Memorabilia

Issue pair, a simplified version of the Pattern 1915, with eyelets and speed lacers, terminating in a single strap and billet closure aound the top.  This example has one missing and several broken speedlacer fittings, soles with hobnails, heel rims, and toe plates.  A toe plate is loose and hanging on by a single nail on the right side boot.  Leather shows wear and age but remains in good displayable condition.  Interior has "1917" dated marking on the sole.  $200-$300

Single example (left) boot has a distinctive smooth leather toe cap over rough-out brown leather with sewn construction and riveted at the vamp, with punched BroadArrow marking on the upper side and size markings on the tongue.  Sole has size marking, with hobnails, heel rim, and toe plate.  Brass eyelets have a hint of verdigris that will need to be periodically addressed, complete with an original leather thong lace.  Though a single, an excellent example of this scarce boot in fine condition.

Pattern 9902/1918, 8 May 1918, saw the introduction of “Boots ankle, clump sole with toe case”. This boot was introduced for troops in Italy and per a conference in France in July 1918 was intended to be issued in France as well.  $500-$700

These British B5 boots are both of black leather with BroadArrow pierced markings on the upper sides, each features seven pairs of eyelets, and are fitted with leather thong laces.  Stitching is weak and has given way on the pull tab on the right boot. They show similar wear, right down to the matched overpronation wear to the inside portion of the toe caps on each boot.  However, they are two distinctly different examples; the right with iron rivets and brass eyelets, and the left with black Japanned rivets and eyelets.  The left also appears to be a half size smaller.  Given the uniform wear pattern, these could very easily be a set of B5 boots that served the same soldier, as many of us have feet that are slightly different sizes, though rarely enough to bother with procuring footwear to exactly shoe each of Shank's ponies.  Regardless, they are each good examples of the scarce B5 trench boot, and would absolutely display as a pair.  $1000-$1500

A matched pair of brown rough-out leather issue shoes have pierced BroadArrow marking on the sides and pierced markings on the tongue, illegible markings on the sole.  'Billed' sole has hobnails, toe and heel plates.  These show wear and soil but remain in very good overall condition.  As they were originally constructed of heavily oiled leather, they require some maintenance - specifically, the periodic need to address minor verdigris buildup around the eyelets.  Lacks only laces.  Originals are quite scarce, and originals in good displayable condition as these are are doubly so.

The British Army officially approved and began issuing the B5 pattern boots in May 1915. These boots were created in response to wartime requirements for more rapid and efficient production, featuring plain brown leather and riveted construction to conserve materials. The B5 boots then became the standard issue footwear for British and Commonwealth troops, seeing widespread use through 1916 to the end the conflict.  $1500-$2000

Brown pebblegrain leather with seven pairs of eyelets, markings on the sole though they are illegible, and BroadArrow markings on the tongue.  These conform to the official pattern, but are likely a commercially produced pair, with the later style triple sole fitted with hobnails.  These also have toe plates and heel rims.  Leather remains in excellent condition, lacks laces.

The B2 was introduced in 1913 and was produced through mid-1916 concurrent with the B5 that was introduced in 1915.  Due to wartime shortages, both brown and black leather was used.  $1500-$2000

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

WWI Good Luck Charm "FUMSUP"

The Fumsup (a Cockney play on the phrase "thumbs up") figure was a small brass, silver, or celluloid charm depicting a cherubic figure with raised thumbs and a movable head. The “Fumsup” talisman was a popular token of affection during the early months of the First World War, exchanged between sweethearts as a symbol of good fortune and safe return. Its upturned thumbs and wooden head—meant to be stroked for luck “to touch wood”—combined traditional gestures of positivity with superstition. Carried by many soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force, the charm embodied the sentimental hopes and private rituals that accompanied men to the front.

1" tall good luck charm has wood head and articulated arms, with suspension ring at the top.  Silver colored metal with "FUMSUP" on the front and "636612" on the back.  "Fumsup" charm is a small figure with a body made of metal and a head made of wood. The arms are movable so as to be positioned to give a "thumbs up," and the wooden head is included to allow the wearer to "touch wood" for extra luck. The number "636612" is a British Registered Design number. When stamped on the charm, it identifies the piece as being manufactured in 1914, the first year of the Great War.  

Lot includes a single playing card with elaborate back depicting numerous good luck symbols of the period (the swastika was still in this category at the time, prior to its adoption by the Third Reich several decades later.)  The 'Fumsup' character is central in this design.

$50 - $100