blueman Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 opinions please guyshttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2014/post-10499-0-35259900-1393758506.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2014/post-10499-0-47540300-1393758516.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2014/post-10499-0-50983100-1393758529.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Impossible to say from these photos. The 24th helmet plate is one of the most copied - we would need to see close-ups of both sides and of the helmet. How was it described in the catalogue ? Mervyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueman Posted March 3, 2014 Author Share Posted March 3, 2014 hi mervyn i dont think its right ,but it is part of uniform inc martini rifle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Johnson Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 My impression is that any piece of Army-issue kit will be regimentally marked, and probably personally marked as well. Otherwise how do know it's yours? Also, what are the odds that a helmet that saw active service in 1879 would be in that kind of condition? Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 Sounds as if it has been put together as part of a display. Mind you - if it could be proved to have been from the Zulu War, then you would be looking at thousands. Despite 24 years with the shop, I ever only had one piece of uniform - that could be proved to have been from the 24th. This came from a Zulu Kraal and the left arm of the tunic had been pierced with a spear. You could clearly see the entry and exit cuts in the cloth. The arm of the tunic had a 'rusty' looking stain running to the sleeve, thus was tested and was 120 year old blood. What a pity they didn't have someone to DNA test - we would have known the casualty. Because it was so rare, I donated it to the Museum at Ulundi and it is sill in a sealed glass case. Blueman - just in case of a link - check the Martini Henry - what are the numbers and markings ? Mervyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueman Posted March 4, 2014 Author Share Posted March 4, 2014 still waiting for replies from auction house Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter monahan Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 There are several companies making an selling these in the UK and elsewhere and, of course, there would have been at least a couple hundred made for the making of the movie "Zulu" and possibly other period films of that ilk. The 24th Foot plate is very commonly reproduced. Not my field exactly, But I'm almost certain that a suede leather sweat band isn't right for these helmets. Where are our helmet experts - we have at least two - on this one? Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Johnson Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 I don't think that the 24th wore tunics without facings (green) and collar. I suspect the tunic is a reproduction, but why not do it properly? The Martini and bayonet are probably original, but I doubt if they are marked to the 24th. Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueman Posted March 6, 2014 Author Share Posted March 6, 2014 sold over £500 but not to me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spasm Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 Am I correct in saying the rifle alone is worth that sort of dough. Given the impression of the spear and plate wouldn't this lot have sold for much more even it was close to being correct. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter monahan Posted March 7, 2014 Share Posted March 7, 2014 Spasm and Michael Both right - no way the 'tini was 24th marked and went that low, but 500 quid is probably a fair price for the lot, even with repro. helmet and tunic. certainly make somebody a very fine Hallowe'en costume! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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