rorkesdriftvc.com :: View topic - Stick Portrait Pin With Reputed Inset Photo Of Col. Durnford

Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 9:09 pm

Anyone else seen this in the Glamorgan Antiques Militaria site, along with a 24th Badge.

Can't make out the photograph too well even on the enlarged image.

What do you think ? Confused

Coll

Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 9:27 pm

Here's the link Coll - http://www.glamorganantiques.co.uk/ml109.jpg

Looks like him to me although with a smaller mustache. Interesting that the two seem to have been kept together, I would love to know the provenance of that. (Interesting take on Isandlwana though perhaps a bit muddled and somewhat partisan!) (In a good way of course!)

MAB

Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 11:27 pm

Coll/Michael

I am afraid I don't agree that this is a likeness of Durnford. As you say, Michael, the mo' is too small. More decisive, however, is the fact that the collar badge is that of the South Wales Borderers and not the 24th Regiment. I'm sure Martin can tell us when the change of name occurred. It seems more likely to have been an officer of the 24th/SWB than Durnford, who, after all, was in the RE. Can't think why, if it is Durnford, these two items would be together.

KIS

Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 11:56 pm

Quite right Keith, although it looks similar to the famous studio shots, upon blowing it up it's definetly the wrong nose. Although lost in the pixelization of the blow up the uniform almost looks cavalry (double breasted) although I can almost make out a collar as well. Entirely too many artifacts in the image to be sure. I'd still be interested in the story behind it though.

This would also put the description way out of whack (not that it isn't anyway!)

http://www.glamorganantiques.co.uk/military.htm [10th down from the top]

At only 69 pounds I'm tempted to have a go at it myself, it's not often one comes across a collar badge with a picture to go with it. (Presuming they are connected, which is a course a rather large assumption at this point!)

MAB

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 6:29 am

The photograph is that of General Sir George White V.C., defender of Ladysmith during the 2nd Anglo-Boer War.

JY

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 12:45 pm

Thanks all.

Glad to have got a definite identification on who the portrait is of.

Coll

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 2:21 pm

Making the uniform that of the Gordons. I agree with John. It's White.

M

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 2:18 pm

Yes defiantly Gen White
Clive