Posted 12 years ago
flyrr100
(63 items)
I'm not sure if this is real, or just a joke item. It's brass and measures 4 1/2" by 3".
I think it's a fun thing! I did a little research and it seems this little plaque is turning up all over the world! I found one dug up in a field in Ipswich, England. One found in a barn in Maine!
Well, mine was in my father's possessions. He died around ten years ago, and was from London.
His Grace the Duke of Gumby???
I did find this:
"Their history and origin seems a little confusing.
In my opinion the were a produced and sold in local markets as an amusing but serious warning sign.
Another path of reason is that they were made and could not be used. The clue could be in the date. 1868 is pre most of our modern day legislation, however, the offence of 'Assault occasioning actual bodily harm' (which at the very least, you would commit should you shoot someone) comes from THE OFFENCES AGAINST A PERSONS ACT 1861. Or should you have displayed such an item in days of old you could have been guilty of BREECH of the PEACE under Common Law. "
The plaques auction for about £30-70 sterling and are very amusing.
Shoot first, ask questions later...
I have the same one, here in Canada,BC . I found it when I was working in Van. It looks very nice on my wall. any new info on this item would be greatly appreciated
One was just dug up in a paddock in Nabawa, Western Australia
It`s die stamped,not cast,right? The first examples were documented in early 20th century. Being die stamped means they were not reproduced later, making a steel die would be too expensive for a humorous plate. Sand casting would be a different issue and poor details. It`s funny people searched for Gumby nobility. They are good customers,though: mistresses like them.
I obtained one of these brass plaques about 60 years ago in the UK. I just refound it today and cleaned it up with metal polish in order to read it.
Then checked it on Google - Fun!!
I use to have this plaque.. I found it in the poconos mountains almost 40 years ago while hiking. Came across a old abandoned and run down shack in monroe county pa. Then someone stole it from me about 20 years ago. Wish I still had it..