Andy D

Hello I finally found it. First for all things ethnic, let me recommend to you, if you only have one book on the subject "George Cameron Stones, A Glossary of the construction, decoration & use of Arms & Armour in all countries and all time" It tries very hard to achieve that, which is impossible but does very well in general. This knife isn't usually known as a kard as far as I'm aware. Its a much closer relative to the Khyber knife (which is often more of a sword) from Afghan areas, known as a choora. There is a similar Persian version known as a Peshkabz but I'd say this was Afghan, Northern Indian. They come in all shapes, sizes and qualities. They can be of considerable age or none as it is a very traditional style and continues to be made today. Here photos of a couple of mine, similar but also very different.

Hello Better try and be a ethnic weapons expert for a while,,,or so I pretend to be. This is a Turkish Kilij (from Turkish kılıç, literally "a sword") Similar to a shashir in many ways but mainly idnetifiable by this form of pistol grip, with bulbous pommel, Blade lengths vary a lot, usually curved, though I did own one, which was almost straight.

I've had another look at the labels in this coat, both stitched in. The one is typed and is certainly Captain L ? Gibbs Coldtream Guards. The other is wrien in ink & looks look like Colonel L M (or N) Gibbs, with no L N I think it must be LM; so it must be Lacelot Merival Gibbs. This is good as I found him in a peerage site. Brigadier Lancelot Merivale Gibbs fought in the First World War.1 He gained the rank of Brigadier in the service of the Coldstream Guards.1 He fought in the Second World War.1 He was decorated with the award of Military Cross (M.C.) (and bar).1 He was decorated with the award of Companion, Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.).1 He was invested as a Commander, Royal Victorian Order (C.V.O.).1 All well and good but any ideas on how I can get this coat cleaned. It could certainly be improved but I dont want to risk the labels fading any further. Would dry cleaning be ok if I was specifi on them protecting the labels in some way?

Thanks Stuart I tried to do a little bit of research myself, via some of the online lists and only found a John Evelyn Gibbs, who was also promoted to captain in 1914, ending up as Colonel in 1930. Seems a very familiar name to the Coldstream Guards. "From the London Gazette, he went from Captain to acting Major to Acting Lt Colonel and back to Capt. between 2nd Dec 1916 and 23rd May 1917." That seems to be a very rapid rise & fall in rank? As mentioned, my usual area is included in the attached photos of my own collection. Sorry Mervyn, couldnt see the post you mentioned.

Thanks for the information so far. This is all rather out of my field, as I usually collect Indo-Persian arms & armour. Actually having something that has a definate name & history to it, is a new experience

I had a reply from the people who should know, the Coldstream Guards Regimental museum. Interesting link with the name! "Further to your email to The Guards Museum regarding your greatcoat These Athol grey greatcoats are worn on ceremonial occasions, in the winter months. I have been able to find out the following on L N Gibbs He was a Lieutenant in 1913 and was promoted to captain in 1915 He also won the MC, what for I do not know. Regards Gary GibbsAssistant Curator The Guards Museum"

Hello I have a Coldstream guards greatcoat and I'd like to know era and rank. I does have a name in it Captain L.N Gibbs but wonder if that is correct for the rank 12 buttons, doulble breated. Red lining, buttons by Firmin s & Sons Ld London (From what I can gather from that, early 20thC late 19th) Turned up & stitched cuffs. If anybody has information on L N Gibbs, that would be great also http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/t...44/P1000508.jpg http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/t.../P1000507-1.jpg http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/t.../P1000511-1.jpg http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/t...44/P1000514.jpg http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/t...44/P1000513.jpg Any help appreciated as my search has so far been fruitless. Are these rare? Cheers Andy