steelbonnet

Just reading the tread and I have learned lots from it. I have the pin back badge or medal which I believe is for a post WW1 association of winner of the Autro-Hungarian bravery medal. It is a well made item 50mm tall and 20 grammes. Note the centre medallion is a stylised version of the triangular ribbon found on the medal The pin is not of the quality one would expect of an item to be worn on uniform. I am correct in my assumption that this is for civilian wear? Gordon

Picture of reverse. I wonder if the flat surface has been filed down and polished to give a brighter shinier finish. The precedent for this is seen on Royal Scots Greys badges where the high points, chest etc. are often found polished flat. I was told this by a retired RS Greys Sgt. Gordon

I do a reverse pic in the morning when lights is better Gordon

Well done Robert. Not a cap badge so I was looking in the wrong place. I have had a look elsewhere and all the other pictures show a dimpled ground to the lettering mine is flat and smooth. Maybe I have found a copy? Thanks again for putting me on the right road. Gordon

Does anyone know what this badge is. Tried what books I have along with google images but no luck, so I am putting the challenge out there. The scroll part is completely flat, is cast as one piece, has typical copper lugs found on British badges. height is 2 1/8 " Gordon

Thanks for the info Simi. I have had a look on line at the fraternity and they have a most interesting pedigree. The hat has been in my collection for many years awaiting an ID and you do it half an hour, there really is a vast amount of knowledge with forum members. I think this cap may now be destined for EBay as it does not fit my interests Thanks again. Gordon

Hi Mike, I have attached a pic of the reverse of 2 WW1 RFC/RAF wings that I known are genuine and period. Both came directly from the families The backing cloth is a good help as it must almost impossible for the fakers to get One is fine gauge linen the other fine gauge twill (diagonal weave)

I have had this cap/hat for years and now need some help in having it identified. The quality is exceptional. leather lining is now dry and loosing the polished finish The embroidery appears to hand done and is sewn directly onto hat Is this cap Military Mess dress, a Civilian smoking pillbox, or even a Bellhop';s cap (quality is a bit good for the last option) Any help appreciated. Gordon

A good start would be the reference book British,s Battles and Medals. Here you will get numbers issued to Royal Navy ships, Imperial Yeomanry Town, guards etc. I have collected Boer war medals since I was a kid decades ago and have always used the latest copy of the book I have never seen a full list of clasp issued, the number of medals is well above a half million. I would also direct you to the brilliant web site AngloBoerWar.com Gordon

Thanks for the translation. I have posted a picture of the envelope that the certificate came in Gordon

Here is one I have. Can any one give me a translation, I can't even read the text in this script. Would Hitler sign this type of issue document in 1935? Next pic is the envelope Gordon Here is the envelope Gordon Sorry no pic, I seem to have reached my upload limit G

I do like to see a success story like this. Well done. Just as a side in my box of unidentified stuff I have a IP badge which is now identified, thanks for the help Gordon

I have (attempted) to load the pics again. Gordon

Can anyone help identify this piece, that turn up in my shop in Glasgow as part of and old model railway collection! It weighs 10.75kgs approx 24 lbs. I cannot find any markings either stamped or stenciled anywhere on the bomb. The tail fin has been flattened. The fins and cone above are are of sheet metal. There is limited movement between the heavy metal head and sheet metal cone below. A nose piece has been unscrewed and is now missing. Any pointers on ID would be appreciated. in anticipation GORDON

As there is no badge for the airship division of the RNAS I wonder if this badge could be a private commission to be worn by veterans of the service in mufti and at parades to show there particular backgrounds? We have a history here in Scotland of wearing clan badges or simple thistle badges on glengarries or balmoral bonnets rather than regimental badges to show different backgrounds

I have been offered a cuff title with the one word in italic lettering "LEIBSTANDARTE" Band is not bevo but is a black material with a vertical rib Lettering was silver in colour now tarnishinig to a bronze/brown colour which is much more pronounced on the lettering. The edge stripes are less tarnished. The backing to the letters is a light brown cloth. The source is good but not guaranteed to be pre45. I have trolled google and the few books I have but cannot find a cuff title with just the word LEIBSTANDARTE. Has anyone seen or know of such a title? Gordon

Hi Jeff, I have in my collection the same medal and a post card. It appears that the regiment (or some other body?) sold these medals and the postcards to raise funds for the troops who were interned in Germany. There must be more to the story as the Badges, as they described, were sold on 17th July 1915 (ONLY ONE DAY?) First pic is whole postcard second pic is close up of top corner third pic is is detail from the reverse Gordon

and some pictureshttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-7273-0-53457700-1410108258.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-7273-0-35266900-1410108277.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-7273-0-76726200-1410108295.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-7273-0-28248400-1410108311.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-7273-0-94858600-1410108332.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-7273-0-38852700-1410108350.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-7273-0-71000600-1410108369.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-7273-0-33985500-1410108390.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-7273-0-00709900-1410108410.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-7273-0-82919700-1410108432.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-7273-0-29759800-1410108450.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-7273-0-94814500-1410108603.jpg

and another pic

I have at long last worked up the courage to remove the handle from this sword. As well as the fixing peg the handle was held in place by a brittle resin type of material which I removed with petrol. Below I found what i assume to be Japanese writing on both sides and on the back edge. Can anyone help with translations. GORDON

Hi Lars, I once had in my collection a french WW2 group in which the recipient had been mentioned in a dispatch and was sent the MID oak leaf after the war ended. The interesting bit which relates to your group is that covering letter referred to the inclusion of the War Medal (WW2) and details of how to attached the MID. I assume the usual conditions for the award of this medal were waived as they are with the award of a gallantry medal or a KIA, So I think your man or woman could have given some kind of important mentionable serve to the British War Effort, possibly without ever being in the UK. A most interesting group Gordon

Such a logical thing to do now that you mention it thanks Gordon

Ralph. Thank you for that. It really is a good story Would you believe I was a civil engineer with the Glasgow City for 10 years working on sewers amongst other things, The medal will now get a prime position in my collection of anything Glasgow (medals and badges) How did you find the entry, so I can work out what I wasn't doing. Gordon B

I have a BEM EIIR reverse impressed to Thomas Murray along with Buckingham Palace award document THOMAS MURRAY Esq. The ribbon is civilian. Along with the medal there is a card that reads "B.E.M. .....etc..... etc........Presented By Lord Provost T A KERR December 1rst 1953. I cannot find him in the London Gazette (old or new search) or the Edinburgh Gazette T A KERR was was the Lord Provost (Mayor) of Glasgow in 1953 I have found a THOMAS MURRAY A/WO2 RASC who was awarded a BEM in 1943, but am sure this cannot be him 10 years on would have been very late presentation? Any suggestions as to where his citation might be? Gordon

Thanks for your help, I will optimistically opt for the late 19th century. The set came from a country town amature dramatic group's store. All the army and air force uniforms (WW1 and later) were all as right as rain or any alteration were very amature and obvious but would have looked good on stage. I think I'll list it on Ebay soon (ID-thesteelbonnet) Gordon