Mervyn Mitton

Cap badge and two collars for the Canadian Forces in the Boer War (1899-1902). They have Queen Victoria's Crown. The other one must be WW1?

Wonderful stuff !!! When you do find a better cap, at least you've got the fittings.

Brian - thankyou for that well written and concise background to the Canadian period - and as for that battlefield relic ! I don't recognise the sword pattern - would it be possible to have a close-up of the hilt? Like you, I am a believer in trying to put details with an object - we are not just a 'picture gallery' and everyones' contributions have certainly enlarged my knowledge of the period. Similarly, Michael's link adds a lot from the Fenian side. Let's hope more members will contribute.

Will - a fine piece of family history. On the ABO - is that a mark or, a hole. If a hole, it was probably on a watch chain ?

With the join of the sweat band at 12 o'clock and running a ruler to 6 o'clock - the cockade is at approx. 4p.m. and the two air holes at 9p.m. Are you back from holiday ? Merv.

Brian - it must be quite rare to have medals with both of the bars. I am getting 'frustrated' - in all honesty I don't have a clue - apart from the note about them planning to take over Canada - as to what they actually accomplished in Canada. I expect I could Google, but it would be great if a Canadian member could give some details? After all, it's not every day you plan to 'take-over' a stable Commonwealth country ! Going back to the medal, it would be good to have one mounted alongside the panel - should you hear of one, please let me know. Best wishes

The ones Paul describes are valuable and very sought after. However, we have found in recent years that more general collectors are now turning to miniatures. There are probably two reasons - prices have rocketed for good full size ones - and with mins. you can include gallantry and other rare ones to make interesting sets. Prices can rise quite steeply if mins. can be attribute to a person - the M.C. set I posted is a good example. Earlier mins. - particularly, if silver- will be worth more. A Zulu war example starts at ?50. $85.

Thanks,Graham . Leigh showed interest for his collection - price has just doubled - he'll 'hate you'! I can't answer you myself , I don't have great knowledge on these modern pieces. But thanks. Mervyn

Two medals for the experts to 'get their teeth into'. I know very little about their background - the Indian one is hallmarked 1900 - but is not easy to read. The British one has no markings - but tests silver. I was told they could be worn ? Over to you.....

Helen - I was expecting a lot of members to answer your questions. I would say that the difference between the two, is that a replica is for show, and a reproduction is a faithful copy of the original and could, probably be used. Taking your Sharps as an example - an original must be worth a great deal of money - however, a good copy would be just as effective. The Sharps fired a large ball , with a lot of power behind it - I imagine it was the .44 magnum of it's day. However, I am no expert and it would be nice if someone else gave their opinions. With regard to Spain - Toledo was always the centre of the arms trade. Swords and pistols, were of the finest quality and greatly sought after. Even today Spain still produces a great number of replicas of famous guns. When I used to go to Majorca (the island) to see the boat, the shops in Palma were full of imitation firearms - some better than others.

I can't remember on which post I saw a topic about police postcards - anyway, these might be of interest. They date to the Edwardian period (1901-1910) and show how the Police were looked on in those days. Always hanging around the kitchens. (Nothing wrong with that - on my Home Beat I could have tea in at least 20 - or,more - shops and schools!)

I think this is a most dramatic picture from the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. An original from the Illustrated London News of that year, we have the B&W lithographs water coloured by a top artist in the UK. The scene is of the barge from H.M.S. TENEDOS, the guard ship anchored off the mouth of the Tugela River. The barge was made from teak carried on board - amazingly she still survives 130 years later and is hidden in a marsh. We have tried for years to have her rescued and taken to a museum - the money is just not available. The barge carried a half company of troops and was attached to ropes which pulled it across this big river. The main Fort Pearson was on the Durban side and across the river was a temporary camp - Camp Tenedos. From left - an Artillery or, A.S.C.officer ; only signalman - of 5 on board - who came ashore from Tenedos - and therefore, had the 1879 bar on his 1877-79 medal. We had his medal, but I forget his name now. Then there are Zulu Guides and two Naval officers.

An original Illustrated London News print from 1879 . A good naval subject - The Naval Brigade , drawn up prior to the battle of Ginginhlovu - which we won. The troops always knew it as 'Gin gin I love you ' ! For the naval enthusiast the details of the uniform are clear and the straw hats interesting. I think the expressions on the oxen are superb - it could almost be a photograph - not a 130 year old hand drawn print.

I think you are quite right about the aigulettes - however, on the field this wouldn't always be visible - the red band would.

Jonathan - to me it looks like 'L'. I think everyone is foxed - no rush to offer opinions ! Let us know if you're succesful?

I think I spelt Namibia wrong in the first post. South African senior officers have a Protea flower on their peaks - SWA used to use a diamond. Remember - this is the diamond coast, where you can pick them up on the beaches. Except they shoot anyone on the protected beaches !!!

This cap is for a full colonel of the old South West Africa Police - when it was under Sth. African administration. Now, of course, it is known as Namibibia. Note the S.A.arms on the badge. Before Will goes 'walk about' again, I am hoping that he might have some other uniform and equipment from them ?

When I look at these historical objects, I think it is necessary to try and think back to the period when they were being worn. Who was he ? Where were his family when he was fighting ? Did he get issued with this belt or, have to puchase ? Did he really want to fight - or, was it peer pressure and accursed politicians ? So many questions - so few answers - but thanks to collectors like Will, at least something has remained and been accorded proper respect and research. (me being philisophical!) Best Mervyn

This was obviously the owner's idea to have these fittings inserted into the pouch. Makes it a useful wallet and notebook. To see a puch and crossbelt being worn see under World Police sub-forum Indian Uniform.

This is the badge for the front strap of the cross belt.