Mervyn Mitton

Peter - did you mean 1760 - George 4 died in 1830 ?

If you are not in a hurry - leave your contact details with Wallis and Wallis - also, Bosleys and perhaps Christies. They are among the top militaria auctioneers in the UK and will contact you if the item comes up for auction. Mervyn

Both Brian and myself must also welcome you , Peter, as the new Moderator for this Forum. A richly deserved reward for your hard work on the Forum - you will have our full support. However, please don't think that this will allow you to escape being our Chief Judge on Comps........... Other details as per our Welcome to Mike on SA Forum.

Mike - we see this a lot in Sth. Africa. All sorts of units wanted an Honour Guard - and chromed the bayonets - usually the 1907 pattern. Very hard to have it removed - although I will have a metal place have a look at this sword. Mervyn

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This is an Artillery Officer's Sword - British and with the identifying three bar hilt. The condition is actually not that bad - but, for some reason a previous owner has had it chrome plated. Swords are nickel and whilst you occasionally come across a silver plated blade - chrome is a 'no-no'. Firstly -- it looks like chrome with the bright finish - secondly, it puts a thick film over the etching on the blade. very obvious in this case. I can make out that it is a sword by the famous maker's Hobson - and it has the Royal Arms - but, I'm not sure if it is a Queen's Crown or, for Edward 7th. ? I would certainly say pre-1914. The scabbard is missing - broken accidentally by the seller's Father. Not an easy thing to do - even the field scabbard of pig skin has an inner liner. However, you can buy scabbards fairly easily on the web. However, before you do so - always measure the blade. British blades can be between 33inches and 37inches - dependent on how tall the officer is. For this sword it is a 35 inch blade ( 72.5cm) I will show a few pictures to show how the chrome looks out of place. ............................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2013/post-6209-0-20895900-1357659067.jpgclick..............................

Mike - Brian and I would like to welcome you as the new Moderator for this section of the British Forums. This is part of our Chairman's new restructuring of GMIC and he intends eventually to have a separate Moderator on all of the important sub Forums. We fully agree with his plans and further promotions to our British Forums will be made in the near future. Brian and I will remain in our positions as Regional Administrators and will be overseeing the Forums we have responsibilities for - you must make changes and suggestions as you see fit. We will support you - and as Nick has stressed , will be available to take any actions that you may not have available on your Moderator panel. Best wishes

Chris - I knew you wouldn't let me down ..................

Thankyou both for comments. Slowly - but surely - we are building this thread-up. Perhaps, now that it has been brought back we may have further opinions. The title was posed as a question to allow all with an interest to contribute. Mervyn

I understand - from an officer with NMR that an understanding has been reached and no further names will be changed - or, arbitrary senior officers appointed. We will have to wait and see. Bagpipes probably originated in India - so why are they strange when Indians use them ? Demographics are the centre of present SA policy. 70% African - approx. 10% each for white, Indian and Coloured.

Welcome to GMIC. Are you saying that this waist belt would not have been worn by the 91 st. as shown on the reverse - or, was it a shared pattern. Mervyn

Another good crystal decanter - this one has what is called a 'hob nail' cut. After the old nails in boots. This shape is typical fpor Sherry or Port. Longish neck to grasp and pass - and the contents showing clearly. These days people are not so fussy about the right decanter for the right drink - more a matter of preferance. We have also reached the stage in the decline of accepted custom - where people drink straight from cans and bottles - even at formal dinners. However, let's not go there.............. ...........................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2013/post-6209-0-80396900-1357471547.jpgclick......................................

London hallmarks for 1873 ............................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2013/post-6209-0-35880900-1357471307.jpgclick.................................

Containers to hold alcoholic beverages have been in use for thousands of years - and can vary from the very elaborate and decorative - to just a container. Crystal and cut glass are the more usual forms these days - however, solid silver and even gold flagons can still be used for special occasions. Painted pottery versions are still often used - again going far back in time. The main problem for this material is that it shatters easily and just doesn't last as long. With so many varieties and materials I am hoping that Members will show examples that they have in their homes ? ........................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2013/post-6209-0-56536200-1357471040.jpgclick................................... This is a very fine crystal decanter - hallmarked on the collar for 1873. Perfect condition

Another attractive piece for the collection Robin. I find that I more drawn to this style of pottery, the more examples you show. As for being an 'expert' - you probably know more about the genre then any other Member - so that makes you our "expert" !

Kevin - thankyou for showing the details of his Regiment for the Buckle. I was hoping - for your sake - that as it doesn't have naming that it was for a senior officer. The oak leaves seemed to indicate this. However, it is nice that you have a history. With regard to labels , or, scraps of paper with possible service details - members should always tell about them with the post. Helps to narrow the field and point us in the right direction for research. Best wishes and I hope 2013 is as succesful for you . Mervyn

Really Mike - I'm surprised at your question - the Boers never had time to do Trench Art - too busy shooting Brits.. They did have the time as POW's when we sent them to India, Ceylon, St. Helena and Bermuda..................... Some very nice examples in your collection - I suppose, like coins, they had them with them and were able to make the carvings. Mervyn

We have always been an easy target. However, I can see why they would think it newsworthy with a PC doing pole dancing ! Just as well it turned out to be a civvie.......... Mervyn

Terry - I checked on the various areas where the 80th served during the Zulu War - I had a feeling that they were connected with a serious skirmish at Intombi River crossing - my memory is still with me, and I was right. When they first arrived in Sth. Africa they were sent British Kaffraria and to Natal. They ended up in the Transvaal in the actions against Chief Sekukuni and were on the border with Swaziland. From 1879 the Regt. was attached to Number 3 column - this was under Sir Evelyn Wood VC and they fought at the Batttle of Kambula. Later one of the Companies was escorting a waggon train and as they crossed the Intombi river an ambush was sprung on them by local clans of Zulus. We suffered heavy casualties and most of the Company were killed Later 5 Companies of the 80th fought in the Square at the final battle of the Zulu War at Ulundi. When the war was won and Sir Garnet Wolseley took command from General Chelmsford - a further two Companies , with detachments, were sent with him to the final capture of Sekukuni's stronghold on the Oliphant River. The South Staffordshire Regiment returned to the Britain in April 1880. So, they had an eventful and busy time in South Africa - with a large number of casualties. It would be nice if you could establish the issue number and to whom it was issued. The rolls might then tell us where he fought and if he survived. This would give a clue on what happened to the rifle ? Mervyn

With the bigger size I can see the makers name - Stanley - but can't make out the place ? I see lots of plastic and sand castings - the roughness showing on the smaller picture looked like a casting. Plastic is better - particularly in this condition. Good unit and the plastic hasn't come to pieces - as they often do. Mervyn

Thanks everyone - your advice is greatly appreciated. Outside of our own fields we all need help from time to time. Mervyn

This incident was a lot more serious. Traffic Police in Natal advertised for 70 new recruits. 32,000 applied and split into two batches were sent for elimination tests. This included running in temperatures of over 32oC or, 84oF. 6 died from dehydration and exhaustion and one committed suicide. The Provincial Minister refuses to resign and thinks it is a normal test.................. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2013/post-6209-0-84266500-1357043700.jpgclick

From this morning's newspaper - these two short articles caught my eye. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2013/post-6209-0-20799700-1357043553.jpgclick