Mervyn Mitton

Mike - welcome to GMIC. Brian and I had heard you were joining the Forum from Chris. We wish you well and look forward to seeing your posts. I hope some of our members will be able to help with this identification. I must say he is an unsavoury looking character - his cross belt is dirty and why miniatures for a studio portrait ? Mervyn

Somehow it doesn't look right. Why should a ribbon be so tattered - something like this would be treasured and looked after. Also, I'm not happy with the size of the Cross - I think they are usually slightly smaller and of better quality. What do others think ? Mervyn

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-33907000-1404212007.jpgclick

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-58335000-1404211847.jpgclick Close-up of the copper coins

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-25017100-1404211422.jpgclick Back on the 16 September 2012 - on this Forum , I posted a broken set of this 1937 King George 6th Coronation Specimen set of British coinage. I was fortunate to be offered this full set last week and you will see it includs the full Maundy set for that year. I have kept the posts separate, however, you can refer to the original for Paul's comments and prices.

Well done - a nice find. Always very satisfying when a search has good results. Mervyn

Very nice example Jerry - and it is nice to see the original flash. Everyone thinks these are Australian in origin - however, as I'm sure you know, they had their origins in South Africa. Mervyn

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-06363800-1403953927.jpgclick Self explanatory - at least they didn't have bodies to deal with.

The Kenyan KIng's African Rifles used to have Arabic numerals on their button for the different Regiments. Mervyn

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-86053500-1403877850.jpgclick I read this article with some disbelief - what do we have Police Forces for when we have to get 14 year olds to assist ? This led to my Headline - 'Old Ladies to Help Police Cross Roads' Please leave your suggestions for further unlikely people to assist Police in their Duties.........

Thankyou Paul. Mervyn

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-81664800-1403780039.jpgclick One good thing about important anniversaries - things get cleaned and repaired. Mervyn

Reverse http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-15624900-1403779633.jpgclick

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-68037700-1403779365.jpgclick The surrounding legend reads - Sacred to the 50th Jubilee of Pope Pius 10th. 1858 -1908. Was he still n the Papal Throne in 1908 ? May be silver - or a mix of metals. Mervyn

Kev - I often think the same. Actually, I think what happens is that various items are donated to small theatre companies - whilst the big Companies buy up all the old uniforms they can from military and police sources. Perhaps at some time they may require additional ones and then commission - but, still using what they have in stock. This could account for the badge. I don't suppose we will ever know - however, I would advise that you get on-the-spot advise on the badge. See if a military auctioneer thinks it has a value as it is - and, if re-enamelling would add to value ? Mervyn

I think we must agree that this is probably theatrical - however, the helmet plate could well be original . It looks well made and has enamel. Mervyn

.Martin - welcome to GMIC. I see you are in exile in Spain - which part? I am sorry to tell you that Leigh has not been with us for some time - family problems. I don't think he would object to your using his family photos - after all he posted them here. Please give him acknowledgements. Best wshes Mervyn

The British got on fine for hundreds of years without these 'wussies' in Government telling us how to think. My real, real, pet hate is Social Services. I once had the good luck to find a reason to arrest one of them......

Len - it is a private matter between you. If I can give any guidance to assist, please contact me. Mervyn

I see where you mean Ross. Certainly for around his neck on ceremonial occasions. The workmanship is great and on it's own must be worth around 5 - 600 pounds. Mervyn

Hi - Ayedeeyew - you don't ask easy questions do you ....... From your description it would seem to be a Special's tunic - and you have the essential badges to set it up. Would Specials stripes be any different to the standard Met. pattern ? Hopefully one of our members will be able to assist - have you looked through Brian's excellent post on Specials ? (pinned at top) Mervyn

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-04945700-1403448826.jpgclick

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-61940900-1403448451.jpgclick The Presenting General looks like the one out of Black Adder...... Our lad - the 'armless one - is on the General's left. A brave soldier and a high award.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-6209-0-03117800-1403448207.jpgclick Cuttings courtesy of Ann Shepherd (Ian's wife) They are from the Manchester Evening News

I'm just clearing a few unanswered posts - this one deserves reflection. With the huge numbers of dead, who knows what talent has been lost. What famous authors , poets, scientists, officers have been lost from their Countries future. I think the World would be a quite different place if WW1 and WW2 had not happened. This article is in the wrong place - it should be where our Members can give it thought and voice their opinions. Mervyn