Mervyn Mitton

Hugh - I can only show the top of the button - it is fixed into the base of the cartridge. Dans seems to have found the same pattern - although this would make it later than WW1. I doubt if we will ever know it's history - perhaps it was made to commerorate his war service ?

I thought they were interesting - particularly the different styles of uniform and helmets. Would you both please have a look at Firearms - I posted a picture of a Martini with ZAR markings. Would be nice to have your expert opinions. Mervyn

I'm unable to read the motto in the Garter - however, the Crown is more the late Victorian - early Edwardian pattern. Which is why I wondered if it could be Boer War period (1899-1902).

This is an unusual little item that I have just bought. There are no secrets to be discovered with it - only, what date is it from ? Basically it is a button hook - dating from the period when a Gentleman's boot spats had buttons, and this little tool helped to do them-up. What is unusual is that it has been mounted in a .303 cartridge case - with a hole bored through the bullet. The base of the cartridge has been removed and a Canadian button fitted. So the questions for our Canadian friends are - 1. Can you identify the button's unit ? 2. Do you think this is a Boer War period - or, 1st. WW. ? There was a set of 3 1st WW miniatures with it - but these may be quite separate. Were people still using button hooks in the 1st. WW - and would they have been used with boots ?

Paddywhack - you're just a 'softy' at heart ! But I do agree with you - however, we have to be careful that the not so knowledgeable don't get caught.

Gordon - post 8 - under Police of the World, shows an Indian Police Service Supt's uniform - with cross belt and both plates. No hat. Would you be interested to buy this as a centrepiece for your collection. The silver badges will clean-up beautifully. Alternatively, I might consider just the cross belt - but, really a pity to split them. Mervyn ps. Heynes dated it to pre WW1.

Some of the smaller Forces sent only one or, two men. 'NP' stands for Natal Police - disbanded in 1913 when the South African Police Force was established.

I recently saw this series of photographs in an old Police magazine. They are of the various Police units, from different Forces, who represented this Country at the Coronation of King George 5th.. They are historically interesting in that they show the different uniforms. The captions are self explanatory.

Hi - Kev. Have you seen the various posts on UN Insignia on the World Police Forum. Might be worth adding this as well - for comments.

Michael - I suppose his first group was lost or, stolen and he had to replace them himself. With the correctly named ones that makes them a collectable group - with history. Pylon - I have agreed with one of our members that he can have all of them - less the bits I need - for the scrap price of just the five silver ones. Like you, he wants to show them as representitives. Sorry, I only had the one set like this. Mervyn

Thankyou, Peter. Very helpful. I also liked your comments on the medals.....

Hi - Robin. The cap is in very good condition. I would have thought it was around the 1st WW period - perhaps running into the early 1930's. The high crown seems to indicate that period. For 45 pounds I would say you had a bargain - particularly with the condition. The badge on it's own - in silver - could easily fetch more. The word silver does not always mean overseas - although it obviously can indicate this. Small items did not always require to be hallmarked - and as part of a batch it was probably easier to just stamp 'silver'. However, silver was usually for officers' - so this may not be the correct badge ? Looking at it again - it is probably an officers' pattern. See what others think ?

Nick - it is a possibility - however, the level of re-naming and the wrong Regt. details seem to indicate one person's idea of 'glory'. Also, the chap who brought them in knew the old man - he was an old family friend - and apparantly a little eccentric. I agree with comments that it is a great shame to destroy original old medals - however, we have a duty to take them out of circulation. One of our members has shown interest - and I know that he will keep them separate - so, I will see if I can reach an arrangement. Had the medals been properly named the value would have been in the region of 700 pounds ($1120)

Two views of barrel markings - different exposures in the hopes you can make them out....

Was talking to an interesting young Afrikaaner in the shop yesterday - his name is Lamont Erasmus, and he plans to join GMIC - so please welcome him when he does. He brought in for me to see a Martini Henry rifle - full size, but converted for hunting by removing the forepart of the wooden stock. These old single shot rifles were popular for hunting as the 577/.45 bullet could stop most animals. They were British Army weapons that replaced the rifle in use during the Crimea War of the 1850's. Under British and Commonwealth Militaria there is a good article by Peter Suciu and I also cover them under the heading Zulu Iklwas. What made this particular rifle of great interest, were the letters stamped into the metal of the breech. ZAR 2953. ZAR stands for Zuids Afrikaans Republic and this is the first time I have seen a rifle with this direct identification and armoury number. People tend to think that the Boers only used the Mauser rifle - in fact they had more Martini Henrys. Possibly they bought these as surplus from the British Army - we used them in Sth. Africa during the Zulu War of 1879. The Republic lasted from 1852 to 1902 and ceased to exist after peace with Britain was arranged in 1902. The Boers only had three units who wore uniform - the greater number of their troop were Commandoes, who wore ordinary clothing. The three units who were organised were - The State President's Guard ; The Zuid Afrikaans Republic Police (ZARPS) ; and the Staats Artillery. There is a shorter version of the Martini Henry designed for Artillery, so it is probable that the Armoury number is either for the Police - or, the Presidential Guard. The fact remains that this is the first I have seen with numbering and identification. A few years ago a consignment of Mauser Rifles - with markings for the ZAR, was found in Chile. They were probably unable to deliver them to the Boers since we had a Naval blockade in place - after the War finished they would have been sold by Mauser. They sold for very high prices with the historical connection. I am hoping that our Members will be able to add to the known history on this weapon - and it would be great if we can establish the unit. Lamont has said he wants to sell the rifle - so, when he joins if anyone is interested they can talk to him by IM.

You're doing well, Lorenzo. Some nice pieces and the photos add an interest from the period. Your museum advances..........

Mike - with pleasure - IM with an offer I'm not sure of current prices. Mervyn

This is the rough naming on the Efficiency - the numbers follow the name...

This is his 2nd. WW grouping. Some of the worst re-naming I have ever seen. The Africa Star is missing and the Efficiency Medal has also been re-named.