TOPIC:

IL
If it was the price paid for Sgt Vimpany's QSA that caused your discomfort, the result was by contrast a pleasant surprise for me, since the hammer price was about one third of my bid. It is an ill wind ...... !
Regards
Brett

Indeed, there is always regret at "the one(s) that got away", but IL's buses are a very good coping mechanism.

I find that after buying a medal, which usually follows sufficient research to justify the purchase, you then quickly look ahead to the next purchase before the first medal has even arrived! My current purchase from Spinks are the case in point.

This has led me to wonder why I buy medals when it seems that research is the real stimulant; no one needs to own the medal to do the research and get the satisfaction of uncovering "new" information.

I am of one accord with you on this Meurig. I have often asked myself why I bother to collect medals if researching the recipient is paramount. When calling on people to buy medals directly from them they ask "what are you going to do with them?" which, frankly, puts me at a loss for words sometimes.

My standard response, and the one that "consoles" me, is that it is pointless researching a fellow if you don't have his medals to show for your efforts. I then tell families the very same thing and offer to copy them in on my research findings.

Like you (and others), I do some perfunctory research into the recipient before taking the plunge. This is sometimes in the misguided hope that no-one else will pick up on something interesting which I may have uncovered.

Once the "rush" of acquiring the medal(s) has passed it is on to the next discovery. In the early days of my collecting I would feel unrequited if I didn't acquire a medal or group almost every day but, with the narrowing of my focus to purely Victorian and related medals, I found that I was having to make do with acquisitions once maybe twice a week.

With the recent Spink auction there was such a plethora of medals to my collecting theme on offer, and the prices they were fetching so reasonable, that I almost lost my self-control. As mentioned previously, I was "saved" from myself by my clumsy finger's inability to "slide" across my mobile phone to insert my bid. Were I more adept at this my bank account would have been in a deplorable state, but my avarice satisfied, albeit for a short while.

Now I find that, without even receiving these purchases, that I have already almost exhausted the research potential on some of them.

Rory

Well, never mind plenty more to be bought in the future, I think it is important to just enjoy the moment being a temporary custodian.

SWB wrote: Indeed, there is always regret at "the one(s) that got away", but IL's buses are a very good coping mechanism.

I find that after buying a medal, which usually follows sufficient research to justify the purchase, you then quickly look ahead to the next purchase before the first medal has even arrived! My current purchase from Spinks are the case in point.

This has led me to wonder why I buy medals when it seems that research is the real stimulant; no one needs to own the medal to do the research and get the satisfaction of uncovering "new" information.

Frank Kelley wrote: Well, never mind plenty more to be bought in the future, I think it is important to just enjoy the moment being a temporary custodian.

SWB wrote: Indeed, there is always regret at "the one(s) that got away", but IL's buses are a very good coping mechanism.

I find that after buying a medal, which usually follows sufficient research to justify the purchase, you then quickly look ahead to the next purchase before the first medal has even arrived! My current purchase from Spinks are the case in point.

This has led me to wonder why I buy medals when it seems that research is the real stimulant; no one needs to own the medal to do the research and get the satisfaction of uncovering "new" information.

Thanks Frank, yes I can say there is enjoyment and pondering further on being a custodian; I have enjoyed putting mini collections together to illustrate themes; South Wales Borderers, casualties, defenders of Mafeking, British cavalry "odd men", Wepener, O'Okiep. Most of these have been the subject of talks to Sussex Branch OMRS, an enjoyable activity.

Here are the costs (hammer price + commission) for the South Africa units from Spink's sale, lots 640 to 786. The cost is shown in GBP, Rand, Australian and Canadian Dollars:

640

32466 Sjt: E. J. Harris. Ashburner’s L.H.  GBP 124; Rand 2100; Au$ 218; Can$ 198
454 Pte. J. E. H. Sephton. Bec’land Rif:  GBP 81; Rand 1300; Au$ 143; Can$ 130
720 Serjt: W. Huband. Bethune’s M.I.  GBP 223; Rand 3800; Au$ 392; Can$ 357
Capt: A. H. Warren, Border Horse.  GBP 620; Rand 10600; Au$ 1091; Can$ 992
49 Corpl: C. Gold. Border M.R.  GBP 149; Rand 2500; Au$ 262; Can$ 238
408 Cpl: G. S. Hope. Brabant’s Horse  GBP 434; Rand 7400; Au$ 764; Can$ 694
932 Tpr: J. May. B.S.A. Police. GBP 322; Rand 5500; Au$ 567; Can$ 515
27. Serjt: A. Linton. B.S.A. Police.  GBP 223; Rand 3800; Au$ 392; Can$ 357
KSA - 82 R. Sjt:-Maj: W. Doyle. Bshmnlnd: Bord:  GBP 62; Rand 1000; Au$ 109; Can$ 99
Capt: P. B. Bryant. C.C.C.C.  GBP 285; Rand 4900; Au$ 502; Can$ 456

650

Lieut: T. J. P. Grewar. C.C.F.  GBP 186; Rand 3100; Au$ 327; Can$ 298
Lieut: W. J. Cartwright. Cape Col: Forces.  GBP 149; Rand 2500; Au$ 262; Can$ 238
Armr: F. C. Nicholson. C.C.O.D.  GBP 112; Rand 1900; Au$ 197; Can$ 179
547 Bombr: T. Kingswell. Cape G.A.  GBP 105; Rand 1800; Au$ 185; Can$ 168
34 Sjt. G. Maguire. Cape Police DoK & Star  GBP 397; Rand 6800; Au$ 699; Can$ 635
J. Gillig, Jun. C.G.R.  GBP 93; Rand 1500; Au$ 164; Can$ 149
Pte. M. Souber. Cape Infty.  GBP 87; Rand 1400; Au$ 153; Can$ 139
Cpl. D. Murray. C.M.S.C.  GBP 99; Rand 1700; Au$ 174; Can$ 158
1952 Corpl: W. Fisher. Cape M.R.    GBP 434; Rand 7400; Au$ 764; Can$ 694
1242 Pte. G. A. Spittal. Cape Rly: Shptrs:  GBP 174; Rand 2900; Au$ 306; Can$ 278

660

943 L. Serjt: B. O. Boyd. Cape Town Highrs:  GBP 161; Rand 2700; Au$ 283; Can$ 258
KSA group to 5 Serjt: F. W. Hansen. Clanwilliam C.G.  GBP 248; Rand 4200; Au$ 436; Can$ 397
16 Pte. C. Egling. Clarke’s L.H.  GBP 149; Rand 2500; Au$ 262; Can$ 238
Tpr: H. Fobian. Col: Def: Force  GBP 68; Rand 1100; Au$ 120; Can$ 109
Tpr: J. Lawrence. Col: Def: Force  GBP 74; Rand 1200; Au$ 130; Can$ 118
605 Pte. H. Stander. Colonial Lt. H.  GBP 99; Rand 1700; Au$ 174; Can$ 158
25573 Tpr: E. Primmer. C. In C. Bdy: Gd:  GBP 112; Rand 1900; Au$ 197; Can$ 179
1133 Pte. J. W. Hewitt. 1st. City Vols:  GBP 74; Rand 1200; Au$ 130; Can$ 118
48 Cpl. A. W. Harris. Cullinan’s H.  GBP 310; Rand 5300; Au$ 546; Can$ 496
Tpr: F. W. Ford. Damant’s Horse  GBP 87; Rand 1400; Au$ 153; Can$ 139

670

10 Serjt: R. Womack. Diamond F.A.   DoK & Star  GBP 471; Rand 8100; Au$ 829; Can$ 754
1199 Serjt: S. Almond. D. of E. Own V.R.  GBP 149; Rand 2500; Au$ 262; Can$ 238
Lieut: J. Hood. Durban L.I.  GBP 174; Rand 2900; Au$ 306; Can$ 278
Pte. S. Whitehead. D.M.P.  GBP 56; Rand 900; Au$ 99; Can$ 90
199 Pte. H. Koch. Dordrecht D.V.G.  GBP 87; Rand 1400; Au$ 153; Can$ 139
22749 Tpr: J. H. W. Driver. Eastn: Prov: Horse  GBP 81; Rand 1300; Au$ 143; Can$ 130
Lieut: J. A. G. Webster. E. Griqlnd: F.F.  GBP 124; Rand 2100; Au$ 218; Can$ 198
P.Sergt: T. E. Ekron. E.Griqualand M.V.  GBP 81; Rand 1300; Au$ 143; Can$ 130
Pte. J. H. Vanheerden. E. Griqualand M.V.  GBP 81; Rand 1300; Au$ 143; Can$ 130
312 3rd. Cl: Tpr: G. Vaughan. Farmer’s Gd.  GBP 161; Rand 2700; Au$ 283; Can$ 258

680

Guide D. C. Van der Merwe. F.I.D.  GBP 236; Rand 4000; Au$ 415; Can$ 378
Agent H. E. A. Blackburn, F.I.D.  GBP 161; Rand 2700; Au$ 283; Can$ 258
Capt & Adjt: B. J. Bertenshaw. Frontier M.R.  GBP 174; Rand 2900; Au$ 306; Can$ 278
D. Mackintosh. G.P.O. Staff.  GBP 93; Rand 1500; Au$ 164; Can$ 149
202 Serjt. A. Mc.Phearson. Glen Grey Nat. Levy  GBP 93; Rand 1500; Au$ 164; Can$ 149
Pte. J. Howard. Gorringe’s F.C.  GBP 347; Rand 5900; Au$ 611; Can$ 555
Pte. N. J. Scherman. Griquatown D.C.  GBP 118; Rand 2000; Au$ 208; Can$ 189
Pte. P. J. Van Zyl. Griquatown D.C.  GBP 81; Rand 1300; Au$ 143; Can$ 130
12 Tpr: W. G. Britton. Harrismith Vol: L.H.  GBP 347; Rand 5900; Au$ 611; Can$ 555
GBP 0; Rand 0; Au$ 0; Can$ 0
690

Captain J. Rein. Herschel N.P.  GBP 74; Rand 1200; Au$ 130; Can$ 118
KSA pair - 1 R.S. Mjr: E. R. Gomme. Herschel N.P.  GBP 186; Rand 3100; Au$ 327; Can$ 298
19 Pte. T. Billson. Humansdorp C.D.F.  GBP 99; Rand 1700; Au$ 174; Can$ 158
Orderly J. H. Harris. Imp: Hosp: Corps.  GBP 136; Rand 2300; Au$ 239; Can$ 218
347 Tpr: H. T. Harding. Imp: Lt: Horse  GBP 174; Rand 2900; Au$ 306; Can$ 278
211 Serjt: J. L. Murphy. Imp: Lt. Horse  GBP 1240; Rand 21300; Au$ 2182; Can$ 1984
932 Clr: Serjt: R. T. Jarvis, Impl: Lt. Infy.  GBP 211; Rand 3600; Au$ 371; Can$ 338
Mr. J. Griffiths. Imp: Mil: Rly:  GBP 118; Rand 2000; Au$ 208; Can$ 189
Condr: W. Woods. Imp: Trnspt: Ser:  GBP 74; Rand 1200; Au$ 130; Can$ 118
Capt. R. Diespicker, Intell: Dept:  GBP 434; Rand 7400; Au$ 764; Can$ 694

700

40 Tpr: T. Eastland. Johannesburg M.R.  GBP 149; Rand 2500; Au$ 262; Can$ 238
1562 Pte. W. Woodhouse. Kaffrn: Rifles  GBP 124; Rand 2100; Au$ 218; Can$ 198
Pte. C. H. Wheeldon. Kei Road Col. D.F.  GBP 74; Rand 1200; Au$ 130; Can$ 118
1028 Tpr: A. Carter. Kimberley Lt. Horse  GBP 99; Rand 1700; Au$ 174; Can$ 158
86 O.R. Serjt. C. S. Malan. Kimberley H.  GBP 93; Rand 1500; Au$ 164; Can$ 149
916 Pte. A. J. Herridge. Kimberley V.R.  GBP 87; Rand 1400; Au$ 153; Can$ 139
Lieut: H. T. Ommany, Kitchener’s Horse.  GBP 397; Rand 6800; Au$ 699; Can$ 635
20 Pte. J. Gillard. Koffyfontein D.F.  GBP 87; Rand 1400; Au$ 153; Can$ 139
195 Tpr: E. A. Ford. Loch’s Horse  GBP 471; Rand 8100; Au$ 829; Can$ 754
5 Constable T. W. Williams. Lydenburg M.P.  GBP 105; Rand 1800; Au$ 185; Can$ 168

710

Pte. E. Warren. Malmesbury D.C.  GBP 112; Rand 1900; Au$ 197; Can$ 179
Chief Const: F. Pritchard. Malmesbury P.F.  GBP 149; Rand 2500; Au$ 262; Can$ 238
12010 Tpr. M. Keet. Maritzani M.R.  GBP 174; Rand 2900; Au$ 306; Can$ 278
Pte. G. J. Cope. Maritzburg Amb: Corps.  GBP 496; Rand 8500; Au$ 873; Can$ 794
303 Pte. A. Hayter. Marshall’s Horse  GBP 298; Rand 5100; Au$ 524; Can$ 477
Lieut: D. B. Menne. Matatiele E.R.  GBP 174; Rand 2900; Au$ 306; Can$ 278
Lieut: D. Hulley. Matatiele N.C.  GBP 223; Rand 3800; Au$ 392; Can$ 357
Lieut: R. T. Cresswell. Midland M.R.  GBP 211; Rand 3600; Au$ 371; Can$ 338
Tpr: W. Simpson. Mt: Currie Res:  GBP 124; Rand 2100; Au$ 218; Can$ 198
411 Corpl: G. Hackney. M.M. Police.  GBP 118; Rand 2000; Au$ 208; Can$ 189

720

Tpr; A. Carbutt. Murray’s Horse  GBP 310; Rand 5300; Au$ 546; Can$ 496
525 Tpr: J. T. Crowsen. Natal Carbnrs:  GBP 161; Rand 2700; Au$ 283; Can$ 258
168 Gnr: A. E. Cunningham. Natal F. Arty:  GBP 118; Rand 2000; Au$ 208; Can$ 189
Mr. J. J. Wharton. Natal Govt: Rlys:  GBP 74; Rand 1200; Au$ 130; Can$ 118
137 Pte. P. Daly. Natal M.I.  GBP 105; Rand 1800; Au$ 185; Can$ 168
392 Tpr: G. V. Grice. Natal M.R.  GBP 105; Rand 1800; Au$ 185; Can$ 168
C. K. Marillier, Gnr. Natal Naval Vols:  GBP 434; Rand 7400; Au$ 764; Can$ 694
1407 2nd. Cl: Serjt: H. J. Asbury. Natal Police.  GBP 87; Rand 1400; Au$ 153; Can$ 139
28 Serjt: P. E. Thomalla. Natal R.R  GBP 124; Rand 2100; Au$ 218; Can$ 198
Condr: E. Rogers. Natal Transport  GBP 74; Rand 1200; Au$ 130; Can$ 118

730

Condr: M. F. W. Harley. Natal Transport  GBP 99; Rand 1700; Au$ 174; Can$ 158
130 Overseer B. W. Bates. N.L.C.  GBP 136; Rand 2300; Au$ 239; Can$ 218
Br: A. Downie. Natal Vol: Amb: C.  GBP 118; Rand 2000; Au$ 208; Can$ 189
436 Tpr. O. M. Vingevold. Natal V.C. Regt.  GBP 186; Rand 3100; Au$ 327; Can$ 298
20 Sjt: H. J. C. Taylor. Natal Vol: H.G.D.  GBP 992; Rand 17000; Au$ 1746; Can$ 1587
Lieut: I. R. Sparks. Nesbitt’s Horse  GBP 198; Rand 3400; Au$ 348; Can$ 317
180 Pte. J. Scharnek. New Eng: M.R.  GBP 81; Rand 1300; Au$ 143; Can$ 130
161 Pte. J. Crewe. Ookiep Vols.  GBP 136; Rand 2300; Au$ 239; Can$ 218
404 Tpr: H. M. Brett. O.R.C. Prov: M.P.  GBP 211; Rand 3600; Au$ 371; Can$ 338
Lieut: A. V. Soloman, Orpen’s Horse  GBP 236; Rand 4000; Au$ 415; Can$ 378

740

363 Pte. C. Nyschken. Oudtshoorn V.R.  GBP 87; Rand 1400; Au$ 153; Can$ 139
W. T. P. Hutchinson. P.C.D.  GBP 186; Rand 3100; Au$ 327; Can$ 298
1295 Pte. P. Coa-ley. Peninsula H.  GBP 105; Rand 1800; Au$ 185; Can$ 168
158 Corpl: A. Gray. Prince Alf: O. Cape A.  GBP 99; Rand 1700; Au$ 174; Can$ 158
946 Pte. J. Turnbull. Prince Alfred’s G.M.I.  GBP 174; Rand 2900; Au$ 306; Can$ 278
Lieut: R. Thackwell. Prince Alf: Vol: Gds:  GBP 186; Rand 3100; Au$ 327; Can$ 298
27142 Tpr: J. Driscoll. P. of. W. Lt. Horse  GBP 105; Rand 1800; Au$ 185; Can$ 168
Mr. F. A. Pearce. Post Office Corps.  DoK & Star GBP 471; Rand 8100; Au$ 829; Can$ 754
343 Corpl: A. Day. Protect: Regt. F.F.  GBP 1612; Rand 27700; Au$ 2837; Can$ 2579
66 Pte. G. F. Kidson. Queenstown M.I.  GBP 118; Rand 2000; Au$ 208; Can$ 189
0


429 Corpl: F. D. Webster. Queenstown R.V.   GBP 99; Rand 1700; Au$ 174; Can$ 158
139 Pte. A. Donaldson. 1st. R.P.R.  GBP 211; Rand 3600; Au$ 371; Can$ 338
6046 Clr: Serjt: A. Purnell. Rand Rifles.  GBP 81; Rand 1300; Au$ 143; Can$ 130
10 Sdlr: T. R. Purdon. Remount Depot.  GBP 149; Rand 2500; Au$ 262; Can$ 238
Bty: Serjt: Major A. Dabbs. Rhodesian F. Force  GBP 198; Rand 3400; Au$ 348; Can$ 317
Tpr: D. Robertson. Rhodesia Regt.  GBP 558; Rand 9500; Au$ 982; Can$ 893
44 Sjt:-Maj: R. De La Porte. Rimington’s Guides  GBP 1860; Rand 31900; Au$ 3274; Can$ 2976
4517 Corpl: F. Sargeant, Roberts Horse  GBP 124; Rand 2100; Au$ 218; Can$ 198
2293 3rd. Cl. Tpr. H. Woolnough. S.A.C.  GBP 112; Rand 1900; Au$ 197; Can$ 179
Lieut: A. T. Robinson, S.A. Lt. Horse.  GBP 186; Rand 3100; Au$ 327; Can$ 298

760

Lieut. E. W. Miller. S.A.M.I.F.  GBP 161; Rand 2700; Au$ 283; Can$ 258
44910 Tpr. W. F. Hunter. 2nd. Scottish Horse  GBP 397; Rand 6800; Au$ 699; Can$ 635
916 Tpr: R. G. Harvey. Scott’s Rly: Gds:  GBP 149; Rand 2500; Au$ 262; Can$ 238
789 Pte. C. E. White. Spl: Police Cont:  GBP 124; Rand 2100; Au$ 218; Can$ 198
1025 Pte. J. D. Preiss. S. Province C.C.  GBP 136; Rand 2300; Au$ 239; Can$ 218
Tpr: W. H. Butcher. S. Rhod: R.F.  GBP 434; Rand 7400; Au$ 764; Can$ 694
221 R.Serjt:-Maj: R. B. Lough. S.R. Vols:  GBP 223; Rand 3800; Au$ 392; Can$ 357
40 Tpr. J. A. Crean. Standerton M.P.  GBP 112; Rand 1900; Au$ 197; Can$ 179
1355 Tpr: G. P. Butler. Steinaecker’s Horse  GBP 186; Rand 3100; Au$ 327; Can$ 298
Pte. J. Wilson. Swellendam R.G.  GBP 521; Rand 8900; Au$ 917; Can$ 834

770

Capt: E. W. Hall. Tembu Levies.  GBP 248; Rand 4200; Au$ 436; Can$ 397
17780 Pte. G. Gear. Thorneycroft’s M.I.  GBP 105; Rand 1800; Au$ 185; Can$ 168
157 Pte. W. Stark. Tembuland M.R.C.  GBP 87; Rand 1400; Au$ 153; Can$ 139
Lieut. E. H. Futter, Transkei. M.R.  GBP 260; Rand 4400; Au$ 458; Can$ 416
492. Corpl: H. B. Anderson. Uitenhage V.R.  GBP 93; Rand 1500; Au$ 164; Can$ 149
276 Corpl: A. Muller. Umvoti M.R.  GBP 397; Rand 6800; Au$ 699; Can$ 635
Tpr: A. Tweedie. Umzimkulu Res.  GBP 124; Rand 2100; Au$ 218; Can$ 198
32 Supt. R. T. Paterson. Utrecht-Vryheid M.P.  GBP 372; Rand 6300; Au$ 655; Can$ 595
124 Pte. R. Allen. Vallentin’s H Burg V.  GBP 186; Rand 3100; Au$ 327; Can$ 298
116 Tpr: D. Van Blerk. Warren’s M.I.  GBP 260; Rand 4400; Au$ 458; Can$ 416

780

Insptr: J. Knott Weils Trnspt.  GBP 236; Rand 4000; Au$ 415; Can$ 378
478 Tpr. T. W. Marchant. Western L.H  GBP 112; Rand 1900; Au$ 197; Can$ 179
181 Tpr: H. W. Abbott. W. Prov: M.R.  GBP 310; Rand 5300; Au$ 546; Can$ 496
Pte. T. Semmons. Willowmore R.C.  GBP 118; Rand 2000; Au$ 208; Can$ 189
Tpr: R. Hutton. Winterburg M.R.  GBP 81; Rand 1300; Au$ 143; Can$ 130
Tpr. M. Clark. Wodehouse Yeo.  GBP 161; Rand 2700; Au$ 283; Can$ 258
43 Pte. A. Sutherland. Xalanga M.R.  GBP 186; Rand 3100; Au$ 327; Can$ 298