5016

Hi Tony, Yes, thank you, that’s the one I settled on too. Being 26 yrs of age in 1914, when war broke out, I was surprised to see he favoured a spell in the Special Constabulary rather than enlist and serve his country. In so far as Ansell goes and his title of Captain, I have found reference to him belonging to a Freemason Lodge which drew its members from the 1st Middlesex Victoria Rifles, so strongly believe that is where he obtained the rank. (See attached from Ray Westlake’s book) I found him living in Woking, Surrey with wife Alice 1919-21 and he uses the title of Captain in one electoral register (1919) but drops the title in 1921. The sword is certainly unusual in many respects. First and most obviously, Wilkinson are not famous for making this type of sword. They did, however, make some. In addition to the patronage of various members of our own royal family, they also made swords by appointment to a number of Maharajas. The sword does not have a serial number, which is unusual for a special order. Why did Ansell choose an Indian Frontier Police pattern sword when neither man appears to have had connections to that region? I do wonder if perhaps, simply wanting a sword to present to Raspin, Ansell bought one which was surplus to a previous order? Maybe we shall never know but it is a rare type of sword from this maker and any pattern of Wilkinson sword with a presentation inscriptions are pretty scare in themselves. I’m very pleased to add it to my small collection of attributable Wilkinson swords. Kind regards, Kevin.

For the sharp-eyed, the name in title (Ernest) is wrong . It is Herbert, as in text! Doing two research projects and got them confused. A senior moment. Unable to edit. Sorry. K.

Hi everyone, I recently became the owner of a most unusual sword with an etched presentation inscription in which Capt. Herbert Ansell is named as the doner. The sword is unusual because it was made by Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London but is in the form of an Indian Tulwar. I would have said it was unique but having done some investigating, I have found a beautiful example made by Wilkinson in 1879 for Commander in Chief, Bombay Army, with hallmarked silver hilt. This was sold by Christie’s in 2014. In fact it was apparently one of five, with consecutive numbers 21800 to 21804, ordered by this C in C. So, whilst mine is certainly unusual, it’s not unique. I am not a military researcher and have had assistance. Thus far, I understand the Captain was connected to the 1st Middlesex - Victoria Rifle Volunteers, not the regular army. This was established from reference to members of a Masonic Lodge called the Victoria Rifles and his title confirmed in a census / voters list, not from records of the Military unit. He was also listed as a Director of Companies and Actuary. He lived in Surrey. No other mention could be found of him being an officer in the regular army, medal rolls etc. Now to the recipient - Jack F. Raspin. Raspin is an uncommon name found mostly in Yorkshire and concentrated within a fairly close radius of Hull. My friend could find only a John F. Raspin but found press cuttings where he was named ‘John (Jack) F. Raspin’, so Jack is probably what he was known as although probably not his actual name. Not uncommon. This chap, born 1888, was in the Wool combing business and located in Bradford. Again a press entry referred to his association with the Brotherhood, which is the only connection we have found to link the two men, that, and both being businessmen. The sword’s inscription says Raspin served as a Special Constable in the Great War, 1914-19 and says the sword is an Indian Frontier Police Tulwar. Research failed to find either men on passenger lists to India and I feel it much more likely he was in the British Special Constabulary. If anyone can confirm anything regarding Ansell’s military service, I’d be so grateful. In fact, any suggestions greatly appreciated. This was clearly a generous and expensive gift but it doesn’t make a great deal of sense to me at the moment! Thanks in anticipation. Kevin.

Thanks for this information and advice gents. Much appreciated. Kevin.

Hi Gents, I wonder if there is anyone who can assist me please - I am trying to find out any information about a PC William Soper who served in the Metroplitan Police in the mid-19th Century. The exact dates are not known but he was born in 1831 and died in 1916. I have the fantastic book by Jim Kemp - “The Metropolitan Police The Men and their medals. Vol. 1” which does list an officer of that name but the period of service is too late (1884 - 1907) to be the man I am trying to research. Anything you can tell me would be much appreciated. He was the G/Great Grandfather of a friend, who recently showed me some memorabilia of his and asked if I could help her trace any records, as I am a retired policeman myself. Unfortunately I am not familiar with the Metropolitan Police nor how to access any records. Kind regards, Kevin.

Many thanks indeed. I’m happy these two have been together for a very long time and have personal experience of police spelling prowess...when I retired after 34 yrs the cut-glass fruit bowl they gave me had my name (Elliott) misspelled. Makes you feel really appreciated. On a plus note - I moaned, so now have two gathering dust in the loft! Kind regards.

Sorry, should have realised that it was a common name, so the extra detail is needed...on the 1902 he is shown "P.C." and "V Div." Hope that helps. Kind regards, Kevin.

Good afternoon Gentlemen, Can anyone assist me please with information about a pair of Metropolitan Police Coronation medals I have - they are a bronze 1902 Edward VII and a silver George V (1911), named to:- W. CLARKE & W. CLARK (no "E") respectively. Both are swing-mounted to a bar, which has some age to it, so I believe belong together and are not a "put together", inspite of the two different spellings. Many thanks in anticipation. Kevin.

Many thanks for link and info ayedeeyew. So, according to the site, it dates from 1909 (244 Barr St address) to 1922 (stopped using patent stamp), which is useful. I know whose whistle it was, I just wondered if the number was his collar number. I didn't realise the actual whistles were numbered. The website is really good. I didn't realise there was such interest and information about such a humble object. Kind regards, Kevin.

I wonder if anyone can help me...as a retired officer I was recently given an old police whistle, which the donator thought would be of interest to me. Joining in the early 70's, these had already disappeared from my forces uniform and I never had one of my own. It is a standard "The Metropolitan" model, stamped with a (collar?) number 2717 and also stamped "London City Police". It has the makers name J. Hudson and address 244 Barr St., Birmingham. On the top, it is stamped "Patent 5727.08" A quick Google suggests that this makers address dates it post-1908, and I understand the patent puts it to the period from that date to approx 1920? This ties in with the information I was supplied by the person who gave it to me, i.e. the period between the wars. Can anyone confirm the approx age of the whistle and, if possible identify the officer with collar number / warrant number 2717? Unlike some of the county forces I understand better records exist for our London based colleagues. Thanks in anticipation, Kevin.

Wow, best bit of luck I think I've ever had!

That's interesting Chris - an expensive buckle! How would my artillery buckle compare in terms of rarity, as I'm not familiar with any of these Boer War uniform items? Thanks in anticipation, Kevin.

That's a neat photo Paul. You can see belt buckles...is that the one I wonder? Kevin.

Hello Piekenier, Many thanks for the picture of the Major and the photo of the actual artillery unit. Strange what turns up in remote places, isn't it? I hadn't realised my luck the day I spotted it in the shop. I don't collect anything specifically, other than Japanese swords and fittings, but pick up any interesting items along the way - as you can usually swap or part exchange for something you like. Can you give me an approx valuation for this item please? Regards, Kevin.

Hi Paul, Yes, that makes sense. Good tip, thank you. It seems someone probably took the higher grade award from mine and replaced it with a lower class. I'll try and rectify that in time. There are so many pitfalls for the new-comer in any field of collecting. Regards, Kevin.