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 ] |
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Prussian general's epaulettes, Hohenzollern family provenance - German
This is a pair of full general's epaulettes for wear on the field grey tunic, introduced in 1907. These formerly belonged to General Wilhelm von Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, Prince von Hohenzollern (1864-1927). The twin stars and triple braided bullion cords indicate his rank. The black fleck on the silver bullion indicates Prussian service.
|
|
|
Medal of Honour, Provincial Exhibition, NWP (India) - British Empire
Marked on the obverse: 'MEDAL OF HONOR 1867' with 'PROVINCIAL EXHIBITION N.W.P.' [for Province] and 'THE HONBLE E. DRUMMOND, LT.GR.' [for Governor]. It is neatly engraved around the rim: 'SUPDT. ROORKEE WORKSHOPS', probably for the railway workshops in the town of Roorkee in Northern India.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
![online Militaria dealer - Antique-Militaria [UK]](/images/antique-militaria.jpg)
Historic comments