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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 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.

militaria item Luckenbooth badge, Inverness hallmarks
- Scottish
Maker marked PGW for Peter G Wilson (1866-1916) and INS for Inverness, this badge dates to approximately 1880, the construction detail of the hinge being the give-away here. Earlier in the century, Luckenbooth badges (sweetheart brooches) were normally one-third of the size of this (just over 7.5 cm from top to bottom).

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 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 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

I wanted to let you know that the kepi arrived today safely. A super nice kepi! Also wanted to say that it was a pleasure doing business with you.

M S, USA, 20.08.2009

The cross arrived safely this morning. Thank you very much for your excellent service.

M N, UK, 24.10.2006

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