Mervyn Mitton

This is the main instrument - the Azimuth. The crown is almost certainly Edward 7th (1902-10) - unless it is late Victorian. There appears to be maker's initials - or, are they owner's - or, the branch of the Service ? Is it Naval or, mercantile marine? Does it go with either of the above pieces ?

This appears to be the bottom and must fit onto something?

There are four pictures of this one - no-one has any idea what it is - does it belong with the next item?

I recently bought a number of items and included was a box that held the three items I am going to post . I know that the third one is an azimuth - and I think it has something to do with finding the horizon - apart from that it is a total mystery. Probably only an older seaman will know how it works - satellite navigation must have stopped all of these old instruments. The question that is of importance is - do all of these three pieces work together, or, have they just come together in the box ? The first is the compass - brass and similar quality to the others - however, the Indians have been making excellent copies of compasses. There is no makers mark, or other identifying mark.

Thankyou Richie - Leigh had identified it very well - , but must have missed my question. When you say NATO - does that mean it is a standard pattern to all Forces ? Welcome to the Forum. Mervyn

Thomas - my reply had crossed with Richie's , so I hadn't seen his translation. Well done that you have found the history - funnily enough I had wondered about Argentina - there used to be close ties with S.A. pre-1994.

I made enquiries whilst we were in Egypt - I used to visit Sudan and Egypt quite frequently and I was told that it was normal practise for a ceremonial flywhisk to be carried as a status symbol. In East Africa, Chiefs still do carry one. Certainly, I was assured that this has the military connection. However, we all know how things can take on exagerated status - so prove me wrong ??? Sorry - that sounds rude and it wasn't meant to be - I can only say that I can't prove it either way.

I bought this fly whisk - years ago - in the Bazaar in Cairo. I have no reason not to believe that it was part of the regalia for a Sirdar - a rank in the Egyptian Army roughly equivalent to a major. This would have been in the Victorian period - poss. 1870's -80's when we were involved in Egypt. If any member has different info. I would be pleased to hear ? The shaft is ivory and the hair would have been bleached donkey tail.

Thomas - does it have the fittings to go on a bayonet ? Looking at it I would have said more a bowie knife in the tradition of the gauchos - who fastened it around the thigh from the bottom hole. The inscription seems to be the maker's name - where are the Spanish speakers ?

Cecil Rhodes - Barney Barnato and Oppenheimer - the three 'big' names who benefited from the gold and diamonds, were living at the right time. Their exploits - if they happened today - would probably make headlines in every paper. They were total exploiters.

I know this a little 'off' topic - but, did the Germans wear this pattern of helmet ? Very similar to the Merryweather pattern of UK ?

Darrell - have you ever read any accounts of the 1st. Boer War in 1881 ? Particularly the battle of Laing's Nek ? That was famous for changing a number of practices from the past, which the Victorian generals' would not give-up. Your comments re. old fashioned thinking are , therefore 'on the button' ! I will do a resume of the War if I can find some good illustrations - we were defeated in every battle and our general was killed - so, being British - we left him buried in a field and did not issue a medal !!! I tried to have him ( Maj.Gen. Colley ) taken back to UK and for him to be buried in Westminster Abbey - he was a famous man in his day - but, as always, they turned it down. This battle must not be confused with the Battle of Laing's Nek in the second Boer War - and for which a battle clasp was issued.

Thomas - it is interesting how much greater the curves are in your yataghan, when compared with Theodor's. However, interestingly, they both have the rubberised non-slip grip we were using on swords and bayonets of that period. Does that mean Theodor's has British origins ? Although they were often given to Sgts., Durban Light Infantry were gven them in the Boer War - I suppose a case of using up old stock on the Colonials. The guard on the armoured train carrying Winston Churchill , which the Boers captured at Frere in Natal, had DLI included in the compliment - so, a few are around. I saw a very nice example at my talk to Rotary, Durban North, last evening and I think it will be coming-in.

That's why this forum is special - everyone weighs in with ideas.. Peter , do you belong to a black powder club, or, own one to fire privately? I would be a little nervous of the strength of the barrel ? Before I was in the chair, I took the Society to ranges to practise with our guns - we all had them here, before the regs. changed. Anyway, I thought I should fire the 12 gauge to see if I could - two people stood behind me and just managed to hold me as I went past - so, what is the recoil like on a Brown Bess ?? Helen - make little notes all over your desk - truncheons/Zulu - truncheons/Zulu !!!!!

Nice example of a Metropolitan Police night helmet plate. This has the cypher of King George 6th. - 1936 - 52, however, I think they were mainly for use in WW2 with the blackout and fear of reflections. They are not a common badge.

Belt buckle - about the only thing I can add to this enjoyable series. There is also a swagger stick - will put it on tomorrow and perhaps you can tell me if it's an officers or, NCO's ?

You can never have too much information - apart from the personal knowledge, it adds to the value. The extra info. I promised is being copied and will be sent by post on Monday. Mervyn