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Everything posted by peter monahan
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New Order for Tonga
peter monahan replied to James Hoard's topic in Rest of the World: Militaria & History
Very nice photos, Kekoa. Thanks for sharing them! -
Help to identify the cross.
peter monahan replied to Georg14's topic in Rest of the World: Militaria & History
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!
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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!
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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
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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!
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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.
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New Order for Tonga
peter monahan replied to James Hoard's topic in Rest of the World: Militaria & History
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? -
Uncategorised Finds of the day
peter monahan replied to Stuka f's topic in Non Military Collectibles & Antiques
Nice one indeed! -
British sign post in the trenches
peter monahan replied to GreyC's topic in The Great War 1914 to 1918
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 -
New Order for Tonga
peter monahan replied to James Hoard's topic in Rest of the World: Militaria & History
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! -
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
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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
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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.
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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'?
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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
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That is lovely indeed! Drooling on my keyboard, and I don't even collect those.
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" 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!