Mervyn Mitton

Brian - I could be totally wrong on this - but no one else has had a 'go'. I don't think it's a spear - as in a sharp pointed instrument. More likely to be something for cutting-up an animal. Two peoples spring to mind - the Congolese, I have seen something similar and they cut-up Hippo carcases. More likely - particularly where you live - could it be Innuit (Eskimo). They would have the same need for whales and seals. If you can establish Canadian origin - which should not be difficult - with the pattern, it could be quite valuable. There must be a special museum? Mervyn

Thankyou both for your time and trouble - I was completely baffled ! I shall follow the info up. Mervyn

Your help will be appreciated. I am told this is a Meritorious Honour Award. I have been able to find out virtually nothing about it - which Unit issued it and what for ? Does it have any value? The box is stamped United States Of America.( a little out of focus - sorry.)

Good board of South African bullion cap badges. Top: Officer SA - RN Reserve 1913 - 20 Left: RN- Vol Res (S.A.) Petty Officer 1936 - 52 Centre: SA Petty Officer 1953 -59 Right: RN - SA Chief Petty Officer 1939 - 45 The SA Navy was very much under the influence of the RN during this period - so, I don't think there is much difference.

I can't see the crown - could you do a close-up?

Leigh - I agree with you about the helmet being awkward and heavy - but no way could they get it away from me ! I was asked to consider C.I.D. - no way, I was proud to be a foot P.C. I think I have mentioned this in previous posts - all police officers are warrant officers - in the sense that they hold The Queen's (or King's) Warrant , to perform their duties. This goes back hundreds of years to when all power was authorised by the Monarch. My Warrant number was 158,277 meaning that I was that number of officers since the first one marched out of New Scotland Yard in 1829 !! That is history in the truest meaning. I wonder what number they are up to now ?

You have a wonderfull collection Darrell - no wonder we have trouble finding QSA's ! Do you source them from around the World ?

Looking good Thomas - although it's a pity they didn't open direct. Look forward to seeing more.

Now - I fully agree with you !! I hadn't realised that the uniform had already, changed so drastically. When I last visited the flat, it was Sept. 2007 and in the whole month I was there, I only saw ONE uniformed officer. We mustn't try to live in the past - however, it is sad that so much is changing - often , for the sake of change.

It was very kind of you to put the S.A. ones on - I am sure a lot of people will be interested. Despite being limited to this Country, they have never become as collectable, as say, the British ones. Mervyn

This may be of interest - the British and Rhodesian Forces in WW2 established Long Range Desert Groups in North Africa. This plaque is for Southern Rhodesia and I am told by the experts that it is the only one known. It came from the Officer's Mess of Rhodesian Light Infantry. Perhaps someone can tell us more about the unit ?

That's great ! Makes them more interesting with the info. - although, I think they would look nice framed. Leigh said how cheap they were some years ago - like everything, prices go up. The value of the cards now is about ?40 - ?50. Prob. more in the original book. Thanks for putting the full set on.

Mike - I'm going to join-in, because I fully agree with you - for once, I can't follow Leigh on standardisation. Yes - standardise weapons, radios - even vehicles- that helps recognition, but not uniform. The British uniform evolved from the 1829 pattern and changed to it's present form of tunic and helmet in the 1860's. People all over the World immediately recognise our Police - and indeed most other Countries uniforms are also recognised on sight. I agree that changes have to be made to keep up with modern standards - for example, my winter greatcoat was so heavy that I could hardly walk - let alone run ! So, make changes but, keep it recognisable. PICTURE : THE FIRST METROPOLITAN POLICE OFFICER IN 1829 (Drawing by Bob Marrion - our plan drawer at 'H' Div. and a brilliant artist.)

You also have to remember that the US purchased the 1820's pattern French sword ( can't recall the exact model date) as an issue to their army. By the time of the Civil War it was being made under license in America. So, who is to say that a special order couldn't have been made ? Needs a museum opinion. It also became one of the most forged swords in the World - the Indians and Italians have made so many that you have to be very careful - but obviously not in this case - the copies are so well made that the best way to detect them is lean on the blade and see if it 'snaps' - but, people don't like you doing this !

Whenever you see photos like this, it makes you realise how close to disaster GB came !! Why do you think the front row of the marching troops are all carrying binocs? Could they be anti-aircraft?

Hello - Charlie. As a newish member myself, may I say Welcome. I was very interested in your plastic badges - Leigh gave me an incredible number of those made . I suppose it just reflects how many men were fighting ! Do you have any idea of a price for the Hampshire one ? Mervyn (p.s. please let me know when you are selling the Dublin Fus. They were important in the Boer War.) Do you know Ian Shepherd - he lives in Knutsford and has just joined ?

With the interest in the M.C.groups - I thought this Canadian set could also have a place. All siver and un-named - although we do have his name with some other items (just couldn't find it quickly) I understand that he wouldn't have had the 39/45 Star as he was only ferrying planes to UK. ?

You did get to have a 'hot topic' from the post !! Seriously though, I am sorry that I got it wrong - in excuse, I must say that I see a lot more Boer War swords then I do Naval ones... However, with it's new attribution, it is worth a lot more now. email to either Sotheby's or Christies in London and ask them? (www.sothebys.com or, www.christies.com ) With best wishes Mervyn p.s. saw an interesting programme on the Icelandic horse recently. Lovely little animals - do they eat well !!!!!

'Monkey God' - according to that interesting link you gave - 13 million ?1 coins in circulation are forged - and they say that at 1% that is too low ! Bring back the 'hanging, drawing and quartering' !! If it's my money they're taking I have no pity... (p.s. nice likeness !!!)

Jonathan - I understood Wilkinson's had gone out of business and the research was no longer available ? Wilkinson were bought out many years ago by - I think - Hudnutt's , the US cosmetic co.. About two years after the purchase, the Chairman read a report that told him they owned the only sword factory left in the UK. He immed. tried to have the whole place shipped over, but, I understand he was blocked. Hudnutt's wanted the razor part to fight Gilette. The sword I posted came to us from Rhodesia and was an asst. comm's. - however, the other one I bought at auction in UK - it had a paper from the S.A.Govt. ordering it on behalf if the Rhodesian Govt.. I can't find this now - but, I don't expect it to be lost. All weapon exports to Rhodesia were banned during UDI - what I couldn't understand , was how it could be ordered by S.A. - they were banned as well ?

An interesting uniform - must have been difficult to launder with all the insignia. Do you still keep in touch with him ? They have been having a lot of problems with insurgents. Did he wear their usual cap with a high peak?

That's incredible - how did you know that???

I should have said - the figure climbing top right - is a Guardsman, the figure climbing top left, is trying to escape.. The pattern of police sword Smithers is wearing, is the 'D' shaped hilt - previously illustrated on this forum. To hang - draw and quarter. I wonder how many people realise that this was a common form of punishment for very serious cases and where the Govt. wanted to make an impression on the public. First, they were hung - but not killed. They were then taken down - their bodies cut open and the entrails removed. The bodies were then 'quartered' - or, cut into sections. This would be head, arms, legs and torso. These parts were then sent by horsemen to main cities all over England and hung in special iron cages over the main gates. There would be a notice saying why he had been executed. You wonder if it ever achieved anything - crime never seemed to drop !! *FULL COPYRIGHT IS CLAIMED ON THESE FOUR PAGES - NOT TO BE RE-PRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION*