Hi Trauma: it was an honor and a pleasure to be of service! I was deeply touched by the story and I'm sure others will see why.

Now just while we're all getting a tear in our eye - shall I bring the tone down?

My patriotism is mostly of the quietest, most un-flag-waving sort. I feel no urge to shove it in anyone else's face. However, since we were dealing with flags I naturally consulted my cocktail book on the subject (wouldn't anyone?). And it turns out there is a cocktail called a Union Jack. Naturally. It is essentially yet another varient on the martini:

1 1/2 oz London Dry gin
1 tablespoon Creme de Violette
Shake with ice

The result is on the left in this photo:



Actually, the cocktail originally contained Creme Yvette. Why a drink named after the British flag should contain a liqueur made in America to celebrate French actress Yvette Gilbert is anyone's guess. It has long since been defunct which is why cocktails calling for violet liqueur are now made with Creme de Violette, middle bottle in my picture.

However, breaking news is that in 2009 the Charles Jacquin et Cie company in Philadelphia have revived the liqueur and this year have issued a small run of it. Apparently a few bottles are to be had in New York right about now, if you know where to look. They might step up production in the future.

Which is all academic because I'm here to tell you that while it is not as undrinkable as it looks that cocktail ain't exactly going to become our number one fave. It's got more than a hint of eau de cologne to the taste. Huh...

So I went to work and discovered that if you make it using sloe gin instead of regular (the bottle on the right in the pic) it becomes much more tasty, if a little syrupy. You can still taste the violet liqueur, but it is sort of brought under control by the stronger taste of the sloes. The glass on the right contains Ceri's Special Union Jack...

The things I do for the Fender Forum!

Anyroadup. Enjoy your neckplate, and respectful remembrance to grandma Trauma. You are an honor to her.



Cheers - C

Ceri you bring tears to a grown mans eyes.........ok ok ok enough of this tear jerking stuff. They are going to revoke our membership to the real men of the world club Ceri!!! Seriously I do thank you for your kindness and attention to detail. Your dedication knows no bounds.......Now get your arse down here to Miami......NOW THATS A THREAD...Mr. Ceri & Mr. Trauma in Miami Vice The Fender Forum Edition.....whadya say Ceri...we will live in infamy forever...............

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Your Fender HSS Standard Stratocaster in Electron Blue was made at the Fender Ensenada Plant in Mexico in the Year: 2008.
Final Assembly Date: July 30th, 2008
Model Number: 013 4700 587
Serial # MZ8031252

Congrats guys!

The neck-plate looks superb! An excellent tribute.

Enjoy!

Andy

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Pending Greatness

Trauma, I say; be careful for what you wish! Mrs Ceri has just been reading this thread and when she got to your photos she said; "Ahh - he's so cute! I want to adopt him!"

You may have noticed how Mrs C likes adopting people she warms to...

Very best to you, man - C

Very nice, and a fitting tribute.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.