Memorabilia

British WWI 18-Pounder Artillery Shell (inert) with Wicker Carrier

23-1/2" tall wood and leather reinforced wicker carrier for 18 pounder ammunition, contains an inert 18 pounder artillery shell (inert) with safety cap over the primer. 

$100 - $200

INERT.  Lot includes No. 5 MK I Mills Bomb with cup type launcher disc which is dated November 1917.  Also includes a dummy casting Mills Bomb cast with "RIVERBANK" where the lever would normally be, also stamped information "LIEUT. C.L. LEEPER / ORD. DEPT. / U.S. ARMY".  $150 - $200

British WWI Inert Grenades: Battye Bomb, No. 15 'Cricket Ball' Grenade, & No. 34 'Testicle' Grenade

The Battye bomb was an interim weapon manufactured in the town of Bethune, France, in 1915 for the British Army, based on the design of Captain B.C. Battye of the Royal Engineers. These grenades consist of a segmented roughly cast iron cylinder sealed with a wooden plug, and fitted with variety of fuzes.  This example has a simple wood plug and cloth fuze installed (supported by pasteboard on the interior, as the interior is happily empty).  Exterior has yellow paint with a red stripe.  No. 15 ball grenade or 'cricket ball' grenade is a 3" diameter iron sphere with a threaded plug and time fuze.  Example has dark patina and a display analog installed to represent the fuze.  No. 34 Mk III 'testicle' grenade was introduced in 1917 to rival the lightweight German 'Eierhandgranate.' Body is in good condition but with a red stripe near the top and dark patina on the remainder.  Has brass fuze assembly with a replacement pull ring safety, brass plug on the side.  Markings include designation "No. 34 III", maker "FB" and date "1917" on the plug.  

$200 - $300

Lot of Three Inert WWI French Grenades: Mle. 1914 Spherical, Besozzi, & Mle. 1915 F1

Early War Mle. 1914 Spherical Grenade is a 3-1/8" diameter smooth, spherical cast iron body and threaded bronze fuse assembly complete with friction wire ring, even complete with the wooden plug that protects the fuse device.  This grenade was the first to utilize a metal, screw-in fuse for water resistance and was thrown with the aid of sling, a method that proved difficult in narrow trenches during WWI.  The French / Italian Besozzi Grenade 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 through which a red phosphorous tipped time match fuze extended.   End of the fuze is still present, which is normally not the case for these.  Has dull black painted finish which if not original is at least old in appearance.  A design that like the war itself was a collision of new, forward thinking design (externally-segmented iron grenade) and the archaic (time match fuze that was lit via a handheld striker box).  Model 1915 F1 Grenade has segmented cast iron body and is complete with Mle. 1916 Billant automatic plug Igniter with safety pin and ring. Body retains horizon blue paint in the segmentation recesses, dark patina on the remainder. Fuze has a dummy (solid) copper ignitor inserted in the fuze for display purposes.

$300 - $400

WWI British & French (inert) Grenade Lot: Featuring Cut-Away Mills Bomb

Lot features a very nice training cut-away Mills Bomb with base plug marked "No. 5 MkI" and dated "12/15".  Also includes a nice example of the Battye bomb; an interim weapon manufactured in the town of Bethune, France, in 1915 for the British Army, based on the design of Captain B.C. Battye of the Royal Engineers. These grenades consist of a segmented roughly cast iron cylinder sealed with a wooden plug, and fitted with variety of fuzes.  This example is one of the few that we have had that is not a ground dug recovery - has nice even dark patina, top is open with no plug or fuze installed.   Early War French Mle. 1914 Spherical Grenade is a 3-1/8" diameter smooth, spherical cast iron body and threaded bronze fuse assembly complete with friction wire ring, even complete with the wooden plug that protects the fuse device.  This grenade was the first to utilize a metal, screw-in fuse for water resistance and was thrown with the aid of sling, a method that proved difficult in narrow trenches during WWI. British No. 34 Mk III 'testicle' grenade was introduced in 1917 to rival the lightweight German 'Eierhandgranate.' This example appears to be a heavily restored ground dug example with a now-smooth black finish over filler.  Has brass fuze assembly, no visible markings.  

Lot further includes a relic condition British No. 24 Mk I rifle grenade, a No. 23 Mk II Mills Bomb with a portion of a rifle rod attached to the base plug, and the body portion of a French Brandt 60mm modèle 1915 pneumatic mortar projectile, lacking fuze and tail assembly.

$250 - $350

British WWI 'Toffee Apple' Trench Mortar Round

This is the infamous 'Toffee Apple' or 'Plum Pudding' mortar bomb, one of the iconic weapons of c.1915-1916 trench warfare.  Inert 9" diameter round steel warhead is complete with the launching rod.  Top of the warhead has raised embossed inscription " 2" TRENCH HOW'R".  The launching rod is attached with a glaringly bright, modern screw (easily sorted by digging through those dusty mason jars of old fittings you have been saving in the garage for just such an opportunity!).  These were originally equipped with a standard artillery fuze, and later with threaded housing for an impact fuze which improved the bomb's effectiveness when used to clear barbed wire entanglements in preparation for an assault.  This example has the soft metal shipping / fill plug in place.  They were dispatched to the front lines with the projectile, fuzes, propellant, and launching rod as separate components, to be assembled just prior to use.

Numerous WWI personal accounts mention these projectiles specifically, especially those written by the troops on the receiving end who despised them.  Ernst Jünger called them "...personally malignant.  They're insidious beasts." in his classic account of WWI trench warfare Storm of Steel.  In his 1931 work Up to Mametz and Beyond, Captain Llewelyn Wyn Griffith of the 15th Royal Welch Fusiliers describes a barrage of 2-inch mortars: "A pop, and then a black ball went soaring up, spinning round as it went through the air slowly; more pops and more queer birds against the sky. A stutter of terrific detonations seems to shake the air and the ground, sandbags and bits of timber sailed up slowly and then fell in a calm deliberate way. In the silence that followed the explosions, an angry voice called out in English across No Man’s Land, ‘YOU BLOODY WELSH MURDERERS.’"  They were not much liked by either side, as it turns out. 

The artillery-fuzed mortar bomb produced numerous complaints when it was discovered that it burrowed into the soft mud and then exploded, creating a huge crater which was filled with the barbed wire entanglement that had been previously on the surface.  This created a much more formidable obstacle for the advancing infantry than what was there before. One reference notes a few further features that annoyed those on the sending part of the equation: the shorter-range shots were dangerous due to a tendency to fall short, it was imprecise, and often the explosion sent the rather heavy and thus kinetically deadly launching rod sailing back toward the trench from whence it came.  All of these complaints led to its replacement in 1917 by the Newton 6-in Medium Mortar.

As Advance Guard Militaria we had a few of these that came to us in the purchase of the Oorlogsmuseum Dadizele back in 1999 / 2000, but since that time I could count on one hand the number that that I have observed in collections or at shows here in the US.  An iconic and very interesting artifact from the war in the trenches!

$500 - $700

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 WWI / WWII MK VII Ground Sheet

Original example in excellent pliable condition, has inscription with a soldier's number, name, and designation "18 B / HUT.436" on the interior, otherwise unmarked.  The narrow folded edge at the base would tend to indicate that this is an early WWII example, but my (limited) attempts to verify that by running the service number did not yield results.  The inscription should be researchable should the next owner wish to invest the time and effort.  Regardless, original examples in such good condition are rather scarce, and it would work well in either a WWI or WWII BEF display. 

$150 - $250

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

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

WWI Princess Mary Gift Box, Trench Art Lighters & Match Safe Lot

Includes an (empty) Princess Mary gift box, two nice trench art lighters, two match safes, a trench art cigar case with a US Infantry machine gun company collar disc, a wood trench art box inscribed "K. Stoiber / 1914-18 / Ingolstadt", and a napkin ring with "GOTT MIT UNS" roundel.  

$100 - $150

British & Canadian WWI Mixed Lot: Flying Goggles, Remembrance Art, & Canadian 22nd Battalion Badge

Lot features a British khaki wool sidecap with buttoning neck cape that has some wear and mothing, but displays a nice example of the Canadian 22nd Infantry Battalion badge.  Interior has a name inscription.  Flying goggles are a rectangular leather mask with chenille-lined, spring-loaded goggles, of which one laminated lens remains (cloudy as is often the case), and the other is missing, as are the twill tape ties.  Also includes a RFC "Royal Flying Corps" embroidered souvenir.  A tin metal art partriotic mourning door badge is 31.5cm (12-5/8") tall x 17cm (6-5/8") wide, with wreathed Union flag over plaque with red ribbon tails.  Plaque is somewhat difficult to read, but you can make out "Mort (for) France".  

Raised in Quebec and mobilized at St. Jean under General Order 36 of March 15, 1915, the 22nd Battalion embarked for overseas service on May 20, 1915, under Lieutenant‑Colonel F. M. Gaudet, with a strength of 36 officers and 1,097 other ranks. The unit served in France and Belgium as part of the 5th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division.

Formed in response to widespread demand for a French‑Canadian fighting unit, the 22nd was the only francophone infantry battalion to see active service with the Canadian Corps during the First World War. It entered the front lines in Belgium in September 1915 and was disbanded in 1920.

$100 - $200

Belgian WWI Adrian Helmet

French made Model 1915 Adrian steel helmet retains 80% khaki painted finish with dark patina visible in the worn areas.  Obverse has Belgian lion's head badge.  Interior has a black leather second pattern liner and adjustable brown leather chinstrap.  White initials "S.L." are painted on the interior of the crown. 

$150-$200

Belgian WWI Headgear Lot: 2nd Division Infantryman's Visor Cap & Medical Soldier's Sidecap

Includes a Belgian Medical Service sidecap with bullion tassel; interior has quilted khaki lining with buttons for an internally mounted chinstrap (which is no longer present.)  Shows light service soil and wear, just a pinhole or two on the exterior, quite nice overall. 

Belgian WWI second division infantryman's visor cap is of olive drab wool twill with a reinforced cloth-covered visor, obverse with an enameled Belgian red, yellow, and black cockade, a silver Roman numeral "II" insignia, and dark blue soutache piping, complete with matching cloth chinstrap secured by tan composition side buttons.  Interior has painted fabric sweatband, gold silk twill lining printed with "G. LEHOUK" maker's logo with French address, and "YSER / 1914 - 1915 - 1916 - 1917 - 19_".  Shows normal light wear with a few small holes, but great condition overall.  Blue piping would also be appropriate for Infantry or Army Administration, with the difference between the two options only being the patch and piping combination on the soldier's uniform collar.  $400 - $500

Belgian WWI Trench Combat Training Knife

A duplication of the Belgian M1889 (1915) trench close combat knife, except made with spring-loaded telescoping rod rather than a blade, with a medium density round rubber contact tip.  Gray metal guard retain traces of black painted finish.   You can definitely see that the Belgians were training exclusively for the stabbing attack.  A very interesting contextual item to add to a trench knife display.  

$100 - $150