steelbonnet

I've attached some more Pics. The main seams are all machined but all the button holes, eyelets etc are hand stitch with a heavy grade linen thread. I asked a dress maker her opinion which is that there is no evidence of any improvements or extra work having been done after initial manufacture. There is evidence that they have been cleaned and boiled many times. I am now happy that they have not been altered since leaving which ever Navy. There has been a square lable below the collar see pic with name, alas long gone. Does this extra info help with identification. A correction, on inspection the name, J. GROAT, is written or stenciled with some sort on Indelible pencil or ink, in black Gordon

Thanks for quick reply Peter, There is a name hand sewn behind collar. I'll get some more pics posted over the weekend. This is getting most interesting. Of to Google now. Gordon

Hi, I need some help in identifying this uniform I just got from a costume department. I is very well made from heavy natural coloured linen There are no official marks to be found anywhere but they may have been boiled off in many washes. There are also a few blue/white collars came with the uniform. Any help with what period and what Navy(?) this might be from would be much appreciated Gordon

Thanks for your observations, I think I'll maybe get one listed on Ebay soon although I do not expectto get much Gordon

Just bought 3 of these helmets which look unissued. Can anyone tell me anything about them. They are made of fibre/ pressed cardboard shaped and rivetted. The top piece is a metal plate folded and rivetted on, and finally painted green, the liner is simply stapled together. I cannot find any markings at all, the maker obviously didn't want his name on the helmet. The whole helmet is of the cheapest manufacturing quality, even the chin strap buckle is of plastic. Gordon

I argee a gong is a gong and as a rule of thumb the british system only allows one medal for any one campaign, but why not let our medal winning olympians use post nominals which would be a discrete way of demonstrating their achievements, and an honour would be for service to sport or whatever. J Bloggs O.G. (2) -- olympic gold twice I get to use BSC Hons Civils for 4 years beer drinking and poor pool playing Gordon B

Just bought a WW2 group MM, 39/45, Africa 8th army, F&G, WM and Defence medals 845158 Gnr P(eter) Doyle RA and a 1914/15 star Gnr Doyle RGA. I am a collector of Victorian medals with an african connection, and I am not sure where to go looking for Doyle's Military Medal citation, assuming that one exists. I did find reference to to award in the London Gazette 26 Dec 1941 page7337. Can anyone help finding a citation. Gordon

Hi, Don't know if this has any relevence but the big event in Glasgow this day was the official opening of St. Enochs Station by the long forgotten City of Glasgow Union Railway Company. It was a big party day and I dare say that the Masons would have been involved Gordon

Hi my guess is that the missing ribbon in the centre would be for the WW2 british war medal as the holder of any of the stars must have this medal and it comes after the campaign medals (stars) and before forgien medals. The grouping would suggest to me service with the British Forces. Regards Gordon

I have been asked by a local pipe band to get them 100 scottish cap badges, and I thought it would be easy just to GOOGLE "restrike badge maker" but I had no success. I know the subject of fakes is distastefull to most, but please can anyone let me have details of the manufacturers of these badges. The prefered badge was the RHF. Gordon

Can anyone help with this unit abbreviation found on a Edward Volunteer Force Medal " 1/C.P.R.G.A.V." I would think that the RGAV is Royal Garrison Artillery Volunteer but the P.C.? Gordon

Can anyone help with the abbreviation on a Volunteer Force Long Service Medal "1/C.P.R.G.A.V." I would guess that the RGAV is Royal Garrison Artillery Volunteers

Hi again, checked my notes probably only 11 187-9 clasps issued, and if anybody rears of one let ne know asap as I've been saving my pocket for years Here is a 1877 beside a 1877-8 which shows the pale straw ribbon somestimes seen. This medal and ribbon were bought direct from the familly and had literally not seen seen the light of day for a hundred or more years so I say that the ribbon colour is original and not a faded example Gordon

HI Jeff, The clasp 1877-9 does exist, and was awarded to local men who signed up in '77 and resigned before the end of the year so were entilled to the 1877 clasp. a very few of these men would have re-attested and served in the final stages of the war in '79 and been entitled to 1879 clasp. the issuing authorities being what the have always been could not see why a two bar medal should be given when a single bar would do. Gordon.

HI Jeff, The clasp 1877-9 does exist, and was awarded to local men who signed up in '77 and resigned before the end of the year so were entilled to the 1877 clasp. a very few of these men would have re-attested and served in the final stages of the war in '79 and been entitled to 1879 clasp. the issuing authorities being what the have always been could not see why a two bar medal should be given when a single bar would do. Gordon.

and finally pic 3 which clearly shows the gilt finish on the dagger, I bought the dagger recently direct from the vet who had not looked at the daggers for 50 odd years The metalwork initially had the appearance of freshly polished brass.

here is another pic

here are some pics of the dagger I was asking about recently Gordon

I checked all my references and none of them address this conundrum you have posted, maybe just maybe it was decided that the two shuold appear different when being worn, but then all the stars look the same at 6 feet. Throughout the whole british gallantry, campaign, long service, series from waterloo on,the monarch appears crowned, uniformed or as the WW2 War Medal "coinage profile" in what appears a random fashion. The navy LSGC medal has the same monarch in both uniform and crowned head?

I have a go at some photos tonight Gordon

This is my first post, hope I've got it right. I have a pair of WW2 naval daggers both reputedly from the same officer, one WKC, one ORIGINAL EICHORN both have deeply etched blades with entwined dolphins etc. the background to the etching on both is a dark charcoal colour that renders the bright parts very clear.The standard of the workmanship is very similar but the blades are a different size. Here is where I need some help, the reverse side of the Eichorn blade is etched (rather than engraved):- " W. KLIEST // O.b. Masch" Is this the craftsman who made the dagger, or the etcher or more likely the officer who owned the dagger(s) If the original owner can we trace him. Gordon