Mervyn Mitton

I hope this one doesn't ' die a death' . Perhaps there is something in his service history that made him feel it worth while to issue his own retirement medallion. If we are correct, then this has to be a very rare occurence. Mervyn

There is always a certain mystery to some of these early truncheons - they went back into stores and were just re-issued. My own truncheon was a lignum vitae one fron the 1880's. Truncheons with the Broad Arrow are rare - perhaps the military bought a number at one time, and when not needed handed them to the Met. ? Hopefully, if this is the case, at some point paperwork will come to light. Mervyn

This is an interesting truncheon in that it copies almost exactly the Parker Field pattern - who were the official armourers to the Metropolitan Police - although the truncheons were made for them by Hiatt's. There has to be a reason that Hebbert's were tasked with making this one and I think it possible that it was made for one of the Dockyards. This florid style was discontinued by the Met. in the 1870's - see page 39 of my book which shows a similar , smaller, size for an Inspector. The Broad Arrow of the Board of Ordanance was for a purpose - the military did occasonally issue their officers' with a truncheon in times of riot - but few examples remain today. The two sets of numbers would indicate Divisions and the Constables number - but at this distance in time you may never find the connection between police and military. A help would be if someone could look the numbers-up and see who they were issued to ? Anyway - a good start to your collection. Funds permitting we look forward to seeing many more - Police collecting has been badly overlooked and there are many interesting items still to be found. Mervyn

Paul - the key words are - In rememberance on my retirement. I think you will find that he had this designed and caste for his own family. I have never seen anything similar and if it was a Force award then others would have turned-up. I think you should ask the Cof L museum to find out his background. Mervyn

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The Orange Free Sate was a Boer Colony that adjoined the Transvaal and the South African Republic. They did not have the numbers of the Transvaal - however, they had a proper administration under a President - and a small uniformed Army. Part of this was the Oranje Vrystaat Artillerie - numbering less then 200 men. By the end of 1900 they had expanded to approx. 400 men. Only small numbers of men actually were organised as units and wore Uniforms. The Police, the President's Guard and the Artillery. The set battles and military formations ceased to exist towards the end of 1900 when Pretoria was captured and the British had established superior Forces. The fighting was taken over by the Boer Kommando units and they continued the fight until surrendering in 1902. This is a slouch hat badge for the OVS Artillerie - and with such small numbers is a rare item. I expect Will has further examples and variations in his collection and hopefully he will be able to show them in the future. I showed in the Medal section a rare civilian QSA to an accountant. You will see from his bars that he served in Cape Colony and the Orange Free State - since these two items have been kept together over the years I suspect that he acquired the badge whilst serving-in the OFS. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_11_2013/post-6209-0-28955700-1383387399.jpgclick

One of those lovely buys where everything comes together to give you a complete history. Something to treasure. Mervyn

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When you have conflicts that involve large numbers of men and awards - i.e. Boer War , WW1 and WW2 - the sameness of the medals often causes collectors to lose interest in them. For the true collector, the uniqueness of the medals is in the naming. Rank, unit , different appointments, o/r or officer - these are the things that vary the price and the collectability. Today I was offered - and purchased - a QSA with perhaps one of the rarest namings. Nice patination, with just one edge knock - which may indicate he was awarded another medal - and original ribbon. Two Province Bars - Cape Colony and Orange Free State. The naming is to : MR. R. GARDNER. CIVILIAN ACCOUNTANT. IMP. YEO. I have never seen one named to an Accountant before - let alone Civilian Accountant. The cherry on the cake has to be that he accompanied the Imperial Yeomanry to supervise and - probably - take charge of their expenses. Over the years - like most of us - I have seen some unusual naming. Tug Boat Captains, Railways Drivers etc., but this has to be the most unusual. Value wise I would think about 700 pounds ($880) ? http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2013/post-6209-0-55956300-1383215512.jpgclick

Kornel and Kris. I have discussed with senior admin. a possible position for a discussion on family members on different sides in WW1 and 2 . We think that the the WW2 Forum will be the best place - and to start, deal with your families and their experiences during WW2. Please let me know if you are both prepared to write some articles and keep some interesting information going ? I don't want to start and then find we have no posts. Best wishes Mervyn

Reference books are the tools of the trade for any collector and I congratulate you on both the book review and your very interesting interview with the author. I had heard of the book being published - however, this is the first review I have seen. I would say that it is now a must for my library ! Thankyou for including GMIC. Best wishes Mervyn ps. Nice to be able to put a 'face' to the name.

These modern items of mens' jewellery are from Harrods 2013 Christmas catalogue. Robin - start dropping hints to your family now.......... http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2013/post-6209-0-46798400-1383042089.jpgclick http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2013/post-6209-0-23735900-1383042178.jpgclick http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2013/post-6209-0-47517000-1383042267.jpgclick http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2013/post-6209-0-75560600-1383042366.jpgclick

I agree - the different stories of families on opposing sides would make fascinating reading. This would apply to nearly every Country - from Britain in the 16th Century , when the King was executed, to the American War of Independence and the Civil War. Probably for now it would be better to start with WW2 - let me ask Nick where he would consider we post these stories ? This section is not suitable. Mervyn

Thankyou Jonathan - I'm sure we will all enjoy reading your review. I hope you will also put the link under Book Reviews. Mervyn

Lovely uniforms Will - and as you say rare in today's collections. Brian and I will be happy to 'pin' them for a while. Mervyn

Are any members able to help Dave with this enquiry ? Mervyn

This is a better photograph of Brigadier General McKenzie http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2013/post-6209-0-67142200-1383038911.jpgclick

NEW PHOTO OF SET: This shows some of the uniform and a better shot of the different medals and awards http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2013/post-6209-0-22248000-1383038642.jpgclick

Brett - you are very right in your comments. Mervyn

Brian - nice to see these older articles come back to the top. Full of interesting information - and questions. Perhaps we should occasionally go back to find well researched topics for newer members to read ? Mervyn

From the pictures I would say that this is possibly a Midshipman's Dirk. Many Navies used the Lion's head pommel and I think it could be French or German. The frog is probably nothing to do with this - looks to be for a bayonet. Mervyn

Hi , Jonathan - we haven't seen you for a while - I hope all is well ? The book sounds interesting - I will see if a copy is available locally. Mervyn