TOPIC:

Likewise.

Cheers for now.
Adrian

Hi Adrian,

When I first say this medal a few years ago on a Chelsea list, I was quite excited but that excitement did not last when I started to verify the clasps. There are a handful of Elandslaagte/Talana combinations but this one, I believe, is not one of them.

Like many, I retain the hope of one day acquiring this combination of clasps.

Best wishes
David

Adrian,

Looking at the reverse of the clasps, the bottom one (Talana) has some strange marks on it.



I recall seeing scratches and marks across several clasps but not so much marks like these. Are they manufacturing defects?

Regards
David

David,

You are absolutely correct. This is certainly not one of theses rare combinations (the roll pages prove that and like Frank I too could not find him on any other roll). As I recall there are only a handful of verified Talana/Elandslaagte QSA's in existence.

The marks on the Talana clasp could perhaps be manufacturing faults, they look as if the silver has been under tensile stress at some point or perhaps subjected to heat??

Regards
Adrian

Adrian,

Agreed. The clasps look to be genuine and it would be good to have a look at the rivets.

I had a look at the QSA on the dealer's list. At £425 its more than I would want to pay for a made-up medal, even with this combination.

Did you come to the same conclusion?

Best wishes
David

David,

I absolutely did. I never purchase a QSA or QSA/KSA group that I cannot verify. I don't see the point to be honest. I find it a shame when medals are defaced (so to speak) by adding clasps that the recipient was not entitled to.

Regards
Adrian