Mervyn Mitton

Steve - yes, you told me that the larger shield was probably tourist - I just gave a few points that proves this. The back of other shield shows the natural ageing of the hide - and the flaps conform to the style of the 19th Century. I think you should speak to a saddler and see if it is possible to have the leather flattened out ? The usual way is to wet it and then carefully weigh it down. However, this will be a valuable item if put back into shape - so, worth an opinion. I am sorry to say that I am still not sure enough about the axe to venture an opinion. There is just something about the construction of the blade and of the tang that worries me a little. If I were you I would try to get authentication - there is the Museum in London that specialises in ethnic items. Also, the history museum in ULUNDI - the old Zulu capital in Natal - has a good ref. section. I could find out their email for you. You could also go back on this thread and find the ones I posted. Best wishes Mervyn

Hi - Harry - good to see some Zulu items appearing. You have to remember that more seem to be in good condition in Britain then there are in South Africa. The troops took them back as souvenirs - however, you must remember that they had to fit in a 5 feet high kitbag (150cm) so, often the handles or, shafts were shortened. Looking at your bigger shield first - yes it is purporting to be an Ishilungu. However, I would say that it is a fairly modern copy made for the tourists. Should it be real you would hardly be able to lift it - made from Bull's hide. Your other two pieces are quite different. The shield is an Umbumlulu - or, small fighting shield. I would say that it is pre 1900 and has been folded in half to fit in the thatch of a hat - and left there for a long time. The bracing stick was probably also in the thatch - but they forgot to look for this. They are difficult to replace. One interesting point - the old ones tended to have more strips at the top than at the bottom. Yours has this configuration. This older shield should have properly aged hide that has cured over time. The tourist one has very raw hide. The axe.............. I have shown example of this type further back on this post. Basically, during the 1879 conflict, the Zulus were very nervous of a Martini Henry with a fixed blade - the extended length is nearly 9 feet (270cm) and this put them with a longer reach then a spear. Axes are rare - and very expensive - so it was traditional that only a chief would carry one. They obtained them from a number of surrounding tribes , including locally made Zulu ones. During the course of the War , senior chiefs had their smiths fashion the axe blade to look like a bayonet. Only a few were made and they are very rare today. The shaft looks OK - the end flares slightly to prevent it slipping from the hand when covered in blood. The head of the shaft is unusual - it is carved to look like the top of the femur - or, thigh bone. I would expect the spike to project through the head and be turned down on the other side. Perhaps you could show me a picture ? Zulus worked in Iron - this looks like stainless steel or, even chromed. This unfortunately, would make it a modern copy. Perhaps you could , again, send a close-up. Best wishes Mervyn

John - thankyou for your interest. I no longer have them - the person asking for info. had bought them at different times on eBay. I certainly was not interested in them after everyone thought they were fakes. Best wishes Mervyn

Are there any members with Airforce collections, who can assist Kevin with this suit ?

Thankyou both - your input is very helpful. Mervyn

You are all overlooking the real reason behind all of this. The 200 mile exclusion zone around the Falklands and South Georgia controls a great extent of the World's oil reserves. We may not have a strong navy - however, a substantial number of troops are stationed there for 'training'. The element of surprise would not be with them in another attack - and at the end of the day who wants an unstable regime like Argentine having control over the oil ? Mervyn ps : Geologically - the Falklands were originally part of NATAL in Sth. Africa. This was before Gondwanaland and oceanic drift. I have this on good authority from Brett , who before retirement was Curator of our Geographical Museum. Personally, I think that Natalians should reclaim our territory - we probably have more personal weapons then the Brit. Army...........

jmahvh - well that was quickly sorted - thankyou arb. Oh - and welcome to GMIC , jm. Gee - all these initials.......... Mervyn

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2013/post-6209-0-48139900-1363014128.jpgclick Thankyou for any input. There are a few more, but I will stop now while I'm ahead. Mervyn

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Does this look like one of those dug-up from graves ? http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2013/post-6209-0-29591600-1363011717.jpgclick

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