Memorabilia

WWI Sidecap Mixed Lot Including Austrian Cavalry & British Private Purchase Cap

Includes Austrian Cavalry red wool sidecap with "FJI" Franz Joseph cockade on the front.  Cap has several moth bites in the ear cape and along the bottom edge; interior has blue striped white silk lining with several illegible stamped property markings.  

British officer quality private purchase khaki wool twill sidecap has folding ear cape with British general service buttons in the front, fitted with Royal Warwickshire tongue back badge on the side; interior has cream colored silk twill lining.  

Lot further includes two dark blue piped horizon blue wool sidecaps, one of which has an American maker stamp embossed in the (damaged) sweatband, revealing that these are US Forty and Eight (WWI veterans) Society caps.  Also includes a French style olive drab wool sidecap with beige ribbon sweatband. 

$50 - $100

British / Commonwealth WWI Headgear Lot: Four Caps

Includes a Canadian khaki wool Tam O’Shanter, a blue wool Balmoral bonnet with red and white band dicing and a Glasgow maker's label on the black silk interior lining, heavy wear along the bottom edge.  Also includes a green and white diced Glengarry cap with British Army drummer proficiency badge on the side, and a nice khaki wool sidecap with RFC buttons and cap badge on the side.  

$150 - $200

First example has a Royal Scots badge, red, white and blue diced band, nice black silk lining with gold embossed tailor label.  Has wear along the edges and lacks the ribbon tail.  Second has Argyll And Sutherland Highlanders badge, red and white diced band, black silk lining with no visible markings.  The other three examples are khaki wool with drab ribbons, leather edge binding and interior sweatbands.  Two have Toronto 1916 dated maker marks on the black linings; these show signs of having once had badges attached (which are no longer present), but are in overall very nice condition.  The third has a Canadian BroadArrow marking and is a bit rough with some scattered mothing and heavy wear on the ribbon tails.  $150-$200

British WWI Scots Guards Officer's Service Cap

A well-used, worn, and sweat-stained veteran of service, this officer's khaki wool service dress cap has a Scots Guards cap badge and tattered Royal Stewart tartan flashes on the sides just above the side buttons.  Retains the original brown leather chinstrap with general service side buttons.  Interior has just a bit of the original sweatband remaining, quilted crown lining and body of the cap is stained with ground in sweat and grime from active front-line service, with sweat stains bleeding through the front.  No name or initials, but clearly a serious veteran of front-line service!

Formed in the 17th century, the Scots Guards were among Britain’s most distinguished regiments when war broke out in August 1914. As part of the British Expeditionary Force, the 1st and 2nd Battalions fought throughout the Western Front, enduring the early battles of the Marne, Ypres, and Loos. In 1916, they took part in the Somme offensive, followed by the bitter campaigns at Arras and Passchendaele.

The regiment exemplified the discipline and endurance of the Guards Division, earning multiple battle honors and heavy casualties in the process. Their service spanned from the open fighting of 1914 to the static trench warfare that defined the remainder of the conflict. By the Armistice, the Scots Guards had contributed over 10,000 officers and men to the war, leaving a legacy of steadfast courage on the fields of France and Flanders.

$200 - $300

Includes blue wool Balmoral with Highland Light Infantry badge; has black ribbon edge binding and tails; brown polished cotton interior with no visible markings.  Second piece is quite nice - an identified khaki wool Tam O’Shanter which has a 16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish) badge with tartan cloth backing; interior has laundry pen inscription with a soldier's name, service number, and "16th Battalion". Both are in nice condition; normal wear, no readily-apparent mothing.  $200-$300 

The former owner identifies this as either pattern 8706/1916 or 9066/1916, officially prescribed as "Cap, soft, Service Dress, was made of serge with american cloth crown and flannel headband."  This example has a red wool backed King's Royal Rifle Regiment badge on the front, lacks chinstrap and side buttons.  There is some minor damage on the sides where the side buttons would have been located.  Black oilcloth interior has issue stamp and 1916 dated maker stamp.  $200-$250

Pattern 9847 (19-Mar-1918) Cap, soft, Service Dress "Gabardine" Modification of Pattern 9783 - features a cotton lining in lieu of “American Cloth and flannel" prescribed before.  Example has a nice pliable brown leather chinstrap, MG badge on the front, and general service side buttons.  Interior has crown nicely marked with issue stamp and 1918 dated maker stamp.  Very nice example!  $200 - $300

Drab khaki wool serge Pattern 1905 (6281) service dress cap has Royal Artillery badge and the brown leather chinstrap pattern that Joe Sweeny identifies as a post-1908 feature.  Sides have general service buttons.  Interior has an oilcloth painted fabric sweatband, 1906 dated issue stamp, nice 1906 dated maker's paper label in the crown, and the crown is also painted with a soldier's number and "R.G.A."  The number identifies the former owner as Gunner J.G. Titmarsh who served with the Royal Guard Artillery in 1909.  Light wear, no readily apparent mothing.  $200-$250

The former owner identifies this as "9783/1917, Cap, soft, Service Dress alternate pattern, all American cloth liner headband".  This example has adjustable brown leather chinstrap with British general service buttons.  Shows signs that a cap badge was once installed (no longer present). There is some minor surface wear or tracking.  Black oilcloth interior has 1917 dated maker stamp.  $200-$250

Three examples.  First is in very nice overall condition has East Lancashire Regiment side buttons, a nice brown leather chinstrap, and an issue stamp in the crown that appears to date 1918.  No mothing, and no sign that a badge was ever applied.  Second in good overall condition has just a few moth bites and faint markings on the black crown lining, lacks chinstrap and side buttons.  The third is a bit rougher with scattered light mothing, shows evidence of a badge that is no longer there, and has some damage to the leather underside of the cloth-covered visor.  Chinstrap has Canadian side buttons; interior has a nice clear 1916 dated issue stamp, and the interior of the sweatband has a soldier's initials and service number.  $250-$350

Although officially referred to as the "Cap, Winter, SD", this cap was universally known as the "Gor Blimey" by the soldiers who wore it. Made of khaki wool serge with a soft cloth covered visor, the cap has a distinct folding neck cape with multiple rows of stitched reinforcement. An integral adjustable strap with 1" standing loops crosses over the top of the cap and allows the cape to be secured upright, or it can be let down and used as a chinstrap when the cape covers the ears and neck. There are two japanned iron hooks on the sides of the band. One theory claims that a chin strap was intended to be attached to these but that opinion is not documented and their true purpose remains speculative. Obverse has Royal East Kent Regiment badge. Lined in blue-gray shirting flannel, the crown is padded and quilted in a spiraling pattern. No markings are visible. There is some moderate moth damage on the crown.  Issue of the Gor Blimey began in the winter of 1914 and continued until the fall of 1916 when it was abolished to make way for the general issue of the steel helmet. During its service life it was only issued to front line troops making this, truly, a fighting man's cap. Arguably the most sought-after item of WWI Commonwealth headgear.  $2000 - $2500

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

Gray shirt flannel gas hood has a single rectangular window with an amber isinglass lens.  Example is complete with the correct original rubberized fabric carrying satchel, which is faintly inscribed with a service number.  No markings are observed on the smoke helmet.  The helmet, isinglass, and carrier have some spots of discoloration but overall remain in excellent condition.  

The idea for the hypo helmet was (according to legend) suggested by a Canadian NCO.  Communicated to England on May 10, 1915, a prototype was produced that same day.  Being relatively quick and easy to produce, these were officially introduced for issue to the BEF in June 1915.  The helmet was impregnated with Hyposulphite chemicals and moistened, which neutralized the chemical agents in use at the time, and allowed the soldier wearing it to breath with relative ease.  The primary shortcoming of the early Hypo helmet was the fragile nature of the isinglass (mica) window which had to always be carefully considered when folding and handling the helmet.  $2000 - $2500

Gray shirt flannel gas hood has a pair of screw-in metal bezel eye pieces with glass lenses.  Example is complete with the correct original rubberized fabric carrying satchel, which is faintly inscribed with a service number on the reverse.  No markings are observed on the helmet.  The helmet and carrier have some spots of discoloration, the eye bezels have a dark oxidized patina, and there are rust stain outlines of the eye lens bezels where it was once stored folded and the oxidation from the bezels has stained the fabric around them.  

The idea for the hypo helmet was (according to legend) suggested by a Canadian NCO.  Communicated to England on May 10, 1915, a prototype was produced that same day.  Being relatively quick and easy to produce, these were officially introduced for issue to the BEF in June 1915.  The helmet was impregnated with Hyposulphite chemicals and moistened, which neutralized the chemical agents in use at the time, and allowed the soldier wearing it to breath with relative ease.  The primary shortcoming of the early Hypo helmet was the fragile nature of the isinglass (mica) window which had to always be carefully considered when folding and handling the helmet.  This final pattern was a significant improvement, which remained the primary issue gas defense until the new P helmets were introduced in September 1915, and then as a backup until sufficient quantities of the P helmets made it to the front lines.  $2000 - $2500

The P or Tube helmet is of gray flannelette with a blue and white striped flannel pajama material interior lining, fitted with screw-in metal bezel and glass eye pieces as was used for the second pattern Hypo helmet.  A metal tube exhalation valve is attached with a rubber tube valve on the interior of the helmet, and the helmet is stenciled at the base "P".  The tube valve fitting has oxidized and partially separated from the flannel along a portion of its circumference but remains securely in place.  Lacks the rubber exhalation valve; the rubber portion on the interior is surprisingly good.  Exterior has stains and discolorations but remains in very good overall condition.  Includes the correct carrying satchel and liner.  Satchel lacks one closure button.

The P or Tube helmets were introduced in September 1915, and featured improvements on the earlier Hypo helmets.  The two layers of flannelette exhibited an increased absorption of the chemicals used to neutralize the gas agents.  The P designation denotes the use of sodium phenolate and glycerin which neutralized the chlorine gas then in use, as well as phosgene that the British (correctly) anticipated was soon to be added to the German gas arsenal.  $2000 - $3000

The PH helmet is of gray flannelette with gray flannel interior lining, fitted with screw-in metal bezel and glass eye pieces as was used for the second pattern Hypo helmet.  A metal tube exhalation valve is attached with a rubber tube valve on the interior of the helmet, and the helmet is stenciled at the base "PH 27" and marked in several places with a maker stamp "L.LOTTERY & CO."  The tube valve fitting has the rubber exhalation valve, though it is rigid and fragile; lacks the rubber portion on the interior.  Exterior has stains and discolorations.  The eye pieces have rusted and suffered significant material loss from that oxidation, and the surrounding fabric is heavily stained here it wasfolded over the rusting eye pieces.  Lacks satchel.

The PH helmet is outwardly similar to the P helmet, but with the addition of hexamine to the phenolate and glycerin solution, yielding greater resistance to phosgene gas and some limited protection against hydrocyanic acid.  The PH superseded the P helmet in early 1916 and remained in use until replaced by the small box respirator later that same year.  $1500 - $2000

The PH helmet is of gray flannelette with a lavender and white striped flannel pajama material interior lining, fitted with screw-in metal bezel and glass eye pieces as was used for the second pattern Hypo helmet.  A metal tube exhalation valve is attached with a rubber tube valve on the interior of the helmet, and the helmet is stenciled at the base "PH 65" on the interior.  The tube valve fitting has the rubber exhalation valve; lacks the rubber portion on the interior.  Exterior has stains and discolorations.  The eye pieces have rusted and suffered some material loss from that oxidation, and the surrounding fabric shows stains where it was once folded over the rusting eye pieces.  Includes the correct carrying satchel and liner.

The PH helmet is outwardly similar to the P helmet, but with the addition of hexamine to the phenolate and glycerin solution, yielding greater resistance to phosgene gas and some limited protection against hydrocyanic acid.  The PH superseded the P helmet in early 1916 and remained in use until replaced by the small box respirator later that same year.  $2000 - $2500

The Phenate-Hexamine Goggle (PHG) helmet is of gray flannelette with a blue twill flannel pajama material interior lining, fitted with fixed goggles with screw-in metal bezel and glass eye pieces, and a black elastic strap headband that encircles the crown.  The goggles have red sponge rubber interior seals.  The metal tube exhalation valve lacks the exterior rubber flutter valve, though the interior rubber portion survives.  Helmet is stenciled at the base "PHG 42".  This example has the rubber exhalation valve; lacks the rubber portion on the interior. Exterior has extensive stains and discolorations.  Lacks satchel, but does include a non-lined white cotton carry pocket.

The PH helmet is outwardly similar to the P helmet, but with the addition of hexamine to the phenolate and glycerin solution, yielding greater resistance to phosgene gas and some limited protection against hydrocyanic acid.  The PHG was a variant of the PH helmet developed specifically for artillery crews, incorporating sponge rubber goggles to protect gunners from becoming combat ineffective due to the effects of tear gas shells.  These were issued from January 1916 until replaced by the small box respirator which was introduced in August 1916 and became standard issue by January 1917.  $2500-$3000

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

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 blued finish.  The white metal example has 52cm quadrilateral bladeblade finished bright; has pitting on the top of the muzzle ring.  Both complete with scabbards.

M1892 bayonet for the Mannlicher Berthier rifle; second pattern with the elongated muzzle ring, and wood scale grips.  Has blade which is fullered both on the sides and for a distance from the tip on the spine - in excellent condition, finished bright; ricasso is marked with inspector stamps.  Hilt has dark patina on the metal components, has hook quillon and two piece wood grips attached with slotted screw bolts.  Includes scabbard.

$200 - $300

18" overall, turned wood club has lead weighted striking end fitted with hobnails.  Handle end is fitted with a cloth lanyard.  The shaft has a British BroadArrow stamp near the hobnails on one side.  $300 - $500

The most well-liked and recognized of a series of daggers produced during the Great War by Robbins & Company, these were not issue items, but available for private purchase by soldiers serving at the front.  In the very personal, close quarters combat that characterized trench raids and other small unit actions on the Western Front, trench clubs, pistols, grenades, and close combat knives were particularly useful armaments.  The push or punch dagger by Robbins features a heavy cast alloy ergonomic pistol-style grip with a steel knuckle guard and a 4" double-sided blade with two small fullers.  The maker name was stamped into the base of the grip.  It has almost entirely worn to invisibility on this example, but you can still make out the first letter "R".  Example includes the very tattered remains of a scabbard.  $300 - $500

British WWI Robbins & Company of Dudley 3 Finger Knuckle Knife

This Robbins & Company fighting knife is one of the less often encountered variants, though no Robbins & Company knives could be accurately described as common. 8-7/8" in overall, with a 5-1/8" dagger blade. The blade is 7/8" wide at the base and tapers rapidly to a sharp double-edged dagger point. A pair of narrow fullers extend from the base, converging about 1" from the tip. The blade is cast directly into the aluminum hilt, which is contoured to fit the hand and has 4 finger grooves cast into it as well. A contoured steel knuckle guard is also cast into the hilt to protect the first 3 fingers of the hand holding the knife. The base of the aluminum hilt is cast wider than the balance of the hilt and is completely flat. Though marred and defaced from numerous impacts, the markings here remain legible: "ROBBINS / DUDLEY". Blade has light patina and age toning with some minor age discoloration and light surface oxidation, nothing significant or detrimental to display. The aluminum hilt has an even pewter gray color. Includes brown leather scabbard which remains in good pliable condition.  

$600 - $800

British M1912 Webley & Scott .455 Semi-Automatic Pistol

NRA good, with areas of light rust and pitting, ~50% blued finish blended with oxidized patina.  Left side of the slide is marked "WEBLEY & SCOTT LTD. / PISTOL SELF-LOADING 455 MARK I / 1913".  Top of the frame and chamber has inspector proofs.  Side of the frame has serial number "98406".  As appropriate for the Mark I, this has fixed sights.  Though the exterior has age blemishes, the internal mechanics are fine, with a nice crisp bore and tight action.  Includes a single magazine.  Brown plastic grips show wear but are intact.  The pistol is often referred to by collectors as the Model 1913 because the date is included in the marking, but the company labels it "Webley & Scott .455 High Velocity Automatic Pistol, Naval and Military Model" in their 1921 catalog. 

The pistol was the first automatic pistol in British military service, adopted by the Royal Navy in February 1912, though production did not begin in earnest until 1913.  The first 20 examples were delivered in April 1913, with another 60 in May.  Navy contract pistols were marked with an upper case "N" after "MARK I" on the slide, whereas those produced for commercial sale were not.  According to one author, commercial production ran from 1913 until the opening shots of the Great War shuttered commercial production which did not resume until May 1919.  In the end, the Navy purchased 7530, while a total of 1260 were sold commercially.  The markings on this example identify it as one of the 426 pistols made for the commercial market in 1913.

$600 - $800

British WWI Lewis Light Machine Gun: Original Parts on a Non-Gun Receiver

Original Model 1914 Lewis light machine gun parts (non-matching) including an obstructed barrel on a solid aluminum billet non-gun 'dummy' receiver with an original pan magazine; a very impressive display and perfect for collectors who live where posession of a registered live gun is legally possible, or who simply don't have tens of thousands of dollars wandering aimlessly about in their bank accounts!  Very nice example with legible markings, and more importantly the thin aluminum catch on the receiver is perfectly intact.  (Of the run of aluminum receiver Lewis guns out there on the market, the catch seems to be broken more often than not.)

The Lewis M1914 light machine gun was one of the most recognizable automatic weapons of the First World War, widely used by British and Commonwealth infantry units. Designed by American engineer Isaac Newton Lewis and manufactured primarily in Britain, it featured a distinctive top-mounted pan magazine and air-cooling shroud that made it both portable and reliable under battlefield conditions. Capable of sustained fire while remaining light enough for a single gunner to carry, the Lewis Gun revolutionized infantry tactics by providing mobile automatic firepower at the squad level. Its effectiveness in trench assaults and defensive positions made it a defining weapon of the modern battlefield.

$1000 - $1500