peter monahan

Lovely collection! Thanks for sharing.

Very nice photos, Kekoa. Thanks for sharing them!

Well spotted, Georg.

If they went through Spinks presumably they're in good hands and unlikely to go into anyone's smelter. Further to my ancient comments on the Yellow Boys and their customs, many many years ago I corresponded with a WWII member of the regiment. He went back to India - in the '70s, I think - and of course visited his old regiment. He was welcomed with open arms and taken into the Mess, where he swears the bar stools were made from old polo saddles and asked if he could identify the officers pictured in a series of caricatures which still hung on the Mess walls from 1943 or so! Tradition trumps nationalism!

I don't know enough to have an opinion, but good luck with the hunt, That's an impressive record of service, whoever he is!

Thanks for checking in, Aud. Your name comes up not infrequently on the GMIC - whenever someone has an SA research question, in fact! And, of course, one of our most esteemed members, the late Mervyn Mitlon was from down your way, which probably helps. Hope you're able to get back into the archives as soon as they predict! Peter

JF42 Thanks for the very useful comments on the use of bearskins. I should have made it clearer that I was referring only to what a bearskin looks like after 500 -800 -1000 wearings in the sun, and not to the authenticity of the cap per se. My key point was 'get an expert opinion'!

That's a lovely pair. Note that the LSGC has the special ribbon authorized for wear by the HAc and not the usual issue ribbon. I suspect the pairing is what adds to the value, though I'm no expert, and that either by itself might bring only 25-30% of the estimate. Thansk for posting, Troope!

Yes, one of the frustrations for historians [and family history buffs] are those who don't care. I have researched a british officer who distinguished himeslf in Canada in 1812-15 and then went on to be... a minor civil servant. His tunic, sword and so on existed as late as the 1950s or so but a descendant says he thinks his mom threw them down a well on the family farm after selling all the good stuff to a travelling peddlar! I hope you find the photo. The story has all the makings of a romance film!

Yes, and the HAC claims, with some truth, I think, to be one of the oldest [still active] military units in 'the world'. In fact, when they were formed in 1637 'artillery' meant anything which flew through the air and the were archers, and have never been Gunners as such. Their HQ is no the venue for high end parties and such in London.

I'm glad you clarified that, as I had hold of the wrong end of the stick! I thouhgt it was the current Crown Prince, which would date it from a narrow window - 2012 to today - but the photo - colour and so on - looked very 1960s, as did the V. blinds. Thanks for clearing that up. So, this is the gent who scandalized Tongan society by marrying his cousin?

Nice one indeed!

Here is a site which has a nice shot of the St, Julien Road at the top. An important battlefield, of course. A good trench map from one of the official histories might locate the 'posts' - presumably OPs in the trench system - but without a date impossible to say who was there at any given time. http://www.ww1battlefields.co.uk/flanders/stjulien.html

Kekoa Any date on this? I don't know anything about the Tongan monarchy but apparently dad took the throne in 2012 and son becaome heir apparent then. BTW, the Venetian blinds in the backgound are a homey touch!

I did nothing, Sam but well done indeed to Paul and 1314. Now I have to go research the rank of 'Tidewaiter'. Congrats to you for getting the info and for having chsen such a distinguished forebear! " customs officer or tide waiter; one who waited on the tide to collect duty on goods ...

That's a lovely thing! A beutiful example of the Victorian jeweller's craft and with a custom woven ribbon, it must have cost a few pence even then. Presumably private purchase and issued to members of the HAC who were serving on the occasion of the anniversary, or perhaps just for old comrades. I suspect it wasn't worn in uniform, though I may be wrong - some of the older units such as the HAC 'got away' with things that would drive a modern RSM mad. Thanks for sharing. BTW, this site is interesting if for nothing but the long list of distinguished members of the HAC. perhaps you can find one who was serving in 1897! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honourable_Artillery_Company

Sam Sounds like you're closing in on something. "Chinese Maritimes Customs" is already a pretty obscure branch of a now defunct imperial organization, and way beyond anything most people would have gotten to. So, I'm not surprised even the 'experts' at Bristol didn't catch it. The joys of history, made both easier and harder by the WWW - so much info. out there now that the trick is 'seiving', not 'digging'. That's where the old fellow in the back room with 60 years of knowledge stowed away in his head sometimes has an advantage! Anyway, best of luck! Peter

There's the can of worms open wide! Many collectors and curators consider removing anything but surface dirt an abomination. others... not so much. You say 'Tomato', I say 'Tomahto'. Tarnish is an 'artifact' caused by chemistry, not a part of the natural 'wear' on a badge or medal, IMHO, so I'd stick with 'gentle polish' as opposed to, say, nicks or surface wear which are part of the honest aging process. But, see above for the ways of saying tomato.

I think I would have gotten Genghis anyway - who else would it be? - but even with a background in medieval history I'm not sure about el-saladin or Lionheart. Do we have contemporary illustrations of them, or are they somebodies 'best guess'?

The proverbial can of worms! Museum types consider 'patina' as part of the artifact and rarely remove it, though getting 'dirt' of is ok if done gently. Collectors often want the item, especially a badge or medal, to look as it did when worn. You pay your money and you take your choice. Having been a Sergeant Major, of sorts, I cringe when I see 'dirty brass' but I also have museum training so... I tend to come on on the side of gentle polishing. If you are sure it isn't MEANT to be black - I believe some USMC insignia is/was - rub it with a layer of tomato ketchup and wait 30 minutes. The acidic solution will remove some of the surface tarnish, if it is brass or plated silver/bronze. Then perhaps a silver cloth - soft and non-abrasive. You won't get 'DI shiny' but it will brighten up. No Brasso! That's fine for insignia to be worn on parade but this is another category! Hope that helps a bit! Peter

That is lovely indeed! Drooling on my keyboard, and I don't even collect those.

That would certainly make sense. And, following on that thought, is the trophy related to the banner? Awarded for the same 'virtues' / actions or whatever.

" The cap's structure and layout points to subcontracted work, including professional embroidery followed by inexpert cottage assembly. The latter manufacture was tackled by one who was likely numerically illiterate: nothing in the cap's assembly is symmetrical, and all measurements appear to have been “eyeballed.” How very like the British military! A very complete report and it certainly looks, if an amateur with a little training may offer an opinion, as if he did the right thing and used the correct materials and techniques. Truly an item to be treasured!