By Virginia Ewart | Textiles & Fashion Consultant
Fascinating Scouting-related items – in the care of Poole Museum for five years – have sparked memories from a century ago.
The items, which will be offered on December 2 at Hansons’ Staffordshire saleroom, Bishton Hall, were consigned by the granddaughter of Mr J. A Thomas, who became a Welsh Scoutmaster in 1928.
As a Welsh language speaker Thomas translated popular book Scouting for Boys, Lord Baden-Powell’s 1908 rewrite of his earlier book, Aids to Scouting. One of the best selling books of the 20th century, it was translated into Welsh to make it accessible to a wider audience of boys in the UK. A copy of the book is included in the lot along with a letter from the Boy Scout Association thanking Mr Thomas for the publication.
The lot also includes a rare 1935 Medal of Merit Swastika. These were manufactured between 1927 and 1935 and feature a swastika overlaid with the Scout emblem. Mr Thomas was awarded this medal in recognition of his services on behalf of the Scout Movement and an accompanying certificate is included.
A red, Welsh group scarf embroidered with a leek to one corner, which Mr Thomas wore along with his woggle and belt, and a silver-tone statue with wooden stand, a radiator mascot, are also part of the lot together with a photo of the man himself.
There is also a copy of the 1929 World Jamboree: The Quest of the Golden Arrow, complete with foreword by Chief Scout, Lord Baden-Powell which was published to commemorate the 3rd World Scout Jamboree in Merseyside, England, in 1929. The event was nicknamed the ‘Coming of Age Jamboree’ due to its commemoration of the 21st birthday of the Scout Movement and the Scouting for Boys book series.
When I saw the atmospheric vintage photo of Mr Thomas, I could visualise the Welsh Scout master driving his car proudly with his Scoutmaster radiator mascot, arm resting on the open window with the wind blowing his leek-emblazoned uniform scarf.
The items will be offered in the December 2 Dolls, Teddies, Textiles and Clothing Auction at Bishton Hall, Staffordshire.
All catalogues | www.hansonslive.co.uk
Enquiries: [email protected]
