Malta WW2 finds

[GTB]

Like to share these 2 nice finds:
ARP Malta and Malta Home Guard
GTB

[Chacal]

Very nice - bet there aren't many of those Malta ARPs around.

[GTB]

Originally Posted by Chacal

Very nice - bet there aren't many of those Malta ARPs around.

Definitely. A very rare badge, there were not all that many made. It is cast but loops are missing. Have left it in condition as found.
The MHG badge is also quite rare. There were 2 versions as far as I know, for Officers and ORs and this is an OR's. Cut out from thin brass leaf with a pin soldered to back. This was an "eyes only" find and I almost passed it by, thinking it was a leaf on account of its greenish appearance due verdigris (it has since been cleaned).
Yesterday found a battered WW2 Royal Malta Artillery cap badge.
GTB

[Sonofacqms]

GTB, you have found more than I did when I visited Malta in 1994. Lovely items.

Rob

[GTB]

Rob
One never knows what lies in the soil. The attached 2 items (apologies for state of scans) were both found in adjacent fields. The snake clasp is an RMFA/RMA officer's waistbelt insignia (Victorian). The badge is a King's Own Malta Regiment of Militia OSD Bronze 2-piece mounted cap badge, unfortunately has suffered some plough damage. A short time ago I turned up an 18th century uniform button of the Armed Forces of the Knights of St John, most probably the 'Reggimento di Malta'. But I suppose the vast majority of forum members that are detectorists all have similar tales of finds.
GTB

[GTB]

OOps!! Left scans out

[Sonofacqms]

GTB, the one thing I can remember about my visit was going to Valletta and sitting in a square with some ancient cannons around. I wanted a drink of something so I went into a restaurant and the walls were covered with framed badges.

We ended up having something to eat and drink whilst I sought out the owner who proudly told me it was his collection, he said he collected as a boy going down to meet ships arriving and getting badges from servicemen.

Do you know this restaurant?

Rob

[GTB]

Rob
Sure I do. You are referring to the "Malata" restaurant on Palace Square. There is a steep flight of stairs down to the restaurant itself. I know the owner, Tony, very well but haven't seen in ages. The framed badges are no longer there as the restaurant has now changed hands and Tony has now relocated to Bugibba at the north of the island. There used to be several little junk shops in Valletta with all sorts of militaria , but sadly all have now closed down. Those were the good old days for collectors.
GTB

[Sonofacqms]

GTB, You have described the place exactly, yes, I believe the owner's name was Tony, we had a very good conversation as I recall about his badges which he said were only part of his collection. I also recall a collectors shop in sliema in an arcade which had badges amongst other things for sale.

Rob

[GTB]

Rob, The Sliema collectors shop is, or was, called just that - "The Collector's Shop"! The guy who ran it sold almost every type of collectable but mainly specialised in die-cast models. I used to frequent that place many many years ago. However, the arcades have been closed for years for either refurbishing, rebuilding or whatever. The fact is that the premises are now derelict and another militaria outlet gone. I guess the internet has rang the death knell for these small dealers. Rgds
GTB

[Sonofacqms]

GTB,

I guess after nearly twenty years all the places that used to cater for collectors have gone online. When I think of all the places I used to search for badges, few are left now, in those days you were on your feet with whatever knowledge you had gained from other collectors, sad news that "The Collector's Shop" has closed, but I would have been surprised if you said it was still open.

Thanks for letting me know, I may not book sliema for a visit.

Rob

[ToyMad]

well its not over for Malta yet...there are still collectors shops ..very few but there are....I own 1 myself...more into Toys though