Mervyn Mitton

Seems a long time since we added to our Zulu thread. This is an interesting Kraal stick for an older Chief - would also have a use as an Iqubanga - or, Kraal knobkerry. The shape is most unusual in that it has been made to look like a thigh bone - with the knuckle end as a thumb rest. Probably turn-of 20th. C - or, perhaps even older.

Brian - amazing that you've found all of these rare items within Canada. Just shows that you need to look at everything in these fairs. Your mount shows it off well. Mervyn

George - that's very interesting to see the uniform. What Nationality was your great uncle - was he one of the Countries represented in Shanghai ? What are you going to do with the badge - other then look after it very carefully ? If I might suggest - have it mounted under glass - photo at the top - then the badge - then some biographical details in laminated plastic. This will turn it into an 'heirloom' - I always tell people with family medals to do this.

I thought the Aust. badges have a different feel about them from the British - perhaps it's the big pearls ? I do think though that the ones worn on the front of the shirts to be a little confusing. I appreciate that they are mainly to stop sniper action - and also, that troops will know their own ranks - however, it could easily be mistaken for a Major's rank badge - at least under the circumstances it would be worn. The Saint's Rhodesian set are also interesting - must be almost the complete set ?

Randy - firstly, do not clean the medal - the patina has taken a 100 years to build-up and many collectors hate it when they are cleaned. Remember it is 1 oz. of pure silver - well, 925 parts,(the other 75 parts being tin, to strengthen the silver) sterling silver. The value of the medal is about £300 ($450). Do you think he was a relative ? Look under British Police - some little time ago I posted the side panel from a police waggon and this concerned the Fenians. The many replies on this thread will answer many of your questions and give you the background to the Fenians - who were, of course, the later IRA. Welcome to GMIC.

Now - what you do Ed, is put the decal on the car door - wear your Austrian cap and that should totally confuse the natives of West Richland....

I'd forgotten that this thread had been started. This is an interesting set of convict chains. They are based on the old slave chains, in that not only do they lock on each ankle - they also have a hole in the centre of the chain through which a further chain could be threaded and then padlocked to a firm surface. For transporting prisoners by sea - or, long distances in a cart, this was ideal. These were found in a warehouse on Durban Docks and have the stamp for the South African Constabulary. They only existed for a few year from 1906 and are therefore, rare.

Still in it's original sealed carrying tin this seems to be a wound dressing with an antiseptic in place. Bought some years ago from a shop in the area where the 'Battle of the Bulge' took place - the Ardennes. I noticed that it is a sulphur compound - not penicillin.

Thankyou, Douglas. I knew Brazil had sent units, but not that it was such a large contribution. You had mentioned spare magazine, but the photo made it look very narrow. I hope you realise that you live in one of my favourite Countries - if i were younger I would be living in Rio de Janeiro, even with it's crime couldn't be more dangerous then Sth. Africa. Did you ever know Major Amaro - he was with the Policia Militaria (have I spelt that right?) - probably long retired. When we stayed at his beach house , he always fired six shots from his service revolver to warn everybody he was home ....

Eric - It's strange when you realise that the UDI period in Rhodesian history lasted for only 15 years - and yet the full paraphanalia of a modern Country is available. I doubt if many members realise just how rare some of these items are becoming. I am never sure whether to feel saddened - or, excited - that these last few years have seen so many changes , and that we have lived through them ? Would be nice if we could start a thread showing some of the rarer Rhodesian memorabilia - not just militaria. This could be valuable ref. material for the future. I will add some pieces if someone will start.

Thankyou Dmitry. Very nice to have a definite identification. Do you think it could have been taken in Ethiopia ? I expect the Bersegliari were there ?

It is a lovely weapon and in remarkable condition. What is the metal rod in the compartment alongside the holster - is it a cleaning kit ? I don't think you've ever told us which Country you live-in Douglas - do you think this pistol spent it's life there ?

Sorry Douglas - didn't realise we hadn't responded to the measurements. I don't think there is any great mystery with this cannon. Nearly all merchantmen carried fairly small cannon to try and defend themselves against pirates and enemy ships. Their crews were not highly trained and therefore, these 4 to 6 lb. (1 3/4 K - 2 1/2K ) could be more easily managed. Had it been for a warship - as we have said - it would more probably have Royal Cyphers, dates etc.. Value wise - people like to have them in their gardens, and particularly a pair , either side of the front door. Unfortunately, their weight -even of iron and much more so if they are brass, makes them worth stealing for scrap. I suppose, with luck , it could be worth about £600. ($750 $800). You have to remember that it is a dismounted cannon - and whilst the trunnions are still-on, a carriage would have to be made.

The bullion on the collar is very good - what rank would he be ? Ed - have a good trip.

Hi - 1314 - that was the additional information that we needed. I was particularly interested in the auction price - I knew that both the Police and the River Police badges would be valuable - but even I'm surprised at £1500. George should be VERY pleased - bargain of the century. Welcome to GMIC - presumably you're not in prison (?) give us something else to call you by ....

That's very good info. Tubs - I think it clears a number of points. I should also have said - welcome to GMIC - even I, should remember your nickname...

Surely Nthn. Ireland comes under the same laws as the Mainland ? If this is the case then the buyer is covered under the Consumer Act and the Trade Description Act. Selling something which is forged, would be an offence under either Act and the family should see the local Citizen's Advice Bureau and , possibly with their help, lay a complaint with the RUC. The dealer may be guilty of a specific offense - but, certainly, it should be possible to make him refund.

Tim - depose means cast or, made and the name is the foundry. The name on the other side is the sculptor and I see it has a date - looks like 1919. It would be bronze. I have never seen this particular one, but many styles were made to comemmorate the end of the War. The British turned medallions out 'at the drop of a hat' - often to be given to school children. They are in fact a collecting field in their own right.

Very interesting background, Brian, to an important area. Couldn't have been easy to control with such a diverse population. They were formed under what was known as ' The Permissive Act' which in 1838 gave Towns and Counties the right to set-up their own Forces. A lot of areas didn't follow and in 1856 a further act was passed -this was the 'Obligatory Act' and from that date Britain came under a uniform policing system. I like the comm. pin - the enamel is of good quality - and already, it is 17 years old...

Tim - interesting that it was made in France - Studer (?) would have been the manufacturers. Must have been to sell to the US troops as a souvenir. We usually call these medallions - as opposed to medals, which usually have a suspender. Do the map details co-incide with the areas the US troops fought in ? Very nice to still have the box.