Memorabilia

An interesting Model 1913 Canadian seven-button service dress jacket updated to include British Pattern 07 style 'rifle patches' at the time of manufacture, as they are of matching wool material.  Standing collar has "CANADA" maple leaf insignias, "CANADA" shoulder titles on the epaulettes, and left and right shoulders have Canadian 3rd Division HQ & HQ elements formation patches.  Right sleeve has four blue service chevrons, and the left has a single metal wound bar.  Interior has issue markings stenciled on the center lower skirt, initials "N.A.C. / 18" on the bandage pocket, and a soldier's name "Gr. R. Keigan" with service number on the name tag on the interior button stand.  This matches the same surname and service number of Robert Keigan whose 1916 attestation papers are digitized in the Canadian archives.  Keigan served as a gunner in 36th Battery, 11th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery, which was a part of 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery.  He was wounded on September 12, 1918. 

Coat shows wear and stains with a few scattered holes, but nice overall.  Nicely identified, and well-substantiated by research.  $600 - $900

Canadian 23rd Reserve Battalion Soldier's Extensive Uniform Group

An exceptionally nice and complete grouping which includes a letter written by a former owner to the (very well-known and well-respected) collector who acquired it in 1993.  Includes the P07 uniform coat, trench cap, overcoat, issue shirt, and other assorted items from Private Donat Fontaine who enlisted July 22, 1918, arrived in Liverpool on September 30, 1918 and was transferred to the 23rd Reserve Battalion, CEF on November 8.  He sailed home in June 1919.

His late production Pattern 07 service coat has single collar darts and dark khaki interior pockets and facings with a portion of the paper label remaining.  Facings are inscribed in purple laundry pen with his service number which matches his records in the archives.  Exterior has 23rd Reserve Battalion collar insignias, "C/23" and "CANADA" shoulder titles along with a Welcome Home badge on the pocket.  His issue regulation trousers have doubled suspender buttons with a mix of the issue utility buttons, riveted replacements, and some that are missing entirely; shows slight remnants of a paper label.  Canadian issue overcoat has another soldier's name and service number inked in the lining which is inconvenient, but also understood to be quite commonly observed in solidly identified groups.  Olive wool flannel issue shirt is nicely marked with 1916 dated maker stamp in the collar lining.  His 1916 pattern trench cap, like the rest of the group is soiled but remains in good condition, with 23rd Canadian Reserve Battalion badge.  

Other items include a water bottle with 1913 dated Ottowa maker stamp on the leather harness, Canadian soldier's hold-all (empty of contents), a pair of wool wrap puttees, knit toque, and an interesting web waistbelt with snake buckle that the previous owner suggests was made from a Lewis Gun sling.  A unit photo of Co. G, 23rd Reserve Battalion taken in May 1919 measures 14-1/2" x 17-5/8" (framed dimensions).  The previous owner's note suggests that Donat is "believed to be the seventh soldier from the left, 2nd row from the top."

$2000 - $3000

Canadian 8th Mounted Rifles Officer's Service Dress Cap

Khaki thin wool twill service dress cap has cloth-covered visor, brown leather chinstrap with Canadian general service side buttons, and an 8th Canadian Mounted Rifles cap badge on the front.  The cap shows significant grime and service wear, with damage to the fabric on the back of the band.  Interior has a partially legible trade label under the dark and degrading crown protector, with a heavily soiled but intact brown leather sweatband.  The interior of the cloth-covered visor has a break that you can feel, but it does not deform the visor.  This piece of headgear has been stored flat for some time, and suffers a bit of deformity due to that, but this should be something that could be remedied by gently working it into shape on a properly supported archival hat form.  Definitely a cap that has seen extensive service use!

The 8th Canadian Mounted Rifles was formed in December 1914, recruiting men from Ottawa, Peterborough, and Toronto before mobilizing at Ottawa under Lieutenant-Colonel J.R. Munro of the 5th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards. The regiment contributed drafts to the Canadian Expeditionary Force throughout 1915 and sailed for England in October with 31 officers and 601 other ranks.​

Upon arrival, a major reorganization of Canadian mounted units occurred. Effective March 2, 1916, the 8th Canadian Mounted Rifles was absorbed into the Depot Regiment Overseas Canadian Mounted Rifles. Its personnel provided reinforcements to the Canadian Mounted Rifles battalions serving with the 8th Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division on the Western Front. The regiment was officially disbanded in June 1918.​

Though the unit initially trained and deployed as mounted infantry, the transition to trench warfare quickly led to its conversion to infantry roles, reflecting the changing nature of combat during the First World War.

$200 - $300

Two examples, one with its khaki wool felt covering, web sling and harness.  The second is the canteen only, lacking the wool covering and harness.  Wool covering on the first has some moth-made trenches but remains relatively intact; has initials inked on the covering and also on the base of the harness.  

These were produced by the Canadian Aluminum Goods Supply Co. in 1914 and 1915.  Author Chris Pollendine notes "They were often issued with the Pattern 1914 leather equipment, although they were a poor fit in the bottle carrier, also sometimes with the Pattern 1908 equipment, which was even worse."  Yet another interesting example of the stopgap measures taken by the belligerent governments in 1914-1915 to equip the millions of young men entering the military.  $100-$150

French Pre-War Infantry Officer's Tunic & Kepi: 62nd Infantry Regiment

M1893 black wool tunic for a Sous-Lieutenant, has nine-button front indicating manufacture after January 1911, with flaming bomb Infantry buttons, madder red cuff patches and standing collar, with bullion embroidered unit designation "62".  No readily apparent mothing or damage.  Interior has padded black silk lining and interior chest pockets.  Includes the correct black and red wool officer's kepi that has not fared as well; exhibits some minor mothing and deformity of the visor.  Interior has a shattered black silk lining and brown leather sweatband.  Glue spots are visible along the seam of the visor indicating a functional (if inelegant) collector's repair.  Obverse has brass false bullion unit numerals "62".  

$200 - $300

French Pre-War Infantry Sergeant Major's M1897 Tunic

Enlisted black wool M1897 tunic has madder red wool cuff patches and standing collar with red embroidered unit designation "12" on black patches.  Sleeves have Sergeant Major rank bullion insignia, and the coat closes with seven flaming bomb Infantry buttons.  Interior has white cotton quilted partial lining, with damaged stitching along the interior lower edge of the collar.  Complete with epaulettes.  Has a few small holes, but very nice overall.

Before World War I, the 12th Infantry Regiment was stationed at Reims, forming part of the 6th Infantry Brigade within the 3rd Infantry Division of the 6th Army Corps. As one of France’s historic line regiments with roots tracing back to the ancien régime, it maintained a long tradition of discipline and professionalism in peacetime training and garrison life. Mobilized in August 1914, the regiment advanced into Belgium with the 6th Army and engaged in the early battles of the Sambre and Guise before participating in the First Battle of the Marne. After the front stabilized, the 12th held positions along the Aisne during the first winter of trench warfare. In 1915, it fought in the Champagne offensive, suffering heavy casualties in assaults near Perthes and Beauséjour. The regiment later saw service at Verdun in 1916, notably around the Mort-Homme sector, and endured continuous action on the Chemin des Dames and in the Ailette valley through 1917. During the Allied counteroffensives of 1918, the 12th Infantry Regiment advanced through the Soissons and Oise sectors, taking part in the pursuit operations that carried the French armies to victory by November. Its wartime record reflected steadfast endurance across some of the Western Front’s most demanding engagements.

$200 - $300

French Pre-War Black Wool Overcoat with Captain Rank Sleeve Insignia

Black wool overcoat has bullion embroidered "2" unit numeral collar patches, Captain rank trim on the turned cuffs, and flaming bomb buttons throughout.  Front has two inset waist pockets with exterior flaps and an inset upper breast pocket.  Interior has a Versailles tailor's label in the lining, and a name label in an interior pocket with "1904" or "1906" date.  Reverse has vented skirt and back adjustment belt.  Shows normal light wear; no readily apparent mothing.  

$200 - $300

French WWI Uniform & Equipment: A Nearly Complete Mannequin-Ready Infantry Poilu Display

Our consignor had this nicely displayed on a mannequin in his collection room, and it was indeed impressive!  French horizon blue wool service coat and unpiped blue-gray breeches, with horizon blue wool wrap puttees, shoes, and a nice Infantry Adrian helmet.  The The shoes have been resoled and are marked with US size "7-1/2EE" on the soles, with heel rims attached by modern screws, and smooth soles.  Several of the grommets are loose due to verdigris development.  The coat has several different issue stamps and committee of reception stamp that is faint but appears to be dated 1918.  Wool has a few small holes but is in very good overall condition, displayed with a wound medal.  The breeches appear to be private purchase and are unmarked.  His M1915 Adrian has an Infantry badge, second pattern brown leather liner and a broken chinstrap.  Equipment includes a brown leather combat waistbelt with roller buckle and 'Y' strap; 1893/14 box frame knapsack has leather fittings that are dry and have cracks in the surface, holding together for the moment but care and caution will need to be exercised in handling them.  Pack is currently mounted by the mess kit, and blanket roll with (a simple US WWI blanket) wrapped in a very scruffy, battered, ripped and torn up French shelter section with visible 1918 dated committee of reception stamp, secured by a combination of the French long equipment strap and two incorrect replacement Italian straps.  Lot further includes a chau-chat ammunition bag which contained a speciality badge and an issue sewing kit spool.  There is also a worn, period correct (though not military) scarf that the consignor had around his neck on the mannequin, and an ARS gas mask in the normal 'crispy' condition that describes 99.9% of these that we find.  

$500 - $800

French WWI 237th Infantry Regiment Soldier's Medals

30cm x 40cm (15-3/4" x 11-3/4") pasteboard mounted certificate is mounted by this soldier's medals including WWI Victory, Belgian WWI Commemorative Medal, French Croix-de-Guerre with "1914 - 1916" reverse and showing a star appurtnance which designates the recipient having been mentioned in dispatches.  Also a French WWI Combatant's Cross, Wound Medal, and WWI Commemorative Medal.  All of these are glued to the certificate by the ribbons, as this was how these were intended to be mounted.  (These certificates were not put together with long-term preservation in mind!)  The planchets have worked themselves free, but of course have adhesive residue on the reverse.  That is the down side.. but it is considerably offset by the fact that on such a certificate we can associate the medals with an individual Poilu!  In this case, it is Jules Brisse, a soldier in the 237th Infantry Regiment who was wounded three times in service.  

The French 237th Infantry Regiment served with distinction during World War I, participating in some of the most intense fighting on the Western Front. Formed as part of the French Army's mobilization in 1914, the regiment was engaged in the Champagne region and the Somme, where it played a crucial role in repelling German assaults. Notably, in July 1915, the 237th Infantry Regiment successfully defended its positions near Souchez, using hand grenade fire to drive back the German 63rd Infantry Regiment in a fierce night battle. Throughout the war, the regiment was recognized for its steadfast defense and aggressive counterattacks, contributing significantly to the French Army's efforts to maintain the front lines and protect vital sectors. The service of the 237th Infantry Regiment exemplifies the courage and resilience of French soldiers during the Great War.

$100 - $150

French WWI Croix-de-Guerre Medal Lot including 1914-1916 and 1914-1917 Awards

Includes five Croix-de-Guerre Medals with a variety of appurtenances.  First has 1914-1918 reverse, mounted by bronze palm (mentioned in dispatches / cited at the Army level).  Second has 1914-1917 reverse, with silver bar suspension, ribbon mounted by gold star device (cited at the Corps level).  Third has 1914-1916 reverse, with one bronze star (cited at the Regiment or Brigade level) and two silver stars (Cited at the Division level).  Fourth has 1914-1918 reverse, with unadorned ribbon.  Fifth has 1914-1918 reverse, with false bullion metal numerals "21" on the ribbon.  The collector who owned this set attributed that to a medal belonging to a soldier of the 21st Regiment (Czech Legion).  The patina on the piece is consistent with these numerals having been there for a very long time, but I was not successful finding any other examples of this practice to confirm the assertation.  Last medal is a Croix de Guerre des Théâtres d'Opérations Extérieures with a single bronze star device on the ribbon.  The 'TOE' was established in 1921 to recognize acts of heroism in combat outside of territorial France.

$150 - $250

Includes two corrugated metal carriers for the French Model 1917 ARS gas mask, also a single ARS mask which has solidified in the position it held while stuffed into a carrier.  This is the norm for the ARS; of the hundreds of examples that I have handled over the years, only one or two were pliable enough to be very carefully displayed.  This one additionally has broken eyepiece lenses, which is also quite common for these.  $50 - $100

French WWI M1915 Adrian Helmet Lot: Artillery & Colonial Infantry

Two French WWI Mle. 1915 Adrian Helmets, first example has ~70% darker blue-gray horizon blue painted finish; obverse with a Colonial Infantry badge that clearly has been on this specific helmet since the Great War.  Interior has broken chinstrap and a black leather first pattern liner showing verdigris and textured residue that may be from an old display head.  Second example has 80% gray toned horizon blue finish, with black leather chinstrap looped over the brim.  Interior shows that the chinstrap is actually broken on one side, but enough remains to tuck it into the ring on the side.  Liner is very unusual and non-standard, which I believe to be a post-war collector's replacement.

$100 - $200

French WWI Adrian Helmet Lot: Five Helmets

Five French Model 1915 Adrian helmets in varying shades of horizon blue finish.  Includes Infantry, Colonial Infantry, Engineer, Chasseur, and Artillery examples.  All have liners; the Artillery helmet liner is a bit rough, but the other four are good.  Artillery and Chasseur helmets lack chinstraps; the others are complete with chinstrap. 

$500 - $700

French & Italian WWI Era Headgear Lot: Three Adrian Helmets, Two Kepis, & More

French headgear includes a Model 1915 Adrian helmet with Infantry badge, lacks liner, Artillery piped horizon blue wool sidecap, a (post-war) kepi with Infantry side buttons and bullion "94" unit numerals, and a civil service kepi of red wool with a light blue wool band and bullion trim which has a shattered visor and lacks sweatband, and is leaving a trail of 'hat guts' and other debris on my work table as though it had been mortally wounded in a box of Josh Segal's show stock and is crawling slowly away to die a more dignified death at a different booth.

Lot further includes two Adrians that appear to have been made under contract for Italy, as they are not pierced in the front for badges.  One has ~40% Italian dark green finish with oxidized patina and surface rust on the top of the crown where it has suffered a few noticeable dings and dents; interior has a collector or reenactor replacement liner.  The second of these is actually quite interesting - a WWI wartime contract French-made Italian Adrian that appears to have a very interesting and heavily textured camouflage finish.  I honestly can't decide if this is a really strange and intriguing camouflage, or if it was a smelly hippie's off-the-rails, (seemed like a good idea at the time?) art project... or perhaps someone decided to use an old surplus helmet as the test subject upon which they bestowed by strokes, drips, and blorps a sampling of the contents from every unmarked mystery can of decades-old leftover paint in a hoarder's garage.  That's the beauty of an auction - you get to decide!

$100 - $200

French WWI Era Military & Civil Headgear Mixed Lot: 3 Kepis, Cuirassier Helmet, & Officer's Sidecap

French Engineer Officer's polo pattern kepi has bullion chinstrap and Lieutenant's quatrefoil on the crown, obverse has "31" regimental numerals, and the sides have Engineer buttons.  Interior has a nice black silk lining and black leather sweatband with ribbon adjustment.  Second kepi is of dark blue wool with black wool velvet band, trimmed in bullion cord with black polished cotton lining and black leather sweatband.  Shows signs of a chinstrap and side buttons once being installed but those are no longer present.  Third kepi is of dark blue wool with red soutache trim, has French telegraph section side buttons and one in the center of a small cockade on the front.  Interior has a Paris uniform shop tradmark embossed in the crown lining.  Soft headgear also includes a private purchase horizon blue wool sidecap with silver bullion rank insignia in the front; interior has brown leather sweatband and very nice light and dark striped lavender silk crown lining. 

Model 1874 Cuirassier or Dragoon helmet has steel body with dark age toned finish, brass fittings throughout including; frontplate with flaming bomb insignia flanked by laurel leaves, high comb with Medusa head crest, with damage in this area exposing some poorly soldered  seams or poorly executed repairs.  Black horse hair plume has been cropped to about one inch in length.  A feather plume socket is on the left side,  side lug chinscale attachments and chinscales are lacking. Reverse of the exterior  size "55".  Interior has heavily worn leather liner and leather lined front visor. 

$200 - $400

French WWI Headgear Lot: Chasseurs Alpins Beret, Artillery Officer Sidecap, & Zouave Fez

Classic Chasseur Alpins 'tarte' oversized beret of midnight blue wool.  This example has a red grenade de bataillon insignia rather than the Chasseur hunting horn insignia.  Also has a brass faux bullion unit numeral "9".  The thick wool beret body has extensive moth tracking, and a dime size hole in the top along the edge.  The Artillery Officer Sidecap of horizon blue wool has red wool branch of service trim, with bullion soutache Chef de Bataillon rank insignia on the front.  Interior has blue silk sweatband that still bears the original paper size tag.  Zouave Fez is of thick red wool with some stains and light tracking; interior has brown leather sweatband with a legible issue stamp.  Several inches of stitching have given way and the lower edge is soiled from use as you would expect from normal service.  $200 - $300

French WWI M2 Gas Mask & Carrier

Model 1916 treated canvas and padded gauze gas mask has blue painted metal bezels for the amber isinglass eye lenses, both of which remain intact, and olive brown elastic head harness straps.  Brown gas-proof treated fabric remains pliable, and is marked with size "TAILLE ORDINAIRE" on the reverse side of one corner.  The black adhesive substance around the interior of the lenses that always remains slightly tacky even after 100 years has migrated to the lenses and mostly obscured them.  Carrier is heavily stained from the gas-proof treatment soaking through (as they nearly always are), and from field service.  Interior has pocket for an extra lens.  After trying many different experimental masks, the M2 was the backbone of the French gas protection efforts through the end of the war, remaining in service even after the German-style ARS was placed in service in 1918.  In addition to French troops, many of the first A.E.F. soldiers were issued M2 masks, and later the M2 was issued as reserve masks for front line troops.

$400 - $600

French WWI Tampon P Gas Mask Carrier With Gas Defense Goggles

29.5cm x 17cm (11-3/4" x 6-5/8") rectangular horizon blue treated fabric carrier has brown cloth interior and is divided into two compartments.  This closes with a flap and twill tape loops, and has brown twill tape attachment loops at either side.  Contains a set of gas defense goggles such with a brown rubberized fabric pad mounted by two metal eye bezels with isinglass lenses such as you see on the later M2 gas mask.  One of these lenses is intact, the other broken.  Interior has white felt lining and the sides have white twill tape attachment ties.  Lacks the chemically-treated fabric pad mask portion of this lashup.

Issued to French soldiers from late 1915, the Tampon P (“Pad P”) was a chemically-treated fabric pad intended to protect against chlorine gas attack. The second version carrier introduced a dedicated compartment for gas defense goggles, reflecting evolving threat conditions and the importance of full facial protection. This equipment remained in primary service through early 1916 until more advanced mask designs supplanted it. In April 1916, the Tampon P and its variations—including the Tampon TN—were phased out and replaced by the French M2 gas mask, which offered enhanced protection, durability, and improved vision for soldiers exposed to a wide range of chemical weapons. The M2, initially produced with a single rectangular viewing piece, was upgraded to two circular eyepieces and saw widespread use with French, American, British, and other Allied troops until late in World War I.

$500 - $700

French WWI Trench Weapon Lot: M1916 Trench Knife & ‘Clou Français’ Improvised Knife

M.1916 trench knife is 28cm overall with 17cm double-edged blade that is good overall with very light age toning and blemishes; ricasso has "Astier-Prodon Thiers" manufacturer's stamp with cloverleaf trademark.  Hilt has crossguard with one end bent forward, no doubt to achieve a better grip with the thumb, and a good one piece contoured walnut grip.  Steel scabbard has dark oxidation spots and light pitting.  There are better than a dozen different manufacturers of the M.1916 knife, making a quest for the different makers of this trench knife a favorite 'collection within a collection' pursuit for many of us! 

French WWI ‘Clou Francais’ trench knife which is 31.5cm (12-3/8") overall, fashioned from random scrap steel with a flat, dull blade suitable primarily for stabbing, has dark oxidized patina and shows pitting.  This is currently housed in an improvised wood scabbard. 

$200 - $300

Interesting mixed lot, features a French WWI ‘Clou Francais’ trench knife which is 24cm (9-3/8") overall, fashioned from random scrap steel with a flat double-edge blade and rounded point.  Also includes two sets of commercial cast iron fighting knuckles and a concealed blade swagger stick.  This particular example is a mating of a French Lebel bayonet and scabbard with the brass grip portion from the hilt of a German S.71 bayonet.  The cruciform blade remains full-length at 50.8cm (~20").  $200 - $300

French WWI Bayonets Lot of Three: Two Lebel and One Berthier, Two With Frogs

Two Lebel Model 1886/93/15 Bayonets, one with white metal alloy hilt and the other with the brass alloy hilt.  The brass alloy example has 52cm (20-3/8") quadrilateral blade blade with light age toning and blemishes, has scabbard with dark age spots, complete with brown leather belt frog.  The white metal example has 52cm quadrilateral blade also with dark age spots, complete with scabbard in comparable condition.

M1892 bayonet for the Mannlicher Berthier rifle is the second pattern with wartime modified quillon.  Has fullered blade in excellent polish, retaining 90% matte finish, distinctive second pattern muzzle ring extends back over the grips, and the hooked quillon has been shortened as was done during WWI.  Hilt has nice two-piece wood grips and functional press stud.  Scabbard retains traces of finish blending with a dark age patina and is complete with a good black leather belt frog.

$200 - $300

French WWI Bayonets Lot of Three: Lebel, Gras, and Berthier

Lebel Model 1886/ Bayonet has white metal alloy hilt with hook quillon, 52cm (20-3/8") quadrilateral blade blade with dark age blemishes and areas of light pitting, complete with scabbard.  M1874 Gras bayonet is 64.4cm overall, has 52.3cm T-back blade in good condition with gray patina and light blemishes throughout, inspector poinçons at the ricasso.  Spine has script marking from the state arsenal St. Étienne dated 1881.  Hilt has steel guard with gray patina, notched muzzle ring and forward-swept hook quillon stamped with inspector marks and serial number.  Wood scale grips have normal light dings and service wear, and brass pommel has steel locking bolt spring and press stud attachment.  Scabbard has good blued finish.  M1892 Berthier bayonet for the Mannlicher Berthier rifle is the first pattern with the shorter muzzle ring and black composition grips.  Has blade which is fullered both on the sides and for a distance from the tip on the spine - in very good condition with only light age blemishes throughout, inspector stamps on the ricasso.  Hilt has black composition grips secured by two small rivetsPommel has some 'salt-and-pepper' pitting and a bit of rust on one side of the guard.  Hooked quillon has accountability number which does not match that on the scabbard, as is almost always the case.

$200 - $300

French Model 1896 Cavalry officer's sword has "Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de Chatellerault" 1914 dated maker engraving on the spine.  Blade is in very nice condition, retains leather scabbard washer at the ricasso.  Cast brass basket hilt has floral designs, and the leather covered ribbed wood grip has wire wrap intact.  Complete with scabbard.  $300 - $500

30cm (~11-3/4") in length, tooled steel cup with slotted shaft to affix it to the Lebel rifle.  Dark overall patina with heavy pitting, likely an excavated example or old battlefield recovery piece.  That said, it displays well and is in good condition for either of those circumstances.  Used by the French, Americans and Belgians, the VB grenade and launcher was a highly successful weapons system that played havoc on German positions.  $100 - $200

Inert, each is 18cm (~7") long overall with 'cement mixer' profile body, sheet metal fin assembly, and zinc fuze assembly.  One example retains ~50% original light olive finish blending with patina; second example has a blue-green painted finish with the zinc components painted black.  $100 - $150