BOER WAR SET + ALL THE EXTRAS

[Mervyn Mitton]

One of the more frustrating things about collecting medals, is that so often they are broken sets. Many times, it is the family each having one as a 'keepsake' - other times they have never been claimed. But, very rarely do you have all the accesories that the medal wearer had as an officer or, enlisted man.

This post is about such a set, and I think you will be amazed at the quality and the variety of the objects. Firstly, an original oil painting of the officer :

[Mervyn Mitton]

The painting would have been from the 1890's - or, if done during the War, the medals had not yet been awarded.

The entry above is from the South Afria Who's Who for 1908. An exceptionally rare volume which lists details of many local Colonial officers. I will be happy to look anyone-up if you give me a name.

You will note that he was the Captain and Commander of the Worcester Volunteer Rifles. They were formed in the 1850's with about 50 men - later, they became a Rifles Unit. During the War he was a Staff Officer and had the appointment of DAAG ( I think - Deputy Asst. Adjutant General)

Much more importantly - he was made the Commandant for Boer P.O.W. transit camps at Capetown ; Green Point (in Capetown) and at Simonstown.

Simonstown has always been our main Naval base and is about 30 miles (45Kms.) from central Capetown. From this Port the POW's were despatched to the four overseas camps. These were at St. Helena ; Bermuda ; Ceylon and India.

Despite his humble rank , he was obviously highly thought of and held important positions.

Worcester is a small inland town - famous for it's orchards. Roughly 40 miles (60kms.) from Capetown. All towns in those days had an armed unit to protect the area - these were made-up from the local poulation. Captain Perkins actually owned a grocery shop.

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

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[Mervyn Mitton]

Unusually, the set comes complete with his sword - the 1827 pattern Rifles Brigade. There are also the two scabbards - the chromed dress one - which is worn at the 'trail' and the service pattern. This hangs straight down off the left thigh and is covered in pigskin. This one still has the Boer War supports ,which were removed for WW1. His swagger stick is included.

I will be doing a longer post on the Swords in the correct section.

[Mervyn Mitton]

The Guard of the sword - showing the 1827 arrangement. It is identical to the 1822 Infantry Officers' sword - except on the Rifles, there isn't a folding side to the guard. The cartouche shows the Rifles ' strung bugle' motif, common to all Light Infantry Regt's..

[Mervyn Mitton]

Contrary to the misconception that there was great enmity between the British and the Boers, the above re-print shows the bond that could exist. I think this is a wonderful testimony to the character of Capt. Perkins.

Please remember Hugh's tip - if wording is small - Press Control and + : to reduce back, Control and -

[Mervyn Mitton]

The two patterns of Helmet Plates for the Worcester Volunteer Rifles. I think the one on the right is the one shown on the helmet in the painting.

(Full acknowledgement to the Badges and Insignia of South Africa. Colin Owens)

[Mervyn Mitton]

The pattern of belt buckle for the Worcester V.R.'s - as shown in the painting.

(acknowledgement to The Badges and Insignia of South Africa. Colin Owens.)

[Mervyn Mitton]

Captain Perkins vesta case. These contained matches - which you purchased from match girls in the street. Usually, they are silver, so I suspect this was probably made by one of his men as a gift.

[Mervyn Mitton]

The matches were struck on the serrated section at the base. In cowboy films, on his boot or, bottom !

[Mervyn Mitton]

To conclude this long and exhausting post - a special presentation silver flask to Captain Perkins.

His signature is on the first picture - you do this by coating the surface with wax - sign - engrave over the signature and then wash the wax away.

The other side is more interesting - a Lt. Col. of the Royal Marine Light Infantry made the presentation. Possibly his counter part in the Marines, who he would have handed his prisoners over to for transport ?

[Mervyn Mitton]

The hallmarks are for Sheffield 1901. On high quality silver, the hallmark is only made on one of the pieces, but the lion is shown on the other parts to show all are of the same quality.

[Brian Wolfe]

Hi Mervyn,

Very nice group!

I'll watch for the sword to be posted in more detail in the edged weapons section.

This is just amazing!

Regards

Brian