Mervyn Mitton

We don't work for you Kevin - just try to help you. But is it fair if you post on all of the other forums ? Almost like trying to catch us out. Mervyn

What a great idea Chris - every Mod. should have one..........................

I think you are right Tony, with the watch fob - when you look carefully you would see it could hang from the watch in front of the waistcoat. Doesn't look long enough to be a bracelet. I think this is a different subject and it will be nice if others can add. Ralph - we used to spell it your way - I think it is now a plurality ? Mervyn

There - Claudio - I admire your honest opinion. What is a 'telling point' is that both yourself and IG saw nothing wrong with it being sold for that obscene amount. Just shows the great amounts with sports worldwide. I have to equate a figure of this amount, with the realty of millions STARVING in Africa. Having said that - people are entitled to spend their money as they wish - and everything can't be charity. I do hope members will tell us some of their example of large sums being spent on strange items ? Mervyn

Hi - Ross. I will reply to your IM soon. Now that you are running the Museum I hope that we can expect a lot of posts on the more interesting pieces ? I have never seen this Badge either - the only thing that occurs to me is that is the Prince of Wales feathers - not the French Fleur-de-lis as such. Perthaps they brought it out to commemorate an official visit from the POW who became King George 5th. - or, perhaps to celebrate the POW becoming King - ie King Edward 7th. ? Best wishes Mervyn

Thankyou Megan for telling us about this new Award. I can't say that I agree with making this change at such a late stage - so few of the possible recipients are still alive. Have they given any criteria for who can apply for this medal ? To obtain one will greatly enhance the value of any original group - but I doubt if that many are still in family hands. I have at least three naval groups where the medal holder could have claimed - will they allow non-members to do so ? If he has entitlement, then in my view whoever has the gfroup should be allowed to present it with the new medal. Mervyn

Peter, I don't think the 'shooting if you had a sawback' was ever published. I would say that it was word of mouth. Many German sawbacks have had the teeth filed off. Remember, a plain blade might leave a 'clean' wound ' - a sawback would rip the insides out. The purpose for the sawback - and remember that it was intended for artillery and pioneers - was to clear a field of fire and also for advanced troops to prepare a bivouac. For this limited purpose it worked. Mervyn

Your enthusiasm for old socks is overwhelming. Now, tell the truth - would you really pay $90,000 for a sock ?

Ralph - a very interesting subject - and one that I was not aware of. Many appeals were made to the British public to surrender jewellery and large amounts were collected for the war effort. However, to give an iron ring in exchange was a brilliant publicity thought. You hand over a small fortune - but feel good about it as you have something to show for your patriotism. I wonder if any others can add to Ralph's items ?

Hi Steve - I hope you are going to continue collecting Zulu pieces ? They are some of the most sought after ethnic items and always sell for good prices. Any iklwa of age is worth in the 150/200 pounds but, this can go up steeply if it is special. Strangely, the UK often has more Zulu War period weapons available then we do in South Africa. The reason for this is that the troops took them back as souvenirs. However, they had to fit in the kitbag, so, beware of bigger spears that have been cut down. Nearly all Zulu spears have a knob at the end of the shaft - this is to help pull the spear out of a body when it has blood smeared-on. One of the reasons that I could tell you that the metal end on the other spear was not Zulu. Your two new pieces are very good examples and you have bought well. The spear is an iklwa - for a warrior who liked the longer reach. The binding is the spine of an Ilala Palm. The had three methods - Ilala ; cow's tail and the brass and copper binding. With this Iklwa it has been allowed to stand in a corner and over the years the wood has warped - quite common. The Zulus always stashed their weaponry in the thatch of the huts and you could often find things left in deserted huts. That was in the days when it was safe to get out of your car.............. Your knobkerrie - Zulu word being an Iwisa - is a good example of a fighting Iwisa. They use a smaller headed type as a dress weapon in the Kraals (an Iqubanga) and also have dancing sticks for use in ceremonies. Knobkerries - along with old shields - are some of the hardest pieces to find. They get used for other purposes and end up broken. This one has a nice patina and doesn't look as if it has been damaged. Again, I hope this helps you. When you see other pieces, try to get a photo and post on GMIC - we can advise and it may help you avoid the fakes. Mervyn

Brian - I will leave it to you to answer. The thread on edged weapon gave you the date. This is a fairly rare bayonet. I must also welcome you to GMIC. You're a long way away...............

Chris - I fully agree with you - what can you say to such stupidity......................... (That is 60,000 pounds in real money !) OK - let's follow Chris' lead -what is the silliest thing you have ever bought - or, seen sold ? (Remember - it will be non-militaria)

Harry - my apologies that your interesting post on spears has been overlooked. I have good news and bad. Firstly the shield has quite a new and touristy look about-it. You can tell this from the raw hide look to the back and also, that the hair is still on the front. This gets worn away with time. It is making itself out to be an Umbumlulu - or, small fighting shield. The other bad news is that the big spear on the top is probably not Zulu - but, rather from one of the other tribes in that area. Perhaps Swazi or, Mocambiquan ? The head is not quite right for Zulu and they never bind the ends like this. The good news is that the other two are Zulu Iklwas. The middle one appears to have brass and copper binding to hold the head to the shaft. The bottom one is part of a tail from a cow - they pull it on like a condom and when dry it sets like iron. The size of the head makes me think it is a stabbing spear, rather then an Isiphapha - or, throwing spear. The length of a spear is a personal thing for the carrier to decide. I have seen quite long iklwas. Since these are old, they will have an appreciable value. I hope this is of some help to you - where did you acquire them ? Mervyn

Brian - I have given the probable answer for that date - the alternative is it is a copy ? Horse brasses are decorative on civilian heavy horse harness. They wouldn't use a Crowned badge as an ornament. If people think this is not right - then let them prove-it. Mervyn

A lovely example. I would say a special commission to the jeweller - he must have done his own engraving, just a bit 'scratchy'. Still that doesn't take away from the brooch and the value of the gold must be fairly high. 9ct. but, I can't quite make out the hallmarks. Mervyn

Sincere sympathy. Mervyn

1919 may have been the date for the formation of a mounted branch - but, what about the official horse furniture for senior officers ? Horses were the common mode of transport for 'Black Marias' , for messengers, for patrol Inspectors. I won't pass an opinion without seeing an item like this - however, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it isn't OK. The fixing spikes on the reverse are well done - if a little short. The suspicious bit is that there is a Bulgarian involved. However, brace yourselves - I understand that 200,000 are waiting for the EU to approve their membership before they all descend on Britain. One authority states that the most common foreign language in Britain is Polish ! I can't really complain - my family diid the 'descending' bit in the 7th C.

Hi Paul - I always think the demise of the great British Empire has numerous similarities with the end of Rome............... Mervyn

Thankyou Ottar - and welcome to GMIC. I am sure this information will be of help to many members who have French swords and side arms. Mervyn

Brian - a fascinating account of how to repair such an early bayonet - and a testimonial to your skill. I shall look forward to reading your post on edged weapons. The one thing I have learnt from your post - is something that I already practise - if it's damaged leave well alone. Mind you , if I had your skills I might think differently.................. Mervyn

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2013/post-6209-0-14433000-1361709618.jpgclick

I have been asked to identify this order and give a value - perhaps someone can assist ? Mervyn http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2013/post-6209-0-26138300-1361709500.jpgclick

Probably silver.I like your old watchman's picture as your avatar. The big candle lantern should get Brian's attention. These watchmen were always called 'Charlies' - since King Charles 2nd established them in London in the 1660's. He would also have carried a rattle - to raise the alarm - and his stick was longer then this, in fact a stave. Mervyn

There is only this Badges and Uniforms section for British material. The South African and Australian sub Forums can also be used for badges from the Countries listed. I don't think we need to move this thread - I have mixed feelings on doing this. I suppose it must be preferable to have similar topics and replies together - however, sometimes a thread such as this one can lead to good discussions and new material. What do members think on this small point ? Mervyn

A good comparison between the two qualities. Made either for a museum collection - or, if a VC holder needed a copy medal to preserve the original. Thankyou for showing the two together. Mervyn