TOPIC:

Opinions please, Forum members
Attached is a pic of a QSA disc converted to be worn as a pendant. Item seen on, and obtained from, a Dealer's site; edge of medal impressed "9873 Pte J.H.Forbes. Th'croft's M.I.". The Drooglever book on TMI tells us that Pte. J.H.Forbes was from Port Elizabeth, CC and 35 yoa. Enlisted in TMI on 271099 (previous service with MRF, Rhodesia 1896 - on OWEN roll - and PAVG) and served in both B and D Coy's of TMI at different times. WiA on Spion Kop 240100 and entitled to bars TH/RL/LN/TV/OFS. Discharged 091100. Interestingly, the Drooglever book also id'd Pte J.H.Forbes as being present at a documented skirmish near the Sunday's River on 100400, as a member of D Coy left flank guard; whilst two other TMI's in my collection were present on right flank guard of the same Coy.
Should this medal disc be left as it is; speculating - as one might - that Pte. J.H.Forbes had his hard-earned QSA gifted to the Lady in his life as a pendant? Or should it be returned to it's correct state "as issued"?

I have restored a medal in the past, not a very good job though. There are professionals who can do it but I cannot remember their names...... I would restore.....

Mike

Hello Ian,
I notice that it still has its original claw, I think I would just put it in your Natal collection as is, you could have it restored, but, it will cost quite a bit of money, even if you use original parts, as of course, you should, you will still know, moreover, I think many other people would know after a close look at it, even if the jeweller commissioned to do work is skillful and you are able to buy an original set of clasps, in the correct order, with official rivets.
I would be happy with the medal and I would find a place for such a good recipient, in your case, you already have other medals to this important unit, I would be very pleased with it as found.
Regards Frank

Ian,

I agree with Frank on this one. Whilst normally I would advocate restoration to what the man had earned and was presented with, this change has been neatly executed and meant the QSA had a life after the recipient passed on or passed it on.

The TMI certainly earned their clasps though.

Best wishes
David

Hello David,
I just feel, why go to the expense and trouble, Ian already has such medals to this very important unit, people, often the recipient, or a family member did funny things to medals, you even find that some people wore them as fobs, on the end of watch chains.
Regards Frank

djb wrote: Ian,

I agree with Frank on this one. Whilst normally I would advocate restoration to what the man had earned and was presented with, this change has been neatly executed and meant the QSA had a life after the recipient passed on or passed it on.

The TMI certainly earned their clasps though.

Best wishes
David

Interested Forum members
There is another QSA medal disc, pendant-suspendered in exactly the same fashion as the one in my collection, currently on our favourite on-line auction site. Named to a chap in the SALH with CC/TH/RofL and subsequent service in KH. Looks like fitting a pendant-like suspender (presumably for a lady to wear) may have been a bit of a fashion?
Regards IL.