For Queen and Empire Uniforms

02/04/2026

I gave a presentation today to a group of people on the history of current British ceremonial (full dress) uniforms from 1837 to date. This was the first time that I have done such a thing. Finished with everyone trying on tunics and head dress. What a success. A nice little 1.5 hour talk. Looking forward to doing it again somewhere else. Pictures to follow.

01/04/2026

Wow, I can't believe it. I have just had an email from a production company who want me to supply 2000 British infantry 1870 pattern uniforms and 200 17th Lancer uniforms for a new tv series! That should keep me busy.

Oh well. If only. April fools.

24/12/2025

Happy and merry Christmas to all of my customers past, present and future!

27/10/2025

I may have had something to do with this!

As we approach a time of reflection and remembrance, Asda Ferring is proud to host a unique installation, thanks to the local group The Crafty Angels.

What began as a conversation between
Nikki Leggett, the group’s founder, and Gary Baines, Asda’s Community Champion, back in August has blossomed into a truly fitting tribute.

The Crafty Angels was established during the COVID-19 pandemic with just six members. Today, it has grown to over 100 members who knit, crochet, and sew items for local charities—including heart cushions for breast cancer patients. To date, the group has donated more than 11,000 handmade items.

Forty members recently came together to support Shirley Boycott, Ferring’s coordinator for the Royal British Legion. Shirley has been fundraising for this worthy cause for five years, and the
group contributed by stitching over 1,800 poppies. These poppies were used to create “Albert,” named in honour of Nikki’s grandfather, Albert Edward Brown, who served in World War I with the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment. Two horse heads were also crafted to commemorate the animals that served in wartime campaigns. Nikki’s husband, Steve, played a vital role by building the base and props that bring the installation to life.

The display also features a touching poem written by Paige, who was just 11 years old at the time. Nikki met Paige while working at a local school, and the poem serves as a beautiful reminder that the spirit of remembrance continues through future generations.

We warmly invite you to visit Asda Ferring to see Albert and speak with Shirley or one of her fantastic volunteers, who will be collecting in store. 😀

Gary - Community Champion

10/10/2025

Hmm.. Some unscrupulous person claiming to be in the USA is using my eBay listing and photographs for his own benefit as well as text from my website! Copyright infringement at best. Prices are a massive rip off too! AVOID DOING ANY BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY.

29/08/2025

Nice find this weekend at Military Odyssey. 1911 pattern Royal Artillery home service tunic. Most of the paper label still present. Typical small size. Buttons added to put it back to its former glory.

07/03/2025

So I sell items that are either 'Original' or 'Reproduction'. A recent customer suggests that one of my 'reproductions' is not that good and should not be called a reproduction but perhaps a 'theatrical item'. Are theatrical items not reproductions?! Should I be more specific when selling my items?! I guess you cant please everyone.

06/02/2025

Looks like I have found a suitable replacement supplier for Folding Side Caps once again. 1894-1902 pattern. This one is just in. 21st Lancer Officer. Any colour combination can be made to order. Plain brass buttons. £45 each plus postage.

22/01/2025

All types of Officer full dress Shouder boards available. Various prices. Royal Artillery, Hussars, Infantry, Lancers. Also listed on my ebay account.

04/01/2025

Looks like EBay is rolling out a new policy on only paying the seller after the item has been delivered to the buyer. I might have to reduce my selling on Ebay and only except orders by email from my website or facebook!

This is not seller friendly!:

From February 2025, eBay will typically make the sales proceeds of private sellers available in eBay balance after the order has been successfully delivered, unless subject to a hold. These are the criteria we'll use to determine when an item has been successfully delivered: For tracked deliveries, funds will be available 2 calendar days after we receive confirmation from the tracked service that the delivery was successful For local collection, funds will be available after you exchange the QR or 6 digit code with your buyer. For same-day local collection, funds will be available 24 hours after the order is collected If the item includes Authenticity Guarantee, funds will be available after the item is successfully authenticated For items sent via Global Shipping Programme, funds will be available after the item is delivered to the UK Shipping Centre For untracked deliveries, or tracked deliveries when there is no delivery confirmation, funds will become available 14 calendar days from the order date Your funds will appear as Pending in the Payments tab in My eBay or Seller hub until the order is successfully delivered, and any applicable holds have been resolved. If we place a hold on your funds, it will usually be resolved within 30 days, but in some circumstances it may take longer.

04/01/2025

Further to recent requests a prototype 1855 Cavalry sword belt has been produced. I just need to sort an issue with the slings. These will all be one size to max out at 50 inches. Price £100 plus postage.