Memorabilia

Includes a nice inert example of the VB rifle grenade, one that has been fired and exploded, and a sectionalized training example showing the inner workings of the VB.  $150 - $250

Mle. 1915 OF1 tinned iron offensive grenade has the second generation, 1916 impact fuze complete with brass safety cap.  Body retains original 70% red painted finish.  The second Mle. 1915 OF1 tinned iron offensive grenade has traces of blue-gray painted finish and has the M1916 Billant igniter complete with pull ring safety.  Third is a nice segmented iron Citron Foug grenade which has dark age patina.  Top has original tinned iron safety cap which lifts to reveal wooden fuze plug with a push-button detonator.  You see plenty of Citron Foug grenades on the market, and even a few with the wooden detonator housing, examples complete with the tinned iron safety cap are much more scarce.  

$300 - $400

Pre-war Mle. 1847 Spherical Grenade is a 3-1/8" diameter smooth, spherical cast iron body differentiated only from its 1914 cousin by the fact that the fuze aperture is not threaded.  The 1847 used an even more basic fuze than the 1914, which is represented here with a dummy example for display.  The Bertrand Suffocante Grenade Mle. 1915 is constructed of six identical curved iron segments cast with holes in the center and channels for the wire that combines them into a sphere.  They originally englobed a glass vial containing chloroacetone, which ideally burst when thrown against a hard surface, mixed with the atmosphere, and created enough tear gas to encourage the enemy to abandon their bunkers and other hidey-holes during a trench raid.  This example has no finish remaining, oxidized patina throughout, with replaced wire and lacks the glass vial.  Most on the market today (including this one, in my opinion) are assembled from parts recovered at the spots where the Poilu discreetly disposed of them, a transgression preferable to having them break open accidentally in their own grenade bag, which period accounts suggest was not an uncommon annoyance.  Finally, this example of the Mle. 1916 Suffocating grenade is even more interesting than usual.  Top has brass collar which allowed the use of different plug ignitors, none of which are currently installed, but rather a copper tube through which a lamp wick is passed, allowing for this to function as an ersatz dugout oil lamp.

$300 - $400

French WWI Grenade Lot: Eight Grenades

Seven French WWI hand grenades, all inert.  Includes a VB rifle grenade, Model 1915 F1 Defensive grenade, 'Citron Foug' Mle. 1916 Grenade, Suffocating grenade Mle. 1916, Bertrand Suffocante Grenade Mle. 1915, barbed wire destruction rod, and '3rd Army' Petard grenade.

VB rifle grenade has traces of blackened finish, exterior appears to have been lacquered.

Model 1915 F1 Defensive grenade has segmented cast iron body with dark patina, fitted with a Mle. 1916 Billant igniter which is shorn flush just past the threads.

Citron Foug Mle.1916 grenade of segmented iron has white painted finish and a portion of the wood plug detonator assembly. 

Mle. 1916 Suffocating grenade has leaded iron body with central raised ridge, worn dark olive finish, and top with brass collar that allowed the use of a number of different plug igniters, none of which are currently installed.

Bertrand Suffocante Grenade Mle. 1915 is constructed of six identical curved iron segments cast with holes in the center and channels for the wire that combines them into a sphere.  They originally englobed a glass vial containing chloroacetone, which ideally burst when thrown against a hard surface, mixed with the atmosphere, and created enough tear gas to encourage the enemy to abandon their bunkers and other hidey-holes during a trench raid.  This example has no finish remaining, oxidized patina throughout, with replaced wire and lacks the glass vial.  Most on the market today (including this one, in my opinion) are assembled from parts recovered at the spots where the Poilu discreetly disposed of them, a transgression preferable to having them break open accidentally in their own grenade bag, which period accounts suggest was not an uncommon annoyance.

Explosive rod for barbed wire destruction is among a variety of the original improvised wood rod grenades, devised as the French Army sought to adapt to stagnant trench warfare, for the creation of breaches in the enemy's barbed wire prior to an assault.  It is simply a cylinder made with a rolled and riveted steel plate, plugged at the top with a wooden block, and at the base with a wooden stick . This stick was pierced with a holefor a traction igniter setting fire to a powder line cord linked to the detonator.

"Third Army" Petard Grenade is 35.5cm (14") overall with 12.5cm (5") segmented iron cylinder plugged at one end with a fuze cord and at the top, wired to a wood stack with a wire belt loop.  I believe most of these on the market are battlefield recovered original components that have been remounted to wood handles to complete them for display, this example included.

OF1 Offensive Grenade Mle. OF1 tinned iron offensive grenade has M1916 Billant igniter, retains traces of horizon blue painted finish with with dark oxidized patina on the worn areas.  These were used in trench raids and other offensives when you did not wish to leap into the cloud of heavy shrapnel released by your own grenade!  

$400-$500

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

Italian WWI French Made Adrian Helmet

M1915 French supplied Adrian helmet retains 70% dark Italian gray-green painted finish blending with patina where worn. The obverse of the body has never been pierced for a badge as is correct for the Italian contract helmets. Interior complete with an Italian made brown leather second pattern lining with interesting brown, blue, and white scrap woven wool material for the liner backing, and a leather chinstrap with buckle closure.  A very nice example of a WWI Italian helmet which, because it has no stenciled insignia, can be displayed with any uniform.

$200 - $300

Italian WWI / WWII Bayonet Lot: M1891 Truppe Speciali Carbine & M91 Carcano 

Two bayonets: first is an Italian M1891 Truppe Speciali Carbine Bayonet, dark patina on the blade and hilt, with "BRESICA" arsenal stamp on the ricasso and accountability markings on the crossguard.  Includes fluted steel scabbard also with dark patina.

Second is a Model 91 Carcano bayonet with leather scabbard; bayonet has dark blued blade in good condition.  Hilt is also nice with good wood grips and nice finish on the guard and pommel, accountability markings on the crossguard.  Leather scabbard is in good condition but is missing the throat attachment screw.  This scabbard is dated 1942.  $100-$150

Includes a BPD grenade, an Italian/French WWI Besozzi grenade

Italian WWI BPD Grenade, inert, excavated or recovered example.  Introduced in late 1915 / early 1916, the Bombrini-Parodi-Delfino has a thick cast iron unsegmented cylindrical body with large threaded iron cap, fitted with a percussion activated time fuze.  Dark oxidized patina with pitting, some material loss on the thin metal portion of the cap, and it has an old collection identification label written on the side in white lettering, which should be removable with a solvent if you choose, though that may leave a discolored area.

Italian / French WWI Besozzi Grenade, inert.  This is a pre-war Italian grenade that was imported by France at the beginning of the war, then manufactured in France under license after the Italy joined the party in May 1915.  Externally segmented body has threaded plug hole in the base and a hole in the top on the side through which a red phosphorous tipped time match fuze extended.  That has been filed with wax and solder for some reason, fuze is no longer present.

Stick Grenade is 39cm (15-1/4") long, with a 38.5mm (1-33/64") diameter wood shaft and a 43.1mm (1-45/64") x 14cm (5-1/2") segmented iron warhead mounted by nails to the top.  The top of this is threaded for a cap which is no longer present.  Retains traces of original olive finish on the warhead, and a fair amount on the stick.  Our consignor had this labeled as Italian.  I have not been able to confirm that in my references, though I could easily be overlooking it.  The light olive finish is very suggestive of Italian equipment.

$200 - $300

Italian WWI Model 1907 Wooden Canteen

Wooden keg style canteen with iron bands and gray-green canvas and leather strap stained dark from use. Complete with wooden stopper retained by a short cord.  Base has a maker stamp that is no longer legible and carved initials.  

$100 - $150

Russian WWI Saint George Cross IV Class, Photo, & Family Form Letter Lot

These materials were not specifically related to one another, but display nicely together.  Features a Cross of St. George IV Class: a silver Cross Pattée with obverse displaying raised depiction of St. George slaying a dragon, the reverse bearing a central raised disc with Cyrillic characters “СГ” (“SG”) as the saint’s monogram, the three and nine o’clock arms etched with an accountability number of “516062”, the six o’clock arm bearing an inscription of “4 СТЕП” (“4th CLASS”), the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop connecting to a suspension ring with a pentagonal backplate and period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 34.15 mm wide x 40.84 mm high.  Has a dark age-toned patina; ribbon and backer mount are correct but condition would indicate that they are likely replacements to this medal.

Includes a 16.5 cm tall x 10.5cm wide cabinet card image of an Imperial Russian soldier wearing a complex pack arrangement, posing with his Mosin-Nagant rifle with fixed bayonet, and a bayonet scabbard on his belt.  (The use of bayonet scabbards in the Imperial army was not the norm.)  Also includes an illustrated pre-printed form letter home, for the use of illiterate or semi-literate Russian soldiers.

$200 - $300

Turkish WWI Gallipoli Star & (reproduction) Pilot Badge

Lot was displayed with a commercial photo postcard of Oberleutnant Richard Falke, the famed aviator from Flieger-Abteilung 300 wearing his Prussian observer badge, 'Gallipoli Star', and Turkish pilot badge. 

Includes a very nice original example of the Turkish award: presented to German and Turkish troops for gallantry at Gallipoli and other campaigns in the Middle East, commonly referred to as the Eisener Halbmond (Iron Half-Moon) or 'Gallipoli Star'.  German made example; star shaped silver planchet has red enamel over a guilloche background; silvered crescent moon and tughra of Sultan Mehmed Reshad V with date "1333" (1915).  Nice warm patina, and no enamel damage.  Reverse has flat pin attachment, no markings.

The Turkish Pilot badge I believe to be a nice high quality reproduction.  

$100 - $200

Turkish Bayonet Lot: Three Ersatz Bayonets, One Shortened S.98/05 and One M1903 Mauser Bayonet

Includes two shortened ersatz bayonets, one shortened S.98/05, and one rather nice Turkish M1915 ersatz bayonet for M1893 and 1903 rifles.  That example is nicely marked with a star and crescent moon on the crossguard, in it's proper steel scabbard, with both the bayonet scabbard and hilt retaining the same traces of feldgrau painted finish blending with dark patina.  M1903 bayonet has fullered quillback S.98 style blade with star and crescent on the spine, and pommel marked with the Sultan's tughra.  Includes black leather scabbard with steel throat and drag. 

$200 - $300

WWI Allied Medal Lot: Belgium, France, & Italy

Belgian medals include a WWI Victory with heavily worn ribbon, Yser Medal with ribbon, and Yser Medal planchet only without ribbon.  French medals include a WWI Victory Medal with modern replacement ribbon, Croix-de-Guerre with 1914-1918 reverse and palm device symbolizing mention in Army dispatch.  Also includes two WWI Grand Guerre commemorative medals, one with a heavily worn ribbon, and a pair of artillery branch collar tabs for the overcoat, with "219" unit numerals.  Italian medals include a WWI War Merit Cross and two examples of the 1915-1918 War Medal.

$100 - $150

WWI Era Steel Plate With Mounting Brackets

4.04mm (5/32") thick rectangular concave profile steel plate is roughly square - 23mm (9-1/8") tall and wide, with clipped corners at the top, fitted with brown leather billet straps that appear to be set up to pass over the user's shoulders, cross at the back, and are then secured to short buckle straps fitted to either side at the base with roller buckles.  Steel plate retains a portion of black painted finish blending with dark oxidized patina overall.  Interior is fitted with a brown leather cushion.  No visible markings.  It has two rectangular mounting brackets attached to the upper center portion. I did not find this in Bashford Dean's reference.  My initial thought was that it might be Italian.  Our consignor believes it to be a part of French WWI engineering equipment. 

$100 - $200

WWI Private Purchase Body Armor

32.5cm x 30.5cm (13" x 12") concave steel armored plate is profiled to accomodate the wearer's neck, left arm, and firing arm.  This is encased in an ocher brown cotton covering with darker ocher brown web neck and waist straps with "PARIS" marked two-prong vest buckle fittings.

I was unable to identify this specific armor piece in Bashford Dean's Helmets and Body Armor in Modern Warfare, a period study of such equipment, but the originality of the armor itself and its genuine purpose are not in doubt.  However, just a bit of artifact phrenology reveals that the armor plate inside this covering has a pitted texture and some flaking material, which leads me to believe that it is an original armor plate, but the covering and straps are a later restoration.  That said, it displays very well and is a nice piece to illustrate the story of private purchase body armor in the trenches of WWI.  

$100 - $200

WWI Canteen, Mess Gear, & Gas Mask Mixed Lot: Austria-Hungary, Britain, & France

Mixed lot of gear features an Austro-Hungarian Enameled Canteen With Cup & Carrying Harness.  Green enameled iron canteen and cup both have 1917 dated maker stamps, with chips in the enameled finish as is normally the case.  This set is complete with the original stopper, captive end stopper cord, and a brown leather carrying harness with iron adjustment buckle rather than the field gray cloth carrying strap.  Leather strap is very fragile and mostly broken on one side.  This system was abandoned later in the war in favor of carrying the canteen inside a pocket of the breadbag that was sewn exclusively for that purpose.  We seen canteens regularly, we see even see cups on occasion, but finding the whole rig does not happen often.

Far more often (or rather nearly always, in fact) is the very crispy, relic condition of a French ARS Gas Mask.  These rubberized fabric masks just do not survive in anything that resembles pliable condition, and are normally found soldified into the same collapsed and compacted form that they take when stuffed into the carrier.  These are no exception.  The fragile eyepiece lenses have self-destructed as well.  Lot includes two masks, one complete with the metal carrying canister, and the other on the loose.

Lot further includes a tinned iron French M1852 mess kit which has lost most all of its tinned finish and is now oxidized and lightly rusted, complete with lid, as well as one of the interior trays and an extra lid, and a French Issue Cup.

Lastly, the lot includes a British Pattern 1903 Water Bottle in the skeletal brown leather carrier as is commonly associated with mounted troops.  Carrier is unmarked; canteen has BroadArrow and other stenciled markings on the khaki wool covering.

$100 - $200

WWI Canteen Lot: French 1915 Era One Liter Canteen & Canadian Canteen Lot

French WWI 1915 Era One Liter Canteen & Issue Cup: Early war one liter tinned iron canteen has original horizon blue wool cover dating it to the equipment transition era in 1915.  Early in the war, the French Army elected to drop the one-liter canteen in favor of the M1877 two-liter canteen that had previously only been issued to troops in hot climates such as North Africa. The horizon blue wool cover on this one is appropriate for that 1915-1916 transition era.  This example has the original cork stopper, and a dark brown leather sling which shows wear but is pliable, intact and Pecard-free, fitted with a swivel snap attachment on one side.  The horizon blue wool cover shows wear and stains but no mothing.  Includes a nice issue cup.

Canadian pattern watter bottle is complete with its khaki wool felt covering, web sling and harness.  Cover has some areas of mothing.  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."  $200-$250

Imperial Russian Display Headgear Lot

Includes a cossack papakha with diminutive orange and black oval cockade and brass Imperial Russian bicephalic eagle insignia.  White crown has yellow lace trim, sides bounded in black fur; interior has black velvet band and wine red velvet crown and body lining.  It is our assessment that this is more than likely a papakha made as a quality prop for a traditional cossack dance troupe rather than an original Imperial era item.

Second item is an early Soviet era peasant's soft visor cap, of khaki linen, displaying an original Imperial enlisted cockade on the front.  Interior has an unmarked white cotton lining and a very 1930's Soviet faux leather sweatband.  It is interesting as a period civilian hat, and functions well enough as a display analog for the Model 1907 furashka on a mannequin.

$100 - $200