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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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Prussian Merit medal, FWIII, silver - German
This medal was introduced by King Frederick William III of Prussia (1797-1840) to award other ranks and NCOs for military galantry. However, it could also be awarded to the civil service for meritorious conduct. The difference between civil and military was apparently in the colours of the ribbon (missing here).
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4th Hussars undress pouch badge - British
This is a bazaar casting of the badge of what could possibly be from a bandsman's pouch or perhaps an officer's undress pouch belt. The 4th Hussars were a prestigious British light cavalry regiment and no doubt this badge was cast in the bazaar to replace a British original which had been lost.
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Customs badge - British Empire
This little badge (7.5cm across) may be of Indian parentage, inasmuch as its provenance is Indian and it appears to be a one-peice bazaar casting in brass. I think it would have been worn on the top pocket of a tunic, as it appears to be too large to have been worn as a shoulder title.
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Duke of Atholl's clan badge - Scottish
The Duke of Atholl was the only man in Britain allowed to raise a private army, so this might well be for his unit. However, other members of his clan/family would have been entitled to wear this.
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Gladstone commemorative medal, 1894 - British
This medal commemorates the retirement of William Gladstone from the House of Commons in 1894. He had been Prime Minister four times and, along with Disraeli, he created the modern Conservative party. There is a 50-line inscription on the reverse, listing the MPs of 1894. It is by Messrs L.C. Lauer and it was struck by J. Rochelle Thomas.
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Headdress insignia - Unknown
This could be a US piece for the Union kepi or the Hardee hat, which was a black felt slouch hat with a turned up brim. Alternatively it could be for some colonial Dutch or Boer unit. It is head insignia because of the two pairs of holes punched for stitching attachment at either end of one of the canons and the brass prongs sweated on at the back.
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Officer's cap cockade - Unknown
This could be Russian or East European and would have been worn perhaps on a sealskin fur cap, rather like those worn by our own Rifle Brigade at the turn of the century. It is essentially a brass badge with a silver wash, together with gilt metal inserts filled with dark (possibly black) enamel.
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WW2 War Medal, sterling silver - Canadian
This is the sterling silver version issued in 1945 to Canadian troops for service overseas in World War 2. The British version was struck in nickel silver, but for some reason the Canadians were lucky enough to have theirs issued in somewhat finer metal. It carried the normal ribbon for the British example, sadly missing.
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White metal bugle horn cap ornament - European
This little badge (which could possibly be made of unmarked silver) is possibly Austrian or Belgian. It has stitch holes at either end of the bugle and would have been worn on a soft peak cap.
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1935 Jubilee medal on lady's bow - British
This was given to the good and great in 1935 to commemorate the Jubilee of George V and Queen Mary. The men received it on a conventional loose ribbon with pin suspension; the women received it in this fashion with a bow.
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