Mervyn Mitton

Jonathan - any help will be appreciated.

Front and back views of an older version of MBE/OBE. The ribbon is the military issue. The two insignia are identical - however, the MBE is silver and the OBE is silver gilt.

Under 'Police' - have you seen Gordon Craig's very interesting post on the Newfoundland Police ?

Wow ! Between this post and Leigh's - a whole new type of Policing has opened-up. Very factual and interesting - I was fascinated with both posts.

Tony - great post and very interesting. I wonder where the watch came from ? Perhaps a family item - or, not enough money for a wrist watch so they made-up this one. I have seen several sunburst Aust. collars converted into 'Sweethearts' - sometimes they have them gilded. The most moving was one brought in by a great-niece of a soldier killed at Gallipoli - his Sister had the brooch made-up and it had descended down. I gave it to an Aussie collector, so that the history would not be forgotten.

Thankyou Jonathan - I must be honest and say I had forgotten to check. Will do so tomorrow - no Friday - I only go into the shop on three mornings now. Hope you are finding some new items. Mervyn

If it were British I would say the red one with the three white stripes, would be for the MBE or, OBE - military division. Being Dutch perhaps he was awarded a British Honour ?

Strange that you both suddenly 'picked-up' on this old post. I certainly wouldn't want to be near it when fired. Michael - has your unit appeared on a British TV Travel Channel - was watching tonight when they showed a clip from Ontario. The uniform looked the same as yours ?

Lorenzo - your latest posts have two sets of objects which are far earlier than the Saddam period. Firstly - the handcuffs - whilst locally made in quite a crude manner, they are in fact copies of the British pattern from just after the 1st World War. The whistles are original - British Army pattern - based on the British Police issue of that period. During World War One we fought a big campaign throughout what was known at that time as Mesopotamia. General Allenby eventually controlled the whole area and after peace was declared the Allies split the area up in order for different Countries to have control - or, as it was known - a Mandate. Amongst others, Britain took control of Iraq, Jordan, Palestine etc., and British troops were stationed in considerable numbers. The whistles are from that period - 1919. I used to have Police swagger sticks from this period - we established local Police in each Mandate. However, this is the first time I have seen whistles. Are any of them engraved with names or, makers marks ?

Claudio - Yes, Garrards. They and Mappin and Webb are the Crown jewellers.

Will - a lovely helmet and in very good condition. Owen shows this badge on the back cover of his book and if I remember, identifies it as an officers' pattern ? I do know that this helmet was probably British and from the Zulu War - the Boer Govt. bought older stock.

Thankyou Mike - this explains very clearly how the English term Sheriff, came to be used in America. The Governors' - perhaps not this one - would have known the meaning of the office from Britain and used it in the same context in the new Colonies. Thankyou for taking the time to research this - it has made everything a lot clearer. Again - the old Anglo-Saxon term - the 'Posse Comitatus' - or, instant pursuit after criminals, was also adapted to the U.S. - Posse.

Mugabe has just lost two of his planes - so I think you are right.

No - they weren't a very big unit - I'll have another look at the text and see what they say. I thought they might be officers as they are the only ones with the mourning band. I can't remember what date the Queen died ?

I think it's Garrards - will check my silver book.

Peter - terrific that your unit still uses the old title...

A lovely eclectic collection. The plastic box must be quite valuable - I take it that it is plastic and not glass ? Bakelite and plastics were a valuable novelty pre-war which is why they had it for the dagger handles.

Lorenzo - you never fail to amaze me with the sheer quantity and variety of your collection - I expect it takes up most of the house ? However, it is always enjoyable to see these items.

As an apology to Brian, for going 'off topic' - a picture of three quite rare Special Constable's truncheons : FROM LEFT : William 4th (1830-37) Special Constable- area not known ; Queen Victoria - Edinburgh Special Constable - showing their badge of a fouled anchor on a chaplet with blue bands. (A chaplet was the padding to go between the iron helmet and the head. Gentlemen would wear it when the helmet was off.) - this example would date to about the 1850's. ; Very rare longer staff for the City of Perth High Constables. They were an association of leading shopkeepers' and citizens who acted as a support for the Parish Constable. They were a little like the Mason's, being an association with rituals - however, they were acting as Special Constables - this would date from the time of George 3rd. - 1760-1820 ; Finally, this is for the Constable of Port Talbot - in Wales. Dates to William 4th. - a little battered, but rare.

Mike - that 1696 date takes it back to the time of Queen Anne. Would you be able to dig-up any more info. from the museum ?

No - 5 is the maximum. Hallmark is for London - makers mark is hard to read - could be Garrards (the Crown Jewellers) or, Spinks.

The Connecticut Governor's Foot Guard must be incredibly rare - and valuable. I take it that the covering is bear skin ? And the hand painted badge/insignia takes us straight back to an early colonial period. Wonderful. The Light Artillery Officer's Dress Helmet is in superb condition - and with your mentioning buffalo or, Yak, you can see that it is a dense hair. With the cap for the 7th. Cavalry - do you have the correct badge in your collection ? Once again, thankyou for sight of these rare pieces - I'm sure they will excite comment. Mervyn

Good post Peter - one doesn't think of South America having this wide range of sun hats. One or two, with quite strange colouring.

I fully agree - I never had any problems and often walked with Specials who were on their own. I think a lot of the problems came from the older police who re-joined after the War. You are obviously more up-to-date then I could be - so let 'sleeping dogs - get on with it ' ! (or something like that...)