it will take a little time for us to get everything running smoothly. I will give the members of the panel a chance to make comments now - and then once we have answered we will welcome members comments. Mervyn

Hello Cathey and Rex. I will echo Stuart's welcome to GMIC - although I see you joined in 2009 - I hope that we will now see your splendid collection at more frequent intervals ? I particularly liked your Dirk with it's full trousseaux . The research detail was also excellent - so often this is not fully known. I thought your way of showing a montage of photos was also good - saves space and allows immediate comparison. Stuart had mentioned your collection and that you lived in Adelaide - proof the the place is not the 'wowser' City that we always knew it to be in the 1950's.......