At the end of the last newsletter I promised that one of the subjects, if not the main drive of the next letter, would embrace an understanding of the nomenclature (see above definition) as used and generally banded about within the collecting field of militaria to describe and refer to certain items or the condition of same.

To tread on safe ground let me refer to my Concise Oxford Dictionary on just one small word alone:- Gild.
1. To cover thinly with gold.
2. To tinge with golden colour or light.
3. To give a specious or false brilliance to.
Obviously we look to 1. Above when describing a badge or medal

BUT, let us take the word Gilt.
1. Covered thinly with gold.
2. Gold-coloured.
As a noun---Gold or a Goldlike Substance applied in a thin layer to a surface.

Therefore in the business of Badges and Militaria when we see the words Gild or Gilt we know NOT to expect 24 carat gold on the item concerned. It is more than likely to be a much lesser mix.

The same flexibility of thinking must apply when we are told that a badge has been made in ‘Gilding Metal’ or just a ‘G/M’ as abbreviated in a catalogue. What is meant here is that the mix of the base metals which were used to make the badge are of such a quality, brass and bronze being good examples, that the badge will TAKE a gilt coating. We see how this has NOT worked when some form of coating was applied to what I call ‘pro tem’, (temporary) badges as were produced in South Africa---and Cairo at the outbreak and during World War Two. Such ‘Quick Fixes’ had so much lead and other softer and inferior metals within the mix that the attempted gilding, to try and bring them to an acceptable finish, just did not last with the gilt-like mix not fusing to the surface. We later see such coating peeling off.

Paul Matthysen, a serious collector and team member, who has handled thousands of badges was approached by me for help in creating the beginnings of a “DICTIONARY OF DEFINITIONS” as it were.

Here follows what we have come up with so far:-
(Please note that %’s and final mixtures may vary and that a pinch of this or that might be added; like a chef---each to his own!!).

I shall try for convenience to put things in alphabetical order.

I am also hoping that some of you out there will e-mail me on lonners@absamail.co.za and give me your views and input. If such views and input can pass the censor then we shall add them in and generally build onto this “LIST OF NOMENCLATURE”.

AFFILIATION POCKET BADGES/FLASHES/SHIELDS:- These were worn from the top pocket button on the right breast of No 1 Parade or ‘Step Out’ Uniform by Officers of the Rank of Major and above and by Senior Warrant Officers; the only exception being ‘Special Forces’ who allowed NCO’s and above to wear them. They were usually made in the form of shields which were about 30 mm in height and about 25 mm across. They were fixed to a fob by way of two pins and studs which in turn had a button hole at the top for affixing to the top right pocket button. These fobs were made either in leather or more likely a synthetic substitute and were about 90 mm in height and around 38 mm in width at their widest point. The shield on the fob was that of the parent or ‘mother’ unit to that which the wearer reported. These Affiliation Badges came into being with the South African Defence Force in about 1986 and were worn in this way up until around the year 2002. They were made here in South Africa by the likes of Metal Art in Pretoria, as were the larger Flashes or Shields. They were usually backed in brass or a strong metal of good quality onto which the units’ ‘Coat of Arms’ or Insignia was fused. The Flash was then given a ‘Lucite’/Plastic type of finish to protect it.

AFFILIATION BARS:- The purpose of these Bars was different to the Affiliation Badges as above described in that they denoted the ‘Command’ structure to which the Wearer’s Unit reported. They came in the form of Bars which where about 50 mm long and about 17 mm deep and were also made in the same way as the Flashes/Shields by the likes of Metal Art in Pretoria. They were affixed to a Shoulder ‘Slip on’ which was worn off both shoulders and had the wearers unit Flash there under. These slip-ons were made of a strong rubberised material, the colour of which was termed ‘nutria’, an almost chocolate, khaki brown drab. This arrangement was later overtaken by employing a rubberised slip without any metal being involved which incorporated the wearers unit with the ‘Command’ Affiliation bar above. These were somewhat disparagingly referred to as ‘Tupperware’, after the plastic kitchenware of that name. This arrangement of wear came into being from about 1983 and continues with some units to this day. I am told by Dudley Wall who kindly helped me with some of these complexities that the idea of these ‘Slip-ons’ came from the Israeli Army.

ALUMINIUM:- Is a silvery light and malleable metallic element resistant to tarnishing by air and thus does not form a patina. It will retain any colour which is applied to it and takes detail well. Badges made in Aluminium always retain that new finish and are noted for their lightness in weight.

ALUMINIUM BRONZE:- An Alloy of Copper and Aluminium.

ANODIZE:- To coat a metal or a mixture of metals with a protective layer of another metal by way of electrolysis.

BASE METAL:- A non-precious metal such as Copper, Tin, Zinc etc.

BRASS:- A brownish yellow alloy consisting of approximately 80% Copper and 20% Zinc.

BRONZE:- A coppery brown alloy consisting of 95% Copper, 4% Tin and 1% Zinc.

CARBON SPOT:- A small black spot on the metallic surface of an item which has been formed by the chemical reaction of organic material such as skin, wood or food particles which have rested for some time on the surface. These spots can be difficult to remove.

CHROMIUM:- A hard metal used for plating. It remains bright and does not tarnish.

COPPER:- A reddish brown metal used often in the mix of alloys.

CUPRO NICKEL:- An alloy of 75% Copper and 25% Nickel. This is a silver coloured alloy which turns to a whitish grey when it oxidises and not black as does silver.

DOUBLE STRIKE--DOUBLE STRUCK:- A Double image on a Badge which is caused by two separate and complete strikes of a die against the planchet of the badge that is the flat piece of metal being struck to form the badge. The reverse is a mirror image of the obverse.

DIE:- A hardened metal punch, the face of which carries an intaglio or incuse.

DUTCH SILVER, (ALSO KNOWN AS NEW SILVER OR NICKEL SILVER):-
A silver coloured alloy made up of a mix of about 62/65% Copper, 21/25% Zinc and 13/14% Nickel. Although the result has the appearance of Silver it contains no Silver. With age Nickel Silver turns to a dull light grey rather than the blackened look of Silver.

FINE ZINC:- A grey coloured alloy of Zinc and Lead. The Lead content should never exceed 15% otherwise the alloy will be too soft. This can be tested by drawing the alloy across a piece of white paper; if it makes a grey line like a pencil mark then the lead content is too high. Many ‘Pro Tem’ or Temporary Badges were made of this material in South Africa at the outbreak of the Second World War.
FIRED GILT:- Silver (Usually Sterling Silver which is 925 parts to 1000 pure Silver) which has an applied surface of Gold. The process consists of painting on an amalgam of Mercury and Gold. The former is driven off with heat and the Gold combines with the Silver.

FROSTING:- A rough or matt white surface which is produced by acid fuming or scratch brushing.

GILDING:- To cover a Base Metal with a thin layer of Gold or Gold Paint.

GILDED SILVER:- To cover a Silver surface with a thin layer of Gold.

LUG:- An ear like projection of an item by which it may be fixed in place.

MONKEY OR POT METAL:- A dark grey alloy containing Copper, Zinc and Lead. In this alloy the Zinc content is lower. Although it contains a small percentage of lead a badge made in this material cannot be easily bent with ones fingers and is quite brittle. I have also heard this mix referred to as ‘Printer’s Lead’ as this mixture, or one very like it, was used to pour between letters to set all in place before printing.

NICKEL:- A hard silvery white metal used in alloys and for plating. One sees Nickel Plating used occasionally on Firearms and such things as Oil Bottles as appear in Cased Items.

NICKEL SILVER:- See Dutch Silver.

PATINA:- A related term is ‘Toned’--in items of Silver and Verdigris which is a green or green/blue incrustation on the surface of an object made of Copper or an alloy of Copper such as Brass or Bronze. Patina is the result of a chemical reaction to the surface of the metal by the atmosphere after prolonged exposure. It can also be artificially induced using acids to bring out detail and to develop an artistic finish.

PEWTER:- A silver coloured alloy consisting mainly of Tin and a small % of Lead. If 20% or more is lead then the item will have a silver grey colour. Because Pewter is inexpensive and easy to pour it is primarily used for cast pieces. The mixture may also contain a small % of Copper and/or Antimony.

PITTED:- Insignia with a surface marked with minute holes. Pitting is usually caused by a chemical reaction between the atmosphere and the surface of the metal or by a rusty die.

PLATED:- A metal covered with a layer of another, usually more precious metal.

PEBBLED:- Refers to the rough pebble like surface as may be found on a Badge or Medal.

RAISED:- Synonymous terms are ‘embossed’ and ‘relief’. The opposite is ‘incuse’. It refers to the design, lettering or numbering on an item which projects from the field.

RUBBED:- An item with raised surfaces which are worn. Usually by polishing.

SILVERED:- To cover a base metal with a thin layer of silver or silver paint.

SPELTER:- An alloy of impure Zinc, usually of a mix associated with Pewter but with a very grey finish. Italian and French Badges were often made in this form of alloy.

TAB: A small projecting flap or strip, especially one by which the item may be fastened.

TOMBAK BRONZE:- A bronze coloured alloy consisting of 88% Copper and 12% Zinc.

VAULTED:- An item which has a surface which is convex, that is to say high in the centre and coming out at you. Opposite to concave.

WHITE METAL:- Also known as ‘Britannia Metal’. It is a silver white alloy made up of Tin, Antimony and Copper. If the Copper content exceeds 40% then the alloy will have a slight yellowish colour as would a pale brass. Many Badges were made of this alloy during the Victorian and Edwardian period. PINCHES of The Crystal Palace struck many commemorative medallions which came out with an amazingly fine finish.

Well I really think that is enough for this time around. As I said earlier please send me your input, it is much appreciated.

In the next Newsletter I am planning to throw at you a few Questions, such as:-

At which Battle did the lads turn up with the wrong sized cannon balls; hence the three cannon and the three larger cannon balls on badges to the Ordnance????

On Medical Corps Badges we have the rod of Aesculapius---The Greek God of Medicine---that makes sense but why the serpent and was it a poisonous snake????

Good old England had to send out every Regiment in the British Army to sort out those Boers. There were even in addition 43 Yeomanry Regiments created and about another 50 Militia Battalions were present. Only 4 Cavalry Regiments were not invited to join in. Can you name them????

Again, until next time, with warm salutations to you all.

Michael and Cheryl Kaplan,
Carl Du Toit,
Jackie Brown,
& the old Quartermaster, David Lonsdale.

 

THE

AFRICAN MILITARY

CONNECTION

 

Out First Newsletter, 4/1/06

 

Dear Friends, Collectors, Dealers and All,

What better way to start this first Newsletter than to wish all of you out there the very best for the New Year from all of us here in the AMC Team.

To Collectors, may that illusive item that you have awaited for your collection come to light---at the right price!!

To Dealers generally, may the good times continue in certain departments and expand in others. More importantly, may interest in the collecting of Militaria in general grow--especially with the next and younger generations.

Let us all encourage this. The average age of Collectors seems to get older every year??

And to all our Other Friends and Camp Followers may you enjoy the whole fun of a fascinating hobby which can only relieve the strains of the ‘rat race’ type life that we all seem to be leading these days. May it bring to us all a little peace and relief.

 

*************************************

First News Letter

 

I am going to keep this first letter short and sweet and introduce in my next letter the topic of ‘Nomenclature’, by this I mean the systematic naming and terminology to describe the make, state and style of militaria which is collected.

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Should any of you have comment that you feel should be brought up in future Newsletters, please address same to the Editor/Quartermaster at lonners@absamail.co.za