3 VB Hants title Boer War Bethulie

[Charlie585]

Hello gents,

I hope that the following may be of interest to some.

I was given the following items on approval today and wondered if anyone might be able to offer any help with them please.

1. 3 VB Hants shoulder title.

This item is in a very oxidised condition and also has a crack between the "3" and the "B".
I'm loath to clean it at present so could anyone advise whether it was originally a brass item or would it have been white metal as it is Volunteers?

2. The second item is a map of Bethulie printed in 1900 during the Boer War showing the area in the Orange free state with both Bethulie Station and Bridge on the Orange River to the south. Edenburg in the North. Fauresmith and Jagersfontein in the N/West, and Smithfield in the East.

In pencil on the front is written "B Company" and inside "B Company To be handed over with Company".

3. Thirdly there are two old printed union Jack flags which are pinned to bamboo canes. (not shown).

4. Last item in the lot is a photo of a serviceman of WW2 era wearing what I believe to be 1937 pattern Battle Dress and a second pattern RAC cap badge, as well as a "DR" badge on his left lower arm.

I believe that his name may have been Lillywhite and there is a number on the back of the photo "X15832" that may or may not be relevant.

These items are all from the same source and originate in Gosport Hampshire.

I'm stuck with what to offer for the items as the vendor doesn't have the slightest clue to their worth or what they are and I'd like to keep it fair.

If anyone could advise me on any aspect I would be very grateful.

Regards to all.
Ry

[Keith Blakeman]

Originally Posted by Charlie585

Hello gents,

I hope that the following may be of interest to some.

I was given the following items on approval today and wondered if anyone might be able to offer any help with them please.

1. 3 VB Hants shoulder title.

This item is in a very oxidised condition and also has a crack between the "3" and the "B".
I'm loath to clean it at present so could anyone advise whether it was originally a brass item or would it have been white metal as it is Volunteers?

2. The second item is a map of Bethulie printed in 1900 during the Boer War showing the area in the Orange free state with both Bethulie Station and Bridge on the Orange River to the south. Edenburg in the North. Fauresmith and Jagersfontein in the N/West, and Smithfield in the East.

In pencil on the front is written "B Company" and inside "B Company To be handed over with Company".

3. Thirdly there are two old printed union Jack flags which are pinned to bamboo canes. (not shown).

4. Last item in the lot is a photo of a serviceman of WW2 era wearing what I believe to be 1937 pattern Battle Dress and a second pattern RAC cap badge, as well as a "DR" badge on his left lower arm.

I believe that his name may have been Lillywhite and there is a number on the back of the photo "X15832" that may or may not be relevant.

These items are all from the same source and originate in Gosport Hampshire.

I'm stuck with what to offer for the items as the vendor doesn't have the slightest clue to their worth of what they are and I'd like to keep it fair.

If anyone could advise me on any aspect I would be very grateful.

Regards to all.
Ry

Ry,

According to Westlake the title should be in nickel, no picture though, only text. Shame it's so rough looking, something I wouldn't mind having myself in better condition.

[Jibba Jabba]

Dave would chemical clean that title for you. If you start scrubbing it, you might break it.

[Charlie585]

Thanks Keith,

I thought you might like it!

Cheers Jibba Jabba,

I was thinking along the same lines, it would be lovely to see it restored to its former glory.

I was considering dipping it myself but thought better of it.

I think I'll ask Dave his opinion on it to see if it can be stripped repaired and re-plated.

Still don't have a clue as to a value for the lot though so can't proceed until I actually do the deal!

I don't want to appear mercenary but if any member fancies making an offer for the map?

I expect if they're linked that they should really stay together but the Title is my area of interest here.

Ry

[davec2]

Hello Ry,

I've PM'd you, at the very least, finding out what can or can't be done is going to cost you two lots of postage, 1st class recorded at £1.40p has to be worth it ??

At the moment, the crack looks repairable, the title does look like cast German silver/white metal and a gentle clean will tell me more, what ever you do, it's a cracking title and as Keith says a nice addition, as always, I'm not in business so it's always your decision, if you want me to look at it, send it down.

Take care, all the best.

Dave.

[Charlie585]

Many thanks Dave,

PM sent.

Regards
Ry

[Luc]

The picture could date from just before the war to somewhat mid-war, given the P'37 blouse and early shoulder slip-ons.

[Charlie585]

Hi Luc,

I was thinking post 1942/43 due to the second pattern RAC badge.

In my opinion only it could be well after the war as I have a picture of my Grandfather wearing what I beleive to be a 1939 pattern BD blouse albeit with a tailored collar, this picture is I am told from the era of national service, when he was a weapons Sjt.

Regards
Ry