Canadian 23rd Reserve Battalion Soldier's Extensive Uniform Group

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