Memorabilia

WWI US Accoutrement &  Equipment Lot: Trench Periscope, Cartridge Belt, & Pre-War Canteen

Includes a soiled and worn but intact and very displayable M1910 dismounted pattern rifle cartridge belt, an (empty) box respiratior carrier, olive drab painted wood box periscope with folding attachment stake and metal belt clip, and a pre-war canteen.  The oblate spheroid pattern of 1887 canteen  was slightly thicker than the recovered / reused M1858 canteens used earlier, this pattern was manufactured from 1887 until 1900, and a great many issued out to newly-inducted troops in training camps during the early days of US involvement in WWI.  Example is dark with stains but remains in good overall condition, lacks strap.  Lot also includes a WWI souvenir 'trench art' napkin ring featuring the German "Gott Mit Uns" roundel. 

$100 - $150

M1915 Mess Kit with Combination Fork and Spoon Utensil: Bing 1917

Issue Model 1915 enameled iron mess retains 85% field gray enameled exterior finish, with fewer than the normal expected finish dings, though there is a solder repaired hole on the base.  This is a matched set (also a pleasant surprise) with maker's date stamps: "Bing 17".  Example retains the issue folding spoon and fork combination mess utensil which was still installed inside the lid when we got it, just as it was carried in the field.  

$100 - $150

Imperial German WWI Soldier's Accoutrement Lot: Breadbag, Strap & Canteen

Wartime M1915 breadbag which shows service wear, grime and soil, lacks the two utility buttons used by the belt attachment straps; interior has 1915 dated maker stamp and is marked to Infantry Regiment Nr. 9.  Breadbag strap is the pre-war ocher color M1893 breadbag strap, which is marked to Infantry Regiment Nr. 88.  M1915 canteen has feldgrau cover which is heavily soiled consistent with the breadbag, has leather strap which is weak, missing the attachment fitting and stopper.  Reverse of cover has a faint illegible inscription.  Also includes a M1917 lederschutzmaske gas mask and carrier.  Mask remains in good pliable condition as they always do, and has the ring of topographical rust around the filter that you often see on these.  Carrier has bits of field gray painted finish blending with oxidized patina, lid has illegible painted marking, complete with well-worn but intact carry and attachment straps.  

$100 - $200

Württemburg M1915 Ammunition Pouch

Single example of the unique Württemburg Model 1915 brown pebble-grained leather ammunition pouch.  This unique pattern is hinged on the front with side closure tabs, reverse has belt loops and ring for attachment to the knapsack or breadbag strap.  Lid opens forward revealing a complex metal internal divider system that segregated not only each clip but also each individual bullet tip from one another.  Shows light wear, but the leather remains in very good condition and is Pecard-free.  Unmarked, but to my knowledge the only firm that made these was Nördlinger and Pollock of Stuttgart, who held 1914 and 1915 state patents on the design, and a contract for 150,000 ammunition pouches destined for the Thirteenth Army Corps.  Württemburg... who knew they were closet rebels?  We thought the Bavarians were the only ones sticking their fingers in the Kaiser's eye!  Scarce state-specific German field gear.

$150 - $200

Imperial German M.1915 Breadbag & M.1915/17 Canteen

Tin-plated iron flask canteen has brown lacquer finish over gray metal patina where worn, brown wool cover with Prym snaps.  This has the simplified leather suspension that was introduced in April 1917, in this case interestingly made with the feldgrau leather that we see on some late war helmet liners.  That same feldgrau leather is also used for the reinforces and loop strap on the M.1915 breadbag; an excellent example showing very little use.  Interior has brown leather closure straps, feldgrau finished utility buttons, and is nicely marked to JR 174.  Has 1916 dated maker stamp on the reverse of the center support strap.  Includes a nice breadbag strap that is just slightly more worn, with no visible markings.

JR 174 drew its recruits primarily from the Rhine Province, especially the cities of Koblenz, Trier, and Alsace-Lorraine. During the First World War, the regiment was attached to the 32nd Infantry Brigade, part of the XXI Army Corps, and participated extensively on the Western Front. Notably, the regiment saw heavy fighting in Flanders, including the Battle of the Lys and protracted actions near Lille and on the Kemmel-Locre front, where it sustained significant losses before rotating to quieter sectors for rest and refit.

$150 - $250

Imperial German WWI Armor Breastplate

First pattern armor has dark oxidized patina and a light pitted texture, likely an old battlefield recovery piece.  Maker marks are no longer visible.  Breastplate only - lacks the three descending size sporran armor segment plates, but these breastplates are always impressive, even when displayed on their own.  The armor sets were primarily issued to soldiers with static duties, such as machine gun teams and sentries, who faced concentrated enemy fire while stationary or defending advanced posts, but it saw limited experimental use by assault troops as well, on the theory that it would be useful when crossing no-man's-land, and then could quickly be discarded for ease of mobility when the rough work in the enemy's trenches was at hand.  One of the more notable period photos of German armor shows it in great heaps, collected by French troops after one such fight.  $200 - $300

43-3/4" overall.  Pioneer shovel has blade which was clearly once quite rusty and has been cleaned; entire surface is pitted but solid.  Has turned wood helve.  No visible markings.  Helve is fitted with one of the brown leather loop straps that the assault troops used to secure the helve to a shoulder strap on their uniform, with the blade stowed on a carrier on their belt.  This bit of equipment was elevated to paramount during the trench warfare of WWI, and in additional to the usual duties, these full-length spades were also carried into battle by Pioneer assault troops.  $100-$200

Imperial German WWI Accoutrement Lot: Cartridge Pouches, Belt, Pack, & Shovel Carrier

Black leather belt has Prussian buckle with "GOTT MIT UNS" motto.  Includes two M1909 cartridge pouches, one blackened, as ordered by the German Army for boots and other leather field gear in 1915.  (Both period photos and extant artifacts strongly suggest that this order was rather widely ignored).  This example has a 1915 dated maker stamp, and is blackened everywhere except the reverse side of the pouch.  Second example is dated 1916 and is of blackened leather entirely.  The brown leather individual entrenching tool carrier remains in nice condition, with unit marking "T.D.XVIII"  (per Jeff Noll's invaluable reference - horse depot of a train battalion / service corps detachment.)  This carrier includes a Linneman pattern entrenching tool with feldgrau finish on the blade.  Though this is -not- the Imperial German shovel with the distinctive riveted step, it works just fine as a stand-in for display.  Pack is the simplified wartime M1915 tornister, with calfskin reduced to the side covering the soldier's back only, and feldgrau canvas elsewhere.  Example has excellent pliable brown leather straps and fittings, with 1918 dated maker stamp.  

$200 - $300

Face mask of layered thick khaki cloth with rectangular celluloid eye lenses and lined on the interior with brushed natural flannel, attached to the user with olive cotton twill tape ties, and complete with the original carrying pouch printed with instructions for use.  The Spicer goggles were named for their designer in the gas warfare department.  These were among several eye defenses issued concurrently with the P helmets, to be used in tear gas attacks when eye protection was required, but the gas helmet was not.  $200 - $300

Face mask of layered brown rubberized fabric over wool shoddy is fitted with the same lenses as were used with the P helmets, with the user's side featuring a red sponge rubber pad cut with rectangular inlets for each eye in order to provide a reasonable seal when tightly worn.  The mask is attached via khaki twill tape ties.  Example retains 50% of the dark blue finish mixed with light rust in the worn areas on the screw-in lens bezels, wear and damage on the brown cloth outer piece, and a break in the sponge rubber pad at the bridge of the nose.

These were among several eye defenses issued concurrently with the P helmets, to be used in tear gas attacks when eye protection was required, but the gas helmet was not.  $200 - $400

British WWI P08 Ammunition Pouches & Miscellaneous Accoutrement Mixed Lot

Includes P08 ammunition pouches with the stud and buttonhole closures; one left and one right side, with the right side pouch showing evidence of blanco, and a spot of heavy wear and fraying on the left side pouch.  Lot further includes a P08 waistbelt with blue exterior finish, several equipment straps, three (empty) ammunition bandoliers, a rifle breech cover, and a pair of waterproof mitten covers with attachment string. 

$50 - $100

British WWI Soldier's "Lifeguard" Private Purchase Periscope

5"x5"x2.5" when compacted and stowed in its thick khaki canvas belt case, this extends accordion-style to be a 22.5" tall periscope when deployed.  Embossed with a shield "THE LIFEGUARD / PATENT / PERISCOPE / SOLE MAKERS / F.DUERR & SONS / MANCHESTER / S.W."  One of the mirrors that makes the magic happen is cracked, and the other is missing entirely, though it still displays fine.  The example in the Imperial War Museum is labeled "'Lifeguard' trench periscope made by F Duerr & Sons of Old Trafford, who usually made jams and preserves. Sold privately to soldiers or their families, these periscopes filled a practical need, whilst also helping a local business to make money in wartime.  Consists of two parallel sets of lazy tongs, with mirror holders at each end. In 1915, the periscope cost 12/6 for a "cloth-covered leather-board box", or 15s for a "strong khaki collapsible waterproof case for belt".  We found an original advertisement for these archived on the web, which is in the photos for context, (but not physically included with the item - we encourage the buyer to download the image to print and display with it.)  $100 - $150

Six slightly different WWI British water bottles, includes an aluminum example with a nice 1915 dated Birmingham maker mark on the spout, one of khaki painted iron which retains a wool cover, and one of another non-magnetic metal with a slightly corrugated body and soldered construction.  Also includes three blue enamed iron bottles, one with it's wool cover.  $150-$200

Includes four examples of the mess tin, one of which includes the interior tray which was discontinued in 1906 by the British, but continued in service for Canadian made mess kits.  Lot also includes a nice example of the circular mess tin set for mounted troops.  $200 - $300

British / Commonwealth Private Purchase Raincoat

Private purchase raincoat of khaki rubberized fabric has stains and some sewn repairs, with one replaced cuff button and the other missing.  No visible markings or labels. 

$200 - $300

British WWI Machine Gun Accoutrements LotLot features the very scarce special issue 'Mask, Machine Gunners', which was issued to MG crews firing from fixed positions where it was desirable to camouflage their face.  The issue of masks for machine gunners working from fixed positions only was clarified in a general order from April 1915 which specified that these were not necessary equipment for the Motor Machine Gun Batteries. Other MG related material consists of a nice Lewis Gun ammunition pouch set - complete set of four Pattern 08 webbing drum magazine shoulder pouches and shoulder straps, soiled but good condition, mixed 1917 and 1918 dates.  Lot includes a very nicely marked 1918 dated Lewis Gun magazine carrier for three drum magazines.  Carrier is fitted with brass swivel fasteners, with modified (shortened) carry strap as is often observed.  Lot also includes Bag, Spare Parts and Tools, MG., Mk III, a leather reinforced canvas bag intended for use as indicated with both machine guns and the Hotchkiss.  Example has a faint illegible inscription on the cloth flap.  Leather fittings and strap are intact and pliable. $300 - $500

British WWI P14 Equipment Lot with Late War Double-Strap Closure Ammunition Pouches

Includes entrenching tool carrier, two worn but intact P14 ammunition pouches, one modified pouch with two closure straps and two originally made with two straps.  In February 1918, it was officially permitted to alter existing pouches or produce new pouches with two closure straps on the front flap instead of one. This was likely done to improve security and prevent the flap from accidentally opening in field conditions, and most examples seen are field conversions rather than purposely manufactured variants.  Photos from 1919 (e.g., 2nd Bedfordshires, 34th Division) show troops with a mixture of single and double-strap pouches, documenting their limited issue late in the war and into the post-Armistice occupation duty.

$300 - $500

Black leather boots have brass eyelets and a top closure flap with three billets and buckles.  Soles appear to be marked, but that is long since illegible.  The soles and heels have hobnails, toes with metal toe plates.  The leather shows soil and wear but remains in very good displayable condition.  Lacks laces.  $400-$600

British WWI Pattern 08 Field Equipment Set

An original set with a mix of wartime (and some illegible) dates, all components are original khaki shades and none seem to have been serviced with blanco.  All show light wear but remain in good serviceable condition.  Set includes a belt with 1918 date, right and left ammunition pouches with pebbled brass snap flap fasteners dated 1916 and (illegible), water bottle carrier is dated 1915, bayonet frog with 1915 date and complete with the elusive original helve holder.  Of the braces, one is dated 1915 and the other has no legible marking.  The entrenching tool blade carrier is dated 1915.  Lot shows normal service wear, stains and soiling, some light fraying around pocket edges, but no weak spots.  Belt has a soldier's inked service number marking.  Overall, a very presentable set for display.  The P08 set is an essential part of any WWI Commonwealth display, and though they were never easy, has become quite challenging to acquire within recent years. 

$1000-$1500

P08 Web Belt with Webley Holster & Ammunition Pouch

P08 waistbelt has double-BroadArrow demil marking on the interior.  This is set up for display as a pistol rig, with web shoulder braces, and the brown leather holster and ammunition pouch for the Webley revolver.  Holster includes the cleaning rod.  Web equipment is rough, with corrosion on the metal fittings. 

$50-$100

British WWI Pattern 08 Field Equipment Set

An original set with a mix of wartime (and some illegible) dates, all components are original khaki shades and none seem to have been serviced with blanco. All show light wear but remain in good serviceable condition. Set includes a belt with illegible marking, right and left ammunition pouches with pebbled brass snap flap fasteners dated 1915 and 1916, water bottle carrier is dated 1916, bayonet frog with 1915 date and complete with the elusive original helve holder.  The braces on this set show an interesting field repair in that they are riveted directly to the waistbelt. one has a faint date that appears to be 1917, and the other has no legible marking.  The entrenching tool blade carrier is dated 1918. Lot shows normal service wear, stains and soiling, but no weak spots.  Several components have random unit issue number stamps.  Assembled from parts as most all are (with the exception of the braces that have clearly been wed to the belt since their service days) - overall, a very presentable set for display. The P08 set is an essential part of any WWI Commonwealth display.  Though they were never easy, has become quite challenging to acquire within recent years.  

$1000-$1500

British WWI Pattern 1914 Field Equipment Set

A very nice displayable set; these all match up quite well visually.  Includes 1914 dated belt, two ammunition pouches without visible markings, bayonet frog with helve holder which has BroadArrow marking but no visible date, shoulder braces of which one is dated 1915 and the other visible but illegible, small pack has BroadArrow stamp and "28" but no maker or date, entrenching tool carrier is unmarked, water bottle carrier is dated 1915 and includes the water bottle, and the large pack which we left unattached has no visible marking.  All components show light wear and soil but remain in very good condition.  Leather is pliable and has not been subjected to Pecard's or any other such treatment.  Assembling a good complete set of P14 gear is often a quest that takes a collector years to accomplish!

$1500-$2500

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

WWI Canteen & Mess Gear Mixed Lot: French, British & German with French Modèle 1858 Canteen

Large lot includes a French mess kit, French ration box, two uncovered French 2-liter canteens, two uncovered French 1-liter canteens including one with an interesting modified screw cap spout closure, British blue enamel water bottle, German canteen, and modèle 1858 tinned iron canteen.  Lot also includes an uncovered German WWI canteen which has been painted black. 

$100 - $150

French WWI Soldier's Knapsack & Contents Lot

An excellent and very comprehensive display - French WWI knapsack lacks shoulder straps but includes an abundant array of gear and personal items!  Contents include issue cup, water bucket, equipment straps, folding mirror, rifle tool, two grease tins, clothing whip, sewing kit in a leather pouch, identity papers, boot brush, fork and spoon, can opener, and trifold candle lanterin in its cloth carrier.  The lantern has some rust and oxidation.  Pack is heavily soiled but remains solid, lacking only the detachable shoulder straps.  Committee of reception stamp is visible but illegible.  A great start on a 'complete soldier' display.

$200 - $300