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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.

Here is a selection of militaria from this category:

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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 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 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 Infantry chasseur officer's gorget
- French
This is the classic French gorget, the shape inherited from the old Napoleonic examples, which usually carried the eagle. With the Bourbon restoration in 1815, the lilies replaced the eagle. Under Napoleon III, a silver Napoleonic eagle replaced the lilies in 1854. The hunting horn indicates a light infantry unit / chasseurs.

militaria item Foot Guards gorget, 1801 pattern
- British
Regarding the regiment, the Grenadiers had a very specific gorget with multiple pierce work on both wings, the Scots Guards normally had '3rd Guards' engraved on both sides at the tips, therefore, by elimination, this is almost certainly a Coldstream Guards example. The Dighton watercolours of the period appear to confirm this.

testimonials

Just a quick note to let you know that my bayonet arrived safely today. Many thanks for the speedy delivery and overall excellent service! For its age this bayonet is in fantastic condition.

I will mark your website as a 'favourite'...

S P, UK, 23.01.2012

Bayonets arrived today, very nice!

M G, Germany, 22.06.2009

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