Mervyn Mitton

All meatal is heavily gilded - and on this quality the under metal will be silver.

We have been seeing some really good - and rare items recently. However, I haven't seen any cross belts and pouches. This is a Victorian example - possibly Boer War, but, could easily be much older. This is for a Surgeon - Doctors did not have the additional badge on the front of the belt. There are always exceptions and I would value input on this ? Cross belts originally were used to hang swords from - later, with the early wheel and flint lock muskets, they added a pouch to carry balls - the powder was always in a horn. Later, when they used to carry pre-made up cartridges the officers , also had a pouch. These were always more decorative and for Regiments often had the arms in gilt on the front. Later they were added to full dress uniform and by the time this one was made ,they were exquisite (must remember this word for Scrabble!!) works of art. Needless to say, they are very collectable and very expensive. I hope other members will show any they have, and I will add some more examples at a later date. (Will has shown a number of Sth.African pouches in his Police postings.)

I always understood that the red - on cocked hat or, cap - was to ensure that troops and units gave them clear passage, as they could be carrying important despatches. I have Met. Police , asst.commisioner's bi-corne hat and it has blue over white feathers. Mervyn

Thanks. The militaria society won't get a freebie... Anyway, I'm a 'plod' - how many of us - really - knew that the sub. service don't have a fouled anchor??

Further to Tom's photos, I found we had an 1887 Queen Victoria golden jubilee to a Met. P.C. - he was still serving in 1897 and got the diamond jubilee bar.

Helen - thankyou for your comments and helpful link. I am trying to find the list of shops in Grahamstown in case the name was for a gun shop - records for that period are not easy. I was going to IM you - there is a topic on The Lounge that could benefit from your input as a museum curator - basically, it is a discussion on what to do with your collection when you 'leave this mortal coil'! There are a couple of posts you have made that have not yet been answered - I could probably have a 'shot' - but would prefer someone else to answer - I'm sick of seeing my name !!

This is an interesting memento of the Boer War. The coin - a Kruger 1/- has the date 1898. The hallmark on the 1/2 watch chain is for 1907. My feeling is that he was in the Br. Army and picked up the coin. Perhaps in 1907 - or, later - it was mounted as an 'Albert' or, decorative suspender. Watch chains could be 'full' or, 'half' - if full, then the other end had a choice - it could be a sovereign holder; a snuff box - or, a vesta case for matches. Perhaps members can add their comments...

Not too often that you see a group of medals issued from Vice Regal Lodge Simla. This was the summer home for the Viceroy, when it was too hot to be on the plains. The original full set was stolen in Rhodesia, some 25 years ago - but even these mins. make a fine display.

Gordon - thankyou - very interesting and informative - I have enjoyed looking at the different pictures. We all have our own collecting fields and it is good when we have a chance to see - and learn - something new. I do have one question - how long have the German army policing units been wearing these gorgets. I was never aware of them until we had the shop - however, I have never come across earlier examples. I do appreciate that all Gorgets - British and German - are the remnants of armour and to show status officers in the 17th and 18th. C's. wore silver gorgets - with armorials - around their necks. But, how did they become so unique to the German army?

Will - so good to see these rare pieces put together in such a legible way. To think you're posting from darkest Sudan - and your wife is taking the photos and sending them to you. You make a great team - you must bring her to Durban when they give you time 'to breathe'!

A smart uniform - the one that has a tunic looks a little like an American one?

Very interesting - I had never known submarine service had a different anchor - do you think the top 'sweetheart' is genuine ? We don't see many submarines off Umhlanga - the shark nets get in the way !! South Africa has just bought three new German made ones - I think the first one , or, two have been delivered.

Graham - what do I say - thankyou, seems totally inadequate ! I appreciate, that as hobby, research is fun, but you, Leigh and others who took part in this search have shown just how much specialised knowledge lies within our ranks. The only question that still puzzles me - was he a regular - 8th Bn. sounds territorial. Maybe he had retired and was brought back for war service ? I am indebted to you. Mervyn

Shame on you !! You've got the helmet - she's got his name plate - I prefer your side of the deal... Stuart - I think you overlooked telling members that the red plumes , represented the red hat band for a staff officer - his rank wouldn't have been high enough otherwise. I think I'm right on that ? Mervyn

You have such fantastic old pieces it is a pleasure to see them. Also, it's great you have the time to join in - I'm getting a complex seeing my name !

You must have a fantastic collection - I wish I could offer you a gorget. Must be five years since we last had one - Sth. Africa has a limited number of German collections - but never-the-less, there are some important ones. The post war armband looks as if it might be rare? Even though you have posted your items - that was to other sub-forums - I, for one - would be very interested to see a few more, if you have time. Best Mervyn

Hello Brian - very impressed with your Specials collection - look forward to seeing any more you have. With regard to the Met. Specials lapel badge - this is WW1 and this is for a constable. There are also versions with yellow background to the crown, also blue and red. These were for Sgt. Insp. and Supt.'s best wishes Mervyn

Modern Colonel's cap for the Durban Regiment. The braid around the peak features a protea flower - standard to all senior officers. In front of the cap are a stable belt and a full dress belt.

Will - these NMP badges are so rare, that this makes the third genuine one I know of !!! Are you back from Sudan - or, still working there ? Mervyn

A valuable collection of very unusual items - and most viewers will not realise just how rare they have become. I just wish we could still buy them - where did you say you lived !!! I particularly liked the belt buckle - still with original leather.

Then we are additionally priviledged to see this photo. Is he carrying a side-arm - it's difficult to see with the dark uniform ? Do you have anything else of police interest you could share? p.s. I.m still not convinced about the radium!!

A 'smiley' old picture for a Sunday morning !! Actually it is very interesting - marking the start of 'mug' shots by the Police. I would date it to about 1870/80 and it was probably the centre double page in an issue of the Illustrated London News. Most drawings of that time tend to show the Metropolitan Police (London) - as of course they should !! However, this is a Force with a cockscomb helmet. Could be the City of London - but, I don't think so, the arms on the helmet plates aren't the same. Does anyone recognise them ? I also think this print is an indication that photography started in a provincial force.

I think I would go for 'I' - but these swirling feathery initials are always difficult - think also, 'S'