This could well be a ground find, or perhaps dug out of someone's attic, because only maybe 25% of the original gilt finish survives. However, it has the number 74 punched into the ring, which indicates the maker Carl Meurer & Sohn from Oberstein. These crosses rarely have any maker's mark, which makes up somewhat for the condition.

This little tinware ashtray (4.25 x 3.25 inches) has patriotic motifs printed on it, together with the image of Major General French flanked by soldiers with lions at their feet. The maker's logo, A. Lloyd & Sons Ltd London, can be read just above 'Soldiers of the Queen' (with my magnifying glass, at least!).

This award was granted to other ranks for meritorious service in the years before WW1 and in the early stages. There were two sizes of gold and two of silver, of which this is the smaller version of the latter (3.1cm diameter).

This was worn on the Home Service helmet, constructed from cork, and, in this case, covered with grey cloth. The crowned portcullis device in the centre is from the arms of the City of Westminster. The QWR, founded in 1860, served with great distinction all through the 20th century's wars.

Mr D J Knight has kindly enlightened me about this badge (which might also be an other ranks pouch badge, though I think it is too big)! The company was raised in 1861 and disbanded in 1866. The dress version has a similar design in embroidery. This badge measures 4 1/8 x 3 1/2 inches.

This die-struck bronze medal (diameter 50mm) is dated 4 May 1883 and is the joint athletics medal for Woolwich and Sandhurst Military Academies. Woolwich was the academy for the Royal Artillery and Sandhurst for the infantry and cavalry.

THIS FAKE IS ON THE WEBSITE AS A WARNING! It is not in my possession. It has a new lining and has possibly been completely resprayed with a fairly good looking facsimile of feldgrau, but the main thing is the decal is a modern one.

The Sussex Yeomanry was one of the British county volunteer cavalry units, raised in the late 18th century. They amalgamated with the Surrey Yeomanry after WW1 and fielded two artillery batteries between them. This badge dates from the early 20th century, being later superceded by a badge with a title on a scroll underneath.

This would have been part of a by-knife set from the scabbard of a Scots dirk. Together with a small knife of matching design, the set would have been mounted on the outer face of the scabbard, normally one above the other. The dirk would have been mounted en-suite with a large citrine as a pommel.

The award was given for combat gallantry and the German inscription on the reverse reads 'for bravery'. These copies were made for the soldier to wear on his uniform for everyday use, while keeping the best one for special occasions.