online Militaria dealer - Antique-Militaria [UK]
magnify icon Search militaria Medals - Arms - Militaria
Home icon Antique Militaria Home for the SEs and the curious Site map People shaking hands icon Historic comments

militaria

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.

Here is a selection of militaria from this category:

[ Show all ]
militaria item Sapeurs Pompiers de la Marine helmet plate
- French
This has to be one of the rarest of the 2nd Empire military fire brigade badges, being the helmet plate for the navy branch. The helmet was a magnificent looking creation in brass with a high comb and fancy chin scales. This would have been worn on the front of the helmet, above the peak and below the crest.

militaria item Officer's shako plate
- Peruvian
This would have been worn on one of the early Peruvian shakos in the late 1820s to commemorate the surrender of the Spaniards and the liberation of Peru in 1824 and the founding of the independent state of Peru in the following year. It probably represents the third infantry regiment.

militaria item Welsh harpist's badge, unmarked silver
- British
This interesting badge is a lost wax casting which has had the strings of the harp and the Welsh motto ('RHYDD-DID SADWEDD CYFF.LLGARWCH') engraved. The style of construction would suggest some royal appointment, as the use of the royal crown (in this case the shape is Hanoverian) was fairly carefully guarded at this period.

militaria item Metropolitan Police inspector's tipstaff
- English
This is almost certainly an unmarked Parker Field product, made under contract for the Metropolitan Police. These were standardised c 1840 and the design lasted until c 1880 when they were phased out and replaced by the warrant card c 1890. The arresting officer simply touched the crown on the suspect's shoulder - a formal notice of arrest.

militaria item Bristol Humane Society medal
- British
This is a rare variant of the Royal Humane Society medal for successfully saving life, issued between 1774 and 1867. It would seem that the Bristol variant was instituted in 1807, according to the date on the exergue. The sculptor signs himself 'T.H.' for T. Halliday. It is, sadly, uninscribed, as it would have left the Mint.

testimonials

Many thanks for letting me know, can confirm it arrived this morning, safe and sound.

Marvellous piece, thanks again!

R B, UK, 10.12.2012

Received the Webley holster today. Thanks, it's really beautiful! ... Thanks again for your great service.

P G, France, 07.01.2008

more...