Nurse Uniform - Post Boxes 2

Post boxes 2

A couple of years later the box I opened was again the UK box. And once again, what a plethora of nursing history items fell out - it was like Christmas MK III again….

And the first – perhaps the most magnificent London Hospital badge that it has every been my privilege to ever have custody of for a while, (if ever)....

That it came in an outer box marked "wilsco Homewares" along with instructions on the reverse - 'wipe over with a damp cloth; Do not immerse in water; Do not clean in dishwasher; (or use in microwave)!; as the wood content was from cropped renewable resources; (all of guaranteed!!). surely not.....

No - inside was the real McCoy - the very large (old pattern) leather covered box (182mm sq) of The London Hospital School of Nursing, exquisitely edged in gold and with the badge motif, also in gold block, in the center. The catch was still in good shape, and the whole opened ton reveal the same gold edging around the inside; the satin lining announcing 'JOHN PINCHES LONDON' within a small triangle; and there, nestling against the jet black brushed velvet, the badge of The London Hospital.... The alternating red and white vertical cross; the three feathers bounding the central circle with the hospital motto enclosing the larger intertwined LH. Complete with safety chain - very fine - safety pin for the nurse uniform and looped catch for the badge's attachment at the other end. superbly fine, undamaged and working. looked absolutely unused. and that sharp, long pin as sharp as ever. Ready, perhaps to catch out the unwary nurse, or even perhaps a patient!

Stunning. Gorgeous. Almost surreal. and Heavy! The case and badge together weigh a total of 80 grams - 2+7/8 ounces (!). The badge alone 32 grams - 1=1/8 ounces. The safety chain was too light to weigh (but I will find out). All superbly crafted, But it's size (35mm wide) and weight (32 Grams) was the subject of much controversy at the time (1) and it was later replaced with a smaller version. Presentation of the larger version ceased around 1933 as outlined in Newspage059

There are also two very enlightening articles regarding The London Hospital badges on site by Sarah Rogers:-

http://www.schoolsofnursing.co.uk/Collections1/Collections17.htm
http://www.schoolsofnursing.co.uk/Collections1/Collections16.htm

Both well worth a read.

Complete with safety chain - very fine - safety pin for the nurse uniform and looped catch for the badge's attachment at the other end. superbly fine, undamaged and working. looked absolutely unused. and that sharp, long pin as sharp as ever. Ready, perhaps to catch out the unwary nurse, or even perhaps a patient!

Below - and the reverse side markings on the badge - again superbly engraved:-

'CAROLINE M FLETCHER' (around the upper semicircle); 'Feb 1917 - April 1919' (center horizontal).

Below which is the date or her qualification - 'May 1921' (below center).

NURSES HOME (line below). We need to know why the badge is engraved with 'NURSES HOME'. Any help appreciated.

The lower semicircle the makers name in normal type (Caps 1st upper rest lowercase) are the hospital name - 'London Hospital' and location 'E1', and below in the lower arm - 'JPinces London', in very fine capital letters. Exquisite is the only description. Exquisite workmanship.

I have only one further observation - the badge appears to have the pin and safety chain fittings replaced.

Exquisitely done but possibly replaced.

And what a wonderful item it is, I promise, For me, the only questions remaining are who was Caroline Fletcher and more importantly perhaps, why was the badge engraved 'Nurses home'? The original badge design was considered problematic, basically on the grounds of weight and safety.

A good comparison is the post 1933 version below, next in my mail-box:-

For me, another stunning item.

London Hospital 1984 - 1987 Silver (post 1933 2nd Pattern Version)

A Silver and enamel Nurses badge from the London Hospital. One of the standard smaller pattern of model made by John Pinches of London. It features the classic design of the three feathers and central LH imposed upon the red and white enameled cross. In very good condition, the pin, clasp and safety roller catch are al intact .Makers mark to rear for T&S Silver. Engraved for Clare E. Townsend 184 - 1987. Height 35mm.

Code:

Followed by another very unusual item.
A belt and buckle maybe, but what and item...

Two Piece Silver Plated belt Buckle, Possibly from the London Jewish Hospital.
An interesting, but as of yet, unidentified Nurses silver plated belt buckle. It takes the form of a central motif of The six pointed Star of David of the Jewish faith. This is attached to a lip/eye shape base edged with an oak leaf border. The same base also features on the buckle of the Westminster Hospital Buckle so we may assume the same maker.

This may relate to the London Jewish Hospital in Whitechapel or Tottenham or indeed Manchester or Leeds. If anyone is able to confirm who the issuing hospital was I would be most grateful. The buckle itself is 77mm wide and 67mm tall, with a plain clasp attached to a blue Petersham belt .Condition is good but there are considerable surface scratches from use. An interesting item in need of more research. Note the image with the Westminster buckle is for comparison only.....

Code:

But one mustn’t be greedy – just pass (the next) package!

And there it was – another piece of total magic. The large early pattern (perforated) London Hospital School of Nursing badge. I had been lucky; and then I had been disappointedly unlucky; and then, almost by magic, lucky again. All around the same badge….

Next came an absolutely gorgeous Middlesex hospital Belt and Buckle.
I have collected Plymouth since writing the nursing history of WWII Sister Marjorie Early...

The Middlesex Hospital Belt and Buckle.
Scarce silver plated nurses buckle for the Middlesex Hospital London. Mounted on its original Petersham belt, the buckle bears the badge of the hospital with three rod of asclepius above three Seaxes. It features the arms and motto of the Hospital "MIseris Succurrere Disco" meaning "I Learn (or Endeavour) to succour the unfortunate". Some wear to the plated finish but otherwise good, clasp is present.

Code:

And then another surprise. – A RAMC Belt buckle!

RAMC Dress Belt Buckle

"An unusual two piece buckle in pressed brass metal onto which the regimental badge of the Royal Army Medical Corps has been added in white metal. I believe this to be a souvenir/sweetheart piece from around the time of the First World War. I have been told that such pieces were often gifted by soldiers to the nurses caring for them and might carry the regimental badges of that soldier. Whilst I have seen similar items ,they do not come up too often. Condition is good with some minor dents in the soft metal. Belt loops and clasp are intact - width 119mm height 56mm".

Code:

Next, another nurse belt buckle. This time from a private source - the Prudential Life Assurance company!

Prudential Assurance Company Belt Buckle.

A scarce original vintage period (no date) large silver plated nurses buckle, bearing the crest of the 'Prudential Assurance Company' with motto 'Fortis qui prudens' (He is strong that is prudent) within oak leaves and acorns decoration. Very good clean condition, complete with all fittings and large navy blue 'petersham' belt and stiffener.

Height 63mm.

Code:

Maybe more owing?…. Quite definitely. Considerably more by any measure of generosity…

Well no belt unfortunately, but then one cannot have everything

St Thomas' Hospital (Nightingale) Silver Nurses Buckle.

An Extremely rare silver nurses belt buckle and clasp from St Thomas's Hospital, Nightingale School of Nursing. In it's original cardboard box from Spencer & Co, the buckle and clasp appear never to have been worn. The rectangular design bears the central components of the arms of the hospital, namely a shield with a cross, the upper quarter bearinkg a sword for the emblem of London. This is topped by a rose flanked by two Fleur de Lys. Height 63mm, width 48mm. Separate clasp is present. It bears hallmarks for T&S (Toye & Spencer, Birmingham 1975).

Code:

And then, a very nice RAMC Association 'Friendship' pin badge

Queen Alexandras Royal Army Nursing Corps Association.

Friendship pin badge.

Code:

Well no, that would be hoping for altogether tt much, but still this post 1939/40 RMN GNC badge is collectable....

General Nursing Council RMN Pin Badge

Registered Mental Nurse pin badge with face side in excellent condition, named for a male nurse (R Daniels) and numbered '75604' and dated 27 1 50. Unfortunately the reverse is not clearly stamped but still fits my collection. The pre - 1939/40 GNC badges were of chromium plated base metal and often poorly stamped. Not nearly the previous quality but still collectible if one seeks number sequence. The face and enamel is almost always good. These badges were probably mass produced with blank reverse sides for later stamping according to the specialty required.

Code:

Next, unbelievable!! A PCANSER Badge....

Princess Christian's Army Nursing Service Reserve.

Very Heavy, Beautifully engineered pin and serve number 883. Metal unknown. No halmarks. Safety loop to top and a very sharp. Weight 297g, no manufacturer marks, no recipient name or date. Width 5cm.

Code:

Next, in the same post-box, so possibly connected to the same nurse....

HNI - Founded 1867 - Scottish Shield badge - Hallmarked.

Heavy sterling silver roped edge badge marked 'Property of the Hampshire Nurse's institute' with verticle central hallmarks and numbered '19' on the base of the shield. Very fine old pattern pin, again protruding a few mm to catch out the unwary.

Code:

Well, another very nice postbox full of superb items. The opening was much delayed because of Covid; accident/injury; and not least bereavement. Apologies. But I reamain an enthusiast in spite of all.

To explain a little. I became besotted right at the beginning of my nurse teaching career when I first read chapter II - (2) of this book. It is the real beginning of the book (the first chapter being an overall introduction) and is headed, quite simply, 'CRETE'.

“There is a long narrow island to the south of the Aegean Sea which sixty centuries ago was then the centre of a civilisation…. This is the island of Crete, undoubtedly the cradle of a civilisation…It’s wonders undreamed of by any recorders of history until, in the first years of this century… uncovered the ….palaces of Knossos and Phaistos”…. Agnes E. Pavey.

I was hooked! I still am, line and sinker - so much so that my wife and I bought and renovated a ruined house on Crete for our retirement - now 21 years ago. The thought of my possibly owning the cape badge of Agnes Pavey (E. Agnes Pavey), and a copy of her superb book, is almost overwhelming. I think that Pavey was hooked too, which is probably why she wrote the book….

Appreciation & Acknowledgements

1. Peter Maleczek - http://www.petersnursingcollectables.com/ for copyright permissions.

2. Barry Sutton - SoN.

3. http://www.schoolsofnursing.co.uk

Wll B. Copyright Asserted.
May 2022.

Collecting Nursing History 65 Nurse Uniform - Nurse/Hospital Scarves Will Burgess	Please Note: Whilst every care is taken in checking promoted links, we cannot accept responsibility for your use of third party web links.
Post boxes 2 A couple of years later the box I opened was again the UK box. And once again, what a plethora of nursing history items fell out - it was like Christmas MK III again…. And the first – perhaps the most magnificent London Hospital badge that it has every been my privilege to ever have custody of for a while, (if ever).... That it came in an outer box marked "wilsco Homewares" along with instructions on the reverse - 'wipe over with a damp cloth; Do not immerse in water; Do not clean in dishwasher; (or use in microwave)!; as the wood content was from cropped renewable resources; (all of guaranteed!!). surely not..... No - inside was the real McCoy - the very large (old pattern) leather covered box (182mm sq) of The London Hospital School of Nursing, exquisitely edged in gold and with the badge motif, also in gold block, in the center. The catch was still in good shape, and the whole opened ton reveal the same gold edging around the inside; the satin lining announcing 'JOHN PINCHES LONDON' within a small triangle; and there, nestling against the jet black brushed velvet, the badge of The London Hospital.... The alternating red and white vertical cross; the three feathers bounding the central circle with the hospital motto enclosing the larger intertwined LH. Complete with safety chain - very fine - safety pin for the nurse uniform and looped catch for the badge's attachment at the other end. superbly fine, undamaged and working. looked absolutely unused. and that sharp, long pin as sharp as ever. Ready, perhaps to catch out the unwary nurse, or even perhaps a patient! Stunning. Gorgeous. Almost surreal. *and Heavy!* The case and badge together weigh a total of 80 grams - 2+7/8 ounces (!). The badge alone 32 grams - 1=1/8 ounces. The safety chain was too light to weigh (but I will find out). All superbly crafted, But it's size (35mm wide) and weight (32 Grams) was the subject of much controversy at the time (1) and it was later replaced with a smaller version. Presentation of the larger version ceased around 1933 as outlined in Newspage059 There are also two very enlightening articles regarding The London Hospital badges on site by Sarah Rogers:- http://www.schoolsofnursing.co.uk/Collections1/Collections17.htm http://www.schoolsofnursing.co.uk/Collections1/Collections16.htm Both well worth a read. Complete with safety chain - very fine - safety pin for the nurse uniform and looped catch for the badge's attachment at the other end. superbly fine, undamaged and working. looked absolutely unused. and that sharp, long pin as sharp as ever. Ready, perhaps to catch out the unwary nurse, or even perhaps a patient! Below - and the reverse side markings on the badge - again superbly engraved:- 'CAROLINE M FLETCHER' (around the upper semicircle); 'Feb 1917 - April 1919' (center horizontal). Below which is the date or her qualification - 'May 1921' (below center). NURSES HOME (line below). We need to know why the badge is engraved with 'NURSES HOME'. Any help appreciated. The lower semicircle the makers name in normal type (Caps 1st upper rest lowercase) are the hospital name - 'London Hospital' and location 'E1', and below in the lower arm - 'JPinces London', in very fine capital letters. Exquisite is the only description. Exquisite workmanship. I have only one further observation - the badge appears to have the pin and safety chain fittings replaced. Exquisitely done but possibly replaced. And what a wonderful item it is, I promise, For me, the only questions remaining are who was Caroline Fletcher and more importantly perhaps, why was the badge engraved 'Nurses home'? The original badge design was considered problematic, basically on the grounds of weight and safety. A good comparison is the post 1933 version below, next in my mail-box:- For me, another stunning item. London Hospital 1984 - 1987 Silver (post 1933 2nd Pattern Version) A Silver and enamel Nurses badge from the London Hospital. One of the standard smaller pattern of model made by John Pinches of London. It features the classic design of the three feathers and central LH imposed upon the red and white enameled cross. In very good condition, the pin, clasp and safety roller catch are al intact .Makers mark to rear for T&S Silver. Engraved for Clare E. Townsend 184 - 1987. Height 35mm. Code: Followed by another very unusual item. A belt and buckle maybe, but what and item... Two Piece Silver Plated belt Buckle, Possibly from the London Jewish Hospital. An interesting, but as of yet, unidentified Nurses silver plated belt buckle. It takes the form of a central motif of The six pointed Star of David of the Jewish faith. This is attached to a lip/eye shape base edged with an oak leaf border. The same base also features on the buckle of the Westminster Hospital Buckle so we may assume the same maker. This may relate to the London Jewish Hospital in Whitechapel or Tottenham or indeed Manchester or Leeds. If anyone is able to confirm who the issuing hospital was I would be most grateful. The buckle itself is 77mm wide and 67mm tall, with a plain clasp attached to a blue Petersham belt .Condition is good but there are considerable surface scratches from use. An interesting item in need of more research. Note the image with the Westminster buckle is for comparison only..... Code: But one mustn’t be greedy – just pass (the next) package! And there it was – another piece of total magic. The large early pattern (perforated) London Hospital School of Nursing badge. I had been lucky; and then I had been disappointedly unlucky; and then, almost by magic, lucky again. All around the same badge…. Next came an absolutely gorgeous Middlesex hospital Belt and Buckle. I have collected Plymouth since writing the nursing history of WWII Sister Marjorie Early... The Middlesex Hospital Belt and Buckle. Scarce silver plated nurses buckle for the Middlesex Hospital London. Mounted on its original Petersham belt, the buckle bears the badge of the hospital with three rod of asclepius above three Seaxes. It features the arms and motto of the Hospital "MIseris Succurrere Disco" meaning "I Learn (or Endeavour) to succour the unfortunate". Some wear to the plated finish but otherwise good, clasp is present. Code: And then another surprise. – A RAMC Belt buckle! RAMC Dress Belt Buckle "An unusual two piece buckle in pressed brass metal onto which the regimental badge of the Royal Army Medical Corps has been added in white metal. I believe this to be a souvenir/sweetheart piece from around the time of the First World War. I have been told that such pieces were often gifted by soldiers to the nurses caring for them and might carry the regimental badges of that soldier. Whilst I have seen similar items ,they do not come up too often. Condition is good with some minor dents in the soft metal. Belt loops and clasp are intact - width 119mm height 56mm". Code: Next, another nurse belt buckle. This time from a private source - the Prudential Life Assurance company! Prudential Assurance Company Belt Buckle. A scarce original vintage period (no date) large silver plated nurses buckle, bearing the crest of the 'Prudential Assurance Company' with motto 'Fortis qui prudens' (He is strong that is prudent) within oak leaves and acorns decoration. Very good clean condition, complete with all fittings and large navy blue 'petersham' belt and stiffener. Height 63mm. Code: Maybe more owing?…. Quite definitely. Considerably more by any measure of generosity… Well no belt unfortunately, but then one cannot have everything St Thomas' Hospital (Nightingale) Silver Nurses Buckle. An Extremely rare silver nurses belt buckle and clasp from St Thomas's Hospital, Nightingale School of Nursing. In it's original cardboard box from Spencer & Co, the buckle and clasp appear never to have been worn. The rectangular design bears the central components of the arms of the hospital, namely a shield with a cross, the upper quarter bearinkg a sword for the emblem of London. This is topped by a rose flanked by two Fleur de Lys. Height 63mm, width 48mm. Separate clasp is present. It bears hallmarks for T&S (Toye & Spencer, Birmingham 1975). Code: And then, a very nice RAMC Association 'Friendship' pin badge Queen Alexandras Royal Army Nursing Corps Association. Friendship pin badge. Code: Well no, that would be hoping for altogether tt much, but still this post 1939/40 RMN GNC badge is collectable.... General Nursing Council RMN Pin Badge Registered Mental Nurse pin badge with face side in excellent condition, named for a male nurse (R Daniels) and numbered '75604' and dated 27 1 50. Unfortunately the reverse is not clearly stamped but still fits my collection. The pre - 1939/40 GNC badges were of chromium plated base metal and often poorly stamped. Not nearly the previous quality but still collectible if one seeks number sequence. The face and enamel is almost always good. These badges were probably mass produced with blank reverse sides for later stamping according to the specialty required. Code: Next, unbelievable!! A PCANSER Badge.... Princess Christian's Army Nursing Service Reserve. Very Heavy, Beautifully engineered pin and serve number 883. Metal unknown. No halmarks. Safety loop to top and a very sharp. Weight 297g, no manufacturer marks, no recipient name or date. Width 5cm. Code: Next, in the same post-box, so possibly connected to the same nurse.... HNI - Founded 1867 - Scottish Shield badge - Hallmarked. Heavy sterling silver roped edge badge marked 'Property of the Hampshire Nurse's institute' with verticle central hallmarks and numbered '19' on the base of the shield. Very fine old pattern pin, again protruding a few mm to catch out the unwary. Code: Well, another very nice postbox full of superb items. The opening was much delayed because of Covid; accident/injury; and not least bereavement. Apologies. But I reamain an enthusiast in spite of all. To explain a little. I became besotted right at the beginning of my nurse teaching career when I first read chapter II - (2) of this book. It is the real beginning of the book (the first chapter being an overall introduction) and is headed, quite simply, 'CRETE'. “There is a long narrow island to the south of the Aegean Sea which sixty centuries ago was then the centre of a civilisation…. This is the island of Crete, undoubtedly the cradle of a civilisation…It’s wonders undreamed of by any recorders of history until, in the first years of this century… uncovered the ….palaces of Knossos and Phaistos”…. Agnes E. Pavey. I was hooked! I still am, line and sinker - so much so that my wife and I bought and renovated a ruined house on Crete for our retirement - now 21 years ago. The thought of my possibly owning the cape badge of Agnes Pavey (E. Agnes Pavey), and a copy of her superb book, is almost overwhelming. I think that Pavey was hooked too, which is probably why she wrote the book…. Appreciation & Acknowledgements 1. Peter Maleczek - http://www.petersnursingcollectables.com/ for copyright permissions. 2. Barry Sutton - SoN. 3. http://www.schoolsofnursing.co.uk Wll B. Copyright Asserted. May 2022.	SECTION 1 Schools of Nursing. SECTION 2 Hospital Photograph Collections. Nursing and Hospital badges. Backmanmal. Irish Nursing Badges. Eric Wilkinson. SECTION 3 Nursing Organizations Statutory Bodies. Nursing & Midwifery Council. Professional/Trade Unions. Royal College of Nursing. SECTION 4 Badge Makers. Thomas Fattorini. Marple & Bradley Brooke (Edinburg) K&S (Edinburgh) J.Gaunt (London) D.J.Stewart (Stirling Scotland) Bladon (London) Toye&Co (London) SECTION 5 Collector links. Websites Nursing Badges. Auction/sales sites. ebay.co.uk petersnursingcllectables dnw.co.uk Eg.Tip: Select 'search', 'View Forthcoming Auctions' select 'Search or Browse Lots to be Sold' and enter 'hospitals' in the description field.
		SECTION 1 Schools of Nursing. SECTION 2 Hospital Photograph Collections. Nursing and Hospital badges. Backmanmal. Irish Nursing Badges. Eric Wilkinson. SECTION 3 Nursing Organizations Statutory Bodies. Nursing & Midwifery Council. Professional/Trade Unions. Royal College of Nursing. SECTION 4 Badge Makers. Thomas Fattorini. Marple & Bradley Brooke (Edinburg) K&S (Edinburgh) J.Gaunt (London) D.J.Stewart (Stirling Scotland) Bladon (London) Toye&Co (London) SECTION 5 Collector links. Websites Nursing Badges. Auction/sales sites. ebay.co.uk petersnursingcllectables dnw.co.uk Eg.Tip: Select 'search', 'View Forthcoming Auctions' select 'Search or Browse Lots to be Sold' and enter 'hospitals' in the description field.