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This field covers uniforms, headdress and badges from the 18th century through to Third Reich items from the 20th century. Much of this material can be seen in context in contemporary prints/drawings and other art work, eg bronzes and photographs. I keep a very sharp eye out for, and a photographic record of, all the particularly convincing Third Reich fakes that come my way. Good reference books include: The Emperor's Coat by Rest, Ortner & Ilming (Verlag Militaria) on Austro-Hungarian militaria, Great War period; Shoulder-belt plates and buttons by Parkyn on British militaria; two volumes by King on British military headdress badges. The National Army Museum (Royal Hospital Road, London SW3) has an excellent bookshop and display covering the British side of this great subject.

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militaria item Manchester-type tipstaff
- English
Although it does not carry the Manchester coat of arms, this boxwood tipstaff is almost certainly from the city or area. Because it has GR IV on one side, it can be firmly dated to George IV's reign. It would have been carried by a commissioned police officer in order to identify himself in pursuit of his duties.

militaria item 8th Liverpool Scottish Rifle Volunteers glengarry badge
- British
This unit was raised in Liverpool from the Scots population as a volunteer battalion at the end of the Boer War, in which they saw limited service. On the reorganisation of the Volunteer Force in 1908, they were renumbered as the 10th Liverpool Scottish battalion as part of the newly formed Territorial Army.

militaria item 1st King Edward's Horse cap badge
- British
This badge is an anomaly on two counts: the Latin motto is misspelt ('ausumus' instead of 'adsumas'); it is in white metal when, according to the regulations, it should be in gilding metal! In the form seen here, the badge dates from 1911 when George V commemorated the death of his father Edward VII with the title 'King Edward's Horse'.

militaria item Skinner's Horse bi-metal cap badge/collar dog, officer's
- British Empire
This badge (3.2 cm tall) served as both an officer's collar dog for mess kit or a side cap badge from 1935-1951. This is the last design worn by this distinguished regiment at the end of the Empire in India. Skinner's Horse's nickname was the Yellow Boys, after the colour of their tunic. They were one of the oldest regiments of the Indian Army.

militaria item 2nd Lancers (Gardner's Horse) cap badge/collar dog
- British Empire
This badge (3.3 cm tall and marked J R Gaunt London on the reverse) served as both an officer's collar dog for mess kit or a side cap badge from 1935-1951. The regiment was named after its first colonel.

militaria item King's Own Scots Borderers glengarry badge
- Scottish
The design of this badge derives from the centrepiece for the Home Service helmet plate of 1881 (ie after the numbered centrepieces had been replaced). The badge was modified in 1902, with a king's crown replacing the queen's, which helpfully dates this piece.

militaria item Royal Guernsey Light Infantry cap badge
- British
This measures nearly 4 cm across and is in die-struck gilding metal. A larger badge with the arms of Guernsey was in use from 1939, bearing the title 'Guernsey Mlilitia'. In 1947 none of the Channel Islands units were revived, in other words they were disbanded.

militaria item 7th Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles cap badge
- Canadian
This die-stuck, patinated bronze badge is dated 1915 on the reverse with a maker's logo. The regiment was recruited in Southern Ontario and perpetuated in the Governor General's Horse Guards. This is an other ranks badge.

militaria item Lancastrian Brigade officer's cap badge
- British
The Lancastrian Brigade was an amalgamation of various different units, mainly from the Midlands and the North, who were in turn reorganised in 1970, following the pattern of armed forces reductions and amalgamations over the years. This badge is stamped J R Gaunt London on the back.

militaria item Gordon Highlanders glengarry badge, 1896 pattern
- Scottish
This badge would have been worn continuously from 1896 until the introduction of Stabrite badges in the early 1960s. However, looking at the reverse and the brazed construction of the copper lugs with the all-important feet, I suspect that this is a 1914-era badge.

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testimonials

Just a quick email to inform you that the belt component has arrived today and to again thank you for the smooth transaction and postage. It's an eye catching piece.

P R, UK, 22.02.2013

Bayonet arrived safely today. Thanks very much indeed, I'm very pleased with it.

N M, UK, 30.12.2009

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