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Thanks Satsuma. Interesting web page. The sword was supposed to have come from Burma. I tried, unsuccessfully, to discover more about the sellers family who put it into auction. They did not, however, want their details released. There had even been a small plaque screwed to the sword scabbard (which had the surrender details) but this was removed prior to sale. I had realised Masahiro is an important smith. I also always assume any important smith's work is fake until proven otherwise. I have been assured it is Tadayoshi school (which ties in of course) and that the signature is very similar to other known examples. However, until it is one day "papered", I'll treat it as a very nice, old, Shinto sword, which it undeniably is. I'm pleased with it. Just wish it could talk! Regards, Kevin.

Paul & Dieter, I'd like to thank you both very much. That brings it all to life, so to speak. Given that information, I'll be happy to keep this with my other WW2 Japanese items. As you'll have gathered, I'm not at all familiar with these although I could be tempted to collect them as they truly are the Faberge equivalent of the medal world. In fact the chap who I got these from has an excellent collection which I was offered for a Japanese sword I own....I was tempted, but these are out of my collecting comfort-zone. Kind regards, Kevin.

Paul & Dieter, I'd like to thank you both very much. That brings it all to life, so to speak. Given that information, I'll be happy to keep this with my other WW2 Japanese items. As you'll have gathered, I'm not at all familiar with these although I could be tempted to collect them as they truly are the Faberge equivalent of the medal world. In fact the chap who I got these from has an excellent collection which I was offered for a Japanese sword I own....I was tempted, but these are out of my collecting comfort-zone. Kind regards, Kevin.

Many thanks Dieter. Those are the sort of concerns I had - does the medal really belong with this certificate? The colour of the writing on the box lid is greyish (silver?) Hopefully these close-ups will assist you.

This is my first post to this sub forum. I wonder if someone can comment on my boxed medal and framed certificate please? Having read the pinned threads, I believe I'm right in saying that my certificate is from the Showa period, i.e. during WW2. I don't collect Japanese awards but am interested in Japanese swords and it was whilst doing a p.x. deal that these items came into my possession. If indeed WW2, then they compliment my sword collection and I'll hang on to them. I'd just like someone to enlighten me and tell me anything about the award or recipient. Is it military or is it a civil award? Thanks in anticipation. Kevin.

Hi Jonathan, I'd like to see that photo, if you locate it please and also I tried your suggestion of Googling the books but they didn't show the articles - just some crass message saying "where are the missing pages", with an explanation why they were not available. So, if possible, if you could copy / paste any tasty bits and show me, I'd be very grateful. Regards, Kevin.

and more....

More pics.

Following Satsumas request, I've decided to post some pictures of my Shinto Hizen-to sword from the Tadayoshi school. This turned up a few years ago at an auction on the Isle of Wight. Said to have been surrendered by a "high ranking" Japanese officer and presented to a British Brigadier. Blade has been professionally polished and fitted in a new shira-saya. The mounts are the original ones with a WW2 leather combat cover. I've been informed the iron mounts are typical Higo school, often found on Hizen swords as this combination was favoured by samurai because of their simplicity and function. No frills. I'll post a scan of the oshigata. To save you struggling with the translation, it reads: Hizen kuni Kawachi Daijo Fujiwara Masahiro. Over to you guys for comments. Kevin.

Here's a picture of the 1899, maker's stamp and unit stampings on guard (very hard to photograph as feint) Kevin.

Hi Jonathan, I have one other which I bought with the artillery sword, from the same source. It is a 1899 pattern cavalry troopers sword by Wilkinson. I was told by the seller that a relative carried it in WW1, so I was expecting a 1908 pattern. However, even when I eventually received it and challenged the sellers about the supposed history, he was insistant that it had been carried in WW1? Is that likely? I assumed by WW1 all 1899 patterns had been replaced. The more closely I looked at it, the happier I became, even if the WW1 provenence was shakey. It is dated 1901 and on the guard it is stamped "13H". I believe that means issued to 13th Hussars and in 1901, indeed throughout the entire Boer War, the 13th were in South Africa. So, on the face of it, a sword highly likely to have seen service in the Boer War (and who knows, maybe in WW1 too?) I'll take photos and upload later. Kind regards, Kevin.

2nd attachment - hope it's not too "reduced" to be of use. I'll have to transcribe it one day! Kevin

Thought I'd share this with you....in my research into the Hastings Artillery sword, I contacted the Hastings museum and was pleased to be directed towards a hand-written diary of a chap named BRETT who, circa 1860, wrote much about local events, including the activities of the militia. On one page he refers to the Warden (see Mervyn's earlier comments) who at that time was Viscount Palmerston. Just as Mervyn indicates regarding Winston Churchill, here was another example of a former Prime Minister's association with the local artillery. So....you can begin to appreciate why I'm interested in my sword and its former owner - not that I'll ever know but I reckon he would have been someone of "substance".

Thanks Guys for your suggestions and comments. I agree, no sword is without some merit. I guess what I meant is that the Artillery sword is a fairly common pattern however this particular ones merits are that it comes from a small and unusual unit. From what I've discovered already the Cinque Port militia artillery officers were often local , titled dignitaries. My swords actual dimensions, as requested by Jonathan, are approx 23 m.m. width at the ricasso where the blade meets the guard. I appreciate this is quite narrow; more of a dress sword than a fighting sword perhaps? Hi to Satsuma....I have some Japanese swords which I will list later. How are you on Hizen-to? I have a gem Shinto katana which turned up here on the Isle of Wight at an auction a few years ago. I'll post the oshigata for some "opinions". I'm really enjoying this forum. Regards, Kevin.

Hello everyone, This is my first post on the Sword & Edged Weapon Forum. Having read some of the old posts it is clear that a wealth of experience exists within your ranks. I wonder if you can assist please..... I have only a few swords and nothing, I'm sure, of much interest. This post refers to a fairly standard Artillery pattern sword....I am however, struggling to find out much information about either the unit (as etched on the blade) - "HASTINGS ARTILLERY" or the maker. E. FARRA of Newgate Street, London. I understand the unit is a Volunteer element of the many Cinque Port formations intended to defend against the perceived risk of invasion from the French during the post Napoleonic years. If anyone has any references to them I'd be most grateful. Presumably small in numbers and with relatively few officers, I'd like to find a picture or illustration of the their uniform. I also couldn't find any other sword examples made by FARRA and wondered if anyone can say approx when this firm was making / selling swords, which will help date the sword. Thanks in anticipation. Kevin.

Thanks, Mr Kemp. Placed on my Amazon wishlist and the better half informed. Kevin E.

1314 You beauty! Many thanks. Can you share with me the source of that information - is there a book covering this subject? I'll treat myself if there is. Size 13 boots! The mind boggles. Kind regards, Kevin.

Thanks for the address Paul. Do you know whether they respond to written requests? Living on the Isle of Wight, all trips to mainland are usually planned and pre-determined, so a drop-in visit isn't likely to happen any time soon. Kevin.

Thanks Ian & Mervyn for your information and suggestions. I tried "Googling" the paperweight theory and haven't managed to find another. I'm sure if produced with that in mind there ought to be hundreds out there - simply to have been financially viable. So I expect someone will see this and respond - I guess it only needs one more person to say "I've got one of those" and copy die to be used as paperweight, it is. Kind regards, Kevin.

Thanks Paul. Yes, should have clarified, they are indeed Metropolitan Police medals. As a newbie to your forum I've been busy reading as many old threads as possible before asking and I did see similar queries where members appeared to have the answer to hand, so wondered if someone had compiled a database or whether there is a book I should source. Can anyone tell me the address or contact details for the Met Police Museum you suggest I contact? Regards, Kevin.

Hi People, A couple of weeks ago I visited our local auction house on the viewing day to examine an old Hampshire Militia Long Service medal to the 8th battalion (Isle of Wight Rifles) which I would have loved to own. Whilst there I noticed a couple of nice looking police medals. My medal interest is generally restricted to named Hampshire Regiment medals, so I wasn't tempted with the police medals, at that time. Two days after the auction I came across the very same two police medals on E-Bay and they sort of "called" to me. Having won the E-Bay auction, unlike with military medals, I didn't know how or where to go to research these medals.......can someone please help? They are a bronze 1887 Jubilee medal with the 1897 clasp. Inscribed: PC H. DEERING S, Div'n and a 1902 Police Coronation medal, inscribed: PC H. DEERING N. DIV Any information about this officer would be gratefully received. Pics to follow. Kind regards, Kevin

Hi everyone, Is this an unusual or even unique item? Some 10 yrs or more ago I bought this from a friend to use as a paperweight. It is, I believe, the iron die used to strike / press when producing helmet plates. In this case to the Staffordshire County & Stoke on Trent Constabulary (not even sure if they are still in-being?) Anyone seen a similar artifact? Can't be too many of these out there. Regards, Kevin E.

Thank you very much Mervyn. Fascinating bit of history. I will enjoy reading some of the old threads and improve my understanding of our police history and traditions. I'm retired from the Hampshire Constabulary. Most of my time being on the Traffic Department (now called Roads Policing Unit) where they actually paid me good money to ride a big motorcycle . I was a Traffic Sgt for over 20 years - round peg in round hole. Happy Days. I've got a couple of other police-related items on which I'm hoping to get some advice. Who's the egg-head on medals and whistles please? Kind regards, Kevin E.

Hi, I'm new to this forum. Can anyone offer any opinions / info about this painted truncheon. It is said to have originated from HMP Parkhurst and recently came from a house clearance on the Isle of Wight. Being retired police, I'd hoped it was of police origin. Any thoughts? The yellow painted writing, in three rows, says: S.C. Jan 2 Y 1868 V. R. I assume this to be owner's initials / date (of issue / appointment) / Monarch's initials. Can anyone confirm whether Police or Prison and, if permitted on this forum, a rough guide price please. Thanks in anticipation. Kevin E.