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' BRITISH PERSONAL ITEMS ' Category Please remember their is a BRITISH PERSONAL ITEMS section on the website for items of small kit used by the British soldier , sailor or airman. I will be updating this section over the next few weeks with regard to a collection of such items recently acquired.
Next update this coming Sunday 24th June 2007
Current updates ongoing as much new stock coming in, please keep checking back for new items.
****GERMAN UPDATE UNDER HERE ****
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War & Peace Show !! War & Peace show Row A76-78 ( Along the rear hedge line) ..Come & see us ! Random updating ongoing at our sister website - Bridgehead Militaria
'Final Victory' Michael Turner Print, Signed by Spitfire Pilot Flying Officer Town Superb limited edition print of the last engagement of Spitfire TB 752 which is now housed in the Spitfire Memorial museum at RAF Manston. By famous aviation artist Michael Turner, the print depicts its fourth & final victory against a Heinkel HE 111 on the 3rd May 1945 whilst flown by Flying Officer Frederick W.Town of 403 Squadron R.C.A.F whose signature is also on the print. A certificate of authenticity dated June 1985 from RAF Manston & signed by its then Officer Commanding Wing Commander Ward is also present which confirms that this is number 783 of 850 copies which were commissioned to record the 40th anniversary of Spitfire TB752's last operational flight in World War II. Historic piece of signed WW2 Aviation memorabilia. ***Please call to discuss delivery options or collection by arrangement*******
'Lancaster VC' Print , Signed by Two RAF VC Winners This superb limited edition print by the famous combat aviation artist Robert Taylor entitled 'The Lancaster VC's' depicts two Avro Lancaster bombers heading out towards Germany & is a tribute to all the brave aircrew members who flew with Lancasters & RAF Bomber Command during World War Two. The print is individually signed by the artist & also two Victoria Cross winners Flight Lieutenant William 'Bill' Reid VC 61 Squadron, RAFVR & Sergeant Norman Jackson VC 106 Squadron RAFVR. Bill Reid received his VC on the night of the 3rd November 1943 folowing a mission to attack Dusseldorf. On the way to the target his plane was strafed by a Messerchmitt 110 & the pilots windscreen shattered. During the fight Flight Lieutenant Reid was wounded in the head,shoulders & hands although remarkably he continued on for another 200 miles to deliver his bomb load. With his navigator killed & his wireless operator fatally wounded he dropped his bombs on the target & in his crippled & defenceless plane managed to get back across the North Sea & to an airfield where he was able to land. Norman Jackson was a flight engineer in a Lancaster bomber on his way to attack Schweinfurt on the night of 26th April 1944 when after succesfully having dropped their bombs they were attacked by a fighter at about 20,000 feet which started a fire near a petrol tank on the upper surface of the starboard wing between the fuselage & the inner engine. Receiving wounds from shell splinters in the right leg & shoulder Sgt Jackson tucked a fire extinguisher into his jacket & put on a parachute pack before climbing out onto the Starboard wing to tackle the blaze. Clinging on for his life the extinguisher was blown away causing Sgt Jackson severe burns as the fire spread. Unable to hold on any longer he was swept through the flames with his burning & only partially inflated parachute flailing behind him. As the Captain gave the order for everyone to bail out Sgt Jackson was descending heavily to the ground resulting in a broken ankle. He somehow managed to crawl to a nearby village where he was taken prisoner spending the next 10 months in a hospital needing extensive treatment for the severe burns to his hands. Four of the other crew members survived, the Captain & the rear gunner were killed in the crash. This superb print is a moment captured in time & a fitting tribute to those such men. **Please contact to discuss postal options***
1936 HMSO 'Textbook of Ammunition' This highly sought after 1936 HMSO manual 'Textbook of Ammunition' was & still is one of the bibles of the day on ammunition of the era with 322 pages of information , illustrations, diagrams & pull out colour plates covering the vast & popular subject of British ordnance. Twelve chapters each with numerous sub headings go into detail on subjects such as Explosives used in the Production of Ammunition, Cartridges, Tubes, Primers, Projectiles (I.e, Types;Design of; Length;Driving Bands ect) , Armour Piercing, H.E, Shrapnel Shells, Star Shells, Mortar ammunition, Fuzes & Gains, Markings of, Small Arms ammunition (I.e, .303 ball;.303 Armour Piercing;.303 tracer;.303 observation;.303 blank;.455 revolver & varieties etc), Grenades (I.e, Hand;Rifle; Signal; Markings of etc) Demolition & Blasting Explosives, Detonators etc etc to name but a few of the subjects covered. If you are interested in British ordnance then this pre WW2 manual is for you. An extremely sought after manual by ordnance collectors today.
1982 Falklands War Argentinian Camouflage Helmet With Rare Helmet Rank Marking A fantastic British Special forces souvenir Argentinian camouflage helmet most likely from a senior ranked soldier of the 25th \' Special\' Infantry regiment (RI25). This well blooded unit is known to have used a high quantity of ex American US woodland camouflage Mitchell covers purchased from an army surplus store called \'Charlies Surplus\' back in their home garrison town as is seen here. It is worthy of note that upon learning of there imminent deployment to the Falklands the Commanding officer Seineldin bestowed the title \'Special\' onto what was before just the 25th Infantry Regiment. Most of the officers & NCOs were , at that point, commandos & paratroopers who then whipped the young conscripts into battle readiness via a short but tough commando course. Many of these highly trained senior ranks would have had para liners due to there \'Special forces\' role & so with this considered it is well within the balance of probability that the taped markings to the rear of the helmet denote a senior ranking member of the unit such as a 2nd In Command etc. It is known that elements of this unit attacked SAS positions during the Falklands & so with knowledge of the SAS source from whom the helmet came from here I am quite confident of its heavy combat involvement in the campaign . There are the faint traces of a name to the headband with very heavy wear throughout & the effects of prolonged shed storage on the surface of the cover. I have made no attempt to clean it & offer it as it came to me , untouched & grimy !
1982 Falklands War Argentinian Helmet With Green Camouflage Cover A classic Falklands war used Argentinian army helmet which was brought back from the Islands as a souvenir after the campaign. This helmet is typical of the many seen in period photographs being worn by the Argentinian conscripts with `1967 regulation jacket hoods used as camouflage covers as seen here. Their is extensive weathering , grime & wear to its exterior. Helmet shell is asn Argentinian made example with the distinct shallow placed swivel chinstrap bales. Bothe sides of the chinstrap are present . To the bowl of the helmet is a handpainted number '1' with the initials 'Cdo' which is commonly found on Argentinian helemts of the Falklands period. Helmet liner shows heavy wear as with most of these combat helmets. A textbook one look Argentinian camouflage helmet that has come straight from the battlefield.
1982 Falklands War Argentinian Infantry Helmet If you are looking for one iconic example of an Argentinian infantry helmet this superb \' been in the thick of it \' recently acquired example may be for you. Typical of the conscripts of the Argentinian Infantry regiments the green hood from the winter parka has been fitted around the shell with rubber inner tube used as a securing band. Totally original to the helmet this has always been in place & shows an unweathered freshness of colour to the unexposed areas underneath the rubber band. Helmet shell is an American made example , surplus stocks of US M1 shells were used, as well as their own in roughly equal quantities ( Around 50%) . Webbing straps very typically showing heavy wear with hook end minus. Helmet liner shows typical Argentinian features to the liner with ad hoc rivet placement from Argentinian depot refurbishment. A classic one look Argentinian camouflage helmet that has come straight from the battlefield of the Falklands Islands.
1982 Falklands War Argentinian Marine Infantry Helmet A battlefield recovered Argentinian Marine infantry helmet with camouflage cover , original rubber band & Goggles. This iconic helmet has the camouflage cover which was specific issue to Marine infantry. Lifting of the rubber band displays the discolouration to the fabric caused by continual wear & weathering. The helmet shell is an ex American M1 helmet as denoted by its high chinstrap bales , old stocks of these purchased from the USA & Argentinian produced helmet shells were both used by Argentinian forces in the Falklands. The chinstrap secured by a rivet at each end is very typical of Argentinian refurbished helmets. Goggles are ex American stocks with 1974 date. The Argentinian reworked liner is well worn with rust to some internal parts as is the case with most genuine Falklands campaign used helmets. A handwritten owners name is visible to the canvas webbing , this i have obscured in the photos & will be for the eyes of the purchaser only. A very interesting battlefield worn Argentinian combat helmet these being very difficult to find now.
1982 Falklands War Argentinian Named Battle For Goose Green Helmet (R.I.12) A classic Falklands war used Argentinian army helmet which was brought back from the Islands as a souvenir after the campaign. This helmet is named to a soldier \'ALAMAN\' from Infantry regiment 12 ( RI12) who fought at Goose Green & Darwin losing 35 killed & 72 wounded. This helmet is typical of the many seen in period photographs being worn by the Argentinian conscripts with winter parka hoods as camouflage covers as seen here. The \' Ejercito Argentina \' clothing label on the hood can be seen to the interior of the helmet with extensive weathering , grime & wear to its outside. The black rubber band has always been in place on the helmet & shows an unweathered freshness of colour to the covered areas underneath it. Helmet shell appears to be an American made example , surplus stocks of US M1 shells were used, as well as their own , in great quantities by their forces. Helmet liner shows typical Argentinian refurbishment to the liner band rivets & the band itself is marked with the Argentinian \' FM\' for \' \' Direccion General De Fabricaciones Militares\' . A textbook one look Argentinian camouflage helmet that has come straight from the battlefield with Goose Green provenance.
1982 Falklands War Era British \'76 Pattern Paratrooper Helmet Issued from around 1976 the ' Helmet, Lightweight , Parachutists ' was worn by most major fighting units during the fighting to retake the Falklands in 1982 & in this early issue form is quite difficult to find today. Initially issued without a helmet cover improvisation was applied by the Airborne soldiers who wore them with nets & various DPM covers ( Often Hoods ) applied as is seen here. Made from resin impregnated nylon fibre they had a distinctive vinyl & cream kid leather chinstrap system which was found to be quite ineffective although was still the most common chinstrap system to be used in the South Atlantic war. This excellent example still has its 'Thetford Moulded Plastics' Nato Label with a heavily improvised netted scrim camouflage cover originating from a DPM hood. Showing wear the white kid leather backed straps & forehead area are very much sweat stained. Hard to find & an iconic item of Falklands war paratrooper kit .
1982 Falklands War Era British \'76 Pattern Paratrooper Helmet Issued from around 1976 the ' Helmet, Lightweight , Parachutists ' was worn by most major fighting units during the fighting to retake the Falklands in 1982 & is quite difficult to find today. Initially issued without a helmet cover improvisation was applied by the Airborne soldiers who wore them with nets & various DPM covers or hessian sacking applied as is seen here. Made from resin impregnated nylon fibre this helmet has the second generation chinstrap system much used , amongst others, in the South Atlantic war. This excellent example still has its 'Thetford Moulded Plastics' Nato Label with a heavily improvised net covered sacking to outer shell. Showing wear the white kid leather to forehead area is sweat stained & has the name 'CARTER' handwritten onto it by the previous owner. Hard to find & an iconic item of Falklands war paratrooper kit .
1982 Falklands War Era British \'76 Pattern Paratrooper Helmet Issued from around 1976 the \' Helmet, Lightweight , Parachutists \' was worn by most major fighting units during the fighting to retake the Falklands in 1982 & is quite difficult to find today. Initially issued without a helmet cover improvisation was applied by the Airborne soldiers who wore them with nets , hessian or various DPM covers as seen here. Made from resin impregnated nylon fibre this helmet has the second generation chinstrap system much used , amongst others, in the South Atlantic war. Originally designed for use with the vinyl & nylon chinstrap system this was found to be inadequate due to being hot , uncomfortable & insecure. The next generation of webbing chinstraps, as here , were in fact already in production by the time the South Atlantic campaign started & were seen in use as well as the tan webbing chinstraps from the earlier HSAT MKII helmet . So , in all , at least three different types of chinstrap were seen in use with this helmet in the Falklands campaign. This excellent example has a typically seen black rubber band holding the DPM camouflage cover in place. Showing heavy wear the white kid leather to forehead area is indicative of this Falklands period issue. Iconic & difficult to find item of Falklands war paratrooper kit . See the excellent reference work by Oliver Lock \' British Airborne Headdress \' for more information on the \'76 Pattern helmet in the Falklands.
1982 Falklands War Mount Longdon, Wireless Ridge \'Infantry Regiment 7\' Argentinian Helmet An Argentinian soldiers helmet with marking to Infantry Regiment 7 who fought at Mount Longdon & Wireless Ridge against the British Parachute regiment. This helmet is typical of those seen in wear by the conscripted soldiers who fought as infantry during this campaign with the green parka hood being utilised as a camouflage cover.The black rubber band was a common method of holding them in place & is seen on many of the helmets used there. Upon lifting of the band the difference in colour fading due to heavy weathering is immediately apparent . Helmet liner is typical of an Argentinian reworked example with ad hoc rivetting of the replacement white vinyl liner system evident . The ' SEGOVIA' mark can be seen on the underside of the central yoke. One end of the chinstrap has a hook replacement this is totally period & very typical of that found on Argentinian helmets. A combat veteran & iconic Falklands war piece.
American Vietnam Combat Helmet With Graffiti Art An American Vietnam period Graffiti decorated American paratrooper issue helmet complete with camouflage cover, paratrooper chinstrap system & various hand drawn annotations. This helmet is in a configuration very typical of those used by troops of the US Marine Corps during the Hue Tet offensive who were not issued with the Neoprine foliage band & hence used black inner tube rubber instead. Marines were also often issued with the Airborne helmet as here rather than the standard M1. When one examines the graffiti on the helmet the wording \'Rico 3\' can be seen this most likely a shortened name such as \' Ricardo\' or \'Richard\' . At the rear of the helmet there is also an arrow pointing down with the word \'Home\' above perhaps referring to a short tour. There is also an indistinct flower ( indicative of the feeling of the period ) on the side so probably a conscript . Upon looking at the markings on the rest of the helmet one can see the DSA ink stamp to camouflage cover tongue & the letter \'P\' on chinstrap buckle for the firm Parish who made helmets from 1968-69. Faint contract markings to its complete green webbing liner system. Fabulous Vietnam combat helmet .
Anglo-Boer War British 18th Hussars Queens South African Campaign Medal & Regimental Honours Silk Interesting family pair of items to a cavalry private of the 18th Hussars who served in the Anglo Boer war of the 1899 to 1902 period. Medal is of the second type Queens South Africa medal with very faint ghost date the recipient having seen service for which he received the clasps for the Relief of Ladysmith, Belfast, Laings Nek & Orange Free State. Coming with the medal is an 18\' by 11\' frame containing a mounted silk with the crest of the 18th Hussars & entitled \' Engagements Of XVIII Hussars, South Africa \' Listed are all of the regiments South Africa engagements including March To Dundee, Battle of Talana, Retired on Ladysmith, Siege of Ladysmith, Amerdfoort, Bush Veldt to name but a few. An interesting pair coming direct from the family & totally unresearched.
Argentinian Helmet With Cover A classic Falklands war used Argentinian army helmet which was brought back from the Islands as a souvenir after the campaign. This helmet is typical of the many seen in period photographs being worn by the Argentinian conscripts with `1967 regulation jacket hoods used as camouflage covers as seen here. The ' Ejercito Argentina ' clothing label on the hood can be seen to the interior of the helmet with extensive weathering , grime & wear to its outside. The black rubber band has always been in place on the helmet & shows an unweathered freshness of colour to the covered areas underneath it. Helmet shell appears to be an American made example , surplus stocks of US M1 shells were used, as well as their own , in great quantities by their forces. Helmet liner shows typical Argentinian refurbishment to the liner band rivets. A textbook one look Argentinian camouflage helmet that has come straight from the battlefield. Faint name to nape strap of liner . This item comes from a long established Falklands War collection we have recently acquired . Many of the items were sourced in the 1980s from servicemen who had returned home with them .
Army/Luftwaffe Tan & Water Winter Parka Good strong coloured winter parka as issued to Army & Luftwaffe troops for cold weather use & seeing much use in the Ardennes Battle of the Bulge in 1944 & 45.. Jacket is of the non reversible pattern which was introduced to replace its reversible to white counterpart. These non reversible uniforms were widely issued to various Army units & also to ground troops of the Luftwaffe as well as the Volksgrenadier units raised by Hitler for the Ardennes offensive. With light overall service use all black bakelite buttons are originally sewn on minus one which is missing from the front right pocket. There are also several small holes around the bottom edge of the hood but it is otherwise sound. Grey artificial silk lining is complete & with its green to white waist ties to draw the jacket in for insulation. RB Number is still partially visible under the wind flap along with size mark of 'II' . Excellent camouflage combat garment.
As Worn August 1914 French M1872/1874 Dragoon Helmet With Rare 1914 Issue Field Cover A magnificent French Dragoon helmet of the M1872/1874 pattern with its rarely seen regulation 1914 pattern field cover for other ranks . These were in wear August 1914 by the troops of the French Dragoons who were in that early period engaged in reconnaissance , guarding the flanks & covering the infantry as well as liaison & escort. The Dragoon helmet is identical to that worn by the Cuiraissiers with the minor difference of no plume socket (marmouset) to the top of the crest. The skull , peak & neckguard are made from cast sheet steel which from a lobster tail to the rear with Medusas head to the front of the crest & thirteen palmettes seperated by water lillies. All of the fittings & the badge are of brass this including the chin scales which are adjusted by use of a partially concealed strap inner buckle system. The plume socket is set into the side of the helmet although the plume has long gone sadly . The front plate has a grenade set into two laurel branches this integrating with the bottom edge of the crest as the top grenade flame reaches upwards. To the crest is mounted black horsehair with a pleat which allowed it to be tied up so it did not flutter in the face of the cavalryman. Interior of the helmet has survived in very good order with the undersides of each peak lined in card . The sheepskin liner tongues are all good with no damage to holes. The cover fitted here is shown as it came & has clearly not been off of the helmet in many years. Distinguishable from its Cuirassier counterpart without the hole for the \'marmouset\' it is made from pale khaki cotton with tying cord around its edges. A hole at its rear allows the crest to be pulled through. A fabulous helmet which would take pride of place in any WW1 headgear collection.
Battle Damaged US Vietnam Helmet Just a sample of one of our recently sold items ... A US M1 helmet of the Vietnam war period with bullet entry & exit holes to front & rear & correlating bullet damage where it has entered the liner via the shell then travelled causing a large gash before exiting . Helmet shows heavy wear with ripped camouflage Mitchell cover that has an early to mid sixties contract number on the underside of one of its fingers. The sweatband is of the early 1970s period with a liner band that has DSA marking indicating pre 1976 manufacture. 'A washers' of the liner itself are of the pre 1972 pattern with a very faint date of what appears to be '7th December 1965' to headband. Long chinstrap remains . A helmet that was purchased in the USA some years ago I am sadly unable to provide any further information regarding its wearer.
Battle For France \'June 1940\' Worn Adrian Helmet With Dated Newspaper Cutting Inside Helmet A WW1 M15 French Adrian artillery soldiers helmet that has specific Battle For France interest with a newspaper cutting dated June 1940 folded down inside the rear of the liner. . WW1 Adrian helmets still in service in the thirties were overpainted in khaki to match the new uniform & M26 model helmet as is the case here. Quite often one can find folded newspaper tucked into the liners to act as insulation etc & so it is another pleasant surprise to find one here. Careful pulling back of the liner to expose the newspaper in situ reveals its date of 1st June 1940 at the time when the Battle for France was in full swing so this helmet was being worn during this pivotal battle. The liner itself is the second model of issue used from 1916 onwards being of multi construction to save on leather cuttings. Chinstrap is perfectly intact. A fascinating item of Adrian helmet history as well as that of the history of France with June 1940 interest. Le Jouet De Paris
Binoculars Of Lieutenant Colonel Ormerod Spence , Western Front DSO Winner - Served Ypres,Somme,Arras & Flanders A pair of field binoculars that belonged to DSO winner & Western Front officer Lieutenant Colonel Ormerod Spence ( 1879 - 1925 ) . Binoculars are broad arrow marked to bottom & contained within their brown leather case which has engraved on the lid \' Lt.Col G.O.SPENCE 50/ L.I \' One of the belt loops is detached at the bottom . In 1900 Spence was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 1st Battalion Durham Light Infantry. He made Captain in 1902 & Major in April 1908 . In 1914 he was promoted to temporary Lieutenant -Colonel & commanded the 5th Battalion until 1918. He took part in the second battle of Ypres , the Hooge gas attack in May 1915 , the Battles of the Somme in 1916 & Arras & Flanders in 1917. In the Battle of Lys he provided great leadership & was shot which took removed him from the fighting for the rest of the war. He was twice Mentioned in Despatches & was awarded the Distinguished Service Order ( DSO) . An avid collector of militaria he went on to serve in various roles in the immediate postwar years before being killed in a car accident in 1925. His military decorations included DSO, Mentioned in Despatches X 3 , 1914-15 Star , British War Medal, Victory Medal & Territorial Decoration.
Brand New Schiffer Book: Fallschirmjager In Portrait A little more than 30,000 men of the Wehrmacht and SS were qualified to wear the famed Fallschirmschützenabzeichen, or Paratrooper Badge, between 1936 and 1944. The badges they wore, and the images of the men who wore them, are avidly sought by collectors and historians around the world today. The authors have assembled over 300 indoor and outdoor posed portrait photographs of the Fallschirmjäger for this volume, most never before published, providing a fascinating representation of the photographers art in World War II and a superb study of their uniforms, badges and insignia. In poses ranging from fierce to thoughtful and even poignant, the German paratroops of World War II are seen here in perfect focus, as they wanted to be seen, preserved in deliberate portraiture for posterity. Brand new in stock.
British 1902 Pattern Shortened Service Trousers A pair of WW1 British '02 pattern trousers which have been shortened , apparently out of service , to just below the knees. This pattern of trouser underwent a few slight changes as the war progressed the most obvious being the doubling up of the number of waist buttons from six to twelve in June 1916. Although only now having six buttons to the waist there is evidence of the twelve having once been there & so we can date them from June 1916 onwards. There are two lines of stitching to the bottom of the side pockets with one earlier underneath this & so these may have been reinforced at a later date to their original manufacture. Two of the buttons at least are most certainly later replacements although all of the zinc dished buttons remain to front fly. Lined in the typical bleached cotton drill there are paired broad arrow markings indicating out of service with a faint black WD broad arrow marking . The unit stores mark ' DSMA '& service number 820531 may well be worthy of further research . A spattering of stitch repaired moth is visible to the front of the trousers with a very small number of moth nips to the rear being seen only upon close inspection . Some additional tailoring to the trousers can be seen to the rear seat plus a large patch replaced on the front right knee area.
British 1908 Pattern Webbing Equipment Set Near matching set of green blancoed 1908 pattern webbing as used by British troops in WW1 right through to the early part of WW2. Comprising this set are waistbelt, cartridge pouches, shoulder straps, bayonet frog, \' 07 bayonet & scabbard & smallpack. All parts are in excellent condition with a couple of WW1 dates visible. Cartridge pouches are marked with MeCo stampings also these are barely visible now , waistbelt is dated 1937. Smallpack is a good WW1 bag being clearly marked & dated \' MECo 1915\'. The 1907 bayonet with this set is dated \' November 1914 & bears the manufacturer markings of \'EFD\' (Enfield) . Cartridge pouches are of the MkII type with fastening straps on the left pouch to prevent ammunition falling out when firing leant up against parapets. Scarce set to find now.
British 1950s Korean War Middle Parka With Hood A British army 1950s 'Middle Parka' complete with hood & as worn during the Korean war. These were designed to be issued to troops in Korea who had initially deployed in thin inadequate jungle green uniforms. An excellent condition example it has four large buttoned pockets , two skirt & two chest with a zip up front & buttoned flap . Inside is fur lined with waist adjustment cord & tightening buckles to sleeves for insulation. Complete with the totally correct rare hood this has a tie cord & is wire reinforced around its opening for practicality. Parka has two labels one reading ' PARKAS , MIDDLE SIZE 5 ' with sizes ( See pictures ) & the second label giving instructions for wear & use of the wired hood & crutch strap. Hood has label giving nomenclature & maker name & date 1953 with broad arrow. Overall in excellent condition with a a couple of small holes to right sleeve & a small ink mark to left waist area .
British Civilian Chocolate/Gas Mask Box. Commercially produced dual purpose metal tin sold containing in this case 'Turnwrights Devon Cream Dainties'. Many variations of these tins can be found all of the same size & dimension but with different designs & colours relating to the product contained within. The commercial genius behind these innovative metal tins thought up the idea that once the product had been consumed (more often than not biscuits or chocolates) the empty box could be used as a gas mask container & a stronger alternative to the flimsy cardboard gas mask box of issue. This example has a brown coloured honeycomb type design on its outside with an advertisement for the chocolates on the inside of the lid. The metal catch is standard as with all these tins although the metal carrying handle on the top is unfortunately missing. Interesting Home Front item.
British Lieutenant Denim Overall Set 1940 Dated Used condition green British Army Denim Overalls being Denim Blouse & Trousers both still retaining their calico clothing labels & both dated 1940. These denims were intended for working & training in but were often worn in combat being lighter than the normal BD. This set came from the effects of a WW2 British officer with the shoulders on the Blouse bearing two officer rank pips totally untouched & wartime fitted on as found. Label on the Blouse is very worn out although parts of it can still be seen including some of the size markings (Size '9') & the date 1940. Buttons on the Blouse are of the revolving shank variety. Trousers retain their label which is clear & still legible being also a size '9' & made by 'The REGO Clothiers' in 1940. All buttons on the trousers are of pressed brass. A used set with no gaping holes or rips just light service wear & some soldierly dirt as would be expected.
British Victorian Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby) Other Ranks Home Service Helmet British Victorian Home Service helmet of the famous Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment) who were a line infantry regiment in existence for just under 90 years. In very clean condition this helmet has all brass fittings still firm with intact leather backed chinscales & rosette c/s posts to each side. The outer felt covering is free from moth with lower leather edging in good order. Interior of helmet has its original size adjustable leather sweatband with drawstring remaining & 1912 dated W /I D inspectors mark to underside. A makers label for ' J. Compton & Sons ' is partially intact with further large ink stamps giving a stores date of '7 14' ( July 1914 ). An attractive piece from the early British Army years.
British Victorian Wilkinson Sword Of Lord Ashburton , Hampshire Carabiniers A superb high quality Wilkinson made Victorian Cavalry sword of the Hampshire Carabiniers . With 1857 pattern honeysuckle hilt the guard incorporates the crowned cross carbines and device of the Hampshire Yeomanry (Carabiniers). Sword is serial numbered 35726 (6th April 1898), the left hand side of the blade has the same etched regimental device as on the guard with decorative foliage & HENRY WILKINSON PALL MALL LONDON maker logo. The right hand side of the blade is etched with the Victorian crowned Royal Coat of Arms and foliage, the letters AA surmounted by a Barons Coronet, and Royal Coat of Arms under which the words BY WARRANT with indented circular brass proof mark stamped HW. Complete in its brown leather field service scabbard with frog. Wilkinson records show that the sword was sold to Lord Ashburton on 6th April 1898 however it is interesting that the blade is etched A.A & not F.D. E which were the initials of Lord Ashburton . This would certainly imply that he bought the sword for a fellow officer & so further research would greatly enhance its history. Sword has survived with an immaculate blade & generally excellent condition throughout .
Bullet Holed ( Entry & Exit ) 1982 Falklands War Argentinian Netted Camouflage Helmet A bullet impact & exit damaged camouflage netted Argentinian combat helmet from the Falklands campaign with rosary beads from the personal possessions of an Argentinian soldier. This iconic combat helmet shows a bullet entry point to the front crown area with a larger exit hole to the rear from the same round. It is quite evident that upon entry & exit it has severed a portion of the string net on both sides with correlating bullet damage to the liner on the inside & also to its webbing straps. Helmet shell & liner are Argentinian produced with deeper seated chinstrap bales than the US issues. Helmet net displays a distinctive green to its unweathered areas when liner is lifted , this a textbook Argentinian issue net. Much weathering & heavy wear to chinstraps . Comes with the Rosary beads pictured which I am lead to believe were on personal issue to the troops.
Canadian Air Force Armourers Manual A very interesting WW2 manual from a Canadian Air Force Armourer entitled \' Armament Notes \' with \'Air Ministry\' to front & \'AAS Ontario Mountain View \' . Also marked to front \' FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY \' . Inside this thick manual are various printed notes & instructional line drawings on weaponry such as smallarms & grenades ( Thompson , Revolver , MiIls Bomb, Lee Enfield Rifle Etc ) as well as Aircraft equipment such as Tail Drift Sights , Anti Gas Equipment , Vickers Machine Gun , Cine Gun Cameras , Reflector Sights , 20mm Hispano cannon , Hand Operated Firing Mechanisms , a coloured ammunition markings chart, Air Sighting & loads more. A handwritten sticker is stuck to the front reading \' Armament Notes From R.WILSON one time CO of 238 ATC Dated about 1939-45 ? \' . No doubt kept as a memento of this mans war service. In very good condition.
Complete WW1 French 104th Artillery Regt. Officer Mannequin A complete WW1 mannequin of an officer from the French 104th Artillery regiment offered totally as seen & complete with the mannequin itself. This set comprises : 1 Artillery Adrian helmet 2.French Officers Four Pocket Tunic 3.Officers Red Piped Trousers 4. 1913 Pattern Officers Trench Boots 5. French Officers Belt & Shoulder Strap 6. Musette Bag 7. Spectacles Tunic is all originally badged with early type bullion embroidered cannetille regimental numbers on red patches with branch piping. To left arm are very neatly tailor applied inverted service chevrons with three bar rank to sleeve for Captain. All buttons are crossed cannons embossed for Artillery. Internally the jacket has buttoned flap pockets on each side with the left pocket having the faint remains of what appear to be the officers details. Having been together for a very long time the uniform matches in age & colour & has not suffered any moth or damage that I can see upon close inspection. Boots are of the 1913 pattern & in good used condition with original laces. Adrian helmet is untouched with Artillery badge original to it . With an ordinary other ranks chinstrap it was not uncommon to see this opted for by officers who may have preferred to not have the extra expense of purchasing a non standard one.
D Day British Veteran group : Medals,Paybook,Paperwork Etc. Nice group to a British infantry soldier who joined the Boy Service aged 14 in July 1935 & then served in various infantry regiments including 151 Parachute Battalion before ending up in the Hampshire Regiment & landing in the first wave of assault troops on Gold Beach on D Day 6th June 1944. After being in heavy action in Normandy (a bren gunner in a carrier platoon) for 38 days with little rest or sleep he suffered serious front line battle stress & was Court Martialled after one day being requested to join another section for further action & stating he was unable to do so. Various paperwork & reports by psychiatrists on his mental state detail all the above as a Pension Tribunal was held to assess his correct entitlement. These reports outline his service, dates of service & with which regiment from 10/7/1935 right through to 6/10/1946 & show him serving with the Hampshires from 12/4/44 to 8/3/1945. He also served in the Middle East & saw action in N.Africa prior to this. Included in this grouping are his \'45 Issued replacement AB64 Paybook, various period documentation on his pension appeal & service, his Soldiers Release Book, a letter from the Surrey branch of the British Legion , a letter from the Infantry Records office regards his being Discharged from the Royal Army Reserve & his medals. These are the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal & War Medal. There is also some ephemera from after the war including photographs & newspaper cuttings involving him but on unrelated subjects. A fascinating & rare British infantryman group greatly enhanced by its D-Day connection. A true combat veteran.
D-Day US M1 Engineer Special Brigade Helmet Scarce WW2 US helmet bearing the painted emblem of the Engineer Special Brigade.These men landed in Normandy on D Day & were to act as Sappers & Mine Clearers. Due to the heavy German resistance they were forced to abandon their demolition mission & fight alongside their infantry comrades. This example has fixed bails with tan web chinstrap that is in good condition. The overall finish of the shell is of an aged dark olive green with the remains of the emblem visible on the front & overall aging to the exterior. Much of the paint on the rim has come off through use. Helmet displays stress fractures to its rear although one of the cracks may be battle damage being more of a small dent which has caused the metal to slightly split down near to its bottom rim. Helmet is minus its liner & the inside is well weathered. Rare helmet recovered from the St.Marie Du Mont area of Normandy.
Deactivated British Victorian MK1 Long Lee Rifle 1903 For sale to customers outside of the European Union. Probably the best example of the British Long Lee rifle that I have had the fortune to acquire this piece is still in its early pre charger loading configuration retaining magazine cut off plate, both volley sights & dust cover. An Enfield made example it is marked to wrist strap ' Enfield 1903 LE r ' . Unlike other examples encountered today this early piece is without the later charger loading bridge conversion & in this early format is now a rare rifle to find. In quite excellent condition it has most of its original blueing remaining to metal surfaces with original woodwork immaculate & showing only slight service use. Profusely inspection & 'Enfield' marked it has matching numbers to bolt & receiver & later South African issue markings. For Non EU Sales Only - however can be re-deactivated to the current EU specification. Please Email Before Making Purchase.
Deactivated US Vietnam Period M16A1 Rifle With Correct Sling For sale to customers outside the European Union only. An excellent condition M16A1 assault rifle as used in Vietnam by US forces. Unlike many other examples on the market this piece has no damage whatsoever & comes with its sling as shown. Introduced in the 1960s these had a high rate of fire when compared to the previous 30-06 chambered rifles & were greatly effective during the Vietnam war. This piece is in outstanding condition with no cracks or damage to the plastic & comes with original Vietnam era magazine & correct 'seatbelt' sling . With moving trigger & removeable magazine this is an exceptional example of this iconic weapon. For Non EU Sales Only. However can be re-deactivated to the current EU specification. Please email before making purchase.
Deactivated WW1 German G98 Rifle 1916 ( Pre EU/UK Deactivation ) For sale to customers outside the European Union- A 1916 dated G98 7.92mm rifle the standard issue rifle of the First world war German soldier . Well known for its power & long range accuracy in the trenches of WW1 its long length was , however, impractical in a close quarter combat situation. Marked to the receiver 'Spandau ' ( Prussian Spandau Arsenal ) with the clear date 1916 it has mostly matching numbers & comes complete with original cleaning rod. There is a Prussian inspection cypher stamped into the butt with the initials of 'EWB' handcarved into the wood next to it . I suspect done either by the German soldier who it was issued to or the British soldier who captured it ! Matching numbers are visible to the butt , bolt , bolt release catch , safety catch , barrel , receiver , magazine plate , trigger guard piece & front swivel band. The only parts that have a different number are one of the trigger guard screws & the H band which is still remarkably close at '21' & matches perfectly in age & wear to the rest of the rifle. It would not be remiss to deduce that this part was on the rifle when it was being used in WW1. The whole piece has clearly seen action in the trenches of WW1 with a nice age patina to the wood that has some very old usage scuffs & knocks in places. Metal parts are pitted in places this most noticeable on the bolt , receiver & H band . For Non EU Sales Only - however can be re-deactivated to the current EU specification. Please Email Before Making Purchase.
Deactivated WW2 German K98 Rifle With ZF41 Sniper Scope & Mounts For sale to customers outside of the European Union only. A WW2 German K98 rifle with original ZF41 scope & mounts .The near impossible to find rare side rail on this piece is a high quality reproduction., This K98 is in excellent condition with clear intact eagle & swastika waffenamt markings & 'byf41' manufacturer code to receiver indicating made by Mauser in 1941. Rifle has some matching numbers with eagle & swastika marking to butt & the letter 'H' for Heer indicating an army issue piece. The ZF41 scope was used with the K98 rifle & was popular with sharpshooters being seen much in use from 1941 onwards right up until the end of the war. Marked with its correct designation 'ZF41' it comes complete with waffenamt & serial number marked mount as well as both front & rear rain shields. Optics are good. Comes with UK certificate of deactivation . For Non EU Sales Only. Can be re-deactivated to the current EU specification. Please email before making purchase.
Deactivated WW2 German Matching Numbered Early \'0-Series\' & Walther Bannered P38 Pistol ( 1939/40 ) One of the rarer deactivated P38 pistols this is a matching numbered '0-series' example which was the first official P38 variation issued to the German forces between June 1939 & May 1940. Easily discernible by its serial number beginning with a 0 there are other early features of this pistol which differ from the later coded examples. Each waffenamt number code on this piece is '359' which is particular to this model & the lanyard loophole on the grip is rounded as opposed to the rectangular design on all models after this. This example is very well marked with the matching serial number 09645 to all parts other than the magazine & also has the Walther banner to left side of slide. Magazine is a correct waffenamt & 'P38v' marked wartime example. In generally very good condition it has a small spattering of pitting to the slide on left side just above the 'P38' marking. Both checquered grips undamaged. Capable of being cocked, stripped & dryfired it comes with Home Office certification of deactivation & is available for over 18 sale within the UK only. ***UK SALES ONLY , sorry cannot ship to Scotland or Ireland***
Deactivated WW2 German MG13 Machine Gun A very nice & profusely eagle & swastika marked example of the German MG13 machine gun. The MG13 was introduced into service in 1930 & was the standard German light machine gun until superceded by the MG34 & MG42. When withdrawn from service in 1934 most MG13s were sold to Portugal & restamped with the Portuguese crest however those not sold were placed into storage & later saw use by second line German forces in WW2. This is a fantastic example coming complete with its folding butt stock & leather clamshell shoulder pads. It is clearly dated 1938 on the receiver & also on the bipod. Profusely marked in many places with the German eagle & swastika waffenamt stampings it comes with a 1938 dated 25 round box magazine. Of old specification deactivation it is capable of being cocked & dryfired . Comes with Home Office certificate of deactivation . UK SALES ONLY ***Sorry cannot ship to Scotland or Ireland***
Deactivated WW2 German MG42 Machine Gun With Anti Aircraft Sight & 1944 Dated Wooden Butt If you are looking for that fantastic one off MG42 to compliment your collection then this one may be for you ! Deactivated WW2 German 7.92mm MG42 machine gun with anti aircraft sight & rarely encountered three letter maker code , waffenamt markings & 1944 date stamped into the wooden butt. Butt marking appears to be 'hvq 1944 WAa434' . This fantastic example also has the reddish brown bakelite grips & maker code as well as markings to left side of 'dfb' for the maker ' Gustloff-Werke Waffenwerk Suhl ' . This three letter code is seen on various parts of the weapon along with eagle & swastika waffenamt markings. Coming with its desirable rear anti aircraft sight it can be cocked , partially stripped & dryfired . Overall condition is excellent. Comes with UK certificate of deactivation & is available for sale to over 18s within the UK only. ***UK sales only excluding Scotland or Ireland***
Deactivated WW2 German MP44 Assault Rifle 1945 The iconic image of the late war German soldier fighting in the Ardennes 44/45 or the ruins of Berlin would undoubtedly depict him armed with the almost mythical MP44. Developed by Germany during WW2 it is considered by most to be the very first modern assault rifle. This rare 1945 dated example is in good condition with German eagle & swastika waffenamt stampings & 'Stg44' designation to left side . With mostly matching numbers the serial number & date marking ' 7067 6f / 45' st are stamped to the right side. The same number of '7067' can be seen on the wooden butt & the butt collar where it meets the rear of the breech. It is also stamped on to the rear left side main body . The maker code of 'clc' is present to front sight. Magazine is a correct wartime 'MP44' marked example .Sight is adjustable with fire selector switch also moveable. This is a 1989 old spec deactivation capable of being cocked & dryfired. It also field strips. Available for UK over 18 sales only & comes with UK certificate of deactivation. ***UK SALES ONLY , sorry cannot ship to Scotland or Ireland***
Deactivated WW2 US Garand Rifle 1943 ( Pre EU/UK Specification ) For sale to customers outside the European Union- Deactivated WW2 US Garand rifle with moving cocking handle. This is the classic weapon of the WW2 GI from the sands of Iwo Jima to the beaches & Hedgerows of Normandy! An overall well service used Garand rifle it has a good age patina to its wood & much of the original factory finish to metal surfaces. This Springfield Armoury made example has the serial number on breech of 1709820 dating it to around the mid 1943 period. It is likely that , as with most others offered for sale, it has seen use in the postwar years . Ideal for display with your GI mannequin ! For Non EU Sales Only - however can be re-deactivated to the current EU specification. Please Email Before Making Purchase.
Early British 1907 Pattern Hooked Quillon Bayonet & Mk1 Matching Scabbard Rare & highly desirable early WW1 British bayonet being the hooked quillon style with Mk1 Scabbard. The 1907 Pattern bayonet was for use with the MkIII Lee Enfield Rifle & its earliest examples were produced with the hooked quillon as seen here. As of 1913 the quillons were ordered removed & hence surviving examples are very hard to find. This one recently surfaced out of the woodwork & is complimented by still having its matching Mk 1 scabbard. Wooden grips are in excellent condition not being oily or damaged & the pommel is marked to the 4th Battalion, Rifle Brigade reading ' 4. R.B. ' & the number '751' which is also on the scabbard throat. Blade is maker marked' SANDERSON' & has an acceptance stamp of '10 09' with also the ER cipher & the pattern date of '1907'. Exterior of bayonet is in superb condition with some minor surface aging to the blade. Black scabbard is stamped with numbers ' 751' on its upper throat matching the numbers on the pommel & making it a nice matching set. Leather body of the scabbard is clean & extends down its whole length with a metal tip strengthening the bottom as is typical of Mk1 scabbard manufacture. Markings against the rear seam are on one side the view codes & the other 'H.G.R 09' (1909) matching the date on the bayonet. A very nice piece of World War 1 soldiers weaponry & very hard to find in this condition.
Early Untouched WW1 M15 French Infantry Adrian Helmet With Abbeville Soldiers Nametag To Liner A wonderful M15 Adrian helmet from the early war period in the first grey blue factory paint finish that predated those of 1916. This totally untouched \'sleepy\' piece sums up the iconic \'Poilu\' of 1915 & is complete with its original chinstrap & intact liner system. Inspection of the underside of the liner also reveals a paper tag with name & regiment written on in hand by the soldier himself. This label appears to read \' R.Bodelot , Commission Regiment **** , Abbeville \' Abbeville is of course the well known WW1 place 30km from Amiens . Commission Regiment translates to \' Regimental Commission\' so may refer to his regimental enrolment the date of which or number now sadly illegible. The flaming grenade infantry badge to front is 100% original to the helmet & the construction determined by the rivet style to each side leads me to believe this is an example made by \'Reflex\' .The chinstrap is totally intact & supple . A super example .
Early WW2 British Camouflage Netted Middlesex Regiment Mk1 Helmet A recently surfaced & heavily battle worn early British Mk1 helmet of the Middlesex Regiment coming complete as found with its originally fitted camouflage net. This is one of the earlier period steel rimmed MK1 helmets refurbished by fitment of the newer MK1 lining & chinstrap before the introduction of the MK1* & the mass produced MkII . Existing stocks were ordered to be used up in late 1937 however these were still worn in the beginning stages of WW2. The helmet insignia is still partially visible with yellow half of the red & yellow flash still very much evident. The top securing screw is totally undisturbed & the net still tight to the helmet. Underside of helmet shell bears the early heat mark of ' HS 5' for the firm Hadfield Steel of Sheffield.
Early WW2 French \'Airaile\' Aviators Helmet 1940 A scarce example of the French 'Airaile' flying helmet which dates from the pre & early war period. This helmet was in use The French air force played an active role during the Battle of France in 1940 often attacking German troops as they advanced & causing considerable losses to the Germans. Casualties were high with 20 French bombers shot down in May whilst attacking the German crossings across the Meuse. Made by E. Gueneau & Cie of Paris this helmet is made from a hard shell covered in polished leather with soft padded leather flaps extending below this to house Gosport tubes or radio receivers. There are press studded goggle straps to the rear of the helmet with a laced leather liner system to the interior. Used during the 1930s and into the early part of WW2 by the French Air Force, Free French and Paratroop units. An excellent example of this interesting helmet
Falklands War 1982 , Argentinian Army Camouflage Helmet A classic Falklands war used Argentinian army helmet which was brought back from the Islands as a souvenir after the campaign. This helmet is typical of the many seen in period photographs being worn by the Argentinian conscripts with winter parka hoods as camouflage covers as seen here. The ' Ejercito Argentina ' clothing label on the hood can be seen to the interior of the helmet with extensive weathering , grime & wear to its outside. The thick black rubber band has always been in place on the helmet & shows an unweathered freshness of colour to the covered areas underneath it. Helmet shell is an American made example , surplus stocks of US M1 shells were used, as well as their own in roughly equal quantities by their forces. Helmet liner shows typical Argentinian refurbishment to the liner band with new rivets & heavy wear inside. A textbook one look Argentinian camouflage helmet that has come straight from the battlefield with an illegible roughly written in to the helmets interior. I recently purchased this helmet from a Falklands war veteran who brought it back from the campaign & had kept it in the bottom of his old kitbag in the loft until now.
Falklands War 1982 - Argentinian Camouflage Helmet An interesting Argentinian camouflage helmet brought back as a souvenir from the Falklands campaign . This striking helmet has a camouflage cover made from the ERDL camouflage army shirt & shows much wear to the inside & out. Held tightly in place by a cut rubber band the cover has some holes & is stained & grubby from use. The exterior of the Argentinian made shell can be seen in places underneath the cover with its rough textured green finish. Argentinian forces used two types of M1 shell , those that came from American surplus stocks & those that were made by Argentina themselves. The latter are recognisable from the US made shells by a few minor details such as a slightly more pronounced lip & deeper fitted chinstrap bales. As is typical on Falklands used helmets the metal fittings of the chinstrap have rusted . Liner displays the typical Argentinian depot refurbishing of replacement liner rivets as well as a green leather sweatband to the interior. A 'been there' battle worn helmet in an interesting camouflage cover configuration. This item comes from a long established Falklands War collection we have recently acquired . Many of the items were sourced in the 1980s from servicemen who had returned home with them .
Falklands War 1982 Argentinian Army Airborne Artillery Unit Camouflage Helmet With Para Liner & Goggles If you are looking for an Argentinian helmet that has clearly seen heavy use in the bitter fighting of the Falklands campaign then this one may be for you. A very well worn Falklands conflict bringback this helmet has its original well worn & frayed ERDL camouflage cover with original black rubber band & para liner. These para liners are known to have been used by Airborne Artillery Units fighting near Port Stanley. This helmet also comes as seen with its Argentinian issue goggles. The helmet shell itself has had repairs with tape to one of its chinstrap lugs whilst the other one is minus. The edges of the camouflage cover have had a soldier adapted tightening cord fitted this being visible within the shell itself. The one remaining para chinstrap is Argentinian rivetted with rust to the metal fittings & heavy fraying around the loop. The American \'Westinghouse\' produced para liner has had Argentinian depot refurbishment with two coats of green paint to the exterior. Goggles & dressing are correct Argentinian issue with the wording \' FRAVIDA No109 INDUSTRIA ARGENTINA \' to rubber of the goggles. There is a name to the inside sponge of the goggles so a possibility of research . All items coming recently from a private collection as brought back from the Falklands campaign in 1982.
Falklands War 1982 Argentinian Army Helmet A classic Falklands war used Argentinian army helmet which was brought back from the Islands as a souvenir after the campaign. This helmet is typical of the many seen in period photographs being worn by the Argentinian conscripts with winter parka hoods as camouflage covers as seen here. The \' Ejercito Argentina \' clothing label on the hood can be seen to the interior of the helmet with extensive weathering , grime & wear to its outside. The black rubber band has always been in place on the helmet & shows an unweathered freshness of colour to the covered areas underneath it. Helmet shell appears to be an American made example , surplus stocks of US M1 shells were used, as well as their own , in great quantities by their forces. Helmet liner shows typical Argentinian refurbishment to the liner band rivets & the band itself is made from green leather as is commonly seen. A textbook one look Argentinian camouflage helmet that has come straight from the battlefield, the fate of its previous owner is unknown. This item comes from a long established Falklands War collection we have recently acquired . Many of the items were sourced in the 1980s from servicemen who had returned home with them .
Falklands War 1982 Argentinian Army Helmet An Argentinian army helmet from the Falklands campaign of 1982 brought back as a souvenir by a British serviceman. Helmet shell is Argentinian made with deeper set chinstrap brackets & pronounced front lip , the paint finish is in rough green with some rust bleed coming through as is always seen on Argentinian helmets from this campaign. A brush painted marking of 'B' under a half moon appears to inside crown. Liner has soldiers name which appears to read ' GORZELANY ALLIANDAO ' lending itself to research. The 'ad hoc' construction of the liner is typical of Argentinian examples with all manner of materials used in their construction. A ' been there' helmet the fate of the soldoer who wore it as yet unknown. This item comes from a long established Falklands War collection we have recently acquired . Many of the items were sourced in the 1980s from servicemen who had returned home with them .
Falklands War 1982 Argentinian Camouflage Cover Helmet With Para Liner If you are looking for one iconic example of an Argentinian infantry helmet this superb ' been in the thick of it ' recently acquired example may be for you. Typical of Argentinian Infantry regiments the green helmet cover has been fitted around the shell with rubber inner tube used as a securing band. The cover is an interesting variation not made of a parka hood but more likely from the material of a sleeping bag outer. . Totally original to the helmet this has always been in place & shows an unweathered freshness of colour to the unexposed areas when rubber band is lifted. Helmet shell is an American made example , surplus stocks of US M1 shells were used, as well as their own in roughly equal quantities ( Around 50%) . Webbing straps very typically showing heavy wear with hook end minus. Helmet liner is a para type & shows typical Argentinian depot features such as green vinyl sweatband & non American rivets. There is a horizontal blue bar to the rear of the liner. A classic one look Argentinian helmet that has come straight from the battlefield of the Falklands Islands.
Falklands War 1982 Argentinian Camouflage Helmet With R.I.25 Interest A well worn Argentinian combat helmet brought back from the Falklands campaign by a British soldier in 1982. This helmet recently came to me via a private source & is presented completely as found , uncleaned & just as it was brought back. On this example we can see the ex American stocks camouflage Mitchell cover fitted onto the helmet with a thick black rubber band holding it in place. Careful lifting of the band enables us to see the discolouration comparison due to weathering on the cover. Known to have been used by Argentinian troops many of these were purchased by soldiers of RI25 ( Infantry Regiment 25 ) from the army surplus store \' Charlies Surplus \' prior to Falklands deployment. Lifting the inside tongues of the cover a cross can be seen marked onto the material this applied by the US & indicating obsolete stocks. Much engrained dirt & wear can be seen to its outside. Chinstraps are both of typical Argentinian depot refurb standard with rivets & heavy wear to each side. Liner is well worn with the usual rusty metal clips & fittings typical of Falklands recovered helmets. An iconic piece which was most likely worn by a member of R.I.25. C Company of RI 25 fought at Goose Green & was considered an elite formation which had received commando training.
Falklands War 1982 Argentinian Camouflage Netted Helmet A rare Argentinian camouflage helmet with distinctive cover which attributable to Infantry Reg 25. This regiment were the first unit of the Argentine Army to set foot on Malvinas territory & were in combat throughout most of the campaign. This Argentinian produced helmet & liner has a heavily weathered American \'Mitchell\' camouflage cover which has an ink marked \'X\' to the underside of one of its tongues. The I.R.25 purchased a large number of these covers from a surplus shop in Argentina & all have the black X indicating out of service by the US . On top of this is a thin gauge (faded in places) string net with black rubber band around its circumference. Both chinstraps are present & again heavily weathered. Liner is an Argentinian produced model with brown leather sweatband that bears the distinctive Argentinian marking \'FM\' of \'Direccion General De Fabricaciones Militares\' . A rare helmet & one that has undoubtedly seen much action. This item comes from a long established Falklands War collection we have recently acquired . Many of the items were sourced in the 1980s from servicemen who had returned home with them .
Falklands War 1982 Argentinian Combat helmet A classic example of an Argentinian steel combat helmet brought back from the Islands after the 1982 conflict. This helmet displays very typical attributes of an Argentinian helmet of the period with thick granulated dark green camouflage paint to exterior of the shell & the distinctive reed green paint left untouched to the inside. The green vinyl type chinstraps are again typical of Argentinian adaptation with a crude fastening hook to left side & a mixture of stainless steel & steel to the other side. The crudely rivetted liner is again distinctive with liner cradle being of the striped multi coloured webbing with the same chinstrap green vinyl type material used for the headband. Heavy wear is visible to the lining & to the helmet overall. No doubt one that , by its appearance , saw much use in the Falklands campaign & a fine example of the vast array of crude construction techniques so typical of Argentinian combat helmets in use during this campaign.
Falklands War 1982 Argentinian Helmet 1982 If you are looking for one iconic example of an Argentinian infantry helmet this superb \' been in the thick of it \' recently acquired example may be for you. Typical of the conscripts of the Argentinian Infantry regiments the green hood from the winter parka has been fitted around the shell with rubber inner tube used as a securing band. Interestingly the green hood cover is of a slightly thinner material than those normally encountered perhaps from the lightweight issue. Totally original to the helmet this has always been in place & shows an unweathered freshness of colour to the unexposed areas underneath the rubber band. Helmet shell is an American made example , surplus stocks of US M1 shells were used, as well as their own in roughly equal quantities ( Around 50%) . Webbing straps very typically showing heavy wear but both hook & eye intact. Helmet liner shows typical Argentinian features to the liner with ad hoc rivet placement from Argentinian depot refurbishment. A classic one look Argentinian camouflage helmet that has come straight from the battlefield of the Falklands Islands.
Falklands War 1982 Argentinian Marine Infantry Camouflage Helmet A battlefield recovered Argentinian Marine infantry helmet with camouflage cover. This iconic helmet has the Marine cover made from Argentine ERDL fabric Marine camouflage uniform & has had British Royal Marine white Arctic camouflage tape applied to the inside of the shell. This is another well used , well worn helmet indicative of the hard fighting that took place on the Falklands. There is quite alot of writing on the interior of the shell underneath the tape certainly worthy of further research. The tape appears to have been applied to hold the underside edges of the cover in place. The liner displays again ad hoc Argentinian refurbishment with a mixture of different rivets securing the cradle in place. A very interesting battlefield worn Argentinian combat helmet . This item comes from a long established Falklands War collection we have recently acquired . Many of the items were sourced in the 1980s from servicemen who had returned home with them .
Falklands War 1982 Argentinian Marine Infantry Camouflage Helmet A battlefield recovered Argentinian Marine infantry helmet with fitted camouflage cover. This iconic helmet has the Marine cover made from Argentine Marine ERDL shirt material & is of multi piece construction made to fit the helmet. It shows very heavy wear with dirt & grime engrained into the helmet typical of those that saw prolonged action in the hard fought Falklands campaign. The liner is well worn with a large 'B' drawn on the top of the helmet & faint traces of a name to the underside of the webbing yoke. A fabulous battlefield worn Argentinian combat helmet becoming very hard to find in this untouched 'brought back' condition. This helmet comes from a recently rediscovered private collection I have just purchased of Argentinian items that were gathered from Falklands veterans in the 1980s' & 1990s'.
Falklands War 1982 Argentinian Named Combat Helmet An Argentinian combat helmet with what appears to be an ornately written name & rank to the dome of the shell ( See pictures ) . This very well used helmet has seen harsh combat service with much of the rough green sawdust mixed non reflective exterior camouflage paint worn away. The shell is a good example of old American surplus stocks used by Argentinian forces , these were acquired & refurbished with repairs to straps & fittings as is seen in many of the examples used in the campaign. Both long & short webbing chinstraps are still present with rusted fittings typical of the sea salt prevailing conditions encountered on the Islands. Liner is also very well used with repairs to the webbing straps & headband in places. A well used helmet that do doubt saw action during the campaign.
Falklands War 1982 Argentinian Netted Camouflage Bringback Helmet A rare opportunity to own a piece of history from the Falklands war of 1982 this an Argentinian soldiers netted camouflage helmet with provenance from the Battle of Goose Green. Helmet is an Argentinian depot made piece with rare 'FM' mark to underside of front lip for . In a typical rough green textured paint finish it has a fitted green net which is the textbook Argentinian issue as used during that campaign. A thick rubber band holds it in place & still present is an Argentinian bandage. I have not added anything to this helmet it is as was brought back by a British soldier after the conflict. The helmet liner also has the 'FM' mark to leather band of the Argentinian depot. Around 50% of helmets used by Argentinian forces were made by themselves with the other half having been purchased from surplus American army stocks. Both chinstraps are present & as is typical with all Falklands helmets show rust. With information gained from the helmet I will provide details of its provenance to the purchaser. Now becoming very hard to source !
Falklands War 1982 Argentinian PM (Military Police) Helmet Rare Argentinian Military Police helmet brought back from the Falkland Islands after the conflict. These helmets are seen being worn by Argentine personnel around Port Stanley & are distinctive in their white paint with large black band & \'PM \' initials to front. This helmet has seen much wear with chips to the paint & evidence of their being another previous white paint layer underneath this one. There is , as with most of these helmets . rust in places & only a part of one side of the chinstrap remaining. Liner has the same \' PM\' paint scheme with most of the liner system now minus. Overall a rare helmet from one of the few Police personnel involved in the campaign. This item comes from a long established Falklands War collection we have recently acquired . Many of the items were sourced in the 1980s from servicemen who had returned home with them .
Falklands War 1982 Battle Damaged Argentinian Army Helmet A 'straight from the battlefield' Argentinian combat helmet that has battle damage to the front right of the shell & the liner. Helmet was originally a fully netted helmet this now visible around the base of the helmet extending where it is fitted underneath & around the chinstrap brackets. The shell is an Argentinian depot made example with lower fitted chinstrap brackets than the American versions & with a slightly more protruding front lip. Liner has the number '28' to top & has the familiar crude rivetting holding the webbing in place. The distinctive green leatherette type headband is also very typical. Displaying heavy wear throughout & a timeless piece of Falklands war history. This helmet comes from a recently rediscovered private collection I have just purchased of Argentinian items that were gathered from Falklands veterans in the 1980s' & 1990s'.
Falklands War 1982 Named Argentinian Army Helmet An iconic Argentinian soldiers helmet worn during the Falklands campaign & brought back by a British soldier as a souvenir at the end of hostilities. This helmet is typical of those seen in wear by the conscripted soldiers who fought as infantry during this campaign with the green parka hood being utilised as a camouflage cover. The black rubber band was a common method of holding them in place & is seen on most but not all helmets used there. Upon lifting of the band the difference in colour fading due to heavy weathering is immediately apparent with wear & what appears to be some rust staining in places. Helmet liner is typical of an Argentinian reworked example with ad hoc rivetting of the replacement white vinyl liner system evident . The name \' SEGOVIA\' can be seen on the underside of the central yoke. One end of the chinstrap has a hook replacement this is totally period & very typical of that found on Argentinian helmets. A combat veteran & iconic Falklands war piece.
Falklands War 1982 Named Argentinian Army Helmet With Cover An Argentinian combat helmet from the Falklands campaign this piece with a camouflage green cover made from shirt material. Many different types of camouflage cover can be found on these combat helmets ranging from the very standard green parka hood to those camouflage covers made from shirts used by the Marines & the army. This example is one of shirt material , camouflage cover converted & cut to fit the helmet. It was in place right through the conflict & displays typical wear & fraying with some dark staining in places. To the inside of the shell can be seen the yellow painted number '155 ' with some green paint marking. Exactly the same marks & number appear on the front of the liner leaving no doubt that they have always been together with the same soldier. The liner displays typical Argentinian refurbishment with the name of 'Pagnotta' & the class number ' SC/62 ' . There is also some other writing written on the liner ' MARINO'... please see images. An interesting helmet & another veteran of the South Atlantic.
Falklands War 1982 Rare Argentinian Medics Helmet A rare Argentinian medics helmet from the Falklands war .. clearly original & offered as it was brought back from the campaign. This helmet displays to its exterior a very rough green overpaint with four medics Red Cross roundels to the helmets sides. There are some considerable wear scars & abrasion to the exterior paint with age yellowing to the roundels. Interior of the US made shell shows typical swivel bales with one of these crudely resoldered into position. The handwritten number \'12\' is visible to dome. Helmet liner is well worn with a name written to the underside of the webbing cradle yoke. A very rare helmet . This item comes from a long established Falklands War collection we have recently acquired . Many of the items were sourced in the 1980s from servicemen who had returned home with them .
Falklands War 1982 Worn British 9th Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers Beret With Letter Of Provenance ... This well weathered British Airborne beret comes with a letter of provenance dated 27th April 1988 from a former member of 9 Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers stating that he wore it during operations in the Falklands campaign in April/June 1982 as well as on two seperate tours of Northern Ireland whilst attached to A COY 2 PARA from Pathfinder Platoon where , incidentally , he was still serving now as a Warrant Officer at the time of typing the letter. The beret is a classic Victors produced example as worn from the late 1970s until the mid 1990s . These berets were privately purchased by soldiers & had a distinctively small crown. The black painted Royal Engineers badge is as it came on the beret. In April 1982, 9 PARA squadron R.E embarked for the Falkland Islands as part of 5 Infantry Brigade. In true sapper tradition, the squadron was involved in the thick of the action from clearing minefields to repairing bridges.
Falklands War Argentinian Helmet ( British Soldier Bringback ) Interesting captured Argentinian helmet from the Falklands war having been brought back by a British serviceman as a souvenir. Helmet is of the M1 style with the distinct olive green cover & rubber band as often seen in images of ground strewn abandoned Argentinian equipment in the aftermath of the Falklands conflict. The familiar green helmet cover is the issue parka hood with an Argentinian military clothing label still present to its underside ( see images ) . Much weathering is evident to the cover this being very clear when the rubber band is lifted to see the original colour still underneath. Green fibre glass liner is one of several patterns associated with Argentinian issue & embossed on the leather headband with FM for the Argentinian Fabricacions Militares. The first Argentinian helmets were US surplus however they are known to have produced both shells and liners themselves. A soldiers name is scrawled onto the inside of one of the web straps. A well worn & iconic battlefield worn combat helmet that could no doubt tell the story of a short but brutal conflict .
Falklands War Argentinian Helmet ( British Soldier Bringback ) Interesting captured Argentinian helmet from the Falklands war having been brought back by a British serviceman as a souvenir. Helmet is of the M1 style with the distinct olive green cover & rubber band as often seen in images of ground strewn abandoned Argentinian equipment in the aftermath of the Falklands conflict. The familiar green helmet cover is the Argentinian issue parka hood held in place by a black rubber band. Much weathering is evident to the cover this being very clear when the rubber band is slightly lifted to see the discolouration comparison of the fabric underneath. Inside of the shell there is much wear with the fabric colour fresher in the non weather exposed areas. Rust bleed stains around the inside edge have come through the cover from the shell. The name 'Freire' can be faintly discerned scribbled onto the inside of the shell along with a handpainted number '63' Liner is one of several patterns associated with Argentinian issue the rough fitting of the securing studs around its circumference being very typical. The first Argentinian helmets were US surplus however they are known to have produced both shells and liners themselves this being such an example. Traces of a pen scrawled name are to be seen on the outside shell with initials to the leather headband. A well worn & iconic battlefield worn combat helmet that could no doubt tell the story of a short but brutal conflict .
Father & Sons War Service Document Grouping ( RAF & Welch Regiment ) Document group to a father ( John Tudor Hughes) & son ( Bernard David Tudor Hughes ) both of whom saw war service the father in World War One as an NCO with the Royal Welch Fusiliers then as an officer in the Welch Regiment as of 1917. He continued on & saw service in WW2 finally being discharged from the RWF in 1948. Much paperwork including his May 1917 Temporary Commission relates to his service & amongst other related documentation present is a Welch Regiment stamped Regimental Record outlining his postings at the age of 25 from 1915 as an Orderly Room Sergeant with the 20th RWF then Drill Sergeant with the 63rd Training Battalion. In April 1917 he was commissioned into the Welch Regiment & in May 1917 posted to the 51st Bn Welsh Regiment as Platoon Commander & Acting Company Commander. During WW2 he served as a Major in an Army Records office to which a reference written by a Colonel refers in 1948. Finally his Officers Release Book details his release from Military service in December 1948. His son joined the RAF in 1941 & became a fully trained pilot as of 11/12/1942. In November 1942 he completed , as a Sergeant Pilot , the Naval Aviators Course of the United States Navy as a certificate from a Naval Air Station in Florida testifies. His Royal Air Force Airmans Service & Pay Book is present & dates from 1941. Detailing his training & medical examinations it shows also his entitlement to the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star & Defence medal ( Most probably also war Medal). His last posting is shown as being as a Flight Lieutenant with 294 Squadron ( Iraq & Persia ) as of December 1945. Much paperwork related to his RAF service including wedding photographs, two Dinner Menus from his visit to the USA in 1942. A Certificate of Competence inside his paybook gives his qualification to ferry the Wellington Bomber & also Warwicks. There are also some HMSO publications relating to the RAF including the 'ABC of the RAF'. Certainly a thoroughly researchable group.
Feldzug 1915 Book - Michael Baldwin Volume 2 in the five volume series ‘Feldzug’. This edition captures the uniforms, headdress and equipment of the German Soldier on the front line in 1915. Rare and elusive garments, pickelhaubes as well as weapons have been photographed in high resolution and display in close up, large format to aid the collector in increasing their knowledge and authenticating these historic artefacts. This work is over 200 pages, hard back and includes informative text and wonderful period images to compliment the many previously unseen items. The highlight of the book may well be the detailed look at the experimental armoured face masks of the Gaede Helmet and the Shutzshild (Elephant Face), it leaves the reader looking forward to the next publication Feldzug 1916 when Steel Helmets are introduced and thus open up a whole new field of history to explore.
Field Marshall Henry Maitland Wilson Attributed Binoculars This pair of time forgotten binoculars bear the engraved name \' CAPT. H.M.WILSON - RIFLE BRIGADE \' & become a fascinating slice of history when the career of the man who once owned them is researched. With the maker name \' J.WICH PARIS\' & \'MERCEDES\' they have survived in excellent condition & are still serviceable as an acceptable pair of binoculars. Field Marshall Henry Maitland Wilson , 1st Baron Wilson GCB,GBE & DSO was a senior British army officer who saw active service in the Second Boer War & in the First World war at The Somme & Passchendaele. Educated at Eton & Sandhurst he was commissioned into the Rifle Brigade as a second lieutenant on 10th March 1900. He came up through the ranks & was promoted to Captain on 2nd April 1908. He reached substantive rank of Major in September 1915 & was sent to the Western Front, France in December. He became General Staff Officer of the 41st Division on The Somme & of the XIX Corps at Passchendaele. His career goes on until the 1960s the details of which can be found without any difficulty via an internet search.
Framed & Signed Irvin Parachute Piece From DFC Winner John Bentley Beard , Hurricane Fighter Pilot 249 Sqn RAF. A framed piece of April 1940 dated Irvin parachute signed by the DFC decorated Hurricane fighter pilot John Bentley-Beard who baled out of his aircraft twice during the Battle of Britain . Rare in itself the Irvin parachute piece with a date of April 1940 predates the Battle of Britain & thus it is interesting to note the ' IRVIN AIR-CHUTE' nomenclature as well as the inspection dates of 22 FEB, 11 APR 1940 & 9 APR 1940. Handwritten on to the fabric is the dedication ' Saved me 7th Sept Hurricane 2440 and 25th Oct Hurricane 3615 1940 ' with his signature & squadron underneath this. It is not implausible to conclude that this is a piece of the actual parachute which saved his life on at least one of the occasions although sadly I cannot ,of course, guarantee it! This fighter pilots history is well recorded having started with 609 Sqn in December 1939. Moving to 249 Sqn he was attributed six victories in September 1940 before being shot down on the 7th September by British anti-aircraft fire. Lightning unfortunately struck twice on October 25th when he was shot down over Kent by ME109s & obliged to bale out again spending time recouperating in Pembury Hospital before returning to the Sqn in December. A DFC winner , he was also awarded the Air Force Cross for his work in the armament field .
Framed WW1 RFA Gunners Grouping of Badges,Insignia Etc Interesting grouping of First World War badges, buttons, insignia & other memorabilia relating to one mans service in the Royal Field Artillery & mounted onto a board as a souvenir piece. Included in the group are his early brass cap badge with rotating wheel, RFA Shoulder Titles & Cloth Flashes, RFA buttons, Crossed Flags, .303 Charger Clip & his Queen Mary Gift Tin. Also is a humorous Xmas Card with a small piece of shrapnel mounted onto the front of it the personal significance of which we'll sadly never know. The items have been mounted with wire onto a blue cloth ( now faded) backing then onto a board underneath with a glass wooden framed cover allowing it to be hung from the wall. Nice personal souvenir to one mans service in the Royal Field Artillery during the First World War.
Free French Tropical Helmet 1940 With Souvenir Writing By Free French Soldier A British made 1940 dated Tropical helmet of the Free French forces who were heavily involved in the British controlled operations against Italian forces in Libya & Egypt. Later the same year they joined the British in defeating the Vichy forces in Syria & Lebanon. Issued by the British , this helmet retains its paper manufacturer label from \' Helmets Ltd \' with the date \'1940\' . Insignia is the correct brass \' Colonial\' anchor specifically intended for the tropical helmet. A soldier has drawn the Cross of Lorraine symbol of the Free French with the placename \'Liberville\' referring to the November 1940 Battle of Gabon in Central Africa. Here , Free French Forces took the colony of Gabon along with its capital Libreville from Vichy French forces. It is interesting to note that the British agreed to provide naval support to the Free French who were a force comprised of French Legionnaires , Senegalese & Cameroonian troops. An interesting part of Free French history .
French Colonial Infantry ( Marines ) Uniform Grouping With \'Battle For France\' 502nd Tank Regiment Interest A rare French \'Grande Tenue\' ( Best Dress ) uniform grouping to a Colonial infantry officer comprising Kepi , tunic , epaulettes , dress belt & trousers . These well respected elite troops are regarded as Marines in the French military although not directly attached to the French Navy. It is interesting to note that the Kepi has a gold embossed tailor name \' Loux\' to the sweatband & a unit marking \' 502 Chars d\'Assault \' this most likely being the tailor for that unit & this Colonial Infantry officer being attached to them at the time & having his Kepi made by their tailor \' Loux\' . The 502nd are a famous french tank regiment that saw action during the Battle for France in 1939 . The tunic here is made by a Brest tailor with name label dated 1939 so it is almost certain that this officer took part in the Battle for France at that time. This whole uniform grouping dates from the early thirties with the nine gilt anchor buttoned tunic being of the model 1933. The epaulettes are in beautiful gold bullion with the dress belt having double anchor gilted buckles. Kepi has , of course, the bullion embroidered anchor to fron for Colonial officer & three gold rank braids to crown signifying rank of Major. The elongated style of the Hungarian knot to top of the Kepi denotes early thirties manufacture still using the earlier burlap lining to interior sides. This uniform was well looked after in the postwar years as all components are in immaculate condition with just some minor service wear typical of an officers best dress. There is one small moth nip to side of Kepi.
French Colonial Infantry ( Marines ) Uniform Grouping With \'Battle For France\' 502nd Tank Regiment Interest A rare French 'Grande Tenue' ( Best Dress ) uniform grouping to a Colonial infantry officer comprising Kepi , tunic , epaulettes , dress belt & trousers . These well respected elite troops are regarded as Marines in the French military although not directly attached to the French Navy. It is interesting to note that the Kepi has a gold embossed tailor name ' Loux' to the sweatband & a unit marking ' 502 Chars d'Assault ' this most likely being the tailor for that unit & this Colonial Infantry officer being attached to them at the time & having his Kepi made by their tailor ' Loux' . The 502nd are a famous french tank regiment that saw action during the Battle for France in 1939 . The tunic here is made by a Brest tailor with name label dated 1939 so it is almost certain that this officer took part in the Battle for France at that time. This whole uniform grouping dates from the early thirties with the nine gilt anchor buttoned tunic being of the model 1933. Two medal ribbons adorn the breast these being the Colonial medal & the Croix De Guerre. The epaulettes are in beautiful gold bullion with the dress belt having double anchor gilted buckles. Kepi has , of course, the bullion embroidered anchor to front for Colonial officer & three gold rank braids to crown signifying rank of Major. The elongated style of the Hungarian knot to top of the Kepi denotes early thirties manufacture still using the earlier burlap lining to interior sides. This uniform was well looked after in the postwar years as all components are in immaculate condition with just some minor service wear typical of an officers best dress. There is one small moth nip to side of Kepi.
French M1872/1874 Dragoon Helmet ( As Worn August 1914 ) A magnificent French Dragoon helmet of the M1872/1874 pattern for other ranks. These were still being worn in August 1914 by the troops of the French Dragoons who were at that early war time time engaged in reconnaissance , guarding the flanks & covering the infantry as well as liason & escort. The Dragoon helmet is identical to that worn by the Cuiraissiers with the minor difference of no plume socket (marmouset) to the top of the crest. The skull , peak & neckguard are made from cast sheet steel which form a lobster tail to the rear with Medusas head to the front of the crest & thirteen palmettes seperated by water lillies. All of the fittings & the badge are of brass this including the chin scales which are adjusted by use of a partially concealed strap inner buckle system. The plume socket is set into the side of the helmet & retains its original often missing red plume which would not have been worn in the field. The front plate has a grenade set into two laurel branches this integrating with the bottom edge of the crest as the top grenade flame reaches upwards. To the crest is mounted black horsehair with a pleat which allowed it to be tied up so it did not flutter in the face of the cavalryman. There is a maker mark to the rear of the helmet for the firm \'SHF\' a well known maker of these helmets . Interior of the helmet has survived in very good order with the undersides of each peak lined in card . The sheepskin liner tongues are all good with no damage to holes. A fabulous helmet which would take pride of place in any WW1 headgear collection.
French M1872/1874 Dragoon Helmet With Rare Pale Blue Issue Field Cover A magnificent French Dragoon helmet of the M1872/1874 pattern with its rare field cover in blue for other ranks . These were in wear early 1915 by the troops of the French Dragoons who were in that early period engaged in reconnaissance , guarding the flanks & covering the infantry as well as liaison & escort. The Dragoon helmet is identical to that worn by the Cuiraissiers with the minor difference of no plume socket (marmouset) to the top of the crest. The skull , peak & neckguard are made from cast sheet steel which from a lobster tail to the rear with Medusas head to the front of the crest & thirteen palmettes seperated by water lillies. All of the fittings & the badge are of brass this including the chin scales which are adjusted by use of a partially concealed strap inner buckle system. The plume socket is set into the side of the helmet although the plume has long gone . The front plate has a grenade set into two laurel branches this integrating with the bottom edge of the crest as the top grenade flame reaches upwards. To the crest is mounted black horsehair with a pleat which allowed it to be tied up so it did not flutter in the face of the cavalryman. Interior of the helmet has survived in very good order with the undersides of each peak lined in card . The sheepskin liner tongues are all good with no damage to holes. The blue cover fitted here is shown as it came & has clearly not been off of the helmet in many years. As of 1915 the French army ordered that helmet covers were now to be of pale blue fabric in line with the new Horizon Blue uniform however colours varied greatly from various depot & private sources . Distinguishable from its Cuirassier counterpart without the hole for the \'marmouset\' it has a tightening cord around its edges. A hole at its rear allows the crest to be pulled through. A fabulous French cavalry helmet which would take pride of place in any WW1 headgear collection.
German First Aid Kit & Contents Verbandkasten) Green painted wood & metal construction First Aid Box with the German lettering of ' Verbandkasten ' on the lid & the serial number of the box. These kits were carried on vehicles & various transports to carry medical supplies such as bandages, tourniquets etc & were filled according to the requirement of the medical personnel using them. This box has inside various German medical items including several 1942 dated field dressings, several large paper wrapped bandages, 2 x 1942 dated powders in their boxes (Chloraminpuder) , Foot Cream, Vaseline in its porcelain container, salt tablets, sugar lumps, footpowder, antiseptic cream & various other pills & solutions used by medical personnel. Nice full medical kit probably from a field dressing station.
German M36 Panzer Gefreiter Service Tunic Sound example of the M36 tunic with dark green collar having rose pink piped collar litzen & Gefreiter rank to left arm. Tunic is of typical good quality early wool construction with five button front & bevo national emblem machine stitched to right breast. Early bevo collar litzen is machine stitched on a black backing & has the early central green stripe flanked by two rose pink bolts for Panzer troops. They appear to be originally sewn to the tunic with no trace of any other stitching tracks to the collar underside. Markings to interior of jacket are in the usual dice stamp form with the maker name of 'G.ASSMAN Halle' & the depot stamp 'ML39' denoting the date 1939. Size of tunic is relatively broad in the shoulders although this tunic has evidently been worn by a small statured Panzer soldier or youth due it having been considerably shortened by a tailor of the period. Gefreiter chevron to left arm & single award loops to left breast pocket. Shoulder straps are non period & are included for visual effect only. Overall a good clean example of the Panzer piped service tunic.
German MP34 Sub Machine Gun & Accessories Classic sub machine gun of the early Third Reich period being the MP34 as used by German Army, Police & other ancillary units throughout WW2. These early weapons were extremely well made with all parts being of an unusually high standard having provision for a side mounted bayonet & a unique stripper clip device built into the magazine port for ease of recharging empty magazines whilst still in place. The Overall condition of the wood & metalwork is excellent with all matching numbers & profuse waffenampt markings. This example is an old specification deactivation & as such cocks & dryfires. Comes with three spare waffenampt stamped magazines in their brown leather ammunition pouch , bayonet with scabbard & sling, all in excellent condition. ***Supplied with Home office issued certificate of deactivation***
German Soldier Document grouping Documents relating to a Gefreiter ( Corporal) Jacob Gerhard GROITZSCH wounded twice in February 1943 in Russia & subsequently ending his military service in hospital until returning to the Russian Occupied Zone of Germany in 1945. Group includes a good portrait size photograph of the soldier in M36 Service Tunic & M34 Cap obviously being an early shot before he was wounded. Also is a handwritten sheet ( probably for his Soldbuch) listing his injuries & dates & showing them as received in action & stamped from his unit Infantry Regiment 514 , a paper document issued as an Ausweis in half Russian & half German & dated 17th September 1945. This was issued when the soldier was back in the Occupied Russian Zone of Germany to act as his pass & to be produced on demand. Also is another pass or ' Passierschein' in Russian & German also for getting about in the Russian Zone & valid from the 25th October till the 31st December 1945. It is more than likely the man was fighting as a Panzergrenadier due to his number '479 217/ Panzer' being typed after his name on the Ausweis.
German WW1 Prussian Pickelhaube , Time Capsule Untouched ! An interesting example of a Prussian WW1 pickelhaube which comes completely as found uncleaned & with years of accumulated storage dust & age contributing to the charactor of the helmet. This helmet is a good example of those that can be encountered from 1915 onwards with a mix of brass & grey painted steel fittings used by manufacturers to meet demand as WW1 raged on . The Prussian helmet plate to front is firmly affixed to the helmet having not been off since it was taken from the battlefield. Chinstrap is a very rare original example with brass eyes & buckles & in very good undamaged condition. The soldiers name is handwritten in pencil to underside of the rear peak . A circular manufacturers ink stamp can be seen to crown of shell. Untouched & just as found.
Honorary Rank British Military Hat From Althorp House , Home Of Lady Diana An interesting cap that was , by repute, part of a large number of items sold via auction some years ago from the estate of Althorp House in Northamptonshire. Althorp House was the family seat of the Spencer family . It was , of course, the home of Lady Diana Spencer , later Princess of Wales for a part of her life. This hat was included in an auction lot of other items & mentioned in the catalogue. Believed to have belonged to Lady Dianas' great grandfather it was part of a uniform that represented an honorary military rank held by him . A hat of immense high quality with bullion rank to brim there is a 'CATERS' tailor name of 66A St.James St, London. Of note is the gold blocked A cypher on the interior lining . Outer body is in very good condition with a couple of minor moth tracks & some moth nips to the doeskin headband.
M35 Single Decal Army Helmet Early Model 1935 helmet with leather liner , aluminium band & early brass liner rivets. This is an example of one of the earliest runs with the brass rivets & aluminium band which were found to be too weak for service use & often broke. The band on this helmet has snapped at the stress points on the sides then been field repaired which is a common feature of early M35 helmets. A small portion of the band is missing where it has snapped & dropped out. Outside of helmet is in classic factory painted apple green which has then been overpainted to comply with the 1940 order to roughen the surface finish. Army decal is mostly remaining & has been painted around when the second coat of dark green paint has been applied. National shield has originally been painted around but then removed to comply with regulations . Small traces are still visible. Good honest helmet that has seen much service use.
M38 Gas Mask & Canister, Complete. Super example of standard WW2 German Gas Mask & Canister with all its original straps complete. Gas Mask has the green rubber style facepiece ( Size 3) dated 1941. Snout of the mask is maker coded 'gbv' & also dated 1941. There are the numbers '466' handpainted onto the snout by the soldier & all its straps are complete. Filter is of the FE41 type & is dated '43'. Factory olive green painted canister is maker coded 'eph' & dated 1943 & has two spare gas mask lense packets still contained within its lense compartment which also has a paper label bearing the soldiers rank & name of a 'Gren.Pasch Michael' ( Rank of Grenadier). Inside & at the bottom of the tin are its issue cleaning cloth & retainer which holds it in place. Both the long & short straps are present & are original German WW2 issue & not post war Bundeswehr replacements as is commonly found. This is an excellent untouched & complete example of the standard Wehrmacht Gas Mask & Canister as used by the Army, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine & Waffen SS combat formations in WW2. Overall excellent original condition.
M40 German Helmet , (British Soldier Souvenir) Original M40 German Helmet acquired recently from the family of a WW2 British soldier who brought it back as a souvenir. Helmet is interesting as it has had two decals painted over its original paint to copy the early double decal style. Its not clear when this was done but was more than likely put on to enhance its appearance at some point after the war. Helmet is a steel banded classic reissue with its original rough coat of dark green paint over its factory finish & original leather liner which has never been out. Leather is still in good supple condition with some stitching having come away at the rear seam. Unable to see the inside stampings due to its wartime repaint but size appears to be a 64 as it fits an average mannequin head with no problems. There are a few chips & dings to the outer shell paint & the chinstrap is long gone but this is nevertheless a good example of a classic souvenir pickup.
May 1945 General Dempsey Thankyou Communication To Members Of 83 Group RAF A May 1945 dated thankyou communication from Lt.General Dempsey thanking members of 83 Group RAF for their support under his command. Black composite framed under what appears to be perspex. No. 83 (Composite) Group was formed on 1 April 1943 within the Second Tactical Air Force. By the eve of the D-Day landings, 83 Group had grown to a strength of 29 fighter, ground-attack and reconnaissance squadrons and four artillery observation squadrons, grouped into ten wings. At the time of Operation Market Garden it consisted of the RCAF's 39 Reconnaissance Wing, 121, 122, 123 and 143 Wings flying Hawker Typhoon fighter-bombers, 125 Wing with Supermarine Spitfire fighters, and the RCAF 126 and 127 Wings also flying Spitfires. No 401 (Ram) Squadron with Spitfires was one of its squadrons from 1943. The Group HQ was at RAF Eindhoven from 1 October 1944 to 10 April 1945. It was absorbed into No. 84 Group RAF on 21 April 1946.
Named Falklands War 1982 Argentinian Marine Infantry Helmet With Camouflage \'ARA\' Cover A battlefield recovered Argentinian Marine infantry helmet with camouflage cover & original rubber band. This iconic helmet has the Marine cover with \'ARA\' contract label still attached. The \'ARA\' initials denote \'Armada de la Republica Argentina\' or \'Argentinian Navy\' . Lifting of the rubber band displays the discolouration to the fabric caused by continual wear & weathering. The helmet shell is an ex American M1 helmet , old stocks of these purchased from the USA & Argentinian produced helmet shells were both used by Argentinian forces in the Falklands. The handpainted marking in white paint \'Cdo\' is visible to interior crown. The Argentinian reworked liner is well worn with rust to the internal washers as is the case with most genuine Falklands campaign used helmets. Lifting the internal webbing yoke a handwritten name & what appears to be a date can be seen . I am unsure of the spelling of the name so have included a clear picture which may assist in identifying the correct name of the wearer. A very interesting battlefield worn Argentinian combat helmet.
Named Falklands War 1982 Argentinian Marine Infantry Helmet With Camouflage \'ARA\' Cover A battlefield recovered Argentinian Marine infantry helmet with camouflage cover & original rubber band. This iconic helmet has the Marine cover with 'ARA' contract label still attached. The 'ARA' initials denote 'Armada de la Republica Argentina' or 'Argentinian Navy' . Lifting of the rubber band displays the discolouration to the fabric caused by continual wear & weathering. The helmet shell is an ex American M1 helmet , old stocks of these purchased from the USA & Argentinian produced helmet shells were both used by Argentinian forces in the Falklands. The handpainted marking in white paint 'Cdo' is visible to interior crown. The Argentinian reworked liner is well worn with rust to the internal washers as is the case with most genuine Falklands campaign used helmets. Lifting the internal webbing yoke a handwritten name & number can be seen . This has been edited for the photograph but may be discerned by the new owner upon receipt. A very interesting battlefield worn Argentinian combat helmet.
Named Falklands War 1982 Netted Argentinian Army Helmet With Goggles Argentinian combat helmet with standard issue rubber banded net & rough green textured finish to shell exterior. A pair of goggles are fitted to the net. This configuration of helmet camouflage is very typical of the standard army conscript soldier ... the helmet shell is a typical Argentinian refurbished US M1 with a mix of typically rusted fittings to the chinstrap system. Liner is a typical depot refurbishment with shoddily replaced liner rivets & head strap system. There is alot of soldier applied scratching to the outside of the liner , A small part of what I can read is ' Ramires Domingo' & ' Guadia 13/3/77' . The number '45' is written to the crown. Lifting the web yoke of the liner system the name of what appears to be 'Aichino' can be seen. A photograph of this can be seen in the images. Coming completely as found , this item comes from a long established Falklands War collection we have recently acquired . Many of the items were sourced in the 1980s from servicemen who had returned home with them .
Normandy Found British Netted Camouflage \'Tommy\' Helmet If you are looking for a true timecapsule piece from the 1944 Normandy campaign this multi netted 'bocage' camouflage British soldiers helmet may be the one off piece for your D-Day collection. Originally coming from a house in the Operation Bluecoat area some years ago this netted helmet displays all of the attributes & unmistakeable original age that one would want to see in an ' as found ' piece such as this. When one carefully examines the netting on the helmet it becomes apparent that the soldier has , ingeniously , used four tightly tied nets to cover it with all having sunk down upon each other to form what must have been a very effective camouflage in the thick bocage of the Normandy hedgerows. One can see the tightening strings passing under the various nets in different areas with the totally undisturbed screw nut visible at the top of the helmet. The original khaki factory paint of the helmet can be seen in places with most paint removed from the rim where the net has continuously rubbed around it during heavy use. Interior displays an undisturbed rexene liner with the date '1941' just visible on one chinstrap lug. Markings on the liner cradle are obscured through the buildup of age so I have made no attempt to clean this or any other part of the helmet . A fabulous piece of history which saw action in the hedgerow hell of Normandy.
Original WW1 28/3/18 Dated British Handwritten Letter By Major General Guy Bainbridge & WW1 25th Division In France & Flanders History Book A rare & unique handwritten letter dated 23rd March 1918 written by Major general Sir Guy Bainbridge who commanded the 25th Division during WW1. There is also a divisional history of them in France & Flanders compiled not long after the First world war. Within the neatly written three page letter Bainbridge acknowledges the Division recording his appreciation of their work during the 21st to 28th March when they were in the area of the 1918 German Spring offensive. He writes : \' For the first time in history of the Division the Engineers & Pioneers had to be sent forward to act as Infantry & they did the work admirably , not only carrying out passive defence but counter attacking in a most dashing & determined manner \'. He goes on to praise all of the individual support units such as RAMC & ASC & also \' The new Machine Gun Battalion split up all over the Corps front proved itself to be quite up to the Red Horse Shoe ( Divisional Insignia ) . Fascinating item of WW1 history endorsed by a high ranking British Commanding officer.
Painting of Japanese Lunghwa Allied Internee Camp in Shanghai. This appears to be a copy of an original picture, now held in archive in the Imperial War Museum, painted by a former internee of Lunghwa Camp in Shanghai which was a camp run by the occupying Japanese forces for allied internees. The front of the picture is titled Lunghwa Camp 1943-1945 & the back has handwritten information made by the artist & former prisoner Irene (Duguid) Kilpatrick. This is an old copy of the picture she made which was presented to her whilst her original was donated to the museum & kept in archive. Lunghwa Camp was opened by the Japanese in Feb 1943 & closed in Sept 1945 holding 1700 occupants in its duration. An interesting & historic picture from the possession of a former internee of the infamous Japanese Camp Lunghwa.
Personalised WW2 RAF Irvine Flying Jacket 1941 A quite stunning Irvine Flying Jacket with personalised motif painted to upper left breast & label intact bearing sizes & 1941 date. The Irvine flying jacket is an iconic piece of RAF flying kit with dated & personalised examples becoming very hard to find now. This particular piece bears its original factory sewn clothing label with nomenclature , sizes & clear date of 1941. The initials \' S.T.M.\' have been written across it by the original owner however these do not seem to match the motif painted onto the breast . Its half waist belt remains totally intact with both sleeve & front zips all \'DOT\' marked & in fully working order. Quite remarkably there are no rips or tears anywhere on the jacket with it still being incredibly supple upon handling. The thick pile fleece is complete & undamaged. Overall a superb RAF piece from the early part of WW2 !
Postwar British MKII Paratrooper Helmet A good untouched British MKII paratrooper helmet with all of its original green factory paint, webbing straps & chin cup. Upon inspection of the liner screws to the exterior of the shell it becomes immediately apparent that they are totally unmolested & match completely the colour & wear on the rest of the helmet. This is an attribute not often encountered on many that are now offered . The exterior paint finish displays an attractive patina of service wear with some very roughly & randomly applied splotches of a now subdued dull tan camouflage colour visible in places. Interior of the helmet is all present & correct with the often missing dome crash pad intact. The leather is very supple with no damage & the chamois lining is still present to the underside of the chin cup. The maker mark , size & date 'CCL 7 1/2 1956 ' are impressed into the sweatband. Identical to a wartime dated MK2 paratrooper helmet , & referred to today as the MkIII by collectors , this excellent example of the 'Helmet Steel, Airborne Troops ' would be perfect for mannequin display & considerably more affordable.
Pre EU/UK Deactivation - WW2 German MG42 Machine Gun With Anti Aircraft Sight & 1944 Dated Wooden Butt For non EU Sales only - For sale to customers outside the European Union. If you are looking for that fantastic one off MG42 to compliment your collection then this one may be for you ! Deactivated WW2 German 7.92mm MG42 machine gun with anti aircraft sight & rarely encountered three letter maker code , waffenamt markings & 1944 date stamped into the wooden butt. Butt marking appears to be 'hvq 1944 WAa434' . This example also has the reddish brown bakelite grips & maker code as well as markings to left side of 'MG42 dfb' for the maker ' Gustloff-Werke Waffenwerk Suhl ' . This three letter code is seen on various parts of the weapon along with eagle & swastika waffenamt markings. Coming with its desirable rear anti aircraft sight .Overall condition is excellent. For non EU sales only however can be re-deactivated to the current EU specification. Please email before purchase. ***Sorry cannot ship Scotland or Ireland***
Prewar Photo Album of German Battleship Deutschland Funeral & Spanish War, Chinese War Etc An interesting photograph album containing a mix of photographs from immediate prewar campaigns & actions having been period compiled by a British soldier from captured photographs taken from prisoners. The soldier has indexed the pages contained within on the front inside cover starting with views of Gibralter & Spain then moving into shots of a funeral from the German battleship Deutschland. History tells us that the Deutschland was attacked by Soviet bombers in 1937 which fits in well with the prewar period & the shots of Kriegsmarine personnel & swastika flag draped coffins. One photograph also appears to be of Adolf Hitler although from a distance present at the military funeral service. The album then goes on into photographs of HMS Hunter & the Chinese War before more photographs of the Spanish War follow. Many shots of different personnel are present & also some showing corpses & an apparent execution both spanning the Chinese & Spanish war section. The origins of this album & its owner are not known.
Princess Mary Christmas Gift Tin 1914 & Christmas Card Nice example of the famous 1914 Christmas Gift Tin presented as a gift from Princess Mary to the troops in the first year of the Great War. As supply demands were very high for these tins their distribution to the troops ( & also war widows) took some time & as the war dragged on unexpectedly the quality of the tins declined with plating being used for the exterior finish. This example is of early production in good brass with some weight to it & with the decoration detail still being very clear. Also with the tin is a Christmas card bearing good wishes for the New Year from Princess Mary bearing her monogram on the front of it & the date 1915. Outer part of the card is split in two but inside pages bearing the message are intact. Very nice WW1 piece of history & hard to find still with the card.
Provenanced WW2 Squadron Leaders MkII Helmet 1940 An early WW2 British MkII helmet that has the initials of 'WJH' to front & name 'Henney' known to have been from an RAF Squadron leader named William James Henney who is known to have been a Chief Ground Instructor at the Operational Training Unit , Greenwood , Nova Scotia. This base was a training unit for the RAF from 1942 until 1944 when the Royal Canadian Air Force took over. Helmet is a very nice example of an early issue 1940 MkII with rough khaki textured outer paint applied over its first smooth factory paint. Marked with the initials & date 'JSS 1940' for the firm Joseph Sankey it has liner cradle with 'VERO' maker & 1941 date. The name 'Henney' has been scratched into the underside of the shell also. A helmet that has hardly been worn it comes with a brief paper synopsis gained from preliminary research by the previous owner.
Published WW1 German M16 Camouflage Helmet With Unique Swirl Effect A three tone M17 camouflage helmet that has had black swirls worked into each segment to enhance the effectiveness of the scheme. This actual helmet can be seen on Page 158 of the superb reference book \'Stahlschutzhelme\' by , in short, esteemed collector & author Oliver Lock . In the classic colours of tan ochre , red brown & forest green small swirls have been applied to some of the segments creating a somewhat artistic & unique addition to a helmet that could otherwise be described as conforming to the 1918 directive of standardisation. Interior has the later three stitch lined leather band denoting its manufacture by way of lamination process involving thinner leather sections which were not as robust as the earlier thicker versions. Marked to underside of rim with manufacturer & size \'BF62\'.
Published WW1 German M17 Camouflage Helmet A superb M17 camouflage helmet which is pictured on pages 144 & 145 of the superb reference book \'Stahlschutzhelme\' by Oliver Lock. Souvenired by an American soldier in WW1 this three tone segmented camouflage helmet is typical of those ( As stated by author Oliver Lock ) adhering to the 7th July 1918 directive. Interestingly there is an American soldier written capture inscription to the underside of the rear neck reading \'Corbic , France Nov. 1918\' . The camouflage has been artistically applied in sections with black dividing lined running around each & extending around the bottom rim of the helmet. As Oliver Lock states in his book regarding this helmet the somewhat bleached out & deeply patinated camouflage give us an idea of how matt its finish has remained without having been exposed to postwar collector oiling or waxing. Interior liner band is of the metal 1917 pattern with leather cushion holders & all three cushions . The front pad has been very skilfully collector repaired which as improved it vastly from its loose state.
Published WW2 British Police Inspectors Helmet 1939 A totally untouched rare wartime Police Inspectors helmet which can be seen on page 151 of the superb Adrian Blake reference book \' Helmets of the Home Front\'. A blue MkII helmet overpainted in white with one rank pip surmounting what appears to be a decal type transfer \' POLICE\' it would appear this style originated in the London area. With heavy service wear throughout there are chips & scuffs to the exterior with an uncleaned & cobwebbed interior that looks like it was in a shed for a long time ! Remains of the blue paint can be seen to rim underside with 1938 dated chinstrap lugs & 1938 date to rim ( See images ) . Liner cradle can be faintly seen to bear the maker name & date of \'JCS&W Ltd 1939\' ( Compton & Webb). Web chinstrap is intact with the initials \'NW\' . Rare helmet & one that has seen much war service by a Police Inspector .
RAF 1925/37 Pattern Pistol Order Webbing Set Matching set of RAF webbing that is as it was worn during WW2 & in original condition with all of its original components. Set comprises the scarce 1925 pattern pistol ammunition pouch ( wider than the '37 patt & dated 1939 ) 1925 pattern pistol holster dated 1939 & 1937 pattern belt dated 1941. The RAF used much 1925 pattern equipment upon the outbreak of WW2 this being gradually replaced by the 1937 pattern from 1941 onwards. AM stamp with crown is visible on the belt & holster with 'MECo' manufacturer stamp also present. Pistol ammunition pouch is clearly stamped 'MECo 1939'. This set was evidently worn together for a very long time as it is washed out but matching with only very minor traces of blue/grey blanco on some small obscured areas. 1925 pattern RAF webbing is very hard to find now this set having recently surfaced from the effects of a former WW2 RAF pilot.
RAF B Type Flying Helmet 1939 Type 'B' Flying Helmet ( Designation 22C/65 ) standard flying helmet of RAF aircrew personnel between 1936 & 1941. In dark brown leather the helmet is lined in chamois & has a layer of cotton padding between the leather shell & chamois lining. Helmet has a leather chinstrap fitted with a friction buckle & also a similar leather strap & buckle arrangement at the back where there is an opening that has apparently been stitched shut. The Air Ministry designation of 'AM 22C/65' is clearly visible impressed into the leather on the right side & the manufacturer label intact on the inside is still present. This shows the maker as being 'Wareings of Northampton LTD No3 size 7 1/8 - 7 3/8. There is also the clear date 1939. Helmet has had its earcups removed & has certainly seen much use. Would certainly benefit from a good clean. Nice RAF item.
RAOC Captains Service Dress Jacket, Trousers & Sam Browne Set. Nice clean example of the WW2 British officers service dress jacket & trousers belonging to a member of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Jacket is the pre 1942 pattern with box pleated breast pockets, buttoned bottom pockets & built on cuffs in khaki drab material. Also RAOC buttons throughout with correct officers RAOC badges to lapel. Three pips to each shoulder strap indicate rank of Captain with interesting medal ribbons mounted above left pocket. They show that this officer was a North Africa veteran having been awarded the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star & Italy Star & also has the distinction of having been mentioned in despatches represented by the oakleaf sewn next to his ribbons. Interestingly, the uniform was made by a tailor in Egypt , as the label testifies, tying in nicely with his medal entitlement. Comes complete with his Sam browne belt & shoulder strap. Overall in excellent condition with two very small moth nips to the rear shoulder blade area. Leather of Sam Browne is excellent with no dryness & retaining its suppleness.
Rare Belgian 1889 Model Civil Guard Bayonet With Matching Numbers Rare matching numbered Belgian Model 1889 bayonet for the \' Garde Civique \' with a longer blade than the standard issue. The \'Garde Civique\' was a Belgian paramilitary militia which existed between 1830 & 1920. They were very much a \'Gendarmerie\' police type unit responsible for maintaining social order within Belgium. Upon mobilisation on 4th August 1914 following the German invasion the German authorities regarded them as irregular troops & threatened to execute captured \'Garde\' members. These threats were taken seriously by King Albert 1 who ordered its dissolution on 13th October 1914. In good condition it has matching number \' T782\' to scabbard frog & bayonet hilt . *** Prood of age over 18 will be required ***
Rare Early WW1 French Infantry Officers \' Horizon Blue\' Kepi 1914/15 A rare early WW1 officers private purchase kepi of the semi Foulard style & in blue grey wool. Extremely difficult to find today these early blue examples were seen in the field by 1915 with the Hungarian knot & double rank braiding ( Lieutenant ) being a carryover from the pre WW1 period. Rank insignia & unit numbering on kepis were forbidden towards the end of 1914 however many examples were produced commercially which simply ignored this regulation. This Kepis early war manufacture is denoted by the ' Demi Foulard' style which was a popular style from 1884 onwards. Chinstrap is of matching blue cloth with both chinstrap buttons in gilt & having the flaming grenade of the infantry. When one carefully pulls back the chinstrap to reveal the unweathered cloth its light blue colour is quite striking. Interior has a high quality blue satin lining with tailor label for 'Beviere' of ' 11 Rue Nationale , Tours' . Having survived in quite excellent condition it has only two or three very small moth nips that are only noticeable upon close inspection. A rare piece of early WW1 French headdress & one of the first to be produced.
Rare Falklands War Argentinian Helmet From 7th Inf. Regiment Who Fought At Mount Longdon & Wireless Ridge An iconic & now very rare Falklands war Argentinian army helmet from Regiment Infantry 7 who fought at Mount Longdon & Wireless Ridge. This helmet was brought back from the Islands as a souvenir after the campaign. Typical of many seen in period photographs being worn by the Argentinian conscripts with winter parka hoods as camouflage covers the exterior has extensive weathering , grime & wear to its outside typically indicative of those Argentinian combat helmets that were actually worn in the Falklands campaign. The thick black rubber band has always been in place on the helmet & shows an unweathered freshness of colour to the unexposed areas underneath it. On examination of the covers underside within the helmet the black ink marking 'RI7' can be clearly seen which I believe is a regiment stamp. Helmet shell is an American made example , surplus stocks of US M1 shells were used, as well as their own in roughly equal quantities by their forces. Helmet liner shows typical Argentinian features to the liner with ad hoc rivet placement. The soldiers name has been handwritten onto the leather headband with the conscript intake number 'S/C 68' still being legible, The name is very hard to read however maybe decipherable upon closer inspection. A textbook one look Argentinian camouflage helmet that has come straight from the battlefield brought back by a British soldier who served there. This helmet comes from a recently rediscovered private collection I have just purchased of Argentinian items that were gathered from Falklands veterans in the 1980s' & 1990s'.
Rare Transitional M18 Kriegsmarine Double Decal Helmet With Kriegsmarine Marked Chinstrap It is well recorded that Kriegsmarine double decal helmets are very hard to find with only approximately 1/10 of German helmets produced being for the German Navy. With the speed in which the Kriegsmarine were able to procure the M35 helmet this left only a very limited number of transitional double decal KM helmets remaining in service. This time capsule of a piece is an M18 model with M31 liner system installed . It has been roughly brush painted then decals applied to both sides of the exterior. The national colours are still very intact with the distinctive gold/yellow decal of the Kriegsmarine remaining in superb condition. Close examination of the aluminium buckled chinstrap finds the rare Marine marking to its underside. Very faint maker markings can be seen to its pointed end although now not discernible. Age wear & natural oxidisation to the chinstrap studs confirm that it has been undisturbed for many years , coming still on the helmet when recently found. Liner band is of the earliest production being 1931 dated with split pins of the early 1930s period used before the M31 split pin became available. Liner is ink size stamped to one finger tip. A rare piece completely as found & never having been in collector hands before.
Rare WW1 British .303 Cartridge Bandoleer 1914 Dated The only 1914 dated WW1 British cartridge bandoleer I have ever had in my possession many of these did not survive WW1 & are consequently nearly impossible to find today. Very simply constructed of tan canvas there are five buttoned compartments both for holding two 5 round chargers of .303 ammunition, 50 rounds in total . Marked & dated 'ME Co Ltd 11.14.' for the firm Mills Equipment in November 1914 there is a filling marking in red ink dated May 1915 to show that this bandoleer contained 50 rounds of MkVII .303 Ball ammunition in chargers ( Shown in symbol form of the base of a .303 ammunition charger of the early pattern ) . Original black japanned buttons to pockets. These were often issued full before an attack thus surviving examples are very rare.
Rare WW1 British 1914 Pattern Bayonet Frog & Helve Carrier A rare 1914 pattern leather equipment entrenching tool helve carrier coming complete with its correct \'14 pattern frog as would have been worn with the rest of the infantry equipment. All components of the 1914 pattern infantry equipment are very difficult to find the helve carrier probably being the most difficult with only a few ever making the collectors market. This piece is a guaranteed original example with some of its original markings still visible where stamped into the leather. Those that can be seen I have included in the images with this being a British made example having typical rivets & brass buckles used in its construction. It is in excellent supple condition & in mid to dark brown colour the shades of brown encountered differing considerably. The \'14 pattern frog is also in excellent supple condition with maker mark of \'J.TATE & SON , BOLTON \' . A very rare piece from WW1.
Rare WW1 British Anti-Gas \' Spicer\' Goggles A rare pair of the WW1 'Spicer' Anti gas goggles first issued to the British soldier in the 1915 period along with the P helmet. These were made to be worn in a tear gas attack when eye protection was required instead of the gas helmet. The goggles were named the 'Spicer' goggles after their designer in the gas warfare department. Cheap & simple to produce they were made from two layers of fairly stiff khaki cotton that were stitched together with two celluloid eyepieces sandwiched & stitched between. To the reverse is a soft flannelette & also long tapes to facilitate tying to the head . On the front of the goggles are written the soldiers details in hand these appearing to be ' BARNES No. 41037' & 'RGA' for the Royal Garrison Artillery. As with all items of WW1 anti gas equipment these are very rare & would be nearly impossible to find again.
Rare WW1 British Army Regimentally Marked Cold Weather Fur Waistcoat A rare regimentally marked WW1 British soldiers fur waistcoat as worn by the BEF early on in WW1. A very similar example can be seen in the archives of the Imperial War Museum this being a recognised pattern & certainly one of a variety of different examples that were utilised at that time. This piece has a large WW1 ink stamp of \' 7 MR 13 \'to its interior in the style typical of those WW1 regimental marks sometimes found. This would most logically signify either the 7th Battalion Middlesex or Manchester regiment. There is a name to the reverse of \' R.LEES \' which may well lend itself to research. These sleeveless jerkins were both issued & locally made & were widely used during the early war winters of 1914 & 1915 before the introduction of the well known blanket lined leather jerkin. Constructed with the fleece on the inside it fastens by means of a double breasted toggle tied front. There is also a corner fastening such as seen on the \'wrapover\' RFC Maternity tunics. There are heavy leather reinforcing patches used in the construction on weaker areas such as the shoulder seam area & also as the platforms for toggle fasteners which would be prone to stress during use. A tightening system is visible to the rear again using the crude toggle tie fasteners. Overall condition is very good with all of the string ties present & toggles undamaged . Just one stress tear to front corner edge of the skin for which I can make no apologies ! A rare item & a recorded pattern .. not many survive today.
Rare WW1 British Army Regimentally Marked Cold Weather Fur Waistcoat A rare regimentally marked WW1 British soldiers fur waistcoat as worn by the BEF early on in WW1. A very similar example can be seen in the archives of the Imperial War Museum this being a recognised pattern & certainly one of a variety of different examples that were utilised at that time. This piece has a large WW1 ink stamp of \' 7 MR 13 \'to its interior in the style typical of those WW1 regimental marks sometimes found. This would most logically signify either the 7th Battalion Middlesex or Manchester regiment. There is a name to the reverse of \' R.LEES \' which may well lend itself to research. These sleeveless jerkins were both issued & locally made & were widely used during the early war winters of 1914 & 1915 before the introduction of the well known blanket lined leather jerkin. Constructed with the fleece on the inside it fastens by means of a double breasted toggle tied front. There is also a corner fastening such as seen on the \'wrapover\' RFC Maternity tunics. There are heavy leather reinforcing patches used in the construction on weaker areas such as the shoulder seam area & also as the platforms for toggle fasteners which would be prone to stress during use. A tightening system is visible to the rear again using the crude toggle tie fasteners. Overall condition is very good with all of the string ties present & toggles undamaged . Just one stress tear to front corner edge of the skin for which I can make no apologies ! A rare item & a recorded pattern .. not many survive today.
Rare WW1 French 1884 Pattern 10th Infantry Regiment Other Ranks Kepi As Worn August 1914 An exceptionally rare French infantry other ranks 1884 model kepi as was still being worn by French infantry soldiers in the very early stages of WW1 . This Kepi belonged to a soldier of the 10th Infantry regiment as is denoted by the number of the regiment on a patch sewn to its front. This regiment were involved in the earliest campaigns of 1914 a short list of which I have written below. With soft black peak & black leather double slider chinstrap the body of the cap is in the garish madder red wool with dark blue cord piping & cap band. The side ventilation grommets are of red painted brass with two small tombac chinstrap buttons decorated with the grenade for infantry to each side. The heavily worn interior has black leather sweatband with a leather covered padded crown that incorporates a lift up patch for the soldiers name to be written if desired. A full lining is sewn to the whole interior for insulation. I believe the 10th infantry patch to front to be originally sewn to the kepi it is roughly hand stitched around in khaki thread very typically of the period.An example of this can be seen in the Winter & Aiolfi book ' Exotisch French Kepis of the Twentieth Century ' on page 115 . A heavily used kepi there are some moth nips & tracks to the fine wool although not detracting in any way at all from this rare other ranks French infantry item of headdress. The 10th Infantry Regiment were part of the 15th Division as of August 1914 & were involved in many of the early battles such as Battle of the Frontiers in August 1914 & the Battle of Sarrebourg to name only two.
Rare WW1 French 66th Infantry Regiment M1897 Other Ranks Tunic As Worn August 1914 A very rare example of the M1897 tunic with original collar tabs of the 66th Infantry Regiment . These prewar tunics were originally intended for walking out dress however were worn in the field by NCOs ( Here a sergeant ) & were also issued to reserve regiments who had not been issued with jackets due to limited supply upon the advent of war. There is a bayonet frog loop on the left side with false pockets & scalloped flaps to rear decorated with six uniform buttons. Gold chevron denotes rank of sergeant & marksman to left sleeve. The 66th Infantry regiment were garrisoned in Tours in 1914 & formed the 35th Infantry Brigade with the 32nd Infantry Regiment . They saw much combat during WW1 including Ypres - Artois 1914/15 , Verdun-L\'Aisne 1916/17 , Metz 1918 & The Marne 1918. The regiment suffered its first gas attack at the second Battle of Ypres .
Rare WW1 French Foreign Legion M15 Adrian Helmet With Souvenir Plaque An excellent M15 Adrian helmet in the khaki of the Foreign Legion with \' Soldat De La Grande Guerre \' Souvenir plaque to front brim. All Foreign Legion helmets were given the classic infantry helmet painted khaki after October 1915 with flaming grenade badge to front. The earlier factory blue can still be seen in places underneath the khaki . Helmets of demobilised officers & other ranks were decorated with the brass \' Soldier Of The Great War 1914-1918\' souvenir plaques as of 16th April 1919 & were issued by the state of France as a recognition of service. Some were named however many were not as is the case here. Examination of the interior confirms this as an early production Adrian with a first model one piece liner used until early 1916. The red wool backing of its headband is from offcuts of the early red issue trousers . There is a name scratched into the underside of the front brim which may be dechiperable upon closer inspection . Original chinstrap intact.
Rare WW1 French M15 \' Troupes D\'Afrique \' Adrian Helmet ( Zouave & Tirailleur ) An excellent WW1 M15 French Adrian helmet for African troops ( Armee D\' Afrique ) worn with this mustard colour & crescent badge by Chausseurs d\'Afrique, the Spahis , the Zouaves & the Tirailleurs . These troops were recruited from or stationed in French North Africa from 1830 & as such were part of the French Metropolitan army many of whom were sent to fight in France at the beginning of WW1. The mustard colour of the helmets was to match the colour of their uniforms & first issues of the helmet were mustard painted over the factory blue when received . They were then mustard painted directly at the factory during manufacture & so this example is one of the very first African Army issues. A heavily worn combat helmet the original blue is visible through the chips & scuffs of the outer paint. All fititngs are still firm & intact with the early first model one piece liner & its corrugated ventilation strips still in place. With its original brown leather chinstrap there are some small dents to the exterior right side & also to the crest all testament to its active service in WW1.
Rare WW1 French M1867 Other Ranks Trousers ( With Early Button Tabs To Pockets ) A seldom encountered pair of the French M1867 red Other Ranks trousers as were being worn at the 1914 outbreak of WW1 by the French infantryman. As with most French army items in the 1914 period these were first introduced in 1867 with slight modifications in the proceeding years. This pattern are identified as the early M1867 model by the presence of buttoning closure tabs to the inside edge of each pocket. Having two straight hip pockets & an adjustable waist band to the rear they have very old wood/horn buttons to waist area for attachment of the braces & metal dished buttons to front fly. One of the waist buttons is a factory sewn ' Equipmente Militaire ' marked button with one original factory sewn button to front fly marked; ' Habillements Militaire ' . With profuse ink stamped markings to the interior waistband there is an inspection marking to reverse lining of fly although illegible. A good worn pair there is no unsightly damage just wear to the nap of the cloth & a few minor stitch repairs to areas such as the pocket edges & front fly. There are some minor grubby marks to rear of right leg. A very rare pair of early French ' Poilu' trousers from this early war period.
Rare WW1 French M1873 Artillery Blouse (50th Artillery Regiment) A wonderful M1873 Artillery Blouse for a Farrier of the 50th Field Artillery. These early issue garments were still being worn by French troops when war broke out in 1914 this piece being dated 1905. The 50th Field Artillery were garrisoned in Rennes & part of the 10th Brigade , X Corps. For all artillerymen this blouse was the main garment for all forms of dress. Of fine dark blue cloth it has buttoned shoulder straps which immediately identify this an Artillery jacket. with standup collar & red collar tabs of the 50th matching the regimentals markings stamped onto the interior lining. The front is fastened by nine tombac buttons that have the crossed cannons & bursting grenade of Artillery troops. Interior lining shows it as belonging to the 50th Artillery with a previous unit issue before this. The inspection stamp gives the date as 1905. Bullion horseshoe Farrier badge to left sleeve. In excellent condition having escaped the ravages of moth for over 100 years .
Rare WW1 French M1893 Field Pack An excellent example of the very rare French M1893 Field Pack as was worn by French infantry upon the mobilisation of French troops in 1914. The blackened impregnated cloth & wooden frame are in excellent condition with no damage & all of the packs load carrying strap tabs & loops are intact. Rear of the pack has both of its two piece shoulder straps with large brass swivel rivet in good order. Underside of the flap has double white canvas which is split in the middle for carriage of the paybook . Here are found a Paris maker stamp with date of April 1892 just slightly before the official designation that we know as the M1893 pattern . An inspection stamp is illegible although there appears to be a 1902 unit stamp . A fabulous piece in outstanding condition & a must have for your 1914 'Poilu'.
Rare WW1 French Officer M15 \'Armee D\'Afrique\' Light Infantry Battalion Adrian Helmet An interesting WW1 French officers Adrian helmet in mustard colour & with the bugle horn insignia worn by battalions of the Light Infantry of Africa. ( Bataillons d'Infanterie Légère d'Afrique ) . These battalions were French infantry & construction units serving in Northern Africa & made up of men who had prison records but military time to serve. They also consisted of men with serious disciplinary records. Many of these men saw active service with three battalions serving on the Western Front with distinction. Others were permanent units stationed in French North Africa providing garrison troops. This helmet belonged to an officer of one of these battalions & could well have served in Algeria , Tunisia, Morocco or even the Western Front . This helmet is an early production M15 example with light blue still present underneath the liner but the mustard paint extended underneath the rim . This officer has chosen to purchase a plaid leather chinstrap according to personal preference this fitted with small brass chinstrap buttons directly fitted onto each side. The bugle horn insignia to front is firm to the helmet & an early first model one piece pre 1916 black liner is present with corrugated vents on each side. There are some faint black ink stamps on the blue of the interior crown however these are under years of dirt & sweat so I am reluctant to disturb it ! A rare piece of French colonial military history .
Rare WW1 French Special Artillery Helmet A rare WW1 Adrian helmet converted for use by Special Artillery ( Armoured Vehicle ) troops . When France first started using Armoured vehicles in the latter WW1 period they acknowledged that a steel helmet would be required by the crews if engaged in combat outside the tank. A specific helmet did not actually enter service until 1919 however tank units were already making modifications to their Adrian helmets by removal of the front visor at unit workshop level. There was no standardisation of this conversion & so examples can be seen in period photographs with & without brow pads in various forms. This fabulous piece is an example of such a helmet with the Artillery branch badge to front of which the Special Artillery were a part. Interior has second pattern multi construction liner with chinstrap secured to rear neckguard. The light grey colour is recognised as used by these troops & found on some of their helmets although by no means all.
Rare WW1 German Artillery Regiment Pickelhaube With Early \'Grenadier\' Style Eagle A rare WW1 German Field Artillery Regiment pickelhaube with 'FWR' monogrammed 'Grenadier' eagle plate to front for the honoured 'Old Regiments' 1,2,3, & 6. An M1895 Model for Senior NCOs it is fitted with rounded chinstrap scales as would be found on cavalry helmets due to there use of horses. The above mentioned Artillery regiments were considered to be honoured as ' Old Regiments' & thus were permitted to wear the old style 'Grenadier' Eagle helmet plate with FWR monogram on oval shield. In quite excellent condition the brass gilt fired fittings are immaculate with metal ball of the artillery totally unscrewable. Only minor scuffs to leatherwork . Interior lining is immaculate with no damage to any of the fingers . All fititngs are firm. A rare item of Imperial German headdress .
Rare WW1 German Ersatz M.95 Tin \' Kit-Helmet\' Pickelhaube of Prussia 1915 Produced in 1915 this ersatz M.95 tin pickelhaube is an example of the type referrred to as the ' kit-helmet ' where various components were made by the manufacturer & then sent to the various army corps for assembly into complete helmets. Made by the firm ' Von der Heyden ' it is constructed from three main parts with all brass fittings & a very nice original brass buckled leather chinstrap fitted to front. Both national & Prussian cockades are original to the helmet . Interior shows only a limited amount of wear with undyed lambskin lining & its often missing thin felt crown pad still present. Rear peak bears the gold stencilled company logo of Von der Hayden in the form of ' R.v.d.h. Berlin -Sch ' with date ' 1915 ' . Size marking is painted underneath this. An excellent helmet with just a small dent to rear left side of shell.
Rare WW1 German Wurttemburg Felt Ersatz Pickelhaube Excellent rare example of a Wurttemburg infantry ersatz felt rolled edge pickelhaube with its original cockades & leather chinstrap. Issued from September 1914 through into the early quarter of 1915 these ersatz helmets were a stopgap measure to meet the shortfall in demand raised by the sudden increase in troops at the outbreak of war in 1914. Several variations of the Ersatz helmet exist this grey felt piece having the pre 1915 brass fittings & non removeable spike. The helmet plate has much of its original gilding remaining with expected wear to its high points. Both cockades are correct for the helmet with its brass buckled leather chinstrap 100% original & intact. The black leather liner is intact with a name scratched into the black underside of the spikes base plate. Overall superb untouched piece there is a very small split to the front peak with a very slight burn mark to the rear peaks underside. One can make their assumptions as to how this was obtained. Only very minimal signs of service wear to the helmets entirety .
Rare WW1 German \'Post Home\' M16 Camouflage Helmet An excellent WW1 German M16 camouflage helmet which has American post home labels affixed to its outer shell. This helmet has a now subdued green & brown camouflage scheme with black dividing lines edging each segment. A large post home label has been stuck to the top of the helmet by the soldier with handwritten address of which the place 'Mass USA' can be read ( Massuchusetts ) . A ' US POSTAGE' marked 12 Cents postage stamp has been applied to this with an overstamped oval postmark . A second label has been applied lower down with a name & partial address legible. Helmet is maker stamped 'TJ' & appears to be at least a size 66. Both of the original brass chinstrap loops remain in situ with leather M16 liner band & pins totally undisturbed. One of its partial cushion holders remains with cushion still inside it. A very nice untouched piece the Post Home examples very hard to find now.
Rare WW1 Imperial German Prussian \'Gardekorps\' Camouflage Helmet A rare WW1 camouflage helmet of Imperial Germany with black & white Hohenzollern insignia to left side of the 1st Foot Guards Regiment ( Gardekorps ). Generally speaking , German troops of WW1 did not have insignia on their helmets however photographs do exist of these troops & also those of the 1st Signals battalion wearing the Hohenzollern crest on the left side. This piece has the partial remains of this insignia with the remains of a very typically segmented ochre, green & brown camouflage scheme divided by thick black border lines. To the rear of the helmet are the remains of what appears to be the number 8 . Helmet has the maker mark & size of 'Si66' for 'Silesia' with M17 liner band totally undisturbed. Both of its original chinstrap buckles are still affixed to each lug. Still tied to each is a very old piece of string on which this helmet was hung for many years. A helmet that at one time has suffered the effects of outside storage there is rust bleed visible on the outside of the helmet penetrating its paint layers with rust to the interior which I have not disturbed. A very rare helmet which has been in the hands of European private collector for many years until now.
Rare WW2 British Home Guard Cape An extremely rare WW2 British Home Guard cape issued to the Home Guard from November 1940 until made obsolete in early 1942 as a substitute for greatcoats which were in short supply due to the massive expansion of the army. This piece is in quite superb condition with no moth or damage & retains all of its front fastening buttons. Lined in shirt material & still with its two straps to inside for securing around the shoulders . The Home Guard Cape was a replacement for the greatcoat which was in short supply in late 1940 after air raids had severely disrupted the clothing industry in the East End of London. The Home Guard needed an over-garment to cover their thin denim uniforms which were insufficient to keep the wearer warm on cold nights and it was suggested that an ‘Austrian Pattern’ cape be produced which would be simpler to manufacture than the service greatcoat. On 16th October 1940 500,000 capes were ordered, with delivery starting in November 1940. Made obsolete in November 1942 thus surviving examples are rare.
Rare WW2 British London NFS Section Leader Named Helmet ( Wimbledon ) A wonderfully untouched & researchably named NFS helmet that has two red bands for the rank of Section Leader as well as the surname ' Hodgson' with serial & section numbers to underside of rim & liner cradle. Formed in August 1941 the National Fire Service was created from the AFS & other local Fire Services that existed around the country in order to create a more co ordinated organisation of Britains firefighters during the height of the enemy bombings. Helmet markings were reappraised with the thin red band to top & thick red band to bottom identifiable as a Section Leader. Applied over the standard khaki factory paint the Area number '38' denotes Wimbledon , London. Interior has name & serial number ' Hodgson 511669 ' with section/station markings handpainted onto the underside of the rim also repeated on the liner cradle. The intact lining has early dome pad with 'JCS' maker to cradle & date which appears to be ' 1939.' Fabulous researchable piece & a rare helmet from the myriad of NFS helmet markings.
Rare WW2 British R.A.S.C Beach Group Helmet A heavily used British D-Day Beach Group helmet of the Royal Army Service Corps with the official \'Beach Group \' identification band around its circumference & the blue , yellow & white flash of the RASC to side. The Beach Group RASC had the important responsibility for the transport & distribution of supplies needed by advancing troops & supported the landing troops on Sword , Gold & Juno beaches on D-Day. This MkII helmet has clearly had a heavy service life with the rough green overpaint of 1940 thickly applied on the outer shell & then the Beach Group designation marking applied over this sometime prior to the invasion. There is heavy wear to the thick overpaint on the outside with the earlier smooth lighter khaki factory finish visible in places underneath. The liner screw is totally undisturbed & completely original to the helmet. To the helmets underside the earlier factory paint is visible with correlating wear to the paint . The liner has age crackling through years of poor storage however is not brittle & faint partial markings can just about be seen to one arm of the liner cradle. The partial date of \'193*\' can be seen however the determining digit is not discernable. Webbing chinstrap is well used with matching wear & is original to the helmet . Overall a rare piece of \'D-Day\' history unlikely to come on to the collectors market again.
RARE WW2 British ‘37 Pattern Battledress Blouse With Unlined Collar Rare unlined collar \'37 pattern battledress blouse complete with 1940 \'Q\' coded inspectors stamp. . As has been recorded the first issues of the new \'37 pattern battledress blouse came without a lined collar although this was soon modified with a lined collar to prolong its service life. Surviving examples of the unlined version are therefore very rare most not having survived very long at all. In excellent condition the clothing label to inside gives a very acceptable \'Size 11\' with maker name \' L.D.FRASER & SON , LONDON\' . There is a very pleasing crystal clear date of \'MARCH 1940\' with broad arrow to bottom of label & an ink stamped WD \'Q\' inspection code to lining for the year 1940. All of its original brass dished buttons are still present to lining & cuffs with early revolving shank vegetable ivory buttons to shoulder. Upon only very close examination can I see the odd tiny pin prick moth hole but these are in no way detracting from what is a very rare item.
Rare WW2 Canadian Normandy Unit Flashed helmet - 1st Canadian Armoured Car Regiment A 1943 dated Canadian steel helmet with rare flash for troops of the 1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment . Recently surfacing in Europe & never having been in a collection before the helmet is in its original untouched khaki paint with flash in excellent order on right side. Some field wear exhibits itself to the exterior of the shell with only minor scuffing to the flash. On the underside of the shell can be seen the maker markings 'G.S.W.' for the Canadian maker General Steel Wares with 'MK1' & date 1941. There is dirt & cobwebs from prolonged farm storage to the inside crown which I have made no attempt to clean. The liner has some dryness with crazing , chinstrap minus. The string remains to each chinstrap lug where it was hung up in a barn for many years , again I have left this untouched. A rare helmet from an often unheard of unit which saw action right through Europe until the end of WW2. Following the successful attack on Falaise in August 1944 using tanks converted for carrying infantry troops to their objectives this regiment was formed on August 28th 1944 thereby revolutionising the then new concept of Armoured Personnel Carriers . Due to the success of the allies final victory in Europe & now being surplus to requirements they were disbanded at 2359 hours on June 20, 1945.
Rare WW2 German Luftwaffe Rubber Motorcyclists Coat 1940 A rare luftwaffe issue rubberised 3/4 length motorcyclists coat dated 1940. These luftwaffe versions were blue grey overall with a blue cloth fronted collar & blue cloth reinforcement under the armpits. Buttons are of pebbled luftwaffe blue. Unlike the army versions they had no shoulder tabs for the attachment of shoulder boards. Complete with its adjustable half belt to rear it has two deep fastening flap covered pockets to the front & one chest pocket on the right side. There is a blue grey cotton lining to the interior with buttons to top neck opening & one button remaining to left cuff. All three of its rear skirt opening \'LW\' (Luftwaffe) buttons are still present . There are three armpit vents to each side & a coat hook hanger to inside collar. Buttons are minus from both front waist pockets & there is the usual fraying to bottom hem of the coat with one small tear to front right side. Interior of coat has black inkstamped maker of \'A.Siegfried & Co , Berlin \' with \'Decemebr 1940\' date & dice stamped size markings . Recently found in Northern France this scarce coat would make a superb addition to your Luftwaffe mannequin !
Rare WW2 German Stick Grenade Rack ( Einsatz ) A rare second model rack for the retention of 15 stick grenades within their metal carrying case. This racking was seperate from the case & was lifted in & out as required. It could be carried into combat holding the grenades without the case if necessary & has a wooden swivel handle similar to that on the metal cases to facilitate this. The handle here is original to the racking. The three compartment box at top held one box of 15 Brennzunder 24 & one box of 15 Sprengkapseln Nr.8 ( Detonators & Fuses ) . Both the swivel handle & spring clips are fully functionable on this example with three of its wire clips minus to one side. A rare piece of equipment those that do surface are only ever found in ground dug or water raised condition . This piece bears remnants of the red oxide paint finish & is pitted through age. *** CARRYING CASE FOR DISPLAY ONLY BUT CAN BE PURCHASED SEPERATELY ****
Rare WW2 Kings Own Scottish Borderers , 3rd Infantry Division Battledress , Caen - June 1944 A rare Normandy campaign battledress blouse to a soldier of the Kings Own Scottish Borderers serving with the 3rd Infantry Division . The 1st Battalion KOSB were fighting with the 3rd Infantry Division in June 1944 & were heavily involved in the Battle for Caen & its surrounding areas. Battledress is of the \'40 pattern with the Leslie tartan of the KOSB to both soldiers & battle patches of the 3rd Infantry Division with brigade strips to each arm. The clothing label is still present & giving sizes & the maker as Bourne Clothing Co. Ltd . A well worn blouse there is sweat staining to the inside of the collar & the cuffs. Retaining its top button, hook & eye closure to faciliitate fastening at the neck as per regulations the soldier has also lined the inside of the lapels according to personal preference. In very good well worn condition & a rare N.W Europe British infantry unit to find.
Rare WW2 N.W Europe British Reconnaissance Corps Helmet A WW2 British MkII helmet with rare green & yellow flash of the Reconnaissance Corps . In heavy combat during the Normandy campaign these forward operating troops were in the thick of operations around Caen where this helmet was kept in private hands until sold by the family some years ago. The overall appearance of the helmet is one of a heavily worn piece with a rough light khaki finish to its exterior typical of early army helmets. The green & yellow flash to left side has correlating age & patina to that of the rest of the helmet however remains visible. Years of outside storage are evidenced by rust having formed to the dome of the outer shell , the underside of the helmet is in a darker chocolate brown factory paint finish with date 1940 to rim. Liner cradle is well worn & dirty with the date 1940 just about visible. Webbing chinstrap is hooked over the front rim , I have made no attempt to disturb it. A fabulous piece of N.W Europe history & from a very rare dfficult to find unit.
Recently Surfaced \'22 Pattern Tunic Of The Royal Horse Artillery With All original Insignia & Dogtags A fabulous 1942 dated '22 pattern Service Dress tunic which recently surfaced during the lockdown untouched from the war . Tunic is of the Royal Horse Artillery with brass RHA titles to shoulders & flaming grenade badges to collar. Brass General Service buttons all present. Rank chevrons denote Lance Corporal rank with two Good Conduct sleeve chevrons for five years . Red backed trade badge of Artificer to right arm & standard WW2 medal ribbons to left breast including that of the Territorial Medal. Underside of front fly has his army number stencilled with matching numbered dogtags found in the pocket. Clothing label is worn however the broad arrow War Department inspection stamp denotes year 1942. It is always hard to find actual untouched wartime badged SD tunics now this example remains, apart from the odd moth prick, in excellent condition.
Schiffer Book: Imperial German Field Uniforms & Equipment Vol 1 This two volume set provides the reader with an insight into the wide range of uniforms, weapons and field equipment used by the Imperial German Army during the First World War. The devastating and dramatic character of the war required many innovations in military clothing and equipment. New uniforms and adequate protection was a must and steel helmets appeared on the battlefield, replacing the outdated spiked helmets. Even medieval looking items, like steel breastplates and trench clubs, were produced, giving the soldiers a fearful appearance. The threat of poison gas caused the immediate development of gas masks. It was also the time of the tank, observation balloons, mine warfare, the Zeppelin, airplanes, flame throwers, deadly machine guns, and other war machinery that saw service, sometimes for the first time. Using over 1,000 colour and period photographs from private collections and museums, the author succeeds in showing a broad range of artifacts, together with full and to the point descriptions. This series is aimed towards the novice or advanced German World War I collector and enthusiast, military history student, modeller, researcher and re enactor. Brand new in stock.
Schiffer Book:Imperial German Field Uniforms & Equipment Vol 2 This two volume set provides the reader with an insight into the wide range of uniforms, weapons and field equipment used by the Imperial German Army during the First World War. The devastating and dramatic character of the war required many innovations in military clothing and equipment. New uniforms and adequate protection was a must, and steel helmets appeared on the battlefield, replacing the outdated spiked helmets. Even medieval-looking items, like steel breastplates and trench clubs, were produced, giving the soldiers a fearful appearance. The threat of poison gas caused the immediate development of gas masks. It was also the time of the tank, observation balloons, mine warfare, the Zeppelin, airplanes, flame throwers, deadly machine guns, and other war machinery that saw service, sometimes for the first time. Using over 1,000 color and period photographs from private collections and museums, the author succeeds in showing a broad range of artifacts, together with full and to the point descriptions. This series is aimed towards the novice or advanced German World War I collector and enthusiast, military history student, modeller, researcher and re-enactor. Brand new in stock.
Splinter Pattern Camouflage Luftwaffe Ground Forces Jacket ( Field Division Etc) Classic Luftwaffe Ground Forces Splinter Pattern camouflage Jacket originally designed for use by the Luftwaffe Field Divisions as of 1942 & seeing service in many theatres including Russia , Italy & more popularly in Normandy, France. It was also worn by other Luftwaffe Ground Forces Units including Paratroopers & Army Officer personnel on attachment. Jacket has without doubt seen much combat service evidenced by its used condition but nevertheless retains good strong colours. Jacket is in the earlier & rarer cotton pattern as HBT versions replaced these from mid war onwards.Buttons are of the correct metal dish variety & are all complete with pebbled buttons on the shoulders & cloth retaining loop for shoulder straps still in place. Inside pockets are in blue HBT & there is a wartime repair to the right bottom pocket area where splinter camouflage material has been used as a patch then overstitched several times for strength. Breast eagle removed. Good combat jacket much used in Normandy by Luftwaffe Ground Forces. Helmet & combat equipment shown for display only.
The Lee-Enfield – A Century of Lee-Metford & Lee-Enfield Rifles & Carbines The net product of more than four decades of international research and study, evolving through two prior editions and many other related titles, this record is surely the ultimate account of a century’s development and issue of the Lee-Enfield rifle. From the Remington Lee trials rifles in the mid-1880’s to the 7.62mm NATO L42A1 sniper rifle serving in modern conflicts, the Lee has proven itself as the finest battle rifle of all time. No other long-arm has served for so many years, in the theatres at home and abroad, with such a proud record of service. This work encompasses all aspects of Lee-Enfield development and production, in Britain, America, India, Australasia, South Africa and the Far East. The rifles, carbines, bayonets, component parts, tools, accessories and ammunition are arranged into specific groups and chapters. No proper reference is complete without a comprehensive index; this too has been expanded from the previous editions. With such a broad field of models and variations, a new initial chapter enables newcomers to identify items by their features and markings. There are five new chapters:. Preview, Model Identification .Lee-Enfield Hybrids .Serial Number Production ranges. Component Parts Evolution. An Ammunition Summary along with 16 pages of colour plates. The Pattern Room collection and library has been the primary source for samples and records. With more than 1,400 illustrations in a larger format, this presentation sets a new standard for collectors, students and shooters of the venerable Lee-Enfield.
Third Reich Hitler Youth Drum & Hanger Sound example of the Hitler Youth drum as used by the 'Hitler Jugend' movement of the Third Reich era. This piece has been totally restored & as such is in excellent condition & would compliment any Hitler Youth display. Drum skin is constructed of calfskin with four cat gut cords (snares) strung across the lower drum skin. The outer ring of the drum is made from thick wood with thin copper sheet covering the outer ring. Outer sides are triangularly patterned in the white & red of the Hitler Youth with a two hole plate on its upper edge for attachment of the belt hanger. Beneath this on the lower edge is a metal handle for pulling to the body when in use. Faint markings remaining on the belt hanger plate, the hanger itself has some rust to its loop rivets but is otherwise sound.
Third Reich Hitler Youth Uniform & HJ Dagger Nice representation of the standard Hitler Youth uniform as worn from approx 1935 onwards this set comprising the tunic, summer cap, scarf, leather knot, HJ belt & buckle, cross strap ( belt loops are replacements) & dagger. Summer cap is in tan cotton with the RZM marked metal diamond HJ badge affixed to its front. Tan twill tunic was authorised for wear as of August 1935 onwards & is made of heavy ribbed cotton with four pockets & a fixed collar. Swastika HJ armband present with the white on black triangular district badge sewn to the left upper arm for ' nord niedersachsen ' & on each shoulder of the tunic a shoulder strap with standard red piping & the number ' 539 '. The underside of one of the straps is complete with its RZM label intact. All buttons are present. Black HJ scarf is original & still has its RZM label denoting use by the ' HJ,DJ or BDM. Hitler Youth dagger is in excellent condition with black painted scabbard ( 96% paint intact) & brown leather belt loop & keeper having no damage. Dagger itself has brown leather buffer to top of blade under hilt & sprung HJ diamond emblem in its handle. Maker marked ' RZM M7/38' which denotes the firm Paul Seilheimer it is in overall excellent condition. Belt leather is a shortened youth version with some personalisation in the form of initials stitched into the leather. Buckle is original although with some ageing to its prongs. Complete set is offered together as one lot in overall excellent conditon.
Tunic Of Distinguished Officer Lieutenant-General Henry Karslake Served Boer War , Western Front & British Expeditionary Force , France In June 1940 Named four pocket SD tunic of WW1 & Interwar Officer British army Lieutenant General Henry Karslake who had a long & varied career through the Boer War , Great war , South Africa & India before being recalled from retirement to serve with the British Expeditionary Force in France June 1940. Amongst numerous postings he was a Royal Artillery officer being with the 129th Howitzer Battery in 1914 , Brigade Major Dec. 1914 , General Staff Officer August 1915 & Brigade General of the Tank Corps in October 1918 . He then went on to have postings interwar serving in South Africa & also as Aide-De-Camp to the King from 1930- 1931 before being Major General Royal Artillery Indian from 1931-1933. He was District Officer Commanding Baluchistan District India from 1933 - 1935. Retired in 1936 he was briefly recalled in 1939 becoming General Officer Commanding Lines of Communication British Expeditionary Force , France in June 1940 . Whilst there at Le Mans he reported to Lieutenant -General Sir Alan Brooke ( Commanding 11 Corps BEF ) the enemies situation & their believed intention to move South to encircle Paris . He died in 1942. Tunic is a classic four pocket large bellow pockets & mitre cuffed cut made by the Calcutta firm Phelps & Co indicating his purchasing of it when he served in India in the early thirties . The Phelps & Co tailor label appears to the rear lining of the tunic itself but also to the underside of the right hand breast pocket flap with the name ' Maj Gen Karslake , No. 9286 & date 18/11/32 ' . In quite excellent condition all of its original insignia is present with red tabs to the lapels , General rank to shoulders & brass General rank buttons to front fly & pockets. His impressive collection of medal ribbons are present to left breast , of note in particular are the 1914 star with 1914 clasp represented by aqsilver rosette on the ribbon awarded to those who had served under fire or who had operated within range of enemy mobile artillery in France or Belgium during the period between 5 August and 22 November 1914 . There is also an Mentioned In Despatches 'oakleaf' on his Victory medal. The tunic of this extraordinary man has survived very well with only a few pin prick moth holes visible in places upon close examination.
Uniforms & Equipment Of The British Army In WW1 - Steve Chambers This book contains over 600 rare and never before published photographs of the British Soldier in World War I. The quality images selected were photographed in peace and wartime, in the studio and the field, and show in detail the service dress uniform, equipment and weapons in use by the British Army between 1900-1918. The chapters contain photographic postcards of: Infantry officers and other ranks, Dominion Troops, Infantry Weapons, Machine Gun and Tank Corps, Royal Artillery, Wheels and Transport, Army Service Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Engineers, Royal Flying Corps and Battle Insignia. Also included is a full color section of Army, Corps and Divisional signs. Each photograph caption has been carefully and thoroughly researched affording the reader information not to be found in any other single source. The introduction discusses early war photography and goes into further detail on the service dress and equipment to make this a must book for the military historian, collector, researcher, modeller and general enthusiast.
Untouched & Always Been Together Vietnam War USMC Helmet With Graffiti On Cover - Tet Offensive Period A Vietnam war period United States Marine Corps helmet with graffiti written onto its camouflage cover by the Marine who wore it. Graffiti scrawled onto the cover by the Marine who wore it includes on one side \'BUCKEYE STATE\' (slang for Ohio) & also the unit markings of LSU 3/1\' on side & rear. Opposite side has \'OHIO,Columbus\' & what appears to be \'CHICAGO, ILLINOIS\' . Cover shows extensive combat wear with edges worn into the edges of the shell. Helmet itself is of the rear seam swivel bales type & a former para helmet with the liners \'A\' straps cut off this being typical of Marine examples of around the 1969 - Tet Offensive period. A name is handwritten to interior of liner. The camouflage cover is an early DSA marked example the DSA contract number of 100/393 referring to the year 1966 . Being of this earlier design the flaps of the cover are longer & thus slits had to be cut into them to facilitate the chinstraps going through on each side. With a very large amount of sweat & mud clearly in evidence on the inside & out of the helmet this is a truly well worn Marine Corps combat helmet of the Vietnam war.
Untouched Souvenir Time Capsule WW2 US M1 Fixed Bales , Front Seam Helmet A recently surfaced & untouched from WW2 US M1 steel helmet complete with its original rare early war leather liner chinstrap . This front seam , fixed bales helmet can easily be dated at around the 1943 period & was probably issued to one of the Gis billleted in England just prior to the D Day landings. Its cork mixed olive green paint can be seen to exterior of the Schleuter made shell with stainless steel rim still bearing a large proportion of the paint. The Schlueter Manufacturing Company were contracted to produce shells from June 6th 1942. The fixed bales date this piece to before the end of 1943 with the front seam remaining unchanged until November 1944. Both of the webbing chinstraps are early with sharp J hook edges & raised bar cast buckle. Liner bears the MA motif for the firm \' Mine Safety Appliances \' actually one of those who produced an only minimal number of liners compared to some other firms. The A washers are in green painted steel used around the period from mid 1943 - mid 1944 the green coating believed to have been introduced to avoid corrosion to the steel. Liner system is intact with leather sewn handband & nape strap bearing the production number \'16874\' by the firm SMC which denotes a contract issued on October 28th 1943. The rare first type leather chinstrap is still on the helmet this being a very difficult component to find today. Its early wartime manufacture is denoted by the flat steel straight edge buckle used on helmets of the 1942 to mid 1943 period. It is totally intact undamaged example with the \'UNITED CARR\' name to reverse of rivet head. Exterior of the liner is painted in the typical wartime green . At some point the helmet has had the name \'MUNSON\' painted onto the front of it with four stars drawn underneath . We can only draw our own conclusions as to the story behind it however I ma inclined to go with soldiers humour ! An overall fabulously complete & untouched M1 helmet representing the American GI of the midwar period onwards.
Untouched WW1 German Baden 110th Reserve Infantry Pickelhaube A superb timecapsule M.95 enlisted mans issue pickelhaube of the Baden 110th Reserve Infantry Regiment. Of typical blackened leather construction it has the correct Baden helmet plate for one of its Reserve infantry regiments having no motto on the bandeau under the winged griffin but instead a nickel reserve cross on its breast. Much of the original thin gilt wash remains . Regimentally marked to inside of rear peak for 110R JR 2nd Battalion ( 2nd Baden Grenadiers ) this was one of the three regiments of the 28th Reserve Division. Front plate is totally original to the helmet with correlating wear marks around the wing tips on the black shallac of the helmets front area. All fittings are of brass & all remain firm . Both cockades are intact & the thin leather black chinstrap is totally original as is the black dyed lambskin liner. Tightening lace present. There is handwritten writing in thin white paint as well as a name underneath that & also written onto the underside of the front peak. Overall a very nice piece.
US Vietnam M1 Combat Helmet A text book example US combat helmet of the Vietnam period with all parts dating from mid conflict period. Helmet has the early camouflage cover in twill material dating from the mid 1960s , these were made from a different material soon after this date & the contract number on the underside of one of the tongues gives us the date of \'65 incorporated into the number. The helmet band in place around the helmet is of period origin the later postwar issues being of a different design. All of the blackened chinstrap hardware is totally correct for the period with anchor manufacturer logo to the buckle seen in use from the late 1950s until 1967. This company changed after this date & no longer used the anchor design. Liner is marked with several markings which give us the dates of its components the most obvious being the clipped in headband which is ink stamped by Steinberg Bros with the \'DSA\' letters & date \'71\' again incorporated into the contract number. The initials \'DSA\' are an ordnance contract marking only used up to 1976 , it was replaced after this date by different lettering. The webbing of the fixed liner system is stamped with the date \'18FEB64\' . Overall a superb early piece which dates from the thick of the Vietnam fighting.
US Vietnam M1 Combat Helmet With Soldier Graffiti A text book example US combat helmet of the Vietnam period with soldier graffiti drawn onto the cover & all parts dating from the conflict period. Helmet has the early camouflage cover in twill material dating from the mid 1960s , these were constructed from a different material soon after this date & the contract number on the underside of one of the tongues gives us the date period of 1964-65. The helmet band in place around the helmet is of period origin the later postwar issues being of a different design. The blackened chinstrap hardware is totally correct for the period with a date range from 1967 until 1973 . Liner webbing is marked with the date '19MAR69' & also the the initials 'DSA' are an ordnance contract marking only used up to 1976 , it was replaced after this date by different lettering. Overall a superb early piece which dates from the thick of the Vietnam fighting.
US Vietnam M1C Paratrooper Combat Helmet If you want one good classic Vietnam period US combat helmet to go with your M1 helmet collection then this piece may be for you. Complete with its camouflage cover & issue helmet band this heavily worn helmet has all the charactor of one that has been in the thick of jungle action with a well fielded camouflage cover showing dirt , grime & rust bleed that has come through from the helmet shell beneath it. Upon examination of the cover with the liner removed it is immediately apparent that it has not been off the helmet for many years & would have to be literally peeled off if one were to try to remove it in its entirety. This really is how a field lived in combat helmet & cover should be ! The helmet band when pulled back displays age discolouration & weathering to the non exposed areas evidencing its prolonged fitment to this helmet. The contract number under one of the tongues date it to the mid 1960s & there is much wear at the creases of the cover where folded over the rim. Helmet shell has olive green chinstraps & buckles typical of the Vietnam period with anchorless fastening buckle as was seen from 1967 onwards. The liner has ink markings to one side very typical of the 1960s period & white tab to underside of the central headstrap yoke. This white tab stopped being applied from around the early 1970s. Being the paratrooper M1C helmet it has the four holed webbing chincup system with marking \'US\' to webbing of the chincup. There is rust to liner rivets & a tear to front headband section. A fabulous M1C combat helmet .
US Vietnam War Helmet With Soldier Graffiti A text book example US combat helmet of the Vietnam period with soldier graffiti drawn onto the cover & all parts dating from the mid Vietnam war period. Helmet has a heavily used camouflage Mitchell cover with DSA contract date of 1969. There is faded thick writing in a purple pen to the front of it which may be a name with some straight notch type strikes along one edge on the left side. There is also something drawn in pen now largely not discernable. All of the blackened chinstrap hardware is totally correct for the period with anchor manufacturer logo to the buckle seen in use from the late 1950s until 1967. This company changed after this date & no longer used the anchor design. The initials 'DSA' on the cover are an ordnance contract marking only used up to 1976 , it was replaced after this date by different lettering. The webbing of the fixed liner system is well used & has its original headband.There are faint ink markings now unreadable. There is some fraying to the long chinstrap. Overall helmet of the US forces which dates from the thick of the Vietnam fighting.
Verdun Interest - WW1 French Named Infantry Souvenir Plaque Adrian Helmet 86th Inf.Regt Wounded At Saint Quentin A very nice example of the WW1 M15 French Adrian helmet with named brass veterans souvenir plaque mounted to the front brim that has the inscription 'Demobilise 13/9/19 Jules Vechambre ' . I have attached a copy of his service record from the archives which can be forwarded to the purchaser by email. At the end of WW1 the French government awarded each officer & soldier of the armed forces a helmet as a souvenir with an embossed brass plaque designed to be mounted on the front brim. The inscription on the plaque read ' SOLDAT DE LA GRANDE GUERRE 1914-1918 ' . Helmet has a very high proportion of its original blue factory paint remaining with infantry flaming grenade 'RF' marked badge to front which is totally original to the helmet. Chinstrap intact. Liner is of the second model issued from 1916 when multi piece liners were constructed to save on leather. The inscription reads 'Demobilise 15/9/19 Jules Vechambre ' ( Demobilised 15/9/19 Jules Vechambre ) . We have been able to locate this soldier in the French army archives & have ascertained that he fought with the 86th Infantry Regiment . He was wounded in April 1917 at Saint Quentin around the time of the Nivelle offensive . The 86th Infantry Regiment fought at Verdun , ( Fort de Vaux , Cote 304 , Beaumont ) & The Somme ( Vermandovillers Ablaincourt , Champagne Monthois Vouziers , Vandy ) & Mort - Homme in the Argonne .
Waffen SS 'Reichsfuhrer-SS' KIA Document & Photograph Grouping Interesting group to a member of the SS Panzer Grenadier Division 'Reichsfuhrer-SS' who joined the Waffen SS in January 1944 & was Killed In Action in Italy in 1944 . Group comprises five photographs of SS Sturmann Dieter Albrecht in SS service uniform with runes evidently taken early in his service when he was still a junior rank. One of the photographs is a large size with also two framed shots which have been in the family. There are also two smaller photographs of members of the family, looking like mother & sister, & also two of him when he was a boy. A typed letter from SS Unterscharfuhrer Hans Wendland who was the adjutant of 3KP SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment 36 at the time is dated 14/10/1944 & is addressed to the Albrecht family. It states how on 10/10/44 Dieter died from a head shot in battle & goes on to give further details of the action in which he was killed. The final photograph accompanying the group is of his grave & headstone. There is also an obituary in a 'Mitteilungsblatt' periodical dated 1963 stating him to be a gymnast prior to joining the Wafen SS. SS PZ. Gren Reg 36 was one of the main combat units of the Division which is recorded at this time to have been much used for security duties & anti- partisan sweeps.
Waffen SS Officers M43 Einheitsfeldmutze From Normandy If you are looking for an M43 officers cap that you can definitively identify as Waffen SS then this \'salty\' heavily worn piece may be for you. Coming some years ago from the area of St Denis la Gast in the August 1944 Operation Cobra area this cap has been stripped of its insignia however has the distinct imprint of where the SS skull was situated to the front & the SS cap eagle to the side. The rest of the nap of the cloth of the cap is very well weathered down & highlights the imprint of the removed insignia very well ( See images ) . There is sweat staining coming through the area where the brim meets the body of the cap this visible also on the underside. The officers crown piping is very well worn down with only a few stitches of its placement being now visible. Both silver officer buttons to the front are totally original to the cap & show the very typical chain stitch to reverse. There is a small hole from what appears to be a cigarette burn to the front right of where the skull sat measuring approx 1/2 cm in diameter. Inside of the cap again shows heavy wear with a torn lining which nicely exposes the construction of the cap. Underneath the rayon lining can be seen a jute lining around the sides of the cap with the underside of the officers piping seated in areas of the crown. The lining still has some very faint now illegible markings however the last line appears to be the maker address of \' Boxhagen Strase16\' or similar . I have provided images & am confident that further research would identify this maker. A true SS Officer combat cap & a one off that has without doubt seen much action.
WW1 / WW2 US M17A1 Steel Helmet With Officer Rank Markings An interesting study of early WW2 US headgear would certainly include the M17A1 helmet which was the standard steel helmet used by US forces up until the introduction of the M1 in 1941 . A British WW1 pattern adopted by the US army in 1917 the helmet was upgraded in 1936 with the addition of a new leather liner & buckled chinstrap. This is an excellent textbook example with the web chinstrap & buckle hook arrangement being instantly recognisable as that carried over to the M1. Original rough green paint to its exterior with officers Lieutenant rank bars painted to front . Underside of helmet shows typical smooth finish with steel lot number \' Z0216 \' . Soldiers name & number to leather of liner . Strengthening stitching to long strap where frayed. A very nice example.
WW1 114th Infantry Regiment 1877 Pattern Greatcoat- As Worn 1914 If you are looking for a mint example of the rare French M1877 Greatcoat then read no further ! This heavily worn prewar piece is as was worn by French troops in the early 1914 period until the introduction of the Horizon Blue uniform shortly after the war began. It has moth issues which are well photographed however still a rare item considering it was made over 100 years ago. Made of 90% dark blue woollen cloth with a 10% white wool mix this coat was officially issued as the main garment after 1855 both in winter & summer. All six rows of its large tombac buttons are present to the front with front skirt buttons intact allowing the coats bottom corners to be buttoned back. The leather reinforced loop to rear left side is present allowing support of the belt equipment & to attach the bayonet frog. Standup collar has red scalloped patches of the 114th Infantry Regiment & may well be very old replacements. Interior of coat has off white linin lining with profuse stampings . A faint maker stamp is present now illegible with size markings to left breast. The regimental marking of ' 4e75' appears to left breast with some other issue marks ( See images ) . There are a number of patch repairs applied to the inside of the coat with some repair around the bottom of the collar area although overall for its long service life & age it has survived very well. A rare item applicable to the early 1914 battles of WW1 & almost impossible to find at all in any condition.
WW1 1908 Pattern Webbing Equipment Set ( 1915 Belt ) A near complete & very close pea green colour matched set of the First world war soldiers 1908 pattern web equipment . Set comprises the following with dates shown where are legible; Waistbelt 1915 1 Pr Shoulder straps N/K 1 Pr Cartridge pouches L-1918 , R - Faded 1 Bayonet frog with helve strap N/K 1 Entrenching tool carrier 1918 1 Waterbottle & carrier 1919 Some dates are visible ( as above ) & some not. Cartridge pouches have various regimental/issue markings with the date being visible only on the left side. Only one stud minus from left side lower pouch. Bayonet frog is the scarcer correct WW1 issue still with its helve strap most, of which, were later removed. The hard to come by entrenching tool carrier is 1918 dated & also N marked for naval issue . Overall a very good set with some service use & a good representation of the WW1 British infantry soldier. ( Tunic for display & not for sale ) .
WW1 1908 Pattern Webbing Equipment Set ( 1915 Belt ) A pea green colour matched set of the First world war soldiers 1908 pattern web equipment . Set comprises the following with dates shown where are legible; Waistbelt 1915 1 Pr Shoulder straps N/K 1 Pr Cartridge pouches L-1918 , R - Faded 1 Bayonet frog with helve strap N/K 1 Entrenching tool carrier 1918 1 Waterbottle & carrier 1919 Cartridge pouches have various regimental/issue markings with the date 1918 being visible only on the left side. 1915 date to belt & 1918 to entrenching tool carrier.( '19 to waterbottle cradle) . Only one stud minus from left side lower pouch. Bayonet frog is the scarcer correct WW1 issue still with its helve strap most, of which, were later removed. The hard to come by entrenching tool carrier is 1918 dated & also N marked for naval issue . Overall a very good set with some service use & a good representation of the WW1 British infantry soldier. ( Tunic for display & not for sale ) .
WW1 Australian Grenade Bombing School Notes Of Ypres KIA Casualty 1917 A wonderful book of handwritten notes compiled by Frederik Thomas Grey of the 10th Battalion Australian Infantry ( AIF) who was later Killed in Action on 21st September 1917 at Ypres. Notes are very well compiled & named to Grey with date 30th May 1916. The Bombing school was located at Mitcham , Adelaide & existed to teach the tactical & practical knowledge required regarding Grenade throwing methods from trench positions . Types of trench position , types of grenade ( Hand No.5 Mk1 Mills etc ) were an integral part of this Bombing school course which took place from May 30th to June 12th 1916. Many of the handwritten pages are accompanied by diagrams which he has drawn himself of the Mills No.5 Mk1 as well as Wests Spring Gun & Catapult . There is a small booklet of memorial poems 1914-1919 by Mary L Wyatt which includes a poem to Sergeant Fred Gray. Sergeant Gray is buried at the Ypres ( Menin Gate ) Memorial , he was 35.
WW1 Australian KIA Soldier Handwritten & Drawn Notes From Bombing School ( Sgt Fred Gray Died March 6th 1918 ) A fabulous hand drawn book by an Australian Sergeant of the 10th Battalion Australian Infantry Force completed whilst attending a Bombing Course at the Mitcham , Australia Bombing School from May 30th to June 12th 1916. The book is totally hand written & drawn by Sergeant 1074 Fred Gray who has written his name & the date 'May 30th 1916' to the front inside page of the first diagram at the beginning of the book . This first 'Diagram A' is a quite excellent hand drawn & annotated four page pullout of a trench system showing such details as First Line Fire Trench ', Officers Shelter , Support Trench , Loop Holes , Latrine , Bomb Thrower Emplacements , Attack or Jumping Trench Etc. The index of diagrams lists further trench related drawings with many of the grenades themselves shown in some very fine detail. Grenades drawn include the Hair Brush grenade, Mexican Grenade, .303 Short Rifle Grenade , Wests SPring Gun , Stokes Gun & Catapult Trench . A long list of bomb related topics including detonators, dynamite , explosives as well as general trench information are noted upon . At the back of the book are the names of the instructional personnel who ran the course including Chief Instructor Captain Cresswell , Sgt Major Korner & Sergeant Willaston. A truly unique item it is of sad note that Sergeant Fred Gray died on the 6th March 1918 & is buried in Adelaide military cemetery . I have not researched the cause of his death however the Kerwick Garrison MIlitary Hospital is located near to the cemetery & he may well have died there as a result of wounds received. Accompanying the book is a small booklet entitled ' 1914-1919 Remembering Those Years' in which several relevant poems are printed & sergeant Fred Gray is commemorated .
WW1 Australian Soldiers Handwritten & Drawn Notes From Bombing School ( Sgt Fred Gray Died March 6th 1918 ) A fabulous hand drawn book by an Australian Sergeant of the 10th Battalion Australian Infantry Force completed whilst attending a Bombing Course at the Mitcham , Australia Bombing School from May 30th to June 12th 1916. The book is totally hand written & drawn by Sergeant 1074 Fred Gray who has written his name & the date 'May 30th 1916' to the front inside page of the first diagram at the beginning of the book . This first 'Diagram A' is a quite excellent hand drawn & annotated four page pullout of a trench system showing such details as First Line Fire Trench ', Officers Shelter , Support Trench , Loop Holes , Latrine , Bomb Thrower Emplacements , Attack or Jumping Trench Etc. The index of diagrams lists further trench related drawings with many of the grenades themselves shown in some very fine detail. Grenades drawn include the Hair Brush grenade, Mexican Grenade, .303 Short Rifle Grenade , Wests SPring Gun , Stokes Gun & Catapult Trench . A long list of bomb related topics including detonators, dynamite , explosives as well as general trench information are noted upon . At the back of the book are the names of the instructional personnel who ran the course including Chief Instructor Captain Cresswell , Sgt Major Korner & Sergeant Willaston. A truly unique item it is of sad note that Sergeant Fred Gray died on the 6th March 1918 & is buried in Adelaide military cemetery . I have not researched the cause of his death however the Kerwick Garrison MIlitary Hospital is located near to the cemetery & he may well have died there as a result of wounds received. Accompanying the book is a small booklet entitled ' 1914-1919 Remembering Those Years' in which several relevant poems are printed & sergeant Fred Gray is commemorated .
WW1 Austrian Berndorfer Helmet A very rare Austrian 'Berndorfer' helmet complete with its original liner & chinstrap. This was the first steel helmet to be produced by Austria during the Great War its total production reaching only just under 140,000 . Made by 'Arthur Krupp A.G. Berndorf ' these were accepted into service in October 1916 , the first delivery taking place in May 1917. Production ceased in November 1917 when the last of the remaining 1,200 helmets were delivered. Distinctive in its wide brimmed appearance this helmet has the factory painted typically smooth light brown finish with the Krupp trademark of a bear & the size '64' stamped into the underside of its flared rear rim. The protruding disc to the top of the helmet is a part of the helmets ventilation system with their being four holes in the crown of the helmet underneath this. Fitted with a metal banded three pad leather liner system , the metal reinforcing eyelets to each tongue are distinctive to this helmet & were to take the drawstring . Coming complete with its original woven chinstrap , fastened with a clamp buckle as can also be found on the Model 1917 & 1918 Austrian helmets. Leather reinforcement is applied to the end & underside of the chinstrap in the areas prone to fraying. A rare opportunity to own one of these rarely seen Austrian combat helmets.
WW1 Austrian M16/17 Steel Combat Helmet Loft Find Helmet A superb untouched example of a recently 'loft found' Austrian M16/17 helmet. No doubt a British soldier souvenir of the Great War it is unusual to find any German helmet bringback now let alone an Austrian one. Much rarer than their German made counterparts the Austrian helmet is distinctive with its metal eyeletted liner pads, metal liner band , webbing chinstrap & the seperate placement of its lugs. The shell is marked 'AW' for the manufacturer 'A.Western , Cilli ' . Having not seen the light of day for many years a thin film of dirt covers the helmet with its Austrian factory brown colour being visible in places through the dirt. The interior of the helmet is the same but with its leather & webbing prong & buckle chinstrap very much intact. The three leather metal eyeletted liner pads are present & although one remains fully intact the four tongues are torn & only partially still present. I have made no attempt to clean this helmet however I believe its appearance would be enhanced with the most minimal of efforts.
WW1 Austrian M17 helmet One of the rarest camouflage helmets to find being the First World War M16-17 Austrian helmet. In 1918 German storm troops arrived in Austria from the Eastern front where the fighting had stopped due to the Russian revolution. Their presence on the Austrian front caused many changes to their tactics and almost caused the total defeat of the Italians. This helmet shows an Austrian interpretation of helmet camouflage in the three tone colours of green, yellow ochre & rust brown highly typical of combat pieces of the period. The helmet although incomplete in respect of liner and chinstrap still retains its Austrian metal liner band and high chinstrap brackets, their presence indicating early ( i.e,WW1 ) use as opposed to interwar or early Second War use. Some abrasions present to exterior of helmet from service use with light surface rust to interior.
WW1 Austrian M17 \'Loft Found\' Bringback Helmet An untouched 'loft found timecapsule' Austrian M16/17 bringback helmet. No doubt a British soldier souvenir of the Great War it is unusual to find any German helmet bringback let alone an Austrian one. Much rarer than their German made counterparts the Austrian helmet is distinctive with its metal eyeletted liner pads, metal liner band , webbing chinstrap & the seperate placement of its lugs. The shell is marked 'AW' for the manufacturer 'A.Western , Cilli ' & there is a heating lot code on the top of the helmet of 'L19' . Having not seen the light of day for many years a thin film of dirt covers the helmet with its Austrian factory brown colour being visible in places through the dirt. The interior of the helmet is the same but with its leather & webbing prong & buckle chinstrap very much intact. The three leather metal eyeletted liner pads are present & although one remains fully intact the four tongues are torn & only partially still present. I have made no attempt to clean this helmet .
WW1 Bavarian Chevaulegers Reserve Officers Pickelhaube A magnificent Imperial German M1886 Bavarian officers helmet having six ridged spike with clover leaf base & a squared visor as was worn by an officer of the Bavarian Chevaulegers Reserve. This impressive piece has the prewar high quality laurel wreathed helmet plate with domes chin scales , square cut front peak & removeable spike which could be removed & replaced with a horse hair plume on parade. Both of its original & correct officer cockades remain to either side of the helmet. I have made no attempt to undo the chinstrap catch this appearing not to have been disturbed for a very long time. Interior maroon satin & dark brown leather lining is intact with typically high quality apparent. In overall excellent condition the high gilt finish remains impressively striking throughout with crazing to the undamaged leather caused by earlier fitment of a cover at some point of its WW1 service. A top shelf piece & formerly of the legendary Michael Baldwin collection.
WW1 Bavarian M16 Enlisted Mans Greatcoat A superb example of the M16 Bavarian greatcoat with shoulderboards applicable to the 19th Bavarian Infantry Regiment. Imperial German uniform underwent modification as of September 1915 this including the greatcoat which was now of thicker material & with a better lining intended to be warmer for the troops wearing it . It is of note that the Bavarians kept their collar in field grey 'grundtuch' this possibly to remain identifiable from other troops. This pattern of greatcoat has several early features which were carried over to the new M1916 style with barrel cuffs & the earlier 1894/08 style of backless painted steel buttons . All buttons are present & original to the coat. Of depot issue , there is a clear boxed ink stamp denoting acceptance by the Bavarian III Corps clothing depot in 1917. Size markings appear below this. Having survived exceptionally well for a coat that is 100 years old there are some very modest repairs in places with some holes to the lower edge right cuff only noticeable when examined closely. A very rare item not often seen outside of well established museums today.
WW1 Belgian M15 Adrian Helmet A rare WW1 Belgian M15 Adrian helmet coming complete with original chinstrap & original lions head badge to front. By October 1915 the French began delivery of the first Adrian helmets to its allies , approximately 210,000 helmets had been delivered to the Belgians by the end of 1916. This magnificent example is in excellent condition with badge firm to the helmet & a very high percentage of its original brown paint remaining. Various shades of brown & other paint finishes may be encountered on the Belgian issues , this has received two coats with a slightly lighter brown finish visible to the interior crown area. To the underside of the front peak can be seen the scratched soldiers name with some punched in numbers to the underside of the rear . The liner is of post 1916 multi construction complete with drawstring & all intact tongues . The brown leather chinstrap is in impressively good condition with adjustment buckle intact. A superb example of the Belgian Adrian helmet & very hard to find now.
WW1 Belgian M15 Adrian Helmet A rare WW1 Belgian M15 Adrian helmet coming complete with original chinstrap & original lions head badge to front. By October 1915 the French began delivery of the first Adrian helmets to its allies , approximately 210,000 helmets had been delivered to the Belgians by the end of 1916. This magnificent example is in excellent condition with badge firm to the helmet & a very high percentage of its original brown paint remaining. Various shades of brown & other paint finishes may be encountered on the Belgian issues , this helmet still retains its original first factory issue paint throughout. The liner is of post 1916 multi construction complete with drawstring & all intact tongues . The often missing brown leather chinstrap is in impressively good condition with adjustment buckle intact. A superb example of the Belgian Adrian helmet & one that has become very hard to find now.
WW1 Belgian M15 Adrian Helmet A rare WW1 Belgian M15 Adrian helmet coming complete with original chinstrap & original lions head badge to front. By October 1915 the French began delivery of the first Adrian helmets to its allies , approximately 210,000 helmets had been delivered to the Belgians by the end of 1916. This field used example is in trench worn condition with badge firm to the helmet & a good percentage of its original khaki brown paint remaining. Various shades of brown & other paint finishes may be encountered on the Belgian issues . Liner is of post 1916 multi construction complete with all intact tongues . The often missing leather chinstrap is in impressively good condition with adjustment buckle intact. A superb example of the Belgian Adrian helmet & one that has become very hard to find now. The name 'SCHEPPER' can be seen scratched to the underside of the front lip.
WW1 Belgian M15 Adrian Helmet A rare WW1 Belgian M15 Adrian helmet coming complete with original chinstrap & original lions head badge to front. By October 1915 the French began delivery of the first Adrian helmets to its allies , approximately 210,000 helmets had been delivered to the Belgians by the end of 1916. This magnificent example is in excellent condition with badge firm to the helmet & a very high percentage of its original brown paint remaining. Various shades of brown & other paint finishes may be encountered on the Belgian issues , this helmet still retains its original first factory issue paint throughout. The liner is of post 1916 multi construction complete with all intact tongues . The often missing brown leather chinstrap is in impressively good condition with adjustment buckle intact. A superb example of the Belgian Adrian helmet & one that has become very hard to find now.
WW1 Bringback Souvenir Grouping Of German Items An interesting grouping of items that were all brought back by the same British soldier from WW1. I recently acquired this grouping privately so have kept it together untouched & as it came. Group comprises : 1. \'07 Feldmutze ( 6th Army Group Marked ) 2. Cartridge ammunition Pouch ( Spandau marked & 16 Dated ) 3. 1914 Dated & Hamburg Marked Prussian Belt Buckle 4. 1917 Dated Belt Leather 5. 37th Infantry Regiment M15 Shoulder Strap 6. 141st Infantry regiment Simplified M15 shoulder strap 7. Scarce Minenwerfer ( Trench Mortar ) Shoulder Strap With red chainstitched lettering & numbers \'MW35\' The souvenired \'07 pattern feldmutze is of early construction with red piped black band & with one cockade remaining to front. The issue stamp of the 6th Army Group is visible to interior lining. Prussian buckle is leather tabbed with clear maker & 1914 date. The belt leather is \'LZA\' & maker marked with 1917 dated. It has been shortened & now with no tongue. All three of the shoulder straps have moth having been stored away for many years. Very nice little lot of WW1 German items.
WW1 British '08 Pattern Rare Pre War Early Smallpack With Waterbottle Tab To Top Flap A hard to find component of the '08 webbing equipment this haversack is of the November 1909 pattern with tab & strap to attach the waterbottle on its top flap. These were simplified in Feb/March of 1914 with this provision removed. Undoubtedly these would have still been in use by British troops in the earliest 1914 battles of WW1 with their service continuing through with troops that already had them. This piece is broad arrow marked & dated 1912 with the pre war makers name of a well established leather equipment producer Hazel & Co . Although Mills ( MECo ) & M.Wright & Sons (MW&S) were the only companies authorised to produce the 1908 pattern webbing equipment this well established pre war maker struck a deal with Mills to handle sales to the Territorial Associations until its until war broke out in August 1914. Thus actual piece is featured in the '08 Haversack' section of the superb website ' Karkee web ' where more detaill can be sen regarding its manufacture.
WW1 British .303 Matching Numbers P14 Rifle With Volley Sight Dial & Early Brass Butt Disc Iconic 1914 pattern (P14) British service rifle of the First World War period. A bolt action rifle the P14 was said to be an advanced design of its time being possibly the most advanced service rifle of WW1. It was more accurate, more durable & had nearly the same rate of fire as the SMLE however the magazine had only half the capacity & on the whole it was much heavier . Due to the need for smallarms in the WW1 period & the already stretched industrial output the British government contracted with US manufacturers this example being made by Eddystone. The P14 was well used by the Home Guard in WW2 . Eddystone marking of 'ERA' is to be seen on the receiver of this rifle with matching serial numbers to receiver & its dog leg bolt. This rifle is still in its WW1 configuration complete with volley fire sight dial ( No arm ) & early brass butt disc which are in most cases missing on P14 rifles seen today. Woodwork is excellent with typical light service use & profuse ordnance markings throughout inclluding ' Patt '14 ' to stock. Metal surfaces still retain most of their original blueing. Rifle capable of being cocked & dryfired & still with a nicely workable bolt action. Deactivated to Home Office specifications with deactivation certificate supplied. UK sales only.
WW1 British .303 P14 Rifle With Volley Sights & Early Brass Butt Disc Iconic 1914 pattern (P14) British service rifle of the First World War period. A bolt action rifle the P14 was said to be an advanced design of its time being possibly the most advanced service rifle of WW1. It was more accurate, more durable & had nearly the same rate of fire as the SMLE however the magazine had only half the capacity & on the whole it was much heavier . Due to the need for smallarms in the WW1 period & the already stretched industrial output the British government contracted with US manufacturers this example being made by Remington. The P14 was well used by the Home Guard in WW2 . Remington marking of 'RE' is to be seen on the receiver of this rifle with matching serial numbers to receiver & its dog leg bolt. This rifle is still in its WW1 configuration complete with volley fire sights & early brass butt disc which are in most cases missing on P14 rifles seen today. Woodwork is excellent with typical light service use also metal surfaces still retain most of their original blueing. Rifle capable of being cocked & dryfired & still with a nicely workable bolt action. Deactivated to Home Office specifications with deactivation certificate supplied. UK sales only.
WW1 British 02 Pattern Engineers Signal Service Tunic A WW1 standard issue 1902 pattern tunic to a member of the Royal Engineers Signal Service. It was the Royal Engineers who provided signals troops right up until the formation of the Royal Signals in 1920 hence the tunic having Royal Engineers buttons & RE shoulder titles . The wearing of armbands in the signals colours of blue & white by signallers was standard & often preferred by wearers directly sewn onto the sleeves of there tunics for practicality. Brass Signaller insignia is fitted to the lower left sleeve with one Good Conduct chevron indicating two years. Right sleeve bears three blue overseas stripes. Tunic has interior partial lining which shows a common mix of glazed cotton for the pocket reinforcements & khaki drill for the pockets. The name & number of the owner is written onto the rear of one pocket & also the rear of the right side pocket reinforcement strip. An untouched WW1 tunic with original insignia straight out of the attic !
WW1 British 1902 Pattern Army Service Corps Divisional Ammunition Supply Originally Badged Tunic A WW1 standard issue 1902 pattern tunic to a member of the Army Service Corps serving with a Divisional Ammunition Supply Column. The 'Shellshifters' were responsible for the important task of moving ammunition & wore the shell shaped handsewn badge in Divisional colours ( Light blue & dark blue here ) to both shoulders . This tunic has brass ASC titles to both shoulders with all ASC buttons to shoulders & front fastening. The cloth flashes are crudely hand applied but in my opinion totally original to the tunic. There are two blue overseas chevrons to lower right sleeve. Its interior partial lining shows a common mix of glazed cotton for the pocket reinforcements & khaki drill for the pockets. Remnants of the paper label & only one rear brass equipment hook remains. There is some moth to the front of the tunic in between the second & third buttonhole down, also to the rear ( See pictures ) . An untouched WW1 tunic with original insignia straight out of the attic !
WW1 British 1902 Pattern ORs Greatcoat A fine example of the rare 1902 pattern dismounted Greatcoat. This is the second type as issued during the First World War from the 1915 to 1917 timeframe. The Greatcoat retains the deep turnback cuffs which were eliminated in 1917 & has half white wool lining to shoulders & the WW1 off white lining & reinforcements . Pocket flap backings in wool consumate with all WW1 ORs garments. Faint number over letter marking to pocketbag. Although WW1 OR garments came in a plethora of different hues & tones of khaki, this garment is in the sought after classic ginger colour! The garment has one or two cancelled theatrical stamps to the interior & two small old repairs to the front skirt however not detracting from the overall external appearance. All buttons & closure hooks remain to the epaulettes, there are a period pair of curved Middlesex shoulder titles with a collector repair however this does not detract from its external appearance. Good opportunity to acquire an important element of WW1 'Tommy' clothing.
WW1 British 1902 Pattern Service Dress Tunic A scarce WW1 British other ranks service tunic in khaki wool & of the 1902/07 pattern which was being worn by Britains troops as they marched into the first world war. Tunic has two hook fastening to its stand & fall collar ( 1915 onwards ) & also the expected ' two dart ' stitching to upper breast/collar area. This was changed to only one dart in 1918. Other typical characteristics are its WW1 off white reinforcement lining to interior with all pocket flap backings in wool which is totally correct for all WW1 OR garments. All of its brass GS buttons are original to the tunic , there are also three blue overseas chevrons to lower right sleeve indicating this tunic having seen field use with the wearer on active service overseas. Number over letter ink stamp clearly visible on inside reinforcing panel. War & Victory medal ribbons to left breast. There is , of course , a fair spattering of moth to the tunic as can be seen in the images however being a surviving service worn field tunic of the first world war it is prudent that some allowance be made given the history of this wonderful piece.
WW1 British 1902 Pattern Service Trousers A rare pair of definitively WW1 issue British \'02 Service Dress trousers with double buttons denoting manufacture after June 1915. Straight legged & with two slashed side pockets the early prewar pattern changed with slight modifications being made according to soldiers field use feedback as the war progressed. As seen here the single braces buttons around the internal waistband were doubled as of June 1915 with a double strengthening stitch introduced to the pocket base which puts them in the 1915-1918 bracket. All of its doubled zinc buttons are present to waistband & front fly. The broad arrow & WD ink stamp here s only seen on earlier issues so manufacture likely to be around the latter part of 1915 . A very good mannequin size the waistband is an approx 32in waist , Inside leg an approx 31in leg ( Sizes are not guaranteed ). There are a few small moth nips which can be found upon close examination & also a small spattering of moth holes around the crotch area although the rarity of these trousers far outweighs their non perfect condition .
WW1 British 1902 Pattern Service Tunic A rare WW1 British four pocket service tunic of the wartime 1902 pattern still with much of its manufacturers paper label remaining to inside. This is a tunic that has clearly seen WW1 service & is presented as found with its period placed three blue embroidered overseas service chevrons to lower right sleeve & Army Service Corps brass shoulder titles to each shoulder. These do appear to have been on the tunic for a considerable amount of time with correlating age shadowing visible underneath the outer edges. Paper label is largely remaining with a good proportion of its nomenclature still being legible. Two brass belt equipment hooks are , as expected , stitched into waist with the instantly recognisable 'two dart' stitching to upper breast/collar area. This changed to only one dart in 1918 firmly dating this to a wartime manufacture. Other classic period features are its off white cotton drill lining to interior with strip backing for the top pockets ( denoting mid to late manufacture ) & field dressing pocket to lower right side. All buttons are brass General Service & appearing to be original to the tunic. Condition is overall very good for a scarce tunic of this now sought after period which does display very well with belt equipment however certain allowances must of course be made for the inevitable few moth nips which can be seen on the lower front , arms & back in various places. ( Belt not included ) .
WW1 British 1902 Pattern Service Tunic A WW1 British four pocket service tunic of the wartime 1902 pattern still with much of its manufacturers paper label remaining to inside. This is a tunic that has clearly seen WW1 service & is presented as found with its period placed three blue embroidered overseas service chevrons to lower right sleeve. Paper label is largely remaining with a good proportion of its nomenclature still being legible. Two brass belt equipment hooks are , as expected , stitched into waist with the instantly recognisable two dart stitching to upper breast/collar area. This changed to only one dart in 1918 firmly dating this to a wartime manufacture. Other classic period features are its off white cotton drill lining to interior with strip backing for the top pockets ( denoting mid to late manufacture ) & field dressing pocket to lower right side. All buttons are brass General Service & appearing to be original to the tunic. Condition is overall very good for a scarce tunic of this now sought after period which does display very well with belt equipment however certain allowances must of course be made for the inevitable few moth nips which can be seen on the lower front , arms & back .
WW1 British 1902 Pattern Tunic A rare WW1 British four pocket service tunic of the wartime 1902 pattern still with much of its manufacturers paper label remaining to inside. This is a tunic that has clearly seen WW1 service & is presented as found with its period placed three blue embroidered overseas service chevrons to lower right sleeve & Army Service Corps brass shoulder titles to each shoulder. These do appear to have been on the tunic for a considerable amount of time with correlating age shadowing visible underneath the outer edges. Paper label is largely remaining with a good proportion of its nomenclature still being legible. Two brass belt equipment hooks are , as expected , stitched into waist with the instantly recognisable 'two dart' stitching to upper breast/collar area. This changed to only one dart in 1918 firmly dating this to a wartime manufacture. Other classic period features are its off white cotton drill lining to interior with strip backing for the top pockets ( denoting mid to late manufacture ) & field dressing pocket to lower right side. All buttons are brass General Service & appearing to be original to the tunic. Condition is overall very good for a scarce tunic of this now sought after period which does display very well with belt equipment however certain allowances must of course be made for the inevitable few moth nips which can be seen on the lower front , arms & back in various places. ( Belt not included ) .
WW1 British 1902 Pattern Tunic , 1914 Dated A scarce 1914 dated 1902 pattern tunic showing all of the typical manufacturing traits one would expect to see on a tunic of this early period. There is also an interesting regimental ink stamp to inside top buttonhole area appearing to be for the Sussex regiment ( SX) & of the type commonly seen stamped onto '08 pattern webbing equipment. Remains of the paper label can still be seen to the inside with a detached part of it still preserved & with the tunic showing clear date of 1914. This of course ties in with the construction detail of the interior breast pocket reinforcement in the form of squares of glazed cotton later replaced by one piece strips running straight across the rear of the pocket. Glazed cotton field dressing pocket is intact showing hand stitching around its longer edges most common on earlier production pieces . Brass GS buttons are present throughout with sergeant chevrons to both sleeves & also Machine Gun patch to lower left . Four overseas service chevrons to lower right . In a good large size & surprisingly with no moth at all this is a rare early tunic to find in such excellent condition.
WW1 British 1905 Pattern Grenadier Guards Cap A rare WW1 1905 pattern cap of the Grenadier Guards. This was the standard headdress of the British infantryman before the introduction of the steel Brodie helmet in 1915 & was thus worn in action by the British soldier at the earliest engagements of 1914 & 15 . It is almost impossible to find original Great War examples today many offered simply being of post WW1 manufacture. A not too difficult examination of this fine piece soon establishes the key points of a true WW1 example there being no external line of stitching visible at the join of the band & crown & a distinctively short peak much different to later post war examples. Finally the thin brown leather chinstrap is an approx 1/4 inch wide with corner rounded brass buckles. Buttons in this case are of the correct Guards style. Interior lining has survived very well with white 'W/ID' number & letter stamping 'L' . As with many uniform items of this age the peak has some holes with this having occurred underneath the right side of the chinstrap also but only visible when the strap is lifted.
WW1 British 1907 Pattern Hooked Quillon 'Gallipoli' 4th South Wales Borderers Marked Bayonet A scarce first world war 1907 pattern hooked quillon bayonet with unit markings for the 4th battalion South Wales Borderers who took heavy casualties in the Dardenelles campaign in June 1915 . This is a fabulously clean example in excellent condition having virtually all of its original factory blueing remaining & only very light signs of its age in places . Walnut grips are excellent . Made by Enfield the ricasso has the expected 1907 pattern date & issue date of September 1911. Broad arrow & inspection markings to reverse side. It has the correct early brown MK1 internally chaped scabbard with ordnance markings & the date 1909 clearly visible to reverse. Not only is this a desirable example by its condition but also by the unit to which it belonged. The 4th South Wales Borderers were raised as part of the new army in 1914 & landed at Sulva on 15th July 1915. They met heavy fire on the beach & took heavy casualties including their Commanding officer. A highly desirable example & one which most likely saw action at Gallipoli.
WW1 British 1908 Pattern Webbing Cartridge Pouch 1914 Dated First World War 1908 pattern Left side webbing cartridge carrier clearly broad arrow marked & dated 1914. 75 rounds were intended to be carried in these pouches , this being the Mk II pattern introduced in 1914 with straps to prevent accidental loss of ammunition. Overall in used condition but with clear black ink markings on rear strap for ' MECO 1914 L ' ( Mills Equipment Company 1914 Left ) . There is what appears to be green blanco to the front of the pouch which has begun to flake in places however just the original untouched finish to rear as was in 1914. Top right section has damage to lower pop stud although not visible when flap closed also one of the the thin belt securement straps & lower left strap female stud . Very scarce pouch with 1914 date.
WW1 British 1908 Pattern Webbing Set ( Unblancoed & Mostly 1915 Dated |) An unblancoed , untouched & matching 1908 pattern webbing set which has been together since World War One. Component parts with visible markings have 1915 dates with the exception of the '18 dated entrenching tool cover. Set comprises the following : 1 X Waistbelt 1 X Pr Cartridge Pouches 1 X Bayonet Frog With Helve Strap 1 X Waterbottle & Carrier 1 X Entrenching Tool Carrier 1 X Pr Shoulder Straps Both cartridge pouches have 1915 date with this also being visible on the belt. Faint markings to rear of helve strapped bayonet frog . Waterbottle carrier has 'MW&S' maker with only the first part of the date '19' having ever been ink stamped on . It is clear from its correlating age wear that this is an original component to the set & not a later addition. Bottle itself is of the correct blue enamel WW1 construction with the distinct ridge to top & bottom. Felt cover has some considerable moth. This set is totally 'as found' with only the shoulder straps & rare helve holder not being present when discovered . The close matching shoulder straps have been added here for display & will come with the set. I have left this set in the condition in which it was found therefore no attempt to clean any of the components has been made .
WW1 British 1910 Matching Numbers & Volley Sights No.1 Mk III Lee Enfield Rifle A pre WW1 example of the iconic No.1 MK III British Short Magazine Lee Enfield Rifle with volley sights , peep sight & original brass numbered butt disc . Dated 1910 this piece has remained in its World War One format with rarely found matching numbers to bolt , receiver & nosecap and same matching serial number to be seen on the muzzle bayonet roundel. Correct pre 1916 round cocking piece still present to bolt. Wrist strap is clearly marked E.R ( Edwardius Rex ) denoting King Edward reign with Enfield maker & date 1910. Some expected light age is apparent in places confirming its original finish & 103 year old age . Profusely British inspection stamped it is a used British rifle that no doubt saw action during the first world war.
WW1 British 1914 Pattern Large Pack A WW1 1914 pattern large pack in excellent condition with all of its correct straps & fittings present & in very good order. This piece is an American made example with double cap rivets & small brass clips to the reverse of each buckle tab. There is also a strip of longitudinal webbing to the rear behind the brace tabs this not being present on British made examples. A broad arrow numbered inspection mark & a soldiers handwritten name can be seen on the underside of the flap. The decision to produce the new leather set to supplement the 1908 pattern webbing was made in early 1914 with the contracted requirement of one million sets being undertaken early on in 1914. Over sixty leather manufacturers were involved however due to the high demand needing to be met , it is estimated that as much as fifty percent of it was made by American firms these pieces being fundamentally the same with only minor manufacturing differences.
WW1 British 1914 Pattern Large Pack & 1914 Pattern Leather Straps Rare large pack being the second model for the 1914 pattern leather equipment with brass buckles to top & bottom rear & a highly desirable pair of 1914 leather shoulder straps attached. Pack has the typical eyeleted tabs on the back ( rivetted ) with \'14 pattern buckles mounted to the side of each for the helmet straps. Pack is marked on the inside of the flap with Mills Equipment Company stamp ( ME CO ) & desirable date of 1915. Both of the 1914 pattern leather straps have markings being very faint & unreadable on one of them . The left strap has the maker name \' JW Mackintosh & Co \' with the date 1915 & a broad arrow & number marking further down the strap. Large pack has been locally used after WW1 as is evidenced by the stitched repairs & fraying to some areas. Straps are generally good with minor cracks in places as would be expected. Faint traces of soldiers details to inside of flap. Nicely dated piece with the very rare 1914 pattern straps attached.
WW1 British 1914 Pattern Pack , Officer Named To London Regiment Very rare 1914 pattern second issue pack with a combination of leather & web fittings all in good intact condition. This unmarked and undated second issue example meets the 1914 pattern specification but differs very slightly having some internal edges which are selvedged in brown cloth. The construction closely resembles that of the Sam Browne equipment leading me to suspect that it was made by a firm that usually dealt in officer\'s private purchase gear. All fittings are very much intact having only very light disturbance to the stitching to one of the upper rear tabs & one of the lower rear also. Interestingly the front flap has an officers name \'Capt Maple A Coy, 6th London Regiment written onto it making the possibilities of researching the war service of this piece quite unique. Without doubt a rare find & in much need of thorough research.
WW1 British 1916 Map of German Positions : 2nd Battalion ,13th Regiment VII Corps, West of Aubers ( Copy Of Sketch Found On German Officer Captured On 25/9/15 ) This is a British March 1916 produced map which , according to the title , is taken from a sketch map found on a German officer captured on 25/9/1915. Shows positions of the 2nd Battalion , 13th Regiment VII Corps West of Aubers. Detailed are the trenches & related positions of the 13th Regiment such as minenwerfer & machine gun emplacements as well as Orderlies dugout, 'Schmidts Post' , Officers dugout , 13th Regt Post , Support Trenches , front line trenches , Battalion boundaries with the 17th regt to its Eastern edge & many more relating to the whole trench position of this particular regiment. A fascinating map & no doubt of vital importance to any troops who were to consider assaulting it. Just one small tear to corner at bottom left edge.
WW1 British 1916 Mills Cavalry Webbing Equipment Set A very rare set of the 1916 Mills Cavalry Web Equipment an almost experimental set of equipment designed for use by Britains cavalry but , due to the commitments of the Great War , never officially issued until it became the Web Equipment cavalry Pattern in 1940. Trials for a Webbing equipment set for the cavalry were taking place as early as 1913 with , at their succesful conclusion , recommendation for adoption given by General Sir John French . Due to the onset of war in 1914 this never happened however Mills (MECo) continued with a programme of development from 1911 right up until 1925. The 1916 design was manufactured by U.S. Mills Woven Cartridge Belt Company of Worcester, Massachusetts, (M.W.C.B. Co.) & is believed to have been done so to satisfy a European contract. Some belief exists that this was Belgian or Portugal with it being known that Britain did supply her oldest ally , Portugal , with webbing equipment or components of , in the first world war. In support of this theory , it is of note that when recently discovered in non collector hands this webbing set still had on it a black leather frog for the Portuguese 1904 pattern Mauser. All the components of the set are Mills marked with the date 1916 being clear . A totally homogenous straight out of the loft & the only one I have seen outside of the Brussels Army Museum. ( More information can be found on the excellent equipment website 'Karkee Web' ) .
WW1 British 1916 Pattern Soft Service Dress Cap I am fortunate to be able to offer this extremely rare & original 1916 pattern soft service dress cap this being the late war pattern in gabardine material. Often erroneously called the 'Trench Cap' these were introduced to replace the impractical stiff SD cap & due to being unstiffened could be placed into the haversack or rolled up & carried in the pocket by the soldier. This is an excellent surviving example having recently been purchased privately from source. It is totally as it came , attic stored , so i havent cleaned or brushed it leaving this up to the next owners individual preference. It is in overall excellent condition with only a very minor area of surface moth tracking to one small area on the caps underside. The American cloth lining is very good indeed being surprisingly supple & without cracks. Chinstrap is intact having no damage or brittle areas , brass GS buttons are present to sides. Underside of cap body has two large ventilation holes to each side , i have taken photographs of these & the stitching so that its originality can be decisively determined from the images provided.
WW1 British 1917 Dated '02 Pattern Field Service Tunic , Grenadier Guards A scarce WW1 1902 pattern four pocket field service tunic still with its paper manufacturers label bearing the date 1917. Becoming very hard to come by now this tunic has had its GS buttons period replaced by those worn by the Grenadier Guards & Honourable Artillery Company. In classic khaki serge all pockets are typically bellows pleated with white cotton drill lining to interior. Inside of tunic has field dressing pocket to lower right with single horizontal strips of cotton lining to interior pocket reinforcement which is correct for a tunic of this period. Two brass belt hooks are stitched in to each side of waist. Its original paper manufacturers label is still present to inside right breast giving sizes , maker & the date ' Hollington Bros. 1917 ' . 'W /I D' broad arrow ink marking surmounts the depot stamp letter 'S'. Two blue embroidered overseas service chevrons to lower right sleeve . All four pocket buttons are present with three of its buttons remaining to front. These are all leather laced to rear by the wearer to allow for easy replacement. One button remains to shoulder strap. Condition is very good with some minor moth pricks ( & two nips to front pockets ) . Other than this there are a few dirt marks in places this having been a service used jacket . Very hard to find an example still bearing its 1917 dated label these in most cases having worn off with wear.
WW1 British 25th (County Of London) Cylists Battalion , London Regiment Ephemera Group Large group of ephemera to a WW1 British soldier George DUDLEY of the 25th (County of London ) Cyclists Battalion , London Regiment who saw active service in the First World War. In this group is to be found , amongst other things, his certified Copy of Attestation showing enlistment into the 25th London Regiment following an initial short period from June 1913 to October 1914 in the 19th Battalion. It is also shown as his initial wish on the form to join the Army Cyclist Corps. His Certificate of Employment is also here giving his regimental number & showing his rank initially as 'Drummer'. On the Regimental Employment particulars he is shown as being a Stretcher Bearer in March to August 1917 for which he is commended by the Officer Commanding of B Coy, 25 Bn London Regiment. There are many regimental related letters & post WW1 correspondence regarding apparent difficult personal circumstances , & many photographs of him in uniform in WW1 & in civilian clothes after the war right up until old age. Other photographs of soldiers appear to be his father ( who appears again in his wedding photo ) & brother . Discharge certificates again list details of his service including his medal entitlement to the British War medal, Victory Medal & India General Service. I enclose a copy of his medal index card from the national Archives confirming these awards. No doubt much more research can be done on this man & his military service.
WW1 British Battle Of The Somme KIA Framed Memorial Scoll , 13th Rifle Brigade Period framed memorial scroll to Rifleman James John Leach of the Rifle Brigade killed during the Battle of the Somme in July 1916. Some preliminary research reveals him belonging to the 13th Battalion , killed on the 16th July following the capture of Contalmaison as the Somme offensive pushed on. In its black wood contemporary frame the original accompanying standard letter from Buckingham Palace is affixed to the rear . The following combat report describes the action in which Rifleman James Leach lost his life : 'At 4.30pm the attack on Contalmaison by 23rd Division was made and this time it was successful. At this stage, 13th Rifle Brigade of 111 Brigade were ordered to renew the offensive and at 8.45 pm they set off, just before orders arrived cancelling their attack. As they moved forward they were raked by machine gun fire from Ovillers but despite this they managed to penetrate three lines of enemy trenches and take two hundred prisoners. Then the orders cancelling the attack finally reached them and they pulled back to their starting positions. 13th Rifle Brigade sustained over three hundred casualties in this needless operation, one of whom was James Leach.
WW1 British Binoculars, Named & Paris Made 1917 WW1 French made binoculars made under contract for the British War Department & maker marked on the top of the lenses with ' L'Petit Fab Paris' . Each neck bears British markings of the War Department broad arrow & the designation 'MkV.SPL 68222'. Of quality construction the binoculars have brown leather coverings to each grip & extendable rain/mist shields on each end. One of the bottom lenses is slightly crazed with age. Brown leather case is complete with its carrying strap & cradle although the often impractical handle has been removed from the top of the lid. There are two wide belt loops on its rear & construction is designed to withstand service use being mainly rivetted . The name of 'W.SWART & 1917' has been impressed into the top of the lid & is more than likely the maker. On the back of the case running alongside the belt loops is a name which appears to be 'CPL H BODDY , D COMPANY. There is some writing on the front of the case also. Fastening buckle & strap arrangement is good with overall the leather remaining in excellent condition. Nice WW1 set with the researchable name of an NCO.
WW1 British Boxed \' Lifeguard Periscope \' Complete With Original Pack Of Rare Spare Mirrors & Instruction Card Rare piece of WW1 officers trench equipment being the 1915 Patent 'Lifeguard' Periscope by ' F.Duerr ' of Manchester. Complete in original card box it has original instruction card & a packet of spare lenses contained within its paper packet. The Duerr Lifeguard Periscope is well known to have been commercially produced for purchase by British officers & was a popular piece of equipment for trench use. First appearing in 1915 this is an early manufacture & difficult to find still with its accessories. All mirrors are in very good order with no damage & the hinged concertina action of the device itself works perfectly. There si damage to cardboard box where seams have gone with age. ( See picture ) . A very rare piece.
WW1 British Brodie Helmet , 52nd ( Lowland ) Division Markings A scarce British Brodie helmet of the early first pattern with raw edge shell & bearing markings to the 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 52nd ( Lowland ) Division. This helmet is a surviving example of the system of coloured bars used by the Scottish 52nd ( Lowland ) Division which denoted by colour the brigade & number of the battalion. These four red bars are brush applied horizontally to each side of the helmet over its rough textured sand mixed khaki paint with patches of the earlier smooth green paint showing through. Helmet is an early production with this first green paint base colour being apparent in places. A later reissue has then seen the early non hard wearing liner replaced & the rough paint applied over the top before the unit markings were then applied. Inside of helmet is in generally good order with brown leather chinstrap good & supple. Red ink stamp Brodie markings remain to underside of liner with a 6 3/4 size marking to cradle strap. Felt padding to inner crown has moth. Overall a total sleeper of a Brodie helmet that has recently surfaced & is fresh onto the collectors market.
WW1 British Brodie Helmet With Hessian Camouflage Cover An exceptionally rare British WW1 Brodie pattern helmet with its original hessian sacking trench cover still in place. We have recently been fortunate enough to acquire some rarely seen WW1 pieces from a quite exceptionally advanced collection this item being one of those that was acquired by the vendor many years ago. The two piece hessian cover has a distinctive join with an alternating seam for more strength . Applied to the entirety of the helmet & under its rim the edges have then been rolled & then stitched all the way round to tighten it onto the helmet. When one examines the age & wear to the cover with natural damage in places it is quite evident that this has been in place for many years . The original paint finish in brown khaki can be seen to the interior with its rough cork mixed finish to the rim visible in damaged areas of the cover. Leather chinstrap has survived in good order. A superb time capsule piece in every sense of the expression & a rare opportunity to own such an example.
WW1 British Coldstream Guards Military Medal Grouping A WW1 Military Medal grouping to ' 21167 Pte H.Barraclough ' of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. Group consists of Military Medal , War & Victory Medal with Coldstream Guards cap badge & 'CG' brass titles. I have carried out only partial research into this soldier however the award of his MM appeared in the London Gazette on 27th June 1918, he was from BrigHouse, Yorkshire. Having served in the 1st battalion Coldstream Guards he transferred to the Army Service Corps on 28/08/1918. The MM was most likely for an action during the April German Spring Offensive. Wounds received may well have rendered unfit for frontline service hence his transfer to the ASC. Medal index card states that he is entitled to the BWM and VM only along with his MM so this group is complete. Comes mounted as seen .
WW1 British Dorset Regiment 'Somme' KIA Medal Group , Death Plaque Etc A fascinating KIA medal, death plaque & paperwork group to a soldier of the Dorset regiment killed in the closing stages of the Somme offensive near Beaumont Hamel on 19th November 1916. Within the group are the following contents : Medal trio comprising 1914-15 Star , War & Victory medal. Death Plaque. Memorial scroll. Death Notification from Infantry Record Office dated 8th Dec 1916. Handwritten letter to wife from Platoon Commander Lieutenant Wood dated 27th November 1916 regarding the death of her husband . Handwritten letter to Reverend Bloomfield ( Presumably of the Parish on behalf of Mrs Parsons ) from Lieutenant Wood giving further information on the death of her husband. A photocopy of a studio portrait of Pte Parsons in uniform with wife & son. Lieutenant Wood gives light to the circumstances of his death writing ' The battalion was holding a captured position in the second line of German trenches under very heavy artillery & rifle fire when Parsons was hit & killed instantly in the trench by a sniper. The men who were with him at the time say that his death must have been quite painless. ' Eventually buried at Thiepval Memorial cemetery it is of note that Parsons was wounded three times previously . At the time of his death he was 27 years old.
WW1 British Double Flashed Insignia Brodie Helmet An interesting WW1 British Brodie helmet with double flashed insignia of a yellow V on green square . With some suggestion that this was for a cavalry unit , it is interesting to note that an outer coating of black paint has been applied to the helmet indicating some post WW1 use most likely of civil defence purposes in the early WW2 period. With some early war experimentation of the steel helmet concept this pattern of helmet with steel rim is officially titled the 'Helmet Steel Mark 1 ' & was in service by June 1916. Both chinstrap & liner are of the Mk1 pattern with chinstrap having survived remarkably well. The rubber ring was incorporated into helmets after May 1917 following the suggestion that more protection from blows was necessary. An interesting helmet with usual age to crown pad.
WW1 British Flashed Insignia Raw Edge Brodie Helmet A regimentally flashed WW1 British Brodie helmet believed to be of the Lincolnshire regiment with red cross on square to front of helmet. This helmet has an early to midwar manufactured shell of the 'War Office Pattern' recognisable immediately by the lack of edging around its rim. With the introduction of the new Mark 1 shell , liner & chinstrap system around May 1916 existing stocks of the earlier pattern were modified with the new liner & chinstrap now fitted as here. Upon close examination traces of the early smooth green paint finish can be seen underneath its existing rough textured paint finish, this was done to eliminate the shiny reflective surface of the early green paint finish. Surviving in very good condition with intact leather chinstrap & ' BRODIES STEEL HELMET' marking in red ink to underside of liner.
WW1 British Greatcoat 1914/15 ( American Made Simplified Pattern ) A rare 1915 dated example of the 'Greatcoat, Drab Mixture, Dismounted ,Simplified' introduced as of late 1914 early 1915 . This pattern of greatcoat simplified wartime production with the intricate details of the earlier versions such as turn up cuffs & internal pocket fastenings now omitted. These American made versions were of a higher quality than their British counterparts but rarely turn up in good condition. This particular piece is in quite phenominal condition with correct full khaki cotton drill lining to sleeves & pockets. A darker brown drill lines the undersides of the pocket flap. All brass GS buttons are present to front fly & rear skirt pleat with a good proportion of the original paper label bearing the American makers company name ' Burton Pierce Company' with date February 1915. There are two sections of seperate material used in the construction of this greatcoat along the bottom edge one still bearing a partial paper label from the same maker. There are also stampings from a New York costume company on each interior pocket lining. All brass GS buttons are present these being with no markings to reverse typical of American made clothing. Having survived in astoundingly good condition these are a couple of small moth holes only noticeable upon close inspection. Stitching away on one side of coat hanger loop to rear if collar .
WW1 British Gunsighting Telescope 1916 ( W.Ottway maker) Brass washed 1916 dated Gunsighting Telescope complete in its original wooden transit box. Item has knurled rotation components for changing power at the eyepiece end & is also clearly marked with manufacturers details. This clearly reads ' "GUNSIGHTING" PATENT V.P. 5.t.o15 W. OTTWAY & Co LTD EALING 1916 ' . Wooden transit box has general wear & tear with a seperate compartment at one end. Contained within this is the optical eye that screws on to the main body of the scope although the screws for this are missing. Fittings on the box are of brass as would be expected for this period & there are the stencilled initials 'REP' on one end. W.Ottway are a famous optical manufacturer of the early period & made many different telescopes for the military & commercially over the years. Lenses inside are cloudy although visually this is an excellent display piece of the mid First World War period. Please call to discuss delivery options/ pickup as this is a heavy item.
WW1 British Hooked Quillon 1908 Dated ( 5th Wiltshires ) A 1908 dated hooked quillon bayonet with matching numbered Mk1 scabbard . Regimental markings to pommel were formally that of the '2.R.I.R' ( 2nd Batt , Royal Irish Rifles ) however these have been crossed out & then ' 5 WTS ' (5th Batt, Wiltshire Regiment ) added. Both weapon numbers on pommel match that on the scabbard throat. Ricasso markings are that of Enfield with an initial issue date of December 1908 . The subsequent issue date of ' 10 13' is also seen apparently denoting the transfer of regiment most likely according to the mans service. Scabbard date is of the scarcer internal chape Mk1 with matching date & maker 'EFD '08 ' ( Enfield 1908 ) . An interesting bayonet that has had some rigorous cleaning of metal surfaces due to previous bad storage. Some pitting still to be seen in areas of the blade. Leatherwork is excellent.
WW1 British Hooked Quillon Bayonet & 1908 Pattern Frog 1913 A good 1913 dated 1907 pattern hooked quillon bayonet with brown leather scabbard & 1908 pattern webbing frog. Bayonet is an Enfield production with the expected '1907' pattern date to ricasso . Issue date is of ' 11 13 ' . Reverse is inspection marked & broad arrow complimented. Brown leather scabbard is of the mkII with external chape & totally correct for this bayonets 1913 production date. Marked on leather 'HGR 15' for Hepburn, Gale & Ross 1915 it also is inspection stamped & broad arrow marked. Webbing frog is a scarce unconverted wartime example still with its helve strap to rear. These were ordered removed in 1919 due to the obsolescence of the helve carrier. A close inspection of the faint ink markings discover them to read 'MECO 1915 '. Overall scarce example of a very early WW1 British bayonet.
WW1 British K.I.A 15th Hussars Officer French \'Acier Trempe\' Helmet An early private purchase French acier trempe ( Tempered steel ) helmet owned by 15th Kings Hussars officer Second Lieutenant L.N.Kindersley who was Killed In Action at Bourdon Wood on the 25th November 1917. Prior to the official issue of the British steel helmet these appeared privately just before the standard M15 Adrian was introduced & were bought in limited numbers by officers. Those provided to the British were supplied without badges as here . They proved to be an unsafe investment as the tempered steel from which they were made was prone to shatter when hit by a projectile . This & their subsequent lack of popularity make surviving examples very difficult to find today. The officers unit initials of ' XV K.H.' have been applied to the front with faint remnants of his name & '15 KH' visible to the underside of the front peak. The correct leather liner is present this having received a subtle anti degenerative oiling at some point. Coming with quite alot of research to this officer who was commissioned into the 15th Hussars on the 12th May 1915.
WW1 British Kidney Shaped Mess Tin & Cover Super condition 1903 pattern Mess Tin still in its original khaki canvas cover with two leather keepers on the rear to attach to the waistbelt & a brass D ring originally intended to attach to the greatcoat carrier. The 1903 Pattern equipment was used in second line service in the First World War & saw active service in Gallipoli in 1915 so this is certainly a good WW1 piece. The classic kidney shaped messtin remained the same throughout & only the canvas cover altered slightly as the war progressed. Messtin has a broad arrow with the number 8 stamped into the metal to its rear & the canvas carrier has some numbers including what is probably the date of \'03\' stamped into the leather of one of the keepers. All stitching is good with only the fastening button missing from the front. The WW1 British messtin is now a scarce piece of equipment & to find one still with its cover is exceptionally difficult these days.
WW1 British Kings Royal Rifle Corps Officer Tunic 1918 WW1 Service Dress tunic to a Lieutenant of the KRRC with officer named & 1918 dated Aldershot tailor label. This tunic presents well the regiment specific tunic cut of the KRRC with non mitred cuffs & shoulder rank with red backing to pips. This appearance is applicable for the entire war period as the KRRC never used cuff rank or collar insignia . All of the buttons are totally correct with the front fly buttons being of the round ball design representing musket balls for this rifle regiment. Evidence of overseas stripes having been removed to right sleeve. The tailors label is for ' FLIGHT LTD of Winchester, Aldershot with officers name ' E.B.Turner ' & the date ' 14.8.18' . With much research that can be done he is already listed as a 2nd Lieutenant on 26 September 1917 . A well used working field tunic there are equipment hooks to the rear for the Sam Browne belt equipment with cloth covering to the reverse interior lining to add comfort. There is a stitch repair to the front left breast pocket & a small area of loose stitching to the right armpit . There are a few very small matchstick head sized holes to the cloth of the tunic , not detracting from what is a good field officers jacket from a very popular British rifle regiment.
WW1 British Kings Royal Rifles Corps Officer Service Dress Jacket A First world war British Kings Royal Rifle Corps officer shoulder rank service tunic of the 1912 pattern with large 'bag' type pockets to front & multi cloth construction to front waist area & back pleat. This officer shows the rank of Lieutenant Colonel who has WW1 medal ribbons of War medal, Victory medal & Indian General Service. It is of note that in WW1 the KRRC had twenty two battalions & saw much service on the Western Front, Macedonia & Italy. After 1918 they were returned to garrison duties in India, Palestine & Ireland so the India General Service medal points towards a post WW1 posting to India in the case of this officer. Kings Royal Rifle Corps buttons have been added to this tunic at some point with rank badges scarlet backed for infantry & green cloth rectangular patches to each shoulder. An interesting piece with field wear evident , some dirt marks in places.
WW1 British Lincolnshire Regiment POW Indecent Assault Conviction Paperwork Interesting small grouping to a Horace Lacenby of the Lincolnshire Regiment convicted of Indecent Assault whilst a Prisoner of War in German captivity . A later English handwritten translation has been affixed to the rear of the frame . The German typed sheet is dated 21st December 1917 & issued by the 7th Army Corps , Deputy Commanding General. The content of the order states that following the investigation into the case of Indecent Assault by Horace Lacenby the verdict of the Upper Court Martial by the Deputy Commanding General of the 7th Army Corps on 7th December 1917 is upheld. The document goes on to confirm that the verdict is legally correct & by the verdict of the Inspectorate of Prisoners Of War camps under the jurisdiction of 7th Army Corps on 17th October 1917 the verdict is to be carried out. This last wording is slightly confusing as it most likely refers to the sentencing being carried out the nature of which is currently unresearched. Contained with a non period frame along with a studio portrait of the man as well as cap badge, shoulder title & button. Certainly an interesting research project!
WW1 British Machine Gun Corps Named Binoculars & Case An interesting pair of British military X8 binoculars made by the Paris firm 'B.Leger' during the WW1 period. The owner of these binoculars was an ' HEG Cunningham' part of the 'M.E.F' Meditteranean Expeditionary Force serving with the 6th Battalion Machine Gun Corps as has been handwritten onto the rear of the case. Binoculars have the War Department broad arrow to bottom & also to their brown leather case. The inventory number 'S.I. 934011' has been hand painted to right shoulder . Dunsterforce was formed in 1918 under the command of Major General Lionel Charles Dunsterville in the Middle East. Dunsterville was a school friend of Kipling and 'Stalky' was based on him. His force was organised in Baghdad consisting of only a small number of British Officers and NCO's. on reaching the Caspian sea he recruited Cossacks who were trained by his British troops. As the Turks threatened to capture the Baku oil fields he was sent more British troops. The story is very interesting involving any manner of people and adventures including a Gallipoli style retreat across the Caspian sea. A real boys own adventure story at the end of WW1 whose effects are still being felt today. Optics are usable but with some marking to internal lenses.
WW1 British Machine Gun Corps Trench Cap A fine example of the late WW1 pattern of British soldiers field trench cap badged to the Machine Gun Corps & with 1918 date to interior. In quite excellent condition this pattern of cap was widely seen in the late war period & due to its lightweight construction could be easily stowed away in the soldiers kit when not being worn. The clear fold down the length of this caps top is clear evidence of this & demonstrated as such in the images. Its black interior lining is still clearly marked with the maker name of ' MYERS & Co' surmounting the date 1918. Its number coded broad arrow WD marking is also pleasingly visible. It is of note that the MGC cap badge is securely affixed to the front of the cap with a card backing that does show signs of wear however I am unable to determine definitively when this was done. A scarce cap & hard to find with a good clear date.
WW1 British Mark 1 Cruise Visor Helmet One of a number of items recently surfaced from a long standing European collection this is an excellent example of the rare WW1 Mark 1 Cruise visor helmet. This helmet was only made in limited numbers & so surviving examples are rare. This piece retains a good proportion of its original rough textured khaki paint to exterior with a heavy khaki paint to the rims underside. Both retaining hooks are still present to the rims exterior with totally undisturbed liner bolt that has never been interfered with. Interior of helmet bears intact chainmail visor with wire still firmly in place affixed to the chinstrap bales as is correct for this model. Leather chinstrap has some minor surface cracking but is still supple & in undamaged order. Helmet net is still present to the liners underside with much of its padding remaining. Rare piece & in particularly good condition.
WW1 British Medical 02 Tunic 1918 -Territorial Northumbrian RAMC A wonderful WW1 \'02 tunic with all original badges to a Warrant Officer of the Territorial Northumbrian Royal Army Medical Corps. This tunic recently surfaced from private sources with everything on it original as pictured here . Tunic has interior partial lining with reinforcing strips indicating wartime production. Glazed cotton has been typically used for the reinforcement pieces & pocket bags with an ink marked W /I D stamp under \'36\' & over an \'L\' on one side. Interestingly there are the remains of its original paper clothing label to interior right breast , close examination ascertains a date of 1918. Brass belt hooks still fitted to each side. All of its front fly General Service buttons are present with brass T RAMC Northumbrian shoulder titles mounted to each shoulder strap. There is a Warrant Officer Class 1 rank badge & medic patch to each sleeve with three blue overseas chevrons to lower right. Condition is excellent with a couple of small moth nips to the collar not detracting. Totally untouched & fresh to the market very difficult to find such an untouched piece fresh from private hands.
WW1 British Mk 1 1916 Brodie Helmet A superb untouched example of the Mk 1 1916 Brodie steel helmet with seperate folded rim & two part liner. Exterior of shell has its original matt khaki finish achieved by mixing sand , sawdust or crushed cork into the paint. This continues through to the inside of the shell where can be seen the markings of the steel supplier 'HS' for the firm Hadfield Ltd who were in production from Jan 1916 to 1919. The interior liner still has its drawstrung net with instruction label for headsize adjustment , also the red ink War Office Pattern stamp to interior of headband. This is the 1916 pattern as no rubber ring is present in the crown pad. There is some dryness to the leather with chinstrap in two due to this . Buckle intact. Overall a striking untouched helmet certainly indicative of the WW1 Tommy.
WW1 British Mounted Issue Trench Boots 1917 A very scarce pair of the 1917 issue full lace up mounted issue trench boots worn very much by Royal Field Artillery personnel & other troops who were lucky enough to acquire them. These boots were well received by the troops answering the need for stout footwear in the harsh muddy conditions of the trenches. Several patterns existed these being the full length 14 eyelet pairs of lace up with a strap & buckle tightener to the top of each boot. Both boots have an impressed broad arrow stamped into each denoting War Department issue. In quite excellent condition the leather is still supple with no damage to the strap & buckle tightener at the top of each boot. As with most of these practical items of footwear they have a very old French resole being , no doubt , put to good use by a French civilian after the war . Any WW1 boots are hard to find this mounted pattern being no exception.
WW1 British Named Military Cross Winner Observer/Pilot RFC Maternity Tunic With Berkshire Regiment Interest A historically fascinating Royal Flying Corps tunic named to Observer/Pilot Captain E.E Burney who served with 59 Squadron on the Western Front in 1916 & won the Military Cross serving with the Berkshire regiment in February 1915 prior to joining the RFC. This wonderful plastron fronted tunic is in the wrapover 'maternity' style so called for its resemblance to clothing worn by pregnant women. There is an 'Abbot & Co, Conduit St ' tailors label to the inside breast pocket giving the date '20/1/17' & his name written as ' Lt E.Burney R.F.C. ' . There is also a number ' 6699' which , as officers did not have service numbers in WW1 , would likely be the tailors reference for this man so as his measurements & details could be kept on file for future orders. The originally sewn embroidered on blue cloth RFC Flying badge is present to left breast & his Military Cross & 1914 Star medal ribbons mounted beneath. Each shoulder has three worsted rank pips for captain & there are bronze RFC officer collars. Upon close examination of the collars it is very clearly evident that these have never been off of the tunic with correlating wear indentation to the collar cloth underneath & also some oxidisation to the underside which has bled into the cloth. These are not seen on all RFC tunics it seemingly being down to the individual preference of the officer. There is plenty of period photographic evidence showing them with & without in wartime wear. The tunic is fastened by five concealed buttons to its right side with a double press stud arrangement to the top of the right shoulder. All of these fastenings are 100% original to the tunic. With a thick champagne lined lining showing heavy wear to the inside collar area there is a double hook & eye fastening to the stand & fall collar. In quite excellent condition there are one or two surface moth nips seen only upon close examination. I have carried out research on Burney hence the information here & will forward what I have in the form of his service record upon sale. In brief, Edmund Ernest Burney was born on 2/6/1890 & went to R.M.A Sandhurst from 1911-1912. He initially joined the 1st Royal Berkshires & disembarked to France on 13/8/1914 . He won the Military Cross on 20/2/1915 & was Mentioned In Despatches 22/6/15. Promoted to Lieutenant on 1/6/16 he transferred to the RFC in mid 1916 joining 59 Squadron on 29/9/16. No.59 Squadron was formed at Narborough Airfield in Norfolk on 1 August 1916 as a squadron of the Royal Flying Corps. On 13 February 1917, the Squadron crossed the English Channel, deploying to Saint-Omer in northern France to operate in the army co-operation role . There is alot of information on his service records still left to decipher however he is distinctly shown as an Artillery Observer /Pilot hence his RFC flying badge. Awards won were the Military Cross & the 1914 Star .
WW1 British No.25 Trench Periscope & Case 1916 A classic WW1 trench periscope this being the No.25 model coming complete with its quality brown leather carrying case. Periscope has good clear optics with graticuling still visible upon focussing. The well acknowledged maker nomenclature of R&J Beck is visible to scope with the date 1916. The War Department Broad arrow mark is visible to scope & also to its original screw on wood handle. Leather case inner is lined in high quality purple velvet padding with all buckle straps in remarkably good condition. There is also a belt loop to rear as well as the housing compartment for the wood handle when not in use. The lid to the case has become detached over time with carrying straps damaged in places ( Please see images ) . Still a fine addition to any WW1 trench equipment collection.
WW1 British No.30 Trench Periscope 1917 Superb example of the No.30 Trench periscope manufactured by Adams & Co in 1917. One of the rarer trench scopes from WW1, these were used by spotters and snipers in front line areas. The large tubular metal body is painted in a green finish & is in excellent hardly used condition still with its Adams & Co 1917 paper label intact & completey discernable on front. On the label are instructions for use and the nomenclature 'Periscope No.30 Adams & Co., 1917' . Complete with the optics are the two disc covers to be placed over the large bottom view point one with a hole in to prevent any broken glass from inside the periscope damaging the users eyes. Faint black WD broad arrow stamp to front. Khaki carrying bag is used but good with carrying strap in good order. Buckle & strap are not present to flap however the black ink stamped War Department broad arrow denotes an issue item on a unit rather than individual level. There is a dent to front area with two small paint chips however this does not detract from what is a rare trench optic seldom seen outside of regimental museums & long established collections.
WW1 British Officer MC Winner Uniform Grouping A rare & historic uniform grouping to a British First World War Military Cross winner of the 7th Battalion , The Wiltshire regiment. Major H.Wayland saw much action with the battalion which left for France on 22nd September 1915. Being heavily engaged against enemy forces after being deployed in Salonika Captain H. Wayland ( A Coy ) is listed as wounded on Wednesday 25th April 1917 in an attack on enemy positions where 2 officers & 7 Other Ranks were killed. On 6th July 1917 Major Wayland was invalided back to England due to his injuries where on 1st January 1918 he was awarded the MIlitary Cross. On 23rd January 1918 he is also listed as having been Mentioned in Despatches. In this group is his field worn high quality officers four pocket tunic field modified from a cuff rank to a shoulder rank often done to minimise the snipers targeting officers in the field the cuff ranks being easier to spot. There is a slight change in shade to the cuff mitres that may also indicate the change to shoulder rank upon his promotion to Major thereby negating the need to change the Captains cuff rank to that of a Major. There is no evidence of any other insignia other than the early correct cuff rank style Crown to the eppaulette. All matching Wiltshires buttons & collars are present with blue 26th Division battle insignia tabs to each shoulder. Also present are a wound stripe & overseas stripes to each sleeve respectively most certainly pertinent to this officers active service. Medal ribbons of Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal with Oakleaves present on left breast. Named to Capt. Wayland & dated 1916 on inside tailors nametag Accompanying the tunic is a nicely worn ' Gor Blimey ' trench cap with quilted liner to crown & neck curtain to rear. Matching Sam Browne completes the set which will come with some initial research on the officer & his Battalion. Dug in around the towns of Albert & Meaulte the Division ( 7th Wilts were part of the 79th Brigade of the 26th Division ) became experienced in Trench Warfare before being redeployed to Salonika , arriving on the 21st November 1915. Following a period of digging in & preparation the Wiltshires entered the frontline on 30th July 1916 relieving French troops. With the pushing forward of the frontline they found themselves in positions overlooking Lake Doiran & very much entrenched on the Doiran frontline. Characterized by trench warfare similar to that of the Western Front they were launched into heavy action during the battles for Doiran seeing much action against the Bulgarians , Turks & Austrians where the Battalions losses were heavy. Moved back to a training camp on the 3rd July 1917 this was the first time they had moved out of the shell area since coming up the line at the end of July 1916. Going back into a quieter sector in August they were eventually moved back to France in June 1918 before joining the attack on the Hindenburg Line on 3rd October.
WW1 British Officer Named Trench Map With Trenches & Positions Drawn On Map British Captain Named 1916 dated Trench Map in 1/20000 scale of the North Flanders area with hand drawn German trench positions in red pencil as well as other handwritten notes such as a wooded area being marked 'TANKS' & also many blue pencil marked areas of interest.. One area is marked '51st DAC' being the 51st Divisional Ammunition Column with other blue pencil marked places of interest indicated at Joffre Farm, Iron Cross, Rudolphe Farm, St.Julien, Irish Farm, La Brique & 'Dirty Bucket Corner' at one crossroads. . The map covers some very well known areas in the North Flanders area such as Ypres, Boesinghe , Vlamertinghe , Poperinghe & Peselhoek . Captain Strafford Byng-Maddick served with the Royal Army Service Corps & ended the war as a major.
WW1 British Officer Paperwork Group Ephemera group to a First World War Cavalry officer comprised of photographs, military manuals etc. Several of the books are named to a man named Alan Leonard with all photographs apparently being of the one officer. A large portrait picture of the officer as a second lieutenant weraing uniform & Sam Browne is signed by a Cedric Briggs & dated 1918. An Army Field Service Note Book dated 1917 interestingly contains many handwritten notes on the use of Cavalry in 'modern' warfare as well as notes on the use of the Mills Bomb, Defensive Positions & the feeding of horses. A typed memo dated 1917 from the First Army Corps gives new orders on the use of bombs (handheld) due to accidents happening during Bombing practices. There is also a Training pamphlet entitled ' Physical Training & Bayonet Fighting Lessons ' as well as a manual dated 1915 entitled ' Notes on Map Reading '. A postcard book of the Versailles & Trianons area gives some good prewar shots of the area. Certainly worthy of some research this an interesting group of items to the one WW1 officer.
WW1 British Officer Private Purchase Brodie Helmet With Camouflage Cover A wonderful & impressive First World War period private purchase British officers helmet with its original khaki trench cover & high quality tailor made liner. British officers are known to have used a variety of private purchase helmets & so the quality & number of makers are numerous. This piece has had a two piece centrally seamed & drawstrung cotton khaki cover fitted & is of a type typically seen being worn in the trenches by combatants. It is still tight on the shell & certainly does not appear to have been removed since WW1. The officer purchase liner has been made with the use of a slightly quilted & diamond patterned champagne silk headband with white leather base in which the tightening cord has been mounted. There is quite alot of wear to the band indicating a well fielded officer who must have worn this helmet extensively . Viewing the interior crown there is a black felt mounted skull cap which is integral to the rest of the liner system. It is perforated with four holes for air circulation between that & the shell of the helmet . The front of the liner has a cushioned section to ease pressure on the forehead during prolonged wear. Chinstrap has survived very well & has a brass fastening buckle in a style very typical of the period. The leather is slightly dry but very good. When one examines the helmet further much grubby wear can be discerned to the exterior with some age spots to the canvas & some minor dents to the shell. There is wear around the rim of the helmet with the rusted metal of the shell edges visible through the cover in places. This is a very rare British officers trench helmet & one that has certainly seen action in WW1.
WW1 British Officer Royal Artillery Cap A very fine early WW1 British officers stiff service cap with bronze Royal Artillery badge . Very typical of the type of cap worn by officers at the outbreak of war in 1914 these stiff caps were soon found to be impractical as they were bulky & could not be easily stored when not in use. Softer styles of cap soon became available to front line officers & so this version lost popularity very quickly. Made of fine khaki ribbed material its construction is similar to that of the 1905 Other Ranks caps but with better quality materials. To the front of the cap is an internally mounted steel stiffener spring which keeps it high & taut , this can just be seen from the inside behind where the cap badge is mounted. The leather chinstrap is of the early thinner type with adjustable sliders at each end. Interior of cap has a quality quilted lining at preference of the officer. With all the grime of extensive service use to the cap there is also what appears to be a water mark to the top of the cap & , surprisingly, no moth to the cloth.
WW1 British Officers 3rd Kings Own Hussars Helmet A rare British officers helmet of the 3rd Kings Own Hussars with brass cap badge mounted to front & painted insignia to each side. The 3rd Kings Own Hussars served on the Western front with the 2nd Cavalry Division for the most part of WW1. A regulation 1915 issue War Office Pattern shell it has a high quality private purchase liner by Herbert Johnson of New Bond Street , London with extended rear section for better balance when riding. At the preference of this officer the exterior of the shell was overpainted in a dark grey rough textured finish with 3rd Hussars insignia skilfully painted to each side. The cap badge mounting is a feature seen on some officers helmets of the period , all optional extras that a private tailor would offer. Leather chinstrap is in very good supple undamaged condition. From a long established helmet collection & a rare opportunity to acquire this truly one off piece.
WW1 British Officers Binoculars & Case Complete with its regulation shoulder strap this pair of binoculars in their brown leather issue binocular case is the pattern often seen in use by officers in the trenches of the First World War in conjunction with the Sam Browne belt equipment set. Binoculars are manufactured by Watson & Sons & have the War Department broad arrow on one of the extendable rain shields. In early blackened brass there are leather sleeves around the body one of which has its stitching undone at its central seam. Optics good. Case has War Department broad arrow to front of body with maker name impressed to lid & date 1918. Carrying strap to lid is intact. Rivetted construction is still good with some very minor dryness to strap in places. Brass buckles to sides. Overall fine example.
WW1 British Officers Binoculars & Case 1917 WW1 French made binoculars made under contract for the British War Department & maker marked on the top of the lenses with ' L'Petit Fab Paris' . One neck bears the markings 'MkV.SPL 39016'. Of quality construction the binoculars have brown leather coverings to each grip & extendable rain/mist shields on each end. Both lenses are excellent. Brown leather case is complete with its top strap which is intact & undamaged. There are two wide belt loops on its rear & construction is designed to withstand service use being mainly rivetted . The name of 'J.CRIPPS 1917' has been impressed into the top of the lid with the WD broad arrow visible on the front of the case. On the back of the case running alongside the belt loops is a unit name written in pen that has been crossed out & may be dechipherable upon close inspection . Fastening buckle & strap arrangement is good with leather overall remaining in excellent condition. Classic British Officers Trench Item.
WW1 British Officers Binoculars 1916 Complete with its regulation shoulder strap this pair of binoculars in their brown leather issue binocular case is the pattern often seen in use by officers in the trenches of the First World War in conjunction with the Sam Browne belt equipment set. Binoculars are Paris maker made under contract for the British army & have the War Department broad arrow on neck. In early blackened brass there are leather sleeves around the body in excellent condition. Optics good. Case has War Department broad arrow to front of body with maker name impressed to lid & date 1916. Carrying strap to lid is intact. Rivetted construction is still good with some very minor dryness to strap in places. Brass buckle to front with rivetted & stitched construction typicla of WW1 produced pieces. Overall fine example of WW1 trench binoculars.
WW1 British Officers Binoculars 1917 Complete with its regulation shoulder strap this pair of binoculars in their brown leather issue binocular case is the pattern often seen in use by officers in the trenches of the First World War in conjunction with the Sam Browne belt equipment set. Binoculars are Paris made under contract for the British army & have the War Department broad arrow on neck with Paris maker to eyepieces. In early blackened brass there are leather sleeves around the body in excellent condition. Optics good with extendable lens shields at ends. Case has War Department broad arrow to front of body with maker name J.Cripps impressed to lid & date 1917. Carrying strap to lid is intact. Rivetted construction is still good. Brass buckle to front with rivetted & stitched construction typical of WW1 produced pieces. Overall fine example of the WW1 trench binocular.
WW1 British Officers Brodie Helmet With Private Purchase Liner Brodie helmets worn by officers were often fitted with a privately purchased liner this being such an example. The helmet shell is typically of issue standard with a dark matt black paint colour to the exterior & brim underside. The factory applied brown paint can be seen in places to the shells interior however the darker finish shows age that would suggest it having been applied the same time as the liner & purely down to the wearers preference . Of a champagne coloured soft silk type material the liner is very well made & shows even wear commensurate with actual service use. Shell marked HH/O 174 denoting the manufacturer & steel supplier Harrison Bros & Howson /Osborn who came under the organisation of the Sheffield Munitions Committee. Chinstrap detached at one end .
WW1 British Officers map case & 1914 Map of France WW1 British Officers private purchase mapcase used in conjunction with the Sam Browne set & dated 1918. Complete with a 1914 dated map of the Amiens area of France. Mapcase is a typical private purchase item as was the case with officers whose responsibility it was to buy their own equipment. This example is made with a brown leather body & a tinted plastic front into which the map would be placed. The flap is closed with two brass press studs. Reverse of the case has two brass D rings for a carrying strap & the markings 'JB BROOKS & Co LTD 1918'. Map is a 1: 250,000 scale of France & shows the French Coast of Etaples down to Le Havre & also inland many well known places as well as Amiens. Overall interesting British officer accoutrement from WW1.
WW1 British Officers MKVI Webley Holster An excellent representation of one of many patterns of the British service revolver holster as purchased by officers in the First World War. Intended to be worn with the Sam Browne equipment set this example is of the closed flap type with belt slide on the back & buckles for attachment of the shoulder strap. In good quality brown leather the maker markings of 'T.Thomasson & Co 1917' are present on the main body of the holster. Interestingly on the underside of the flap can be seen a broad arrow marking with two illegible numbers or letters underneath. Attached to the two buckles on the back of the holster are two buckled belt strap loops to facilitate hanging from the belt, they would also fit a 1908 pattern belt which was worn in action by some officers according to his preference at the time.
WW1 British Officers Privately Made Webbing Set ( 1914 Date ) An interesting unblancoed \'08 webbing set that has been acquired by an officer & converted at his own preference. This was most likely early on in the war as the waistbelt is dated 1914. Many different elements of this set make an interesting example of such \'field expedient\' pieces where the officer clearly preferred the use of a practical weight distributing webbing set against the option of a leather Sam Browne. The option of all other field accoutrements to be carried by him is given with the addition of four equipment hangers from a Sam Browne belt being stitched to the bottom edge of the waistbelt. Items such as a waterbottle , haversack , mapcase etc could be clipped on accordingly these perhaps being less obvious to enemy observers or just more practical. Both shoulder braces have been stitched in place at the top edge onto the waistbelt on the front side with the rear ends being length adjustable in the rear buckle tabs. The MkVI Webley holster is maker marked & 1916 dated with ammunition pouch \'Thomasson\' marked & 1917 dated. The lower edge of stitching on the holster belt slide has had a crude repair . Both the holster & pouch are removeable . All of the webbing components are unblancoed with the date of 1914 visible to the belt on close examination. There are also some unit markings now very faint .
WW1 British Officers Whipcord Breeches A pair of WW1 British officers ' Knickerbocker ' type breeches in the favoured whipcord of the period extending down to the ankles with lace fastening at the cuff. Worn with the service dress the lack of reinforcement around the inside of the legs & seat would indicate wear by a non mounted officer. Waist buttons are in pairs ( midwar onwards ) with the tailor name E.Barnes & Sons Ltd , Bournemouth to each. Interior waistband has a quality striped silk lining to its top edge with sturdy off white & khaki cotton drill used for the pockets. It is of note that a small amount of the very early khaki glazed cotton lining has been used at the rear of the waist section . There are , of course , a couple of small areas of moth repair noticeable only upon close inspection as well as a spattering of moth holes to the front top of right side which would be covered by the skirt of the service dress tunic when displayed. Waist measures an approx 37 inches with inside leg an approx 22 inches.
WW1 British P13 Bayonet, Scabbard & Frog 1916 Sound example of the British issue 1913 pattern bayonet designed for the P14 rifle & made by the American firm Remington in May 1916. The bayonet was actually accepted for service in 1913 whereas the rifle not until 1914 hence the confusion over the preceding pattern dates! This example is in overall good condition with what is believed to be a Home Guard marking to pommel of 'X.J 196' . Pattern date of 1913 to be clearly seen on ricasso with date of manufacture '5 16' . Broad arrow acceptance markings to reverse. There is a good finish to metal surfaces with no unsightly damage to blade . Black leather scabbard also shows British ordnance markings but is made again by Remington as denoted by the initials 'RE' on the chape. Brown leather frog is that of a 1939 pattern Home Guard issue with broad arrow & number to reverse. Overall in good used condition & an interesting marked example.
WW1 British Policemans Special Constable Medal & Paperwork Grouping Interesting lot of service certificates, photograph , medals & insignia to a Metropolitan Police Special Constable who served during the First World War. A period framed case , evidently a momento of his former service, has mounted inside it his Special Constabulary Long Service Medal which has the 'GREAT WAR 1914-18' clasp indicating he qualified for the medal during the First World War. Also in the case are his bronze Special Constabulary & SC Long Service 1914 badges as well as his SC & Kings Crown titles & also the Divisional letters of WZ his service being with Wandsworth Division. A black & white photograph shows him wearing his medal & is accompanied by two letters from Buckingham Palace thanking him for his service & awarding him the Long Service Medal for his War Service. A coloured pamphlet entitled the 'Metropolitan Observation Service ' acknowledges again his efforts & contains within it other thankyou letters from various associated Governmental & Civil Defence bodies. Finally a certificate awarded to Special Constable Charles Judge of W Division announces his proficiency in Elementary Drill & is signed by the Divisional Drill Instructor. Overall an interesting group relating to Britains Home Defence history & also that of the Metropolitan Police.
WW1 British Princess Mary Xmas 1914 Fund Writing Case Fine example of the very rarely seen writing case given to non-smokers as part of the Xmas 1914 Fund Gift Set. Upon the Princess Mary gift tin containing tobacco had been decided upon Rowland Berkeley, the Comittees Honorary Secretary, reported that he had received strong representations that an alternative gift should be made available for non-smokers. After some discussion the presiding Committee agreed that non-smokers should be regarded as a special group and decreed that they should receive the brass box, a packet of acid tablets, a khaki writing case containing pencil, paper and envelopes together with the Christmas card and photograph of the Princess. This is a surviving example of the khaki writing case the contents sadly having long gone. Having seen some very practical use as a case for such items it still contains its divider & popper in good order. Measures 19cm across & 12.5 cm high.
WW1 British Private Purchase \'Pullman A1\' Body Armour Shield An exceptionally rare \'Pullman A1 Shield\' in excellent complete condition & the only I know of in existence today. Many models of body armour were available to purchase in WW1 from private retailers , an advert offering this exact model appeared in \'The Buffs\' regimental magazine of October 1916 . A copy of the advert will come with it & is pictured in the attached images. Made from overlapping steel plates it is surprisingly light & was sold as having been Government tested to be proof against \'shrapnel bullets at 700 feet per second velocity , any enemy service revolver at point blank & bayonet or lance. \' The individual steel plates fold down compactly into one so as it could be stowed in a canvas carrying bag that came with it ( Not provided ) . An oxide anti rust finish has been applied to each plate still largely remaining now. A large canvas inner piece lines the interior so as it could be worn under the uniform & heavy duty canvas straps join each segment . All of the canvas pieces are in excellent order & take the weight of this practical piece of kit with ease. A
WW1 British Queens ( Royal West Surrey Regiment ) KIA Medal & Death Plaque Group WW1 medal group to a Lance Corporal of The Queens ( Royal West Surrey Regiment ) who was Killed In Action in France on 13th November 1915 . Included in the group are his 1914-15 Star, War & Victory medal in original box of issue , Death Plaque in original cardboard envelope, dog tag bearing his full details ,a pendant with his photo inside & a sweetheart card sent home to his family with his dedication on reverse. There is also a retirement card presented to his daughter upon her leaving the NAAFI service in June 1970. The group has been fully researched it having been discovered that Booth was one of four reported as a casualty on that day as a result of enemy shelling. It appears that he may well have been one of the Battalion machine gunners who had been hit by shrapnel during a bombardment of the British lines. Overall a nice complete group complimented by the presence of his field removed dogtag. All research papers regards this group will be provided to purchaser.
WW1 British RAMC Soldier Document Group Group of letters & documents to a WW1 British warrant officer serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps at the Combined Clearing Hospital with Middle Eastern Command & refering to his Leave granted in October 1919 & his travel to the Transit camp at Port Said en route back to the UK. One warrant dated 1919 issued from Haifa on October 10th 1919 gives details of his intended travel to the UK whilst another is a nominal roll stating that he had been despatched from the EEF theatre having signed on for the Army of Occupation for one year from 28/4/1919. Aso gives his home address of Farnham in Surrey whilst on leave for the period of four weeks. Another telegram instructs him to urgently return to the Officers hospital at Cairo whilst other documents refer to his War Pension having been undergoing treatment for a Tropical Disease since 4th February 1920. This is clearly a senior NCO who has served through WW1 ending his service as part of the occupation army in Egypt. It is certainly worth research as to his part played during hostilities his senior rank od Sergeant Major also being noteworthy.
WW1 British Regimentally Marked 1914 Pattern Smallpack , Lancashire Fusiliers A scarce example of a 9th battalion Lancashire Fusiliers marked 1914 pattern smallpack ( first pattern ) with the distinctive leather fastening straps to front. A great historical piece from a regiment that saw much fighting in WW1 at places including Suvla Bay & the Somme. Rear leather tabs have been cut down & side buckles removed. Regimental markings to inside front flap. 9th Battalion Lancashire Fusliers were formed at Bury on 31 August 1914 as part of K1 and came under orders of 34th Brigade, 11th (Northern) Division. Moved to Belton Park near Grantham. In April 1915 moved to Witley Camp near Godalming in Surrey. Sailed from Liverpool on 5 July 1915, going via Mudros to Suvla Bay, disembarking on 6 August 1915. January 1916 : moved to Egypt. Went on to France in July 1916. 12 February 1918 : disbanded in France.
WW1 British RFC \' Cowl \' Flying Helmet A superb fresh to the market standard Royal Flying Corps helmet used from 1916 onwards. This was the 'Cowl' helmet of hood form with slit opening to front for vision. Although excellent for protecting the ears & neck from the cold they were visually restrictive & therefore favoured more by Observers who could still function efficiently whilst manning the Lewis gun. The tan leather helmet has an adjustable buckle & strap arrangement which could be secured under the chin or around the back of the head according to the wearers preference. The interior of the helmet has a partial fur lining with broad arrow WD marks to the reverse of the leather to prevent theft by those involved in its construction . An 'AH Levey' tailor label bears a date however although '191* ' can be made out the last digit is unreadable due to wear. A veteran of the Great War this helmet came with the recently sold RFC coat & shows service wear throughout with some fraying & fur patches minus from the inside. Rust to forehead buckles. A small area approx 5 inches in length & one inch in depth has been cut from the left side lower edge. This can be seen clearly on picture 1.
WW1 British Royal Artillery Officer Peaked Service Dress Cap A very fine early WW1 British officers stiff service cap with bronze Royal Artillery badge & name of its RFA officer owner written to headband of cap. Very typical of the type of cap worn by officers at the outbreak of war in 1914 these stiff caps were soon found to be impractical as they were bulky & could not be easily stored when not in use. Softer styles of cap soon became available to front line officers & so this version lost popularity very quickly. Made of fine khaki ribbed material its construction is similar to that of the 1905 Other Ranks caps but with better quality materials. To the front of the cap is an internally mounted steel stiffener spring which keeps it high & taut , this can just be seen from the inside behind where the cap badge is mounted. The leather chinstrap is of the early thinner type with adjustable sliders at each end. The underside of the peak is made of green leather cloth as found on the other ranks caps of the period . This is again a very typical feature of early war officer caps when found on this style . A sweat shield protects the cap & I have made no attempt to remove it. Some minor moth nips can be seen beneath the chinstrap when it is lifted, not visible when it is in situ . The officer has written his name onto the leather headband ( See image ) with potential for further research. With all of the grime of extensive service use to the peak , it has survived well for a cap of this age & a piece no doubt in wear during the 1914 outbreak of war.
WW1 British Royal Artillery Officers Service Dress Cap & Carrying Box An early WW1 period British officers service dress cap with tropical cap cover as was still being worn in August 1914 when alot of British officers were transferred to the Western Front from India. The London maker of this high quality cap is found embossed in gold on the leather sweatband \' J.Daniels & Co , 1 Artillery Place , Woolwich & 34 Bury Street , St James S.W.\' As can be seen by their Woolwich address they were a prolific maker of caps for the Royal Artillery who were based there. It is also of note that the postcode is in the earlier WW1 style before the numbering system of sub districts began being used. The red band around the body denotes Headquarters Staff with an officers quality Royal Artillery cap badge firmly affixed. Both side buttons are present with the typical patent leather chinstrap. Interior lining is made with quilted & cotton fibre padded silk , the rear half of the leather sweatband has an adjustable silk cord for comfort. The underside of the peak is made of green leather cloth & is very much a sign in this style of a prewar or early war officers cap. Comes in original Hobson & Sons of London tailors hat carrying tin.
WW1 British Royal Engineers \'N\' Special Gas Company Souvenir Brodie Helmet A magnificent piece of artwork being a WW1 British Brodie helmet decorated to the Royal Engineers 'N' Special Gas Company with a complete service history souvenir painted onto both sides . Helmet is a Mark 1 (Rimmed ) helmet that has a rough brown granulated finish as a base colour to its exterior & underside. This has then been beautifully decorated by hand & in colour with the cap badge of the Royal Engineers surmounted by the dates 1915 - 1919. On the front rim is the unit name ' 'N' Special (Gas) Coy R.E.' This company were part of the 4th Battalion , Special Brigade these being special units formed as the war progressed to deal with the use of the new 'Gas' weapon. These were technically skilled men responsible for the discharge upon the enemy of Gas shells & mortars etc. Making fascinating reading the nomenclature begins '8/8/15 Landed Le Havre' & includes mentions of such places served as Loos, Arras, Somme & Ypres. An entry dated ' 26/12/16 states 'wounded at Berles-Au-Bois' . The final entry reads 'Jan 14 1919 Demobilised at Duddingston' . I am unable to ascertain to whom , if anyone , this history may refer to however it is still a very visually appealing commemorative piece. Helmet has an intact liner with felt crown pad containing rubber ring & the manufacturer initials & steel batch number ' D/F 62' to underside of brim. A rare & unique piece seldom seen on the collectors market.
WW1 British Royal Field Artillery Haversack Early piece of WW1 webbing equipment being the haversack issued to mounted personnel more often Field Artillery Gunners who werent issued the full '08 or '14 equipment set. In typical strong web material the top flap is fastened with a small leather tongue onto one of two studs on the main body secured on the reverse by leather reinforced tabs. It has an integral shoulder strap fitted with a size adjustment buckle & is similar to the pattern issued with the 1903 equipment but without the side pocket so is likely to be a slightly later variation. On the inside flap are markings to a Royal Field Artillery soldier reading in red ink ' RFA 288982 .which is stamped over some previous markings that exist in black ink. Condition is good in need of a cleaning.
WW1 British Royal Flying Corps Photograph & Newspaper Cutting Album Fascinating photograph album of the Royal Flying Corps filled with original black & white photos of life in the RFC as well as period newspaper cuttings featuring RFC personalities & their actions, honours & deaths in combat. It is most probable that this was put together in the immediate post WW1 period by a former member of the RFC who during the Great War has kept many newspaper cuttings relating to the Corps as they were published in the daily newspapers at the time. The first few pages of the album have a number photographs with flying personnel & their ground crews at work & at rest showing various states of dress most commonly being the 'maternity' jacket & some wearing pistol order 1908 pattern webbing. There are also some interesting shots of aircraft some of them intact & some after they have crashed with personnel posing around them. Many of the cuttings feature flying personnel who have been involved in acts of bravery much relished by the newspapers of the time as well as many cuttings from the casualty pages with the pictures of the men Killed In Action & a brief description of where killed. Upon studying the various articles about the men it becomes apparent that some were related to known personalities of the era such as sons of politicians & were highly decorated with VCs,MCs,DSOs etc. The very back pages of the book have pictures of the first tanks to see action as recorded by the Daily Mirror again giving accounts of their various actions & MC winners. The 28 pages of this album have been very well collated by its original owner without doubt immortalising the famous & much admired Royal Flying Corps for prosperity.
WW1 British Sam Browne Belt & Shoulder Strap Scarce & in excellent condition officers EZ ON Sam browne being a high quality private purchase piece with a remopveable brass fastening buckle. This design had a brass plate rivetted onto the belts end with a prong on which the buckle would slide thereby making the polishing of it much easier due to it removeability. The plate is marked 'Reg Design 770578' E.Z.ON ie., the design was patented by Austin Reed & called EZ ON. There is also the Austin Reed address of Regent Street London W1 sewn to the inside of the belt on a leather tab which in itself is very professionally done (Austin Reed opened its flagship Regent Street store in the 1920s). Shoulder strap is complete & matches the belt in its colour a good indication of having been together for many years.
WW1 British SMLE Aldis Sniper Scope & Matching Numbered Case 1916 A rare WW1 1916 dated Aldis sniper scope for the SMLE MKIII complete with its original mounts, optics covers & matching serial numbered leather carrying case. Several patterns of sniper scope & mounts were used with the SMLE in WW1 most being offset mounted as here to enable charger loading & use of the open sights. Aldis Bros, Birmingham were one of the main manufacturers with their name & 1916 date of manufacture clearly impressed onto one end. . Mounts are maker marked to Purdey & Sons this firm still being very well known today. The focussing of the scope works on a screw tightened slide adjustment with an attached dust cover , the optics & their adjustment when viewed are excellent. Drum ranging is from 1 to 6 representing one to six hundred yards. A crossed out marking \'RIFLE 5945\' has been replaced by another mark \'F4335\' which is matching to the brown leather carrying case bearing the same number. It is in excellent supple undamaged condition , all original & with carrying strap intact. A scarce item untouched to this day & a rare accessory for the WW1 SMLE.
WW1 British Tank Corps Officer Cased Military Cross & Newspaper Cutting ... A WW1 Military Cross attributed to 2nd Lt S.Pavey of the Tank Corps . The name , corps & date '2nd Sept.1918' are engraved to rear. This totally original British gallantry award comes in its original George V case of issue with Military Cross period silk ribbon & pin bar. There is also a newspaper cutting of the period detailing his action & another relevant newspaper cutting with regard to the anniversary of the fighting at Delville Wood. 2nd Lt Paveys' actions are described in the newspaper cutting below : ' T/Sec. Lt S.PAVEY , Tank Corps attd 14th Bn-For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack. When his tank was knocked out by a direct hit he found another where crew were nearly all casualties , raised a fresh crew , and went on & cleared a village. Though badly shaken by the direct hit , he then went and , unsupported , drove the enemy from a point which had held up the infantry for some time. He showed great courage and endurance throughout. ' As is commonly known the Military Cross was issued plain & so the naming here would have been at the expense of the officer or his family. It is of note that this medal was originally bought at auction some years ago & comes in its 24th June 1987 dated brown packaging from the reputable auction firm Glendining & Co of Blenheim Street , London.
WW1 British Tank Crew Face Mask With the current market full of fake WW1 British tank masks I am pleased to be able to offer this totally 100% original example. One of the best examples that I have ever had the pleasure to handle it is complete with all of its leather face covering , its inner chamois face lining & its totally original ties. Showing minor wear the leather is undamaged & free from rot with all of the chainmail intact. A manual inspection would be welcome at one of the large shows so please email if you would like to see it in person. These iconic chainmail masks were issued to British tank crewmen in WW1 to protect against splinters & bullet splash which were an ever present hazard within the confines of Britains early tanks. Available as of November 1917 it consisted of a leather covered two part metal plate with slitted eyepieces & a chainmail face guard . To the face side of the mask was a cotton wool lined soft chamois leather covering handstitched at its outer edges where the outer covering meets the inner. Two head ties are stitched to the side brackets. A rare original item of WW1 British tank crewmens protective headgear.
WW1 British Tank Crew Mask With the current market full of fake WW1 British tank masks I am pleased to be able to offer this totally 100% original example complete with its original fastening tapes which have never been off. These iconic chainmail masks were issued to British tank crewmen in WW1 to protect against splinters & bullet splash which were an ever present hazard within the confines of Britains early tanks. Available as of November 1917 it consisted of a leather covered two part metal plate with slitted eyepieces & a chainmail face guard . To the face side of the mask was a cotton wool lined soft chamois leather covering neatly handstitched at its outer edges where the outer covering meets the inner. Two head ties are stitched to the side brackets. This example is complete with all of its leather face covering , its inner chamois face lining & its totally original ties. Showing minor wear the leather is undamaged & free from rot with all of the chainmail intact. The stitching around the edges is very skilfully applied & well seated in as only natural age can do. A rare original item of WW1 British tank crewmens protective headgear.
WW1 British Trench Cap Foul Weather Cover A very rare original example of the WW1 trench cap cover used by infantry in the case of inclement weather prior to the introduction of the steel Brodie helmet. It was worn well after by support troops in the rear who were able to continue wearing the soft cap whilst away from the front. Worn in conjunction with the issue groundsheet or cape it has the recognisable 'Gor Blimey' style neck curtain with two ties to enable this to be worn up when not in use. The 'peak' of the cover has a lip around the underside which slipped over the visor of the stiff service cap. The cover is of khaki duck canvas with a now worn rubber coating to its inside. Faint 'WD' & broad arrow marking visible to inside with a pencil scribbled partial soldiers number visible next to it . Scarce item which was found in the loft of a house & as such does exhibit age & wear.
WW1 British Unissued Service Tunic , 1917 Dated Label Intact I am very pleased to be able to offer this original WW1 service dress tunic still complete with its intact 1917 dated paper clothing label. Very typical of the British WW1 service tunics of the period this piece has never been issued having surfaced some years ago from a film costumiers. Constructed in a light khaki wool mix it has the distinctive 'rifle patches' to chest with double darted stitching to each side & a two piece back. All brass General Service buttons are present with lining in bleached cotton drill . The intact paper label bears the manufacturer name ' Kettering Clothing Manufacturing Society Ltd ' with sizings & 1917 dates. This firm are a well recorded maker of military garments from both world wars with their original premises still standing today. The W /I D acceptance ink stamp over letter 'M' is clearly visible the letter representing the particular depot through which this garment passed through on inspection. This is a definitive sign of WW1 manufacture the letter being placed over the 'WD' in later productions. In quite superb condition the tunic has two belt hooks stitched into its rear waist with just two very small holes to lower left skirt area.
WW1 British Untouched Matching Numbered P13 Bayonet With \'14 Pattern 1915 Dated & Essex Regiment Marked Frog & Helve Strap A very good matching numbered P13 bayonet for the P14 rifle with Essex Regiment marked \'14 pattern frog & helve strap completely as found. I was fortunate enough to recently acquire this whole untouched set which appears to have always been together since WW1. The bayonet itself has the scabbard matching number 659 to pommel with a first issue date to ricasso of \' 12 15\' . The markings are still clear with the 1913 pattern date & Remington maker present. Reverse of ricasso displays inspection marks with no further issue dates appearing. The dark brown leather scabbard is also \'15 dated with \'RE\' Remington marking to chape. The 1914 pattern frog is maker marked \'HAZEL & CO , C & M 1915 \' . The number \'236\' appears above a broad arrow with the regimental marking \' 2 5 EX \' ( 2/5th Essex Regiment ) beneath this . I have not made any attempt to remove the frog as the frog stud securing strap is worn at the buckle prong point. A very nice set the bayonet has almost all of its original blueing remaining . Parkerised blade excellent.
WW1 British War Office Pattern Brodie Helmet An excellent early war British 'War Office Pattern' helmet complete with its original liner & two part leather chinstrap. The original early apple green paint finish can be seen to the dome of the helmet with general service wear & a buildup of natural age patina to its surfaces. The early manufacture of this piece is evidenced by its construction with thin brass wire chinstrap bales & the first pattern of Brodies patent liner. These chinstrap bales were made larger on the later standardised model which had to accommodate thicker leather therefore rendering these earlier bales impractical. The liner system on these first models incorporated a padded cap consisting of two layers of cotton fabric intended to assist as a type of temporary bandage which would stem blood loss upon the removal of the shell if a head injury was sustained. The leather prong & buckle chinstrap is relatively flexible & correctly affixed to the helmet. A superb time capsule piece & a rare opportunity to own such an excellent example.
WW1 British War Office Pattern Brodie Helmet An excellent early war British \'War Office Pattern\' helmet complete with its original liner & two part leather chinstrap. The early War Office apple green paint finish can still be seen in places underneath the sand mixed khaki overpaint which was applied to dullen the shiny finish of the green. A helmet that has seen WW1 service it has a buildup of natural age patina to its surfaces with the typical rubs & scuffs of field service. The early manufacture of this piece is evidenced by its construction with thin brass wire chinstrap bales & the first pattern of Brodies patent liner. These chinstrap bales were made larger on the later standardised model which had to accommodate thicker leather therefore rendering these earlier bales impractical. The liner system on these first models incorporated a padded cap consisting of two layers of cotton fabric intended to assist as a type of temporary bandage which would stem blood loss upon the removal of the shell if a head injury was sustained. The leather prong & buckle chinstrap is relatively flexible & correctly affixed to the helmet. A superb time capsule piece & a rare opportunity to own such an excellent example.
WW1 British War Office Pattern Brodie Helmet With Shrapnel Damage An exceptionally rare WW1 British War Office Pattern steel helmet having a shrapnel gash to the front & a small trajectile piercing to the rear. This helmet is in its original early configuration with apple green paint & brass wire chinstrap bales . The early liner patent is seen here , designed to be capable of being removed easily from the shell in the event of a head injury. Consisting of an American cloth cradle this sits on top of a padded cloth cradle made up with two layers of cotton fabric filled with cotton wool padding . This was intended to be an improvement on existing known helmets of the period such as the Adrian where the head was almost in direct contact with the shell seperated only by a leather sweatband. In its original apple green finish this helmet was most likely involved in one of the earliest battles having received a shrapnel hit which has sliced straight through the shell & liner . A second hit causing a dent & small piercing has hit the back. Inspection of the interior liner shows the impact slicing right through causing some damage where it has ripped through the American cloth cradle. Leather chinstrap is original to the helmet & intact with showing again the early buckle & prong issue that these helmets came with. Heat number to underside of rim 'H/S 28 ( Hadfield Steel). A fantastic piece of WW1 history that has survived very well with an attractive natural age patina throughout.
WW1 British War Office Pattern Helmet With Original Hessian Camouflage Trench Cover An exceptionally rare British War Office pattern helmet with its original hessian sacking trench cover still in place. We have recently been fortunate enough to acquire some rarely seen WW1 pieces from a quite exceptionally advanced collection this item being one of those that was acquired by the vendor many years ago. The two piece hessian cover has a distinctive join with an alternating seam for more strength . Applied to the entirety of the helmet & under its rim the edges have then been rolled & chainstitched all the way round to tighten it onto the helmet. When one examines the age & wear to the cover with natural damage in places it is quite evident that this has been in place for many years . The original early apple green paint finish can be seen to the dome of the helmet with a later more brown khaki rough finish applied over this & to the rims underside . The helmets early manufacture is evidenced by its construction with thin brass wire chinstrap bales & the first pattern of Brodies patent liner. These chinstrap bales were made larger on the later standardised model which had to accommodate thicker leather therefore rendering these earlier bales impractical. The liner system on these first models incorporated a padded cap consisting of two layers of cotton fabric intended to assist as a type of temporary bandage which would stem blood loss upon the removal of the shell if a head injury was sustained. The leather prong & buckle chinstrap is relatively flexible & correctly affixed to the helmet. A superb time capsule piece in every sense of the expression & a rare opportunity to own such an example.
WW1 British Western Front Sapper 1914-15 Star Trio & Dogtags, Metal \'Devon RE \' Shoulder Titles & Tunic Insignia An interesting grouping of items to 'Sapper 51439 Frederick Harold Clarke' of 70th Field Company Royal Engineers .This soldier was originally 'Sapper 300 Devon ( Fortress) RE , a territorial in Exeter before being called up & given the aforementioned new serial number when assigned to 70th Field Company , Royal Engineers. Serving on the Western Front all of the items presented were kept by him as a souvenir of his service . Included in the group are : 1.1914-15 Medal Trio 2. Early Royal Engineers cap badge (Edward 7th) 3.Royal Engineers cap badge ( GR) 4.Dogtag Pair ( Worn throughout his service ) 5.Overseas chevron flash (Picked from tunic) 6.Brass Wound Strip With Backing 7.Pr Brass 'T' R.E DEVON' Shoulder Titles 8.Nine (9) Royal Engineers buttons
WW1 British \' First Army Corps Front \' Oppy Line/Gavrelle Trench Map Of Captain C.T Chevallier , Ox & Bucks Light Infantry - Commanding Light Mortar Btn ... This map of the Oppy Line /Gavrelle marked ' First Army Corps Front Map' & 'N Corps Situation Up To 8-10PM' is one of several listed seperately from Captain CT Chevallier who was Officer Commanding Light Mortar Battery , Ox & Bucks Light Infantry. It is named to him on the reverse with the date 23/4/17. A very well used example of a Trench Map clearly referred to by him on many an occasion with dirty thumb marks from the muddy conditions & much folding to the creases. It is well marked with German MG positions & a Strong Point as well as an Observation Post in the church at Oppy & the telephone exchange. The vicious fighting for Gavrelle ,as part of the Arras Offensive, involved the infamous German 'Oppy Line' which was only partially breached by the Salient into Gavrelle itself . The rest of the Oppy Line North was not taken & this situation can clearly be seen on the map which is marked as up to date until 8-10pm. Map is handwritten to reverse as 'SECRET' with 'CT Chevallier, Gavrelle 23.4.17' . A superb piece of Arras/ Ox & Bucks history. Captain Chevallier was Mentioned in Despatches on 15/6/16 & received the 1914-15 Star, British & Victory medals.
WW1 British \'07 Pattern SMLE Hooked Quillon Bayonet With Turkish Gallipoli Campaign Capture Markings An interesting \'07 pattern hooked quillon bayonet that has Turkish capture markings to handle & scabbard. The ricasso on this piece bears only one issue date of August 1911 ( 8 11 ) with 1907 pattern date & the usual inspectors markings to reverse side. The early brown scabbard is broad arrow Enfield marked (EFD) & dated 1914. On both sides of the wooden grip & the leather of the scabbard are Turkish numbers which could relate to a soldiers service or weapon number. I believe this bayonet to have been captured by the Turks during the Gallipolli campaign & then later recaptured by the British in a later campaign such as Mesopatamia & the captured by the soldier as a souvenir. Very good condition piece which was until recently still in private hands.
WW1 British \'08 Pattern Largepack & Matching Army Number Helmet Straps 1916 An \' as found from one man \' 1916 dated British 1908 pattern largepack which comes complete with helmet straps still attached which have the same army serial number as the largepack. In unblancoed condition the underside of the flap is marked to \'MW&S Ltd 1916\' & the army serial number of 18880 appears stamped beneath this . Both helmet straps match 100% in condition & age & one has the same serial number stamped identically to its underside. There is very faint handwriting to the rear of the pack in which the same army number can be made out. No doubt written by the soldier this may reveal some information with close examination. A used piece there is some general wear with a hole to the rear & to the rear buckle tabs.
WW1 British \'14 Pattern 7th Royal West Kents Largepack Formerly Of The Late French Sculptor Flavio de FAVERI Militaria Collection A WW1 '14 pattern British largepack named & unit marked to B Company of the 7th R.W.K ( 7th Royal West Kents ) . This pack was formerly in the militaria collection of the well known French sculptor Flavio de Faveri from Southern France ( 11/7/30 - 26/7/20 ). In unblancoed webbing there are broad arrow WD markings to the underside of the flap as well as ' 3 15 ' . With its correct leather fastening straps to front the rear has had very old replacement leather tabs applied still using the '14 pattern buckles & with , although similar in appearance , brown leather straps most likely of French origin used as shoulder straps. The bottom buckles are still present with these having their leather base contemporarily replaced . The rivetted leather keeper tabs next to it are original '14 pattern to each side & undisturbed. Named & unit marked & with provenance of its discovery in the Montauban area in 1983 Mr Faveri attached a very interesting paper identification label to it with his stamped name & address & the wording ' Sac Anglais 1915 ' & ' Provenance Montauban 1983' . It seems likely that this pack was brought back from the Great War by a French soldier to his hometown & then used in the postwar austerity years that ensued. With regard to the name of the soldier 'Hamsley' there is only one soldier of this name listed on the Forces War Records shown as being a Private in the Machine Gun Corps. When one enters this mans number somewhere else he is listed as 'Hemsley' & so I would I suspect a similar thing has happened here with the soldiers name ' Hamsley ' being entered into the records as ' Hemsley ' in which case a match then comes up as a a Maurice Swinnerton Hemsley listed as of the 7th Royal West Kents & Killed In Action 21/3/1918. He is remembered on the Pozieres memorial. Further research would uncover more information no doubt.
WW1 British \'14 Pattern Entrenching Tool Carrier 1915 One of the rarest components of the WW1 1914 pattern leather equipment is the entrenching tool carrier this piece being in excellent supple condition & 1915 dated . An American made piece it displays the typical features of such a production these being the double cap rivets of nickel plated steel & the date 1915 with the American manufacturer name ' COOK'. Totally complete & with all original parts a reinforcing strip has been applied to the rear of the long fastening strap to increase its longevity these often becoming dry & brittle with age. A practically unobtainable component of the legendary '14 pattern equipment set. The decision to produce the new leather set to supplement the 1908 pattern webbing was made in early 1914 with the contracted requirement of one million sets being undertaken early on in 1914. Over sixty leather manufacturers were involved however due to the high demand needing to be met , it is estimated that as much as fifty percent of it was made by American firms these pieces being fundamentally the same with only minor manufacturing differences.
WW1 British \'14 Pattern Water Bottle Carrier & Rare WW1 MkVI Water Bottle With Service Name & Number A scarce untouched piece this early MkVI water bottle comes within its '14 pattern leather carrier & is a textbook example of how an early WW1 waterbottle set would have been issued to the British soldier. We have two rare components here both having come together & as far as I can tell having never been apart. Firstly there is always much discussion regarding the true format of a correct WW1 issue waterbottle however there are several details that answer this question. The thick ';ginger' felted covers are made from a type of 'shoddy' cloth this being a cheap cloth made from wool which is chopped & then compressed into a felt type material. These are handstitched together & have no metal loop to the top for the cork string this being sewn to the cover only. These attributes should all feature in a true MkVI bottle this piece being such an example. Adding to its desirability there is a crudely handscrawled name & number to the reverse side of the felt which I believe could be read with some time & inclination to do so. The leather carrier itself is of British construction with the usual superimposed grained leather finish applied by a rolling process during manufacture. All fittings are firm with both brass equipment buckles intact & its brass securing b stud & fastening strap in perfect order. The initials ' R P ' are scratched into one of the front straps. A rare textbook early war set to find & in very good condition.
WW1 British \'Battle Of The Somme\' Trench Map Of Captain C.T Chevallier , Ox & Bucks Light Infantry - Commanding Light Mortar Btn ... A Trench map of part of the Battle of the Somme area 'Martinpuich' with Trenches Corrected To 6-7-16 . This map is one of several recently acquired ( Listed seperately ) which came from the effects of Captain CT Chevallier who was Officer Commanding Light Mortar Battery , Ox & Bucks Light Infantry. The Martinpuich area was the site of various German supply dumps & was eventually captured on 15th September by the 15th Scottish Division. Several air operations by the Royal Flying Corps were mounted to attack German supply dumps prior to this. Map is of 1/20,000 scale & shows the many German trenches & wire positions which allied troops faced upon their attack. Areas such as the Thiepval Rd, Pozieres , Contalmaison ,Courcelette & Flers are shown in detail. Captain Chevallier was Mentioned in Despatches on 15/6/16 & received the 1914-15 Star, British & Victory medals.
WW1 British \'Cambrai\' 1917 Trench Map Of Captain C.T Chevallier , Ox & Bucks Light Infantry - Commanding Light Mortar Btn A hand annotated Trench Map dated 1/11/17 of the Cambrai area named to Captain CT Chevallier, Officer Commanding Light Mortar Battery , Ox & Bucks Light Infantry . This is a large scale ( 1:20000 ) map of 'Detail & Trenches' with the Divisions holding each area handwritten on the map in blue pencil . Classified as 'SECRET' these are the '51st Div' , '2nd Div' & '4th Div' with dividing borders drawn in blue pencil . Also marked on are MG positions with other now faint strategic markings south of Moeuvres. . All of these Divisions were involved in the harsh fighting around the Hindenburg Line , the 51st Div pushed up to take Bourlon Wood in their famous tank battle on 20th November 1917. The extensive German Hindenburg Line can be studied on this map with all of the surrounding position names marked on in detail. Again a Trench map showing considerable use , with a couple of burn marks most likely from a well earned Woodbine . Leaving for France on 19/5/1915 Captain Chevallier was Mentioned in Despatches on 15/6/16 & received the 1914-15 Star, British & Victory medals. I have uploaded some service documents of Captain Chevallier onto the images of two of his other maps now listed as stock codes 8071 & 8069 .
WW1 British \'East Yorks\' Regiment \'02 Pattern Tunic A WW1 \'02 pattern British infantry tunic of the East Yorks regiment in excellent condition. Very difficult to find straight \'02 infantry tunics this fine piece is offered completely as it was found. Tunic has interior partial lining with single oblong reinforcing strips indicating wartime production. A mix of glazed cotton & cotton drill for the reinforcement pieces & pocket bags are evident. An ink marked W /I D stamp can be clearly seen. All of its front fly General Service buttons are present with brass East Yorks shoulder titles mounted to each shoulder strap. One Good Conduct chevron is well seated into the left sleeve this being quite clearly totally original to the tunic. A lanyard is present to left shoulder this completely as it was found. An untouched WW1 tunic & a good mannequin size.
WW1 British \'Passchendaele\' Trench Map Of Captain C.T Chevallier, Ox & Bucks Light Infantry - Commanding Light Mortar Btn ( Embarked France 19/5/15 ) One of four Trench Maps ( All seperately listed ) named to Captain CT Chevallier who was Officer Commanding the Light Mortar Battery , Ox & Bucks Light Infantry . Map entitled \'YPRES BATTLEFRONT Sheet 2 \' & of 1,100000 scale. British Lines are shown from June 30th 1917 - October 14th 1917 shown in blue & German Defence Lines & Wire shown in red . This map was originally marked with British Lines until the date October 3rd as shown on the key however an additional new line in purple was added to show advances ( Polygon Wood Area ) in the British Lines up until October 14th as the Battle for Passchendaele raged on. Many well known places appear such as Glencorse Wood , Polygon Wood , \' Plug Street\' , Armentieres , Zillebeke & German trenches shown in red such as Passchendaele-Terhand- Line , Dadizeele - Line , Roulers Line & many more. Marked in red handwriting to Capt. Chevallier ( Orderly Room crossed out ) . A fascinating piece of WW1 history. Captain Chevallier was Mentioned in Despatches on 15/6/16 & received the 1914-15 Star, British & Victory medals.
WW1 British \'Western Front, Battle of Ypres\' Trench Map With German Positions August 1917 A rare British Trench Map from the August 1917 period showing the Western Front Battle of Langemarck area with situation marked as up to 5 PM on the 20th August ,1917. The area shown was attacked on the 16-18th August by Anglo French forces during the Third Battle of Ypres this map giving the German positions with approximate Allied Line in the few days after the battle. Marked to bottom right hand corner \' Trenches corrected from information received up to 3.8.17 \' . This well used map has been recently framed within this mounting however can be removed easily if so desired. Inspecting the rear of the map there is a handwritten in pencil list of British names ( Pictured ) which may well be , amongst other things, a casualty list by the officer who had this map. An interesting display piece from an item that has clearly been in the trenches of this Western Front sector.
WW1 Canadian Army Dismounted Greatcoat A very nice example of the WW1 Canadian soldiers greatcoat with all original brass buttons marked 'CANADA' with Canadian cypher. A wartime production garment these differ from the British equivalent by their lack of shoulder straps or rear buttoned central pleat. With full cotton lining to sleeves a heavy cotton drill material serves as the pocket interior with a rough off white partial lining to breast & upper back. The soldiers initials of 'JWB' appear handwritten onto one of the pocket linings with the broad arrow within 'C' ( faintly) to right breast. A small remnant of the original paper label still remains to skirt with 'MONTREAL' visible. There is some minor moth tracking in places certainly not detracting from what is a very hard to find WW1 Canadian garment.
WW1 French 115th Infantry Regiment Battalion Commanders Kepi A stunning high quality private purchase French officers Kepi of the 115th Infantry Regiment by the Paris maker \'E.Bidal\'. In the early \'Foulard\' or \'Saumur\' shape this style originated from the late 1880s but was still being worn by older officers as part of the service uniform when France went to war in August 1914. In fine quality red wool cloth the body of the cap is adorned with gold flat rank braid for a Battalion Commander & Hungarian knot to top. Both chinstraps as expected for a high ranking officer are fitted with the false gold under its leather gold edged version. Both of its gilt chinstrap buttons to sides have flaming grenades embossed for infantry troops. Regimental numbers to front are of the earlier bullion embroidered version. To interior is a black silk lining with the remains of officer initials to crown. The Paris maker \'E.Bidal\' of \' 3 Rue De Richelieu \' is embossed in gold onto the thin leather sweatband. This has some wear & is torn in places. The 115th Infantry Regiment were mobilised on August 2nd 1914 & , via Verdun , headed up towards Belgium which the German army had just invaded. On August 22nd they were enagaged in heavy fighting against the German offensive at Virton with around 27,000 French soldiers killed on this day making it the deadliest day in French history. Having lost their Commander Coquerelle , his second in Command Captain Chanderis & another Captain ( All killed ) they withdrew to defend the passageway of the Meuse but continued to withdraw under overwhelming fire. After this they were engaged in fighting on the Marne, Champagne & The Somme as well as the Verdun Citadel to name merely but a few.
WW1 French 122nd Infantry Regiment M1915 Greatcoat WW1 French infantry greatcoat of the Model 1915 with collar tabs of the 122nd Infantry Regiment & matching depot stamp of the 112th IR to interior lining. Several simplified versions of the new horizon blue greatcoat were trialled with this cross button version being settled on as the standard. All buttons on this piece have flaming grenade for infantry. half belt at rear with pleated back. There are two internal hip pockets closed with straight double buttoned flaps to outside. The pocketbags are both reinforced for the carriage of ammunition this now deemed a necessity for the French combat soldier. Interior lining has inspection stamp & depot stamp for the \'122 d L\' ( 122 Infanterie De Ligne - Infantry of the line ) . Coat manufacturer name & address for \'Cochart\' . Overall in very good condition with two very small barbed wire tears to one arm ( See image ).
WW1 French 133rd Infantry Regiment Officers Kepi - Early 1914 Battles ***In 1914 the 133rd French Infantry regiment were in frontier defensive actions at Alsace, Vosges , Saulcy-sur-Meurthe with nearly two thousand men out of action in 10 days *** An early WW1 French Kepi of the 133rd Infantry Regiment in the Polo style often preferred by younger officers in the August 1914 period. In the black & red colour originating from the 1880s these were still being worn in the field by French officers during the early frontier battles against the invading Imperial German Army. Kepi has Hungarian knot to top of crown signifying officer rank with two gold rank braids for rank of captain. The gold regimental numerals were dropped after WW1 & not worn at all by officers at Brigade Level. Both chinstrap buttons have the flaming grenade of infantry. Interior is in black satin with high leather sweatband & wear to its entirety . As with most of these articles & due to their plush wool content & age there is some very minor moth to the rear of the cap with two holes not detracting ( See images ) .
WW1 French 1892 Pattern Holster, Regiment Marked & 1915 Dated A very nice WW1 issued & regimentally marked 1915 dated French pistol holster of the 1892 pattern. Alot of French equipment from the pre 1900s was still in use during the early stages of WW1 hence the early model date but the clear inspection date of 1915. This holster was very much the standard issue until long after the first war so WW1 dates are very hard to find . In excellent condition the rear belt slider is totally intact with a remarkably supple brass studded & buckled shoulder strap still affixed to the mounts at the top rear edge of the holster. The knotted securing strap as used by cavalry troops is still affixed with early brass fastening studs. Underneath the flap is the spare ammunition pouch to the body of the holster. Underside of the flap is clearly marked with the 28th Artillery Regiment inspection mark & 1915 date but also the regimental mark of \' 28 ART \' stamped within it. Closure brass stud & eye perfect.
WW1 French 1914 Pattern Other Ranks Colonial Tunic Dated 1916 A WW1 French model 1914 other ranks tunic as worn by Colonial troops & those of the Army of Africa. Very nicely inspection stamped with 1916 dates. Made of khaki canvas material this example has five button front fastening with a line stitched standup collar. There are two outside hip pockets with button fastened straight flaps . All buttons on the tunic are grey painted metallic with embossed flaming grenades of infantry. Left breast has an internal pocket of light cotton with an ' Alger ' manufacturers stamp & French inspection mark both dated 1916. In overall good worn condition there is some expected bleaching to the material & some small rust stains to right armpit area. Of all the French colonies in WW1 Algeria represented the largest supplier of material resources & manpower for France along with West Africa.
WW1 French 1915 'Coutrot' Trench Dagger Rare French WW1 trench knife complete with sheath & belt loop. The French army in the First world war were not issued with a knife as the bayonet was deemed to be the edged weapon of the infantryman . Combat experience quickly demonstrated the need for a hand held edged weapon that would be effective during chance encounters with enemy patrols this leading to a number of military & civilian variants being used. Lieutenant Colonel Coutrot was posted to arms production at Chatellerault & took responsibility for having several types of knives made by different firms using military blades as the starting point. The piece offered here is an example of one such knife conceived by him in the second half of 1915 & is known as the Model No.1. It has a 15 cm blade which is based on the M1886 sword bayonet. It has a steel hilt with the initials 'G.P.' within a rectangle from the private firm who manufactured it . Brown leather sheath has a studded loop on the reverse for belt attachment with stitiched edges. Overall in excellent condition & a rare fighting knife of the WW1 French infantryman.
WW1 French 1st Infantry Regiment M1884 Other Ranks Kepi A rare french infantry M1884 kepi with numeral '1' of the 1st Infantry Regiment . The M1884 kepi was the form of headdress worn by French troops at the outset of the First World War & was not made obsolete until introduction of the horizon blue uniform that came into general service in 1915. The 1884 kepi was standard throughout the French army, differing only in the colour that defined the arm of service. Infantry regiments were further identified by the red numbers attached to the front of the cap. This wonderful example has all the hallmarks of a private purchase piece with a full leather interior lining over the linen, double dark blue braid & higher quality leather chinstrap originally intended more for best dress rather than field wear. The '1' numeral to the front is quite clearly 100% originally period sewn as is evidenced by the buildup of dirt around it & the wear & weathering correlation to the band beneath it. The whole Kepi has remained remarkably intact with the fine red cloth showing only minimal wear to the nap of the cloth around the top edge & a minimal amount of surface only tracking to top. A fabulous piece of French infantry history as was being worn at the early battles of 1914. The French 1st Infantry Regiment is one of the oldest regiments in French active service & has battle honours for Guise-St.Quentin 1914 , Verdun-L'Yser 1916-17 & The Somme 1916 .
WW1 French 2 Litre Waterbottle In Ersatz Cover A French 2 litre waterbottle of the early WW1 period in ribbed blue grey cloth typical of the many differing \'ersatz\' forms of bottle authorised on 28th October 1914. Initially infantry troops in the European theatre were issued with one litre bottles however after the first few battles at the opening of WW1 they were all issued with the 2 litre version which , due to the sudden high demand, came in a wide variety of different covers . Regulations stipulated that they must be attachable to the body on the march & able to sit with stability on a table. This example has survived in very good condition with buckled leather carrying strap & cork stopper intact . A well used bottle it is in very good condition for a WW1 piece typical of those carried by the \'Poilu\' in the trenches of WW1.
WW1 French 21st Infantry Regiment NCOs Kepi A very early infantry NCOs kepi of the 21st Infantry Regiment with \'Langres\' maker to its silk lining which is where they were garrisoned in 1914 . This kepi is of the Saumur pattern which was a very early prewar style popular with older officers until replaced by the slightly later polo style. It has a high body of red wool which is of slightly higher quality than the lower enlisted ranks. The black band has the regimental numbers embroidered directly onto it in red & it is fitted with officers gilt chinstrap & side buttons. The interior of the kepi is finished in skilled hand with a quality leather sweatband that has an adjustment tape & the Langres maker name of \' Antony Boully\' embossed onto the crown lining. In overall very good condition there is only minimal moth tracking to the red wool. The 21st Infantry regiment was one of the oldest of French infantry regiments raised in 1610 & dissolved in 1963. They were garrisoned in Langres in 1914 & saw heavy fighting in WW1 from the beginning 1914 right through until 1918. Actions included battle of the Marne, Artois, Verdun , Champagne , Battle of the Somme , Battle of the Aisne to name only a few.
WW1 French 39th Infantry Regiment M1884 Other Ranks Kepi An M1884 other ranks kepi of the 39th infantry regiment as worn by the French army in the early 1914 period . As with most French army attire upon its mobilisation in 1914 this model dated from the 1880s & was soon replaced by 1915 with other forms of less conspicuous headgear which continued to evolve as the war went on. Of red wool cloth with dark blue cord piping the cap band has the number of the regiment crudely stitched on in this case the 39th. When one examines the stitching of the patch onto the band it is quite apparent that this is very typical rough soldier applied sewing very similar to other examples encountered .The circular leather cutout patch in the leather crown has size markings & inspection stamp to reverse of '56' with a Paris maker & date ' 4 01 ' . The soldiers name is handwritten onto the canvas lining underneath. Chinstrap complete with two tombac c/s buttons bearing the flaming grenade of the infantry. Heavily worn with one moth nip to the band & one repair also this really is a Kepi from a well fielded 'Poilu' .
WW1 French 40th Infantry Officers \'Saumur\' Style Kepi An early French officer kepi of the 40th Infantry regiment in the pre war \'Saumur\' or \'Foulard\' style. This kepi typifies those worn from 1883 onwards right into the very beginning of WW1 by serving French infantry officers. These early prewar versions were distinctive with their tall madder red turban & slanted back . The regimental numbers are metal badges affixed to the front. The thick double gold rank braiding signifies Lieutenant rank & the officers knot to top is for junior officers. Officers chinstrap is in gold with flaming grenade embossed chinstrap buttons for infantry. Interior of the kepi is finished in fine quality with champagne silk lining bearing makers details. The half leather sweatband has an adjustable tie with officers initials in metal ciphers affixed to crown. Certainly a field worn piece there is service wear overall with sweat to leather band & underside of peak. As with all examples encountered there are a couple of moth tracks to the right side with the odd nip here & there only noticeable upon close inspection. The 40th Infantry regiment suffered the loss of a whole battalion at the bayonet fought battle of Lagarde on the German frontier in August 1914 & at Dieuze during the Battle of Lorraine lost the equivalent of a second battalion bringing their strength of 63 officers & 3,119 down to 900 in the first two weeks of war. They were also in action at Verdun & Monastir in 1916.
WW1 French 5th Infantry Regiment Officers Tunic A very good representative example of an infantry officers tunic of the 5th Regiment , this being in the so called 'New' style that appeared after the Spring of 1915. Modelled on the British officers tunic it has a wide cut with long skirt , very large & practical pockets , a pique back , turn down collar & seven visible gilt infantry buttons. Their are still many tunics of the 'New ' style that will be encountered with minor variations according to the officers preference. ' Reduced' rank bars to lower sleeves as here were in use after Autumn 1914 . Rank is for a Sous Lieutenant. Dark blue braid to collars for infantry with large gilt numbers reserved only for officers after May 1915. Showing some wear overall their are a few pin prick moth holes visible upon close inspection & a couple of small stress tears under the left armpit ( See images ). Lining well worn with some displacement of stitches.
WW1 French 5th Tirailleur Regiment Kepi A heavily worn WW1 5th Tirailleurs Kepi that exudes charactor with a wonderfully shaped peak & moth , dirt & sweat marks to its entirety. In the classic \'Polo style preferred by younger officers at the start of WW1 it is interesting to note how the peak has been dipped by the officer at the front to give it that more \'over the eyes\' authoritarian appearance . There are four rank braids of a Major with WW1 style knot to crown & gilt regiment number \'5\' . Interior has tailor name to sweatband & gilted initials of officer embossed into underside of peak. There is a fair spatter of moth to its entirety & the peak is loose on one side. The Tirailleurs were light infantry units mostly made up of Natives from the French North African colonies. They saw much action in WW1 on the Western Front & at Gallipolli & incurred heavy losses.
WW1 French 6th Engineer Regiment Kepi A WW1 period Paris tailor made French engineers Kepi to an officer of the 6th Engineer regiment who were in action during the Battle of the Marne in 1914. This kepi is in the black colour of engineers with gold braiding denoting rank of second Lieutenant. The gold braided Hungarian knot to crown is of the short looped WW1 pattern which changed to a distinctive more elongated pattern in 1919. This kepi is of the 'Polo' style popular with younger officers in 1914 & in the years immediately preceding it ( From 1910). The officers gold chinstrap to front has engineers 'Cuirass' gilted officer buttons to each side. A wonderful item of pre WW1 French headdress . As with many of these high quality kepis there are some some small moth nips to top of kepi however the rest is excellent . The French 6th Engineer Regiment was actively involved at the following famous battles : 1914: The Marne 1916 : Verdun 1917: L'Aisne 1918 : Champagne
WW1 French 6th Engineer Regiment Officers Kepi A WW1 period Paris tailor made French engineers Kepi to an officer of the 6th Engineer regiment who were in action during the Battle of the Marne in 1914. This kepi is in the black colour of engineers with gold braiding denoting rank of second Lieutenant. The gold braided Hungarian knot to crown is of the short looped WW1 pattern which changed to a distinctive more elongated pattern in 1919. This kepi is of the 'Polo' style popular with younger officers in 1914 & in the years immediately preceding it ( From 1910). The officers gold chinstrap to front has engineers 'Cuirass' gilted officer buttons to each side. A wonderful item of French headdress of the early WW1 period in overall excellent condition with some of the usual hardly detracting moth tracking to crown. The French 6th Engineer Regiment was actively involved at the following famous battles : 1914: The Marne 1916 : Verdun 1917: L'Aisne 1918 : Champagne
WW1 French 6th Engineer Regiment Officers Kepi A WW1 period Paris tailor made French engineers Kepi to an officer of the 6th Engineer regiment who were in action during the Battle of the Marne in 1914. This kepi is in the black colour of engineers with gold braiding denoting rank of second Lieutenant. The gold braided Hungarian knot to crown is of the short looped WW1 pattern which changed to a distinctive more elongated pattern in 1919. This kepi is of the 'Polo' style popular with younger officers in 1914 & in the years immediately preceding it ( From 1910). The officers gold chinstrap to front has engineers 'Cuirass' gilted officer buttons to each side. A wonderful item of French headdress of the early WW1 period in overall excellent condition with some of the usual hardly detracting moth tracking to crown. The French 6th Engineer Regiment was actively involved at the following famous battles : 1914: The Marne 1916 : Verdun 1917: L'Aisne 1918 : Champagne
WW1 French 6th Infantry Regiment Officers Trench Weight Tunic WW1 French officers tunic dating from the midwar period in Horizon Blue for a Lieutenant of the 6th Infantry Regiment . Horizon Blue uniforms began to replace the earlier issues as of 1915 & there were many different cuts, conversions & styles of the Officer tunic much depending on the officers preference. Constructed in heavy wool with French cuffs , turn down collar & four pocket frontage the buttons are leather rugby ball style often copied from those worn by British officers during the same period. The collar tabs on this piece appeared after May 1915 & show the black branch piping for infantry & the regiment number \'6\' in gilt stamped metal. The two short rank bars to left sleeve denote Lieutenant . Lined in heavy cotton there is a faint manufacturer /tailor stamp now illegible.
WW1 French 6th Infantry Regiment Officers \' New Style\' Tunic 1915 A WW1 French infantry officers tunic based on the \'New Style\' seen from Spring 1915 onwards. This widely followed that of their British officer counterparts whose stylish large hip pocketed tunics did not escape attention from tailors all over France. This piece is made in gabardine & one of the first of the new style with features still reminiscent of the earlier 1913 style such as a standup collar & watteau pleat down the centre of the back. The blue basic cloth collar tabs appeared after May 1915 the previous issues being too conspicuous in their garish colours. Simplified rank bars to each cuff denote Sous-Lieutenant . The wide cut & long skirt are very typical of a tailors take on the popular British officer style , many variations & styles existed due to no standardisation ever taking place. A well used field worn piece there is fraying to the collar area & cuffs , a few grubby marks & the odd small hole in places all indicative of a trench worn tunic. The French 6th Infantry regiment were involved in most of the major WW1 battles including Bataille de Charleroi, Marne , Verdun , Aisne , Picardy to name but a few.
WW1 French 7th Algerian Tirallieurs Officer Tunic 1917/18 Scarce WW1 French tunic of the much decorated 7th Algerian Tirallieurs in the distinct khaki wool cloth of the Army of Africa. With concealed buttons to front it has a three hook fastened standup collar & Watteau pleated breast pockets. The hip pockets are amply cut with the commonly seen on such tunics vegetable ivory buttons used for fastening. Insignia comprises blue braid to collar for Tirrallieurs with gilt numbers & front line service chevrons to left arm. Rank bars for Lieutenant on lower sleeve. A tunic with wear there are some minor grubby marks to the cloth in places. The 7th Algerian Tirailleurs were highly active in WW1 the 2nd battalion remaining in N.Africa as part of the Moroccan Division. Other elements were in action at Artois 1915 , Champagne 1915, Verdun 1915 , Soissonais 1918 , Picardy 1918 , Aisne 1918. The unit was cited six times & awarded the Legion d'honneur.
WW1 French 89th Infantry Colonel Kepi A fabulous high quality French high ranking infantry officers kepi of the 89th regiment famous for their actions attached to the 10th Infantry Division at such battles as The Marne & The Somme. This high quality private purchase example has a Paris tailor logo to interior & is of the 1873/83 model worn right up to the beginning of WW1 by French officers. It is in the early 'Saumur' style with sunken crown & also the thick gold rank braids & early Hungarian officers knot to top. The gold infantry officers chinstrap is present underneath the black leather gold edged dress chinstrap fitted over the top. Gold infantry buttons to side. Interior of the kepi has a black leather gold decorated sweatband with green leather underside to visor. In remarkably good condition there are two small matchstick head sized moth nips to the right side black band.
WW1 French 8th Artillery Regiment \'Trench Mortar\' NCOs Tunic A wonderful tunic of the French artillery with sleeve insignia for a Trench Mortar battery. Much resembling the uniform worn by an officer it is of note that French NCOs were granted great latitude in the elaboration of their uniforms it being considered that due to losses they may soon be appointed to officer rank. The slanted gold cuff rank bars give this man away as a senior NCO otherwise it may be difficult to tell them apart ! Collar insignia is red backing for artillery with light grey piping & gilt numbers '8' . Constructed of a trench weight blue wool with four pockets it has a half saxon collar with buttoned shoulder straps & 'French cuffs' . The sleeve badge denotes a 58mm battery referring to the 'Mortier de 58mm ' Trench mortar. Tunic is fully lined in heavy khaki cotton with a lined collar for comfort. Gilt buttons are of crossed cannons for artillery. As with alot of French uniforms from the WW1 period there is some moth , this being especially seen to the bottom hem & rear of the collar ( See images ) It is still a highly attractive example & a good size for a bust.
WW1 French Adrian Helmet With Souvenir Plaque A WW1 souvenir plaqued Adrian helmet with blue grey factory paint of early M15 Adrian helmets & a first pattern pre 1916 one piece liner. With its original flaming grenade badge of Infantry to front it has its correct WW1 brown leather chinstrap still affixed to front .Helmets of demobilised officers & other ranks were officially decorated with the brass 'Soldat De La Grande Guerre 1914 - 1918' (Soldier Of The Great War 1914-1918) souvenir plaques as of 16th April 1919 & were issued by the state of France as a recognition of service. Some were named at the soldiers expense however many were not as is the case here. The one piece liner is lined with offcuts of uniform cloth here being dark blue from the early prewar greatcoat or jacket. A very nice display piece there is a dent to left side of the helmet .
WW1 French Adrian Model 1915 Helmet With Period High Quality Mustard Brown Gloss Finish This stunning Infantry badged French M15 Adrian helmet is finished in a high quality mustard brown gloss to its exterior & brim undersides most likely denoting use by either the Foreign Legion or Colonial troops . With the flaming grenade badge to front of the helmet for infantry , cavalry etc this is tight to the helmet & totally undisturbed. The original factory issue blue paint can be seen to interior bowl of the helmet with a second type leather liner having original drawstring present. Manufacturer mark of the firm \' La Compagnie Coloniale \' to bowl with size marking \'B3\' .The perfectly intact brown leather chinstrap is a private purchase example with open ended brass securing eyelets & two adjustable buckles . A very clean helmet & another variation of the iconic WW1 French Adrian helmet.
WW1 French Army 1915 Pattern Pack Scarce piece of WW1 French soldiers kit this being the 1915 version of the french 1894 marching pack known by the French Poilu as the "as du carreau " (ace of diamonds ) . In 1915 the French adopted brown leather & green grey canvas equipment this being a classic example of such a piece. In used condition with some of the edging having come away from the top flap there is the name 'Bernard Niort' to the inside of the flap & interestingly the traces of some handwriting to one side where the word 'Stalag' is still legible. This indicates that the owner was captured & took the pack with him into captivity being one of the issue equipment items that he would be allowed to keep. Some leather food would no doubt enhance in certain areas this being a very hard to find item of French fieldgear to find today.
WW1 French Artillery Adrian Helmet With Named Souvenir Plaque A fresh from the attic found WW1 French M15 Adrian helmet with named & 1917 dated Great War souvenir plaque to front brim. At the end of WW1 each officer & soldier of the armed forces was awarded a helmet as a souvenir by a grateful French government . These were awarded with a laurel wreath decorated brass souvenir plaque embossed with the words \' SOLDAT DE LA GRANDE GUERRE 1914-1918 \' & with a blank space on which the recipient may insert his name & other details if he wished. Most encountered are blank however this example has the name & details \' Jacques Henri Le Camus En 1917\' engraved onto it. The name of \'CAMUS\' can also be seen scratched into the underside of the rear brim so the name on the plaque matches the actual owner of this helmet. Complete with its original chinstrap the first pattern one piece liner is present to its interior with original tightening cord still affixed. To the interior crown can be seen the black ink stamped manufacturers name of \'Jouet De Paris\' with size stampings beneath this. The M15 artillery badge is firmly affixed to the front with original brown leather chinstrap intact . Showing wear to the exterior paint of the helmet it still retains its natural dust & dirt buildup fro many years of forgotten storage & so , as always , I have made no attempt to clean it any way at all. A wonderful \' time capsule\' of the Great war .
WW1 French Artillery Adrian Souvenir Helmet Insulated By Soldier With May 1916 Dated Newspaper One of the best WW1 souvenir plaqued Adrian helmets that I have had the fortune to own this wonderful early piece retains the lighter blue grey factory paint of early M15 Adrian helmets & a first pattern pre 1916 one piece liner. Placed down under the liner is a very old French newspaper which with careful examination bears the date 16th May 1916 & news on Verdun . With its original crossed cannons badge of Artillery to the front it has its correct WW1 brown leather chinstrap still intact. Helmets of demobilised officers & other ranks were officially decorated with the brass 'Soldat De La Grande Guerre 1914 - 1918' (Soldier Of The Great War 1914-1918) souvenir plaques as of 16th April 1919 & were issued by the state of France as a recognition of service. Some were named at the soldiers expense however many were not as is the case here. The one piece liner is lined with offcuts of the early red wool trousers predating those of the 1915 Horizon Blue issue. Metal corrugated ventilation strips still present. A fabulous display piece these WW1 French Adrian helmets are steadily gaining in popularity.
WW1 French Artillery M15 Adrian Helmet A good untouched example of the WW1 French Adrian with crossed cannons insignia for Artillery troops. This famous helmet worn by the WW1 soldier of France is an earlier war 1915 made piece with construction features indicating manufacture by the maker \'JAPY\'. It has had two coats of paint , the first being the lighter blue grey & then the darker blue grey which appeared in 1916 when covers & mud daubing for camouflage were prohibited due to the higher risk of head wound infection. Artillery troops badge to front is totally original to the helmet. The liner is the first pattern in one piece blackened sheeps leather with blue uniform cloth to its inside edging . This version began to be replaced in 1916 with multi construction liners from different parts to save on leather. The size is stamped into the outside of the leather liner. With a couple of the usual minor dents to the thin skull this is a super combat Adrian straight from the trench warfare of WW1.
WW1 French Artillery M15 Adrian Helmet A very nice WW1 M15 Artillery Adrian helmet coming complete with its original chinstrap. A helmet that for me exudes charactor with both sides of the front peak turned downwards by the soldier for a more \'old sweat\' look. This was a practice known to have been carried out by NCOs with the dipped peak exerting an authority much in the same way as a \'slashed peak\' on a British SD cap. The helmet has had two coats of blue paint in its service the latter being a thicker dark blue coat over its first factory issue. Both coats are of a mid to dark blue colour with the second pattern multi construction liner allowing us to conclude that this helmet was produced from 1916 onwards. Examination of the side skirt joining rivets & rear of the top comb ascertains the manufacturer to be \'Dupeyron\' . To the underside of the rear peak is a name scratched into the paint which appears to be \'Lanedu\' . The original chinstrap is present & has two rodent bites which I have photographed. It is always a bonus to get the chinstrap still with it in any condition. Nice sleepy Adrian straight out of the Great War .
WW1 French Artillery M15 Adrian Helmet With Immaculate Liner & Chinstrap One of a number of French helmets I recently had the good fortune to acquire this M15 Artillery troops Adrian helmet is in untouched condition with near mint liner & chinstrap. An early production in the first issue light blue it is not uncommon to see badges in a slightly different colour as is the case here. These were often painted seperately then fitted upon production onto the shell the example here being of a slightly darker shade than the rest of the helmet. Interior has multi construction liner with blue wool material uniform offcuts having been used to line its underside. All corrugated ventilation strips are still present with tightening lace intact. The chinstrap is practically immaculate a better example I do not think I have ever encountered . The metal buckle retains all of its black factory paint & the leather still as supple as the day it was made.
WW1 French Artillery Officer Adrian Helmet An early M15 French Artillery officers Adrian helmet in the distinctive horizon blue colour & with leather braided officers chinstrap. French officers in the field normally wore the same issue helmet as the other ranks however often adorned these early style braided chinstraps which were available for private purchase from retailers & other outlets. Many different varieties can be encountered with this piece having a nickel fastening buckle & each end stitched to the chinstrap loops rather than rivetted as is often the case. A visual examination of the shell construction & the two rivets on each side indicates an example made by Dupeyron of Paris , this is confirmed by the presence of their maker logo just about visible on the underside of the crown. The brown leather liner is of the first model in one piece construction with size mark \'B2\' stamped into leather at the forehead area . Upon lifting the liner the blue uniform cloth of the headband can be seen to be in very good condition. An iconic French officers piece difficult to find with leather braided chinstrap.
WW1 French Artillery Officers M15 Adrian Helmet A WW1 French artillery officers M15 Adrian helmet found in the Marne area several years ago. This helmet is an early 1915 production with the light blue factory paint still visible to the inside of the helmet. The outside has been darkened with a thin darker blue paint & then a dirty overwash brushed over the top of it to further its camouflage effectiveness. I have made no attempt to clean this helmet as it is an example of how French troops would dullen the factory colour of the helmets to blend in with the mud of trench conditions. The helmet has its original crossed cannons badge to front with leather braided chinstrap as favoured by officers. Interior has a black leather one piece first pattern liner , these were replaced in 1916 with the second model.
WW1 French Artillery Officers Tunic A rather pleasing named & April 1918 dated gabardine French Artillery officers tunic with Paris tailor label attributable to a frontline officer ' Georges Steinhard ' . Of the so called ' New Tunic ' style which appeared after the spring of 1915 this officer has seen three years of action at the front as is denoted by the embroidered chevron to left upper arm. His rank of ' Sous - Lieutenant ' is indicated by its sleeve rank insignia & his branch of artillery by the red scalloped collar tabs affixed to its stand up collar. The crossed cannon buttons also denote same. Collar tabs do appear to have been resewn. The Paris tailor ' Geo Harrison ' is known to have made military uniforms of some elegance this piece being no exception. Its interior left breast pocket bears the printed cloth tailor name label with soldiers name & April 1918 date handwritten on . In overall excellent condition with light wear in places & the appearance of one worn for every day duty rather than best dress. A worthy research project & a tunic worn by a man with , no doubt , some interesting WW1 service.
WW1 French Artillery Officers \'New\' Tunic , Spring 1915 A WW1 French Officers tunic of the 31st Artillery Regiment in the \'New\' style which appeared in service after the Spring of 1915. In light blue gabardine , this example displays the typical artillery officers double gold braid to collar patches & red flecked gold chevrons to sleeve for rank of Adjutant. In the French army the rank of \'Adjutant\' was slightly different to that of the British army as it was with senior NCO status. Crossed cannon buttons for artillery . Tunic is wide cut & has the typical large flapped lower pockets with squared uppers. Also the turn down collar with shoulder straps & French cuffs are typical of the period. two brass equipment support hooks to rear. A service used tunic , there is only minimal wear overall to the nap of the cloth with some very typical moth nips to the seam at the bottom of the lower pockets .
WW1 French Artillery Officers \'Polo\' Style Kepi A classic WW1 period kepi for an Artillery officer in the Polo style seen in use by young officers from around 1910 onwards. A wide myriad of different Kepis continued to be worn during WW1 these prewar examples being prevalent in the early war period. The Hungarian knot to the top is typical of the period with the knot of the later 1919 model being very different. Constructed in fine quality black Melton type material with gold chinstrap & crossed cannons for artillery on each chinstrap button. There are two rank braids for lieutenant. The flaming grenade insignia to front denotes Staff Officer. Interior of the cap has a blue silk lining with leather sweatband which has deteriorated somewhat on one side with age. It does, however , allow us to see the jute/burlap stiffening material which is specific to early pieces. An iconic WW1 item of French headgear.
WW1 French Artillery \'Time Capsule\' Adrian Helmet The timeless expression \'straight out of the woodwork\' was made for a helmet such as this ! An attempt to wipe away the years of accumulated age , dust , & minor surface rust would not only devalue it but also ruin its time capsule history , charm & pure individuality! An early manufacture French M15 of artillery troops this helmet still comes with the piece of wire from which it hung in an outbuilding until now. The early factory issue light \'Horizon blue\' paint finish can be seen in places with the midwar darker blue finish hand applied over the top. Complete with its original chinstrap the interior early one piece liner has used offcuts of the red infantry trouser material as backing. Newspaper has been folded down into the liner for extra fit or insulation .. this I have left undisturbed. The whole interior is filthy with all dust & spider corpses guaranteed original !
WW1 French Battle Damaged Artillery M15 Adrian Helmet An always evocative piece of militaria to find this WW1 French M15 Artillery Adrian helmet has had two bullet strikes one with an entry & exit hole from right to left & the other being a bullet strike going right through the top comb square on from the side. The Adrian has much of its dark blue paint remaining to exterior of shell with its original first world war applied crossed cannons front plate of the Artillery still fixed to the front. Top comb is still firm. Chinstrap is totally original to the helmet although slightly delicate at each of the chinstrap loops. Liner is the early one piece black first model with blue uniform cloth offcuts used in its construction. Their is a name to the underside of the front brim which appears to be \' BAUSSAIN \' .
WW1 French Chasseur M15 Adrian helmet A very good WW1 French Adrian for troops of the 'Chasseurs' . Most of the 31 battalions of infantry served on the Western Front in WW1 with detachments sent to the Italian front in 1917 as reinforcements. It is interesting to note that the underside of the helmet has a khaki paint finish remaining in places quite possibly indicating this soldiers deployment in such a theatre before returning back to the trenches of France. An early production helmet it has had its first very light blue factory paint finish overpainted with a thick hand brushed dark blue as per the order of 1916. The Chasseur badge is firmly affixed & totally original to the helmet. Interior has first pattern one piece liner with red trouser material used in the construction of its underside cloth band. Corrugated air vent strips are still in place to sides & rear. . Chinstrap is original to the helmet & has had a repair to one part where it at one time became seperated. A helmet that has clearly seen much action with all of the scuffs & chips to the paint of a well fielded Chasseur.
WW1 French Chasseur M15 Adrian Helmet With Rank Bar To Front WW1 French Adrian helmet for a combat officer of the Chasseurs with single rank bar to front denoting rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Most of the 31 battalions of Chasseur infantry served on the Western Front in WW1 with detachments also fighting elsewhere. This bar system of rank was sometimes employed by officers according to their own preference & with permission of the unit Commander . Often deemed to be more subtle than the plaid officer chinstrap it os most usually observed amongst some of the more elite fighting units as is seen here. Other than the rank bar it is a standard M15 Adrian in factory blue paint with original issue chinstrap & M15 Chasseur hunting horn badge to front. Interior has multi construction liner seen as of 1916 .
WW1 French Chasseur Officer Helmet WW1 French M15 Adrian helmet to an officer in the Chasseurs with original Chasseur helmet badge to front & plaid leather chinstrap as was preferred by most officers. Helmet is finished in a dark grey/blue paint this being post 1916 applied over its earlier lighter factory blue finish. When one examines the inner dome the lighter blue can still be seen indicating one of the earliest manufactures of Adrian helmet. The one piece liner of pre 1916 pattern is lined with horizon blue uniform cloth & all three corrugated air vent strips still present between the liner & shell. The officers chinstrap could be worn at the officers expense & was not a regulation adornment indicative of rank. I have left this helmet completely as found making no attempt to unfasten the chinstrap.
WW1 French Chausseur Model 15 Adrian Helmet With Souvenir Plaque A rare M15 Adrian helmet of Chausseurs with a named veterans plaque & one that started life as a Russian M1915-16 helmet. . The previous existence of a Russian badge to the front of the helmet is discernible by the visible outline it has left upon its removal. It is certainly known that Adrian helmets were reissued & so this may be one such example. At the end of WW1 each officer & soldier of the armed forces was awarded a helmet as a souvenir by a grateful French government . These were awarded with a laurel wreath decorated brass souvenir plaque embossed with the words \' SOLDAT DE LA GRANDE GUERRE 1914-1918 \' & with a blank space on which the recipient may insert his name & other details if he wished. Most encountered are blank however this example has the name & details \'Sergent Chambon\' engraved onto it. The whole helmet has a very dark almost black paint finish to its entirety with the hunting horn of the Chausseurs firmly affixed to the front. Liner is of the early first pattern one piece & the brown leather chinstrap most likeley a slightly later replacement.
WW1 French Chausseurs M15 Adrian Helmet A WW1 French M15 Adrian helmet of Chasseurs. The Chausseurs were light infantry troops with a very good track record throughout French military history. An early helmet most likely made in the 1915 period it was first factory painted in the earlier lighter blue before being hand overpainted in a less conspicuous darker blue as per 1916 orders. Much of the original factory blue paint remains with badge firmly affixed to the front. Interior of the helmet has a first model one piece liner which was produced up until 1916 when multi piece liners were introduced to save leather. The circular maker stamp for Reflex , Paris can be seen on the helmets interior with glued remains of an owners paper label which sadly can no longer be read. Chinstrap is intact although , typically , delicate in places.
WW1 French Colonial Adrian Helmet From Named Officer \'8th Colonial Infantry\' With Souvenir Plaque A very nice WW1 M15 Colonial Adrian helmet with souvenir plaque to an officer of the ' 8th Colonial Infantry Regiment. In the mustard colour of the 'Armee D'Afrique' these were first issued to Colonial troops in their factory blue but then mustard painted as the war went on . A mix of the early blue & different shades of the mustard colour will be encountered as it was never standardised. As is well recorded the brass souvenir plaques were awarded to each soldier at the end of the war with early examples being named to its recipient. This was soon dropped due to the sheer volume of numbers becoming impractical & so named examples are difficult to find. The rank, unit & name of 'Capitaine Jean Faverjon 8e Regt Infanterie Coloniale ' is engraved on this plaque with a surname of the soldier also the standard ' SOLDAT DE LA GRANDE GUERRE 1914 - 1918 ' . Overall chips & scuffs to the exterior paint would suggest a well fielded officer with a first pattern one piece liner of early issue. Helmet made by Japy & with its original early thin brown leather chinstrap. A fabulous piece & an important part of Adrian helmet history.
WW1 French Colonial Infantry M15 Adrian Helmet With March 1916 Dated Newspaper Insulation A very nice untouched Colonial Infantry M15 Adrian with flaming grenade on anchor badge to front. These were also worn by Senegalese troops. Interestingly this helmet has a March 1916 dated newspaper folded up behind the liner which I carefully removed & photographed seperately. The helmet shell has received a coat of the darker blue colour but with the badge retaining the lighter blue due to the wearers own personal preference . The badge is firm to the helmet & there are no signs of disturbance to the reverse side so I do believe it was period done maybe by an older serving soldier or NCO. Interior has the early one piece liner with original chinstrap intact. Uncleaned & offered completely as found .
WW1 French Colonial Medical M15 Adrian Excellent WW1 M15 Adrian helmet in the mustard colour of the ' Armee D'Afrique ' . With the rarer medical insignia to front of helmet this depicts Caduceus with the serpent of Epidaurus encircling the mirror of prudence. Flanked by the letters RF & surrounded by a laurel oakleaves this was adopted in August 1914 when the War Ministry recommended its issue for Doctors & medics. With regard to Colonial troops these were first issued in their factory blue then mustard painted for Colonial troops issue as the war went on . A mix of the early blue & different shades of the mustard colour will be encountered as this was never standardised so different variations will be encountered . This colour is not to be confused with the more khaki paint of interwar issues. With overall wear the front plate is original to it & mustard painted at the same time as the rest. Manufacture of the shell is by the firm Japy with owners initials scratched into the underside of the rear peak over the mustard paint which has been applied to the underside of the front rim also. The early 1915 one piece liner is still intact with early light blue factory paint visible underneath it inside the crown. The original leather chinstrap remains . A scarce medic helmet & difficult to find in its original mustard colour of the Armee D'Afrique .
WW1 French Colonial Medical Troops M15 Adrian A very nice WW1 M15 Adrian helmet in the mustard colour of the ' Armee D'Afrique ' . With the rarer medical insignia to front of helmet this depicts Caduceus with the serpent of Epidaurus encircling the mirror of prudence. Flanked by the letters RF & surrounded by a laurel oakleaves this was adopted in August 1914 when the War Ministry recommended its issue for Doctors & medics. With regard to Colonial troops these were first issued in their factory blue but then mustard painted as here as the war went on . A mix of the early blue & different shades of the mustard colour will be encountered as this was never standardised. With overall wear to the paint the front plate is original to it & mustard painted at the same time as the rest. Manufacture of the shell is by the firm Japy with owners initials scratched into the underside of the rear peak over the mustard paint which has been applied to the underside of the front rim also. The early 1915 one piece liner is still intact with early light blue factory paint visible underneath it inside the crown. The original leather chinstrap remains . A scarce medic helmet & difficult to find in its original mustard colour of the Armee D'Afrique .
WW1 French Colonial Medical Troops M15 Adrian A very nice WW1 M15 Adrian helmet in the mustard colour of the ' Armee D'Afrique ' . With the rarer medical insignia to front of helmet this depicts Caduceus with the serpent of Epidaurus encircling the mirror of prudence. Flanked by the letters RF & surrounded by a laurel oakleaves this was adopted in August 1914 when the War Ministry recommended its issue for Doctors & medics. With regard to Colonial troops these were first issued in their factory blue but then mustard painted as here as the war went on . A mix of the early blue & different shades of the mustard colour will be encountered as this was never standardised. With overall wear to the paint the front plate is original to it & mustard painted at the same time as the rest. Manufacture of the shell is by the firm Japy with owners initials scratched into the underside of the rear peak over the mustard paint which has been applied to the underside of the front rim also. The early 1915 one piece liner is still intact with early light blue factory paint visible underneath it inside the crown. The original leather chinstrap remains . A scarce medic helmet & difficult to find in its original mustard colour of the Armee D'Afrique .
WW1 French Colonial Troops Issue 2L Waterbottle With Ribbed Cover & Rare Inspection Stamp 1912 A WW1 period French waterbottle of the 2 Litre capacity which were only issued to Colonial troops prior to 1914. The date of 1912 can be discerned on the strap. When war broke out in 1914 it soon became apparent that the smaller 1 Litre bottle was insufficient for French troops on the front line & so the 2 Litre was then made standard issue for all. Although heavily worn & washed out the cover on this piece appears to have originally been of a light khaki colour & so with the date of April 1912 to the strap was most likely used by Colonial troops in North Africa before being redeployed in the European theatre . The large spout is present without its string & may have been used this way , the small spout has its wood plug still in place to seal it. The nametag on the bottom of the piece has a great deal of writing on it & with some time & studying may be researched further . Strap is an early issue with brass buckle , the remains of the ink inspection stamp can be seen to its reverse.
WW1 French Early War Period Artillery Officer Kepi An early French kepi of the 35th Artillery Regiment in the prewar 'Saumur' style much seen in wear by older officers during the opening stages of WW1. The Saumur style is instantly recognisable by its definative height & shape which transitioned into the more fashionable & sleek 'Polo' pattern preferred by younger officers . The black kepi of artillery has gold double rank braid for a Lieutenant. The short stubby Hungarian knot to top is typical of the prewar & WW1 period . Gold bullion embroidered numbers to front & gilt chinstrap buttons with crossed cannons for artillery. Interior has a good quality size adjusted leather sweatband with what appears to have once been a deep gold satin lining now toned down & dirty with wear. Interestingly there is a card insert behind the sweatband to keep its shape. A kepi that has survived in remarkable condition with no moth just some stitching away from the leather sweatband at the peak.
WW1 French Engineers Adrian Helmet A quite stunning French M15 Adrian helmet of the engineers with a darker blue paint to its badge that contrasts with the overall look of the helmet very nicely. It is very common to see French issue Adrian helmets of both wars with different colours to their badges this sometimes due to changes of unit or simply just what he was issued with to meet demands. The early lighter blue colour of the shell denotes a very early manufacture with the darker blue of the badge being from a slightly later issue ( 1916 onwards ). The second pattern leather liner is of multi construction used as of 1916 so this soldier was most likely issued it in the crossover period of early 1916 when the general colour of the blue paint was darkening due to reasons of camouflage. With a very good condition leather chinstrap still hooked over the rim this makes for a very attractive piece.
WW1 French Engineers Adrian Helmet WW1 French Engineers M15 Adrian helmet with early blue paint , original chinstrap & liner. The shell of this helmet has the blue grey paint of early issues with Engineers badge in a different shade denoting a change of branch for the original wearer. badges in different colours areoften seen often being a wartime expedient , change of branch or previously damaged shell from which he carried over his old badge to his new helmet. Interior has a second pattern liner seen as of 1916 with tightening lace still present. Chinstrap intact & in very good order with a piece of string period applied to secure the chinstrap in place at one end. Interestingly the front peak has had lines drawn in it resembling the stitched peak of a cloth cap , an individual adornment according to personal preference & another dimension added to this wonderful helmet.
WW1 French Engineers Adrian Helmet ( Machine Guns ) A french M15 Adrian helmet of Engineers with helmet & breastplate badge to front . This helmet has some interesting markings scratched into the underside of the front & rear brims with the non french sounding name \' Meyer\' appearing to both but with the addition of a unit marking \'3e\' & what appears to be \'Campagnie\' & the word \' Mitrailleurs\' translating to \' Machine Guns \' so this soldier was most likely on one of the machine guns that were a small part of an Engineer units armament for protection. Helmet has received a hand applied darker blue finish over its lighter factory blue , this according to an order given in 1916 to repaint the conspicuous earlier finish. Engineers badge & crown are firmly affixed with original chinstrap intact. Liner is of two parts , used from 1916 onwards with drawcord intact. Cuts of blue uniform cloth have been used in the construction of the liner system, one of many types of uniform material used. A complete helmet & with a high proportion of its original paint finish remaining,
WW1 French Engineers M15 Adrian Helmet A scarce WW1 French Adrian helmet with badge to the front for \'Engineers\' \' . This iconic French helmet has its first factory issue \'horizon blue\' paint visible to the inside & out with some service wear to its outer paint finish. A distinct area of thumb wear to the underside of its front lip has been caused by the constant taking on & off of the helmet by the soldier over its military lifetime. The Engineers badge is still tight to the helmet with no movement whatsoever. The liner fitted within this helmet is the second pattern found from around the 1916 period onwards. These are constructed from several different leather pieces to save on materials at this stage of the war. Its corrugated insert between the shell & the leather liner remains in good order with the liner still firmly attached by the standard method of liner pins. Leather chinstrap is of the first sheepskin pattern. These were found to be too brittle & were later replaced by goatskin. A super combat Engineers Adrian straight from the trench warfare of WW1.
WW1 French Engineers M15 Adrian Helmet An early French M15 Adrian helmet for engineer troops. Dating from the 1915 period this helmet is one of the earliest manufactures still with its lightish blue factory paint soon found to be inappropriate for field use as the colour was too bright & lacked any camouflage effect whatsoever. This problem was rectified in 1916 by darkening the paint either during the manufacturing process at the factory or in the field by repainting them. Thus , early light blue examples are very hard to find. The breastplate & helmet badge signifies Engineer troops & is firmly affixed to the helmet. The original brown leather chinstrap is present. The one piece sheepskin liner is the first 1915 pattern , production switched to multi construction as of 1916 to save on leather this then becoming the standard 2nd pattern. The reverse of the liner has a red cloth band made of offcuts from the red infantry trousers which were still being worn in the early stages of WW1 by French troops. Different offcuts of uniform material as backings were used right through. Most of its remaining an overall excellent condition example.
WW1 French Engineers M15 Adrian Helmet ( Machine Gun Unit Markings ) A French M15 Adrian helmet of Engineers with helmet & breastplate badge to front . This helmet has some interesting markings scratched into the underside of the front & rear brims with the non French sounding name ' Meyer' appearing to both but with the addition of a unit marking '3e' & what appears to be 'Campagnie' & the word ' Mitrailleurs' translating to ' Machine Guns ' so this soldier was most likely on one of the machine guns that were a small part of an Engineer units armament for protection. Helmet has received a hand applied darker blue finish over its lighter factory blue , this according to an order given in 1916 to repaint the conspicuous earlier finish. Engineers badge & crown are firmly affixed & remain in the earlier light blue colour this mix often seen on period Adrian helmets. with original chinstrap intact. Liner is of two parts , used from 1916 onwards with drawcord intact. Cuts of blue uniform cloth have been used in the construction of the liner system, one of many types of uniform material used. A complete helmet & with a high proportion of its original paint finish remaining,
WW1 French Engineers M15 Adrian Helmet Named To Officer A large sized French M15 Adrian of Engineers with chinstrap that has written to the underside of it 'Lieutenant Champ 7 Genie' ( Lieutenant Champ 7th Engineer Regiment ). This Adrian is in the light blue of early productions with one piece first pattern liner thus most likely dating it to the 1915 period. It is a rare large size & has a very intact chinstrap on which the owner has written his name & unit . It is worthy of mention that the plaid leather chinstraps found on other officers helmets were bought at the officers own discretion & so it is certainly the case that some officers simply kept the standard factory chinstrap that came with the helmet. Some officers did not want to be too conspicuous in the field their rank being recognisable by enemy snipers when wearing an ornate chinstrap visible to enemy optics.
WW1 French Ersatz Waterbottle 1914 A French 2 litre waterbottle of the early WW1 period in ribbed grey cloth typical of the many differing \'ersatz\' forms of bottle authorised on 28th October 1914. Initially infantry troops in the European theatre were issued with one litre bottles however after the first few battles at the opening of WW1 they were all issued with the 2 litre version which , due to the sudden high demand, came in a wide variety of different covers . Regulations stipulated that they must be attachable to the body on the march & able to sit with stability on a table. This example has survived in very good condition with buckled leather carrying strap & cork stopper intact . A well used bottle it is in good condition for a WW1 piece typical of those carried by the \'Poilu\' in the trenches of WW1.
WW1 French Ersatz Waterbottle 1914 A French 2 litre waterbottle of the early WW1 period in ribbed grey cloth typical of the many differing \'ersatz\' forms of bottle authorised on 28th October 1914. Initially infantry troops in the European theatre were issued with one litre bottles however after the first few battles at the opening of WW1 they were all issued with the 2 litre version which , due to the sudden high demand, came in a wide variety of different covers . Regulations stipulated that they must be attachable to the body on the march & able to sit with stability on a table. This example has survived in very good condition with buckled leather carrying strap & cork stopper intact . A well used bottle it is in good condition for a WW1 piece typical of those carried by the \'Poilu\' in the trenches of WW1.
WW1 French Field Pack With Entrenching Tool , Mess Kit , Groundsheet Etc A scarce late WW1 French canvas field pack with field equipment items carried by the French soldier in WW1. Typical of one of the 'makeshift' type riveted canvas strap type packs these were approved for use in 1917 & were used alongside their already existing leather strapped prewar counterparts for the duration of the war. The French ordnance ink stamp can be seen to the underside of the packs flap with 1917 approval date just about legible. Included with this set are the following items : Field pack with equipment straps Cook Pot Mess kit & blanket strap Canvas Water Carrier Entrenching tool in late war 'makeshift' brown canvas cover Canvas groundsheet ( French ink stamped ) Non standard blanket 4 X tent pegs ( two later German issue & two French ) Interesting to note that the entrenching tool cover is of the late brown rivetted canvas webbing .This has survived in excellent condition. Pack is in good used condition but with all straps & stitching still firm . Two small holes exist to the front flap of the pack. Nice display set.
WW1 French Gendarmerie/ Military Police M15 Adrian Helmet A rare WW1 French Adrian helmet with white painted flaming grenade on the front for Gendarmerie . The Gendarmerie branch was given the Adrian helmet on 5th November 1915 with the non regulation white painting of the grenade carried out at unit level & to purvey their \' esprit de corps\' . This example has had a darker blue colour handpainted over its first brighter factory finish which was carried out from 1916 onwards for better camouflage effect. The grenade badge is firmly affixed to the front & the brown chinstrap a private purchase example. The interior lining is of the first one piece pattern complete with its drawcord & displaying an interesting ad hoc field repair to one of the chinstrap mounts . Hard to find piece. The Gendarmerie were active WW1 army troops acting in a police role responsible for maintaining order amongst the mobilising soldiers in their territorial areas as well as alongside their provost arm dealing with everything concerning crime , offences & breaches of law in the army zone.
WW1 French Infantry Adrian Helmet A good untouched example of the WW1 French Adrian with infantry badge of flaming bomb to front with 'RF' (Republique Francais) embossed. This famous helmet worn by the 'Poilu' has the 1916 hand brush darker blue grey paint finish with the earlier lighter blue visible in places underneath this. Construction features appear to indicate manufacture by the firm 'La Compagnie Coloniale' . The 1916 pattern of liner incorporating a separate headband & six separately sewn in fingers is present here nicely dating this piece to the 1916 period onwards . All of its four piece corrugated liner band remains totally intact with the leather liner still firmly held in place by its liner pins. It is of note that dark blue wool uniform off cuts ( Such as from the early war Kepi & Greatcoat ) have been used to the inside edge of the leather as is expected of WW1 produced pieces. A super combat infantry Adrian straight from the trench warfare of WW1.
WW1 French Infantry Adrian Helmet With Souvenir Plaque One of the best WW1 souvenir plaqued Adrian helmets that I have had the fortune to own this wonderful early piece retains the lighter blue grey factory paint of early M15 Adrian helmets & a first pattern pre 1916 one piece liner. With its original flaming grenade badge of Infantry to front it has its correct WW1 brown leather chinstrap still affixed to front .Helmets of demobilised officers & other ranks were officially decorated with the brass 'Soldat De La Grande Guerre 1914 - 1918' (Soldier Of The Great War 1914-1918) souvenir plaques as of 16th April 1919 & were issued by the state of France as a recognition of service. Some were named at the soldiers expense however many were not as is the case here. The one piece liner is lined with offcuts of the early red wool trousers predating those of the 1915 Horizon Blue issue. A fabulous display piece these WW1 French Adrian helmets are steadily gaining in popularity.
WW1 French Infantry Adrian Souvenir Helmet A very nice example of the WW1 M15 French Adrian helmet with brass veterans souvenir plaque mounted to the front brim. At the end of WW1 the French government awarded each officer & soldier of the armed forces a helmet as a souvenir with an embossed brass plaque designed to be mounted on the front brim. The inscription on the plaque read ' SOLDAT DE LA GRANDE GUERRE 1914-1918 ' . Helmet has a very high proportion of its original blue factory paint remaining with infantry flaming grenade 'RF' marked badge to front which is totally original to the helmet. Chinstrap intact. Liner is of the early first M15 model in one piece construction issued up until 1916 when multi piece liners were constructed to save on leather. An iconic piece of WW1 French history.
WW1 French Infantry Commemorative Helmet A WW1 souvenir plaqued Adrian helmet with the lighter blue grey factory paint of early M15 Adrian helmets. Helmets of demobilised officers & other ranks were officially decorated with the brass \'Soldat De La Grande Guerre 1914 - 1918\' (Soldier Of The Great War 1914-1918) souvenir plaques as of 16th April 1919 & were issued by the state of France as a recognition of service. Some were named at the soldiers expense however many were not as is the case here. With its original flaming grenade badge of Infantry to front it has its correct WW1 brown leather chinstrap with an almost mint condition black iron buckle. The one piece liner is lined with offcuts of the early iron blue uniform cloth predating that of the 1915 Horizon Blue issue. Liner is of multi construction with original tightening lace intact. Overall excellent condition with some scuffs to paint in places.
WW1 French Infantry M15 Adrian An early issue WW1 French infantry M15 helmet in the light blue colour of the first 1915 issues. This early ' Horizon Blue' colour as we know it was deemed to be too conspicuous in the trenches so it was darkened to a more midnight blue in 1916 to make it less garish. This was achieved by handpainting existing issues with the new colour & so untouched early pieces are difficult to find. With a very high proportion of its paint remaining the infantry badge is firm to the shell & chinstrap intact. The liner is the correct early first pattern one piece model with red cloth of trouser material offcuts used in its construction. Both of the corrugated metal ventilation strips are present . A textbook example with some slight rodent gnawing to one end of the chinstrap. .
WW1 French Infantry M15 Adrian Helmet With Soldiers Dogtags A wonderful piece of WW1 French history an M15 Adrian infantry helmet coming with the soldiers identity discs kept as a souvenir & attached on a chain. This helmet retains a very good proportion of its blue factory paint with flaming grenade badge to front firmly affixed. All corrugated ventilation strips are still present . A piece of string tied between each chinstrap bale evidences that it was hanging up on the wall of a house for many years. Interior lining is of the one piece first pattern & complete with tightening lace. Both identity tags are present as worn around the wrist or neck & marked on one side \' GEORGES BAUDRON 1916\' with \' ORLEANS 213 \' to the other. A helmet that is totally researchable & from a Poilu of WW1.
WW1 French Infantry M15 Battle Damaged Adrian Helmet A souvenir of the Great War this M15 Infantry Adrian helmet has received three bullet strikes with one to the comb of the helmet passing straight through one side & out of the other. There are two large gashes to the left side which may be a result of the bullets exiting or seperate shrapnel strikes. A machine gun burst is most likely to have caused the three bullet holes in close proximity to each other. The flaming grenade \'RF\' badge to front is still intact & firm . The liner has received internal damage from the hits passing through the shell & their is dryness & staining to the leather tongues . A certain amount of its blue paint remains to the shell however I have made no attempt to clean this wonderful time capsule piece straight from the battlefields of WW1.
WW1 French Infantry Officers M15 Adrian Helmet A WW1 French infantry Adrian Model 1915 helmet with brown leather private purchase officers style braided chinstrap. Helmet has had a thick overbrush of darker blue paint to the exterior its earlier mid blue still visible to underside. The flaming grenade badge of infantry is firmly affixed to the front with top comb having all of its rivets. Shell manufactured by the firm \'La Societe Des Phares Autoroche\' with its ink stamp visible to interior. Size is A3. The currugated aluminium ventilation spacers are still present to each side. Liner is of the second model ( Introduced 1916) constructed of several different pieces to save on leather usage. Liner band is in dark blue early uniform cloth. The brass buckled chinstrap is a very typical officer adornment privately purchased at the preference of the officer but by no means obligatory.
WW1 French Infantry Officers Tunic - \'New Style\' A WW1 French infantry officers tunic based on the midwar \'New Style\' seen from the Spring of 1915 onwards. This widely followed that of their British officer counterparts whose stylish large hip pocketed tunics did not escape attention from tailors all over France. This piece is made in fine wool cloth with watteau pleat down the centre of the back reminiscent of the popular 1913 style. The fold down collar of the \'New Style\' has simplified insignia with dark blue branch piping & gilt \'canetille\' numbers pushed directly into the cloth for ease of removal if necessary. Tunic utilises the lesser seen composite buttons to pockets & front . Overseas service chevrons to left arm denoting extensive service by this officer , this tunic quite clearly having been worn by him for much of it. Simplified rank bars to each cuff denote Sous-Lieutenant . The wide cut & long skirt are very typical of a tailors take on the popular British officer style , many variations & styles existed due to no standardisation ever taking place.
WW1 French Infantry Other Ranks Trousers (Marked To 133rd Infantry Regiment) A very rare pair of the French M1897 Other Ranks Line Infantry trousers in excellent condition .This pattern of trouser was being worn by French infantry during the first actions of 1914 when war broke out & was only replaced in 1915 by the introduction of the Horizon Blue uniform. Dated 1913 they have all of their correct & originally applied ' Equipmente Militaire' buttons to front fly & waistband & profuse markings to interior. To the lining of the fly is the inspection stamp dated 24th June 1913 with a round stamp next to it denoting unit & Inspectors initial. The size is seen on the lininf of the waistband itself with the round manufacturers stamp beneath this dated March 1913. They have an ink stamp ' 133 de L' for 133 Infantry Regiment of the line who saw much action in WW1. In quite excellent condition & nearly impossible to find today they have a couple of small stitch repairs to left leg . An approx 30in waist & 32 in leg. In August 1914 the 133rd regiment became part of the 41st Infantry Division & fought at ALsace, Vosges & Saulcy where nearly two thousand men were put out of action in in 10 days.
WW1 French Infantry Other Ranks Trousers (Marked To 133rd Infantry Regiment) A very rare pair of the French M1897 Other Ranks Line Infantry trousers in excellent condition .This pattern of trouser was being worn by French infantry during the first actions of 1914 when war broke out & was only replaced in 1915 by the introduction of the Horizon Blue uniform. Dated 1913 they have all of their correct & originally applied ' Equipmente Militaire' buttons to front fly & waistband & profuse markings to interior. To the lining of the fly is the inspection stamp dated 24th June 1913 with a round stamp next to it denoting unit & Inspectors initial. The size is seen on the lininf of the waistband itself with the round manufacturers stamp beneath this dated March 1913. They have an ink stamp ' 133 de L' for 133 Infantry Regiment of the line who saw much action in WW1. In quite excellent condition & nearly impossible to find today they have a couple of small stitch repairs to left leg . An approx 30in waist & 32 in leg. In August 1914 the 133rd regiment became part of the 41st Infantry Division & fought at ALsace, Vosges & Saulcy where nearly two thousand men were put out of action in in 10 days.
WW1 French Infantry \'Adrian\' Combat Infantry helmet Named after the French officer responsible for its design , Louis Adrian , the M15 'Adrian' steel combat helmet was adopted for use by the French in 1915 after its already existing soft cap was deemed no longer suitable for adequate protection against head injuries. This example has its first factory issue 'horizon blue' paint visible to the inside & according to the largescale order of July 1916 has then been overpainted on the outside with a dark greenish grey shade of khaki. Some of the first blue paint finish is showing through in a couple of places on the outside. This famous helmet worn by the 'Poilu' has the pre 1916 first pattern of blackened & varnished one piece sheepskin liner. It was discovered that the use of one piece was in fact very wasteful so a second design incorporating several pieces was adopted after 1916. A good proportion of the corrugation remains with approx half of the liner still being held in place by its liner pins. Leather chinstrap is of the first sheepskin pattern. These were found to be too brittle & were later replaced by goatskin. Only one side of the strap remains although complete with its iron buckle there is a repair of the two ends about half way along. Infantry badge of grenade to front with 'RF' (Republique Francais) embossed. There are a few blast dents on the helmet indicative of its combat use. A super combat Adrian straight from the trench warfare of WW1.
WW1 French Infantry \'Adrian\' Combat Infantry helmet Named after the French officer responsible for its design , Louis Adrian , the M15 'Adrian' steel combat helmet was adopted for use by the French in 1915 after its already existing soft cap was deemed no longer suitable for adequate protection against head injuries. This example has its first factory issue 'horizon blue' paint visible to the inside & according to the largescale order of July 1916 has then been overpainted on the outside with a dark greenish grey shade of khaki. Some of the first blue paint finish is showing through in a couple of places on the outside. This famous helmet worn by the 'Poilu' has the pre 1916 first pattern of blackened & varnished one piece sheepskin liner. It was discovered that the use of one piece was in fact very wasteful so a second design incorporating several pieces was adopted after 1916. A good proportion of the corrugation remains with approx half of the liner still being held in place by its liner pins. Leather chinstrap is of the first sheepskin pattern. These were found to be too brittle & were later replaced by goatskin. Only one side of the strap remains although complete with its iron buckle there is a repair of the two ends about half way along. Infantry badge of grenade to front with 'RF' (Republique Francais) embossed. There are a few blast dents on the helmet indicative of its combat use. A super combat Adrian straight from the trench warfare of WW1.
WW1 French Kepi & M1902/1912 Cover As Worn August 1914 An early WW1 period French 171st Infantry Regiment kepi with original cover of the M1902/1912 model. This regiment was deployed & lost many men in the early Alsace frontier battles of 1914 with 1000 men being lost on 28th September when they were ordered to attack \'Bois Brule\' & \'Bois d\'Ailly\' to prevent German troops encircling Verdun. This kepi is an M1884 with red body & dark blue piping as was still being worn in the very early frontier battles of August 1914. The cover is in the new blueish iron grey which was seen as of around 1913 , previous models were in white. Following the typical pattern the 02/12 model this rare example has three button holes to rear for attachment of the neck flap ( rarely seen ). The black regulation chinstrap has been fitted over the cover with chinstrap buttons accommodating slits in the rear of the cover for fitment . Interior of kepi is lined in the standard starched beige linen cloth with circular leather flap to crown revealing soldiers initials & number beneath it . I have made no attempt to remove the whole cover as it not been disturbed for many years . Carefully lifting the front part one can see the red regimental \'171\' numbers on rectangular base handstitched to the front this clearly having never been disturbed since the Great War. There are some small moth nips to the dark blue cloth band as expected ( See Images ). Overall rare piece & from a well blooded French infantry regiment of WW1. The 171st Regiment were in 1914 barracked at Belfort then fighting in many famous battles such as Verdun , Aisne , Picardy & Saint Quentin.
WW1 French M15 Adrian Helmet With Commandant Named Souvenir Plaque An M15 Infantry Adrian helmet with brass ' Soldat De La Grand Guerre 1914-1918' souvenir plaque named to a 'Commandant Jacquier' ( Rank of Major ) on the front peak. Helmets of demobilised officers & other ranks were officially decorated with the brass 'Soldat De La Grande Guerre 1914 - 1918' (Soldier Of The Great War 1914-1918) souvenir plaques as of 16th April 1919 & were issued by the state of France as a recognition of service. Some were named at the soldiers expense as is the case here where the officer has had it engraved with his name & rank. This perfect display piece has a very high percentage of its original factory blue paint to exterior with flaming grenade badge secured to front for infantry troops. Interior has multi construction brown leather liner seen from 1916 with early iron blue cloth used in the construction of its band . Corrugated metal air vent strips & intact black painted steel buckled chinstrap present. Certainly a helmet with research possibilities the helmet apparently displayed in his home for many years after the war until his death.
WW1 French M15 Adrian Helmet With Veterans Souvenir Plaque A very nice example of the WW1 M15 French Adrian helmet with veterans souvenir plaque mounted to the front brim. At the end of WW1 the French government awarded each officer & soldier of the armed forces a helmet as a souvenir with an embossed brass plaque designed to be mounted on the front brim. The inscription on the plaque read \' SOLDAT DE LA GRANDE GUERRE 1914-1918 \' . Helmet has a very high proportion of its original blue factory remaining with infantry flaming grenade \'RF\' marked badge to front. Original chinstrap intact. Leather liner is a multi construction example dating from September 1916 onwards when the one piece liners were stopped to prevent wastage of leather. A very nice French Adrian from a veteran \'Poilu\' of WW1.
WW1 French M15 Adrian Souvenir Plaque Helmet A very nice example of the WW1 M15 French Adrian helmet with veterans souvenir plaque mounted to the front brim. At the end of WW1 the French government awarded each officer & soldier of the armed forces a helmet as a souvenir with an embossed brass plaque designed to be mounted on the front brim. The inscription on the plaque read \' SOLDAT DE LA GRANDE GUERRE 1914-1918 \' . Helmet has a very high proportion of its original blue factory paint remaining with infantry flaming grenade \'RF\' marked badge to front which is totally original to the helmet. Chinstrap intact. Liner is of the early first M15 model in one piece construction issued up until 1916 when multi piece liners were constructed to save on leather. An iconic piece of WW1 French history.
WW1 French M15 Adrian Souvenir Plaque Helmet A very clean M15 Infantry Adrian helmet with brass ' Soldat De La Grand Guerre 1914-1918' souvenir plaque to front peak. Helmets of demobilised officers & other ranks were officially decorated with the brass 'Soldat De La Grande Guerre 1914 - 1918' (Soldier Of The Great War 1914-1918) souvenir plaques as of 16th April 1919 & were issued by the state of France as a recognition of service. Some were named at the soldiers expense however many were not as is the case here. This perfect display piece has a very high percentage of its original factory bluepaint to exterior with flaming grenade badge secure to front for infantry troops. Interior has multi construction brown leather liner seen from 1916 with horizon blue cloth used in the construction of its band . Corrugated metal air vent strips & intact black painted steel buckled chinstrap present.
WW1 French M15 Adrian \'Colonial\' Infantry Overpaint Helmet This interesting M15 Adrian helmet has actually had three coats of paint & was first issued to Colonial troops with the mustard colour paint for these troops evident to its underside. Having first left the factory in the standard \' Horizon\' blue finish it then received the mustard coating for Colonial issue before receiving a final khaki brown finish at a later date. The original flaming grenade \'RF\' badge remains firm to the front of the helmet with a small movement of the badge revealing the first early blue finish at one edge of the badge. The original brown chinstrap remains intact with one small repair to right side & a midwar onwards multi construction brown leather liner in excellent condition. The numbers \'55\' & an indechiperable name can be seen written on the leather. A very nice display example.
WW1 French M15 Artillery Helmet A complete WW1 M15 French Adrian helmet complete with its original chinstrap. This helmet is a very early manufacture with its first \'Horizon Blue\' factory paint finish being visible under a second hand brushed blue paint overcoat. The M15 pattern crossed cannons artillery badge to front is unmolested & totally original to it. Interior displays the pre 1916 first pattern one piece liner with chinstrap which has a totally WW1 period soldier repair to one side. The eyeletted end of the leather chinstrap has been tied to the helmet lug with a short end of lace displaying extensive wear commensurate with the rest of the helmet. The liner retains its central tightening lace & has soem decay to the leather in places. A super Adrian straight from the trenches of WW1.
WW1 French M15 Artillery Helmet - Early Light Blue & Named \'Augon\' Fresh out of the woodwork & in remarkable condition this is a very good untouched & early manufactured M15 Adrian helmet in the harder to come by light blue factory paint of the first 1915 issues. As is well recorded this initial light blue colour was not long lived as it was considered too conspicuous by the troops in the trenches & thus darkened after 1916. Those already existing were simply hand repainted in a darker blue & new productions coated in the much darker shade before leaving the factory. This piece , unlike most emcountered, was never repainted & remained in its early factory light blue for the duration of WW1. The crossed cannons insignia denotes artillery troops . To the underside of the rear lip is the french name \'Augon\' with some further writing to the underside of the front. Liner is of the multi construction second pattern & has folded newspaper to its underside no doubt inserted for insulation at the time by the soldier. Chinstrap remains intact & is in very good condition.
WW1 French M15 Artillery Officers Adrian Helmet 1915 A very nice M15 Artillery officers Adrian helmet with officers private purchase leather plaid chinstrap & helmet in the factory light blue of the early war 1915 period. A helmet made by the French firm 'JAPY' its early production is evidenced by the ' Horizon' blue factory paint which was found to be too conspicuous & darkened by various methods as of 1916. Artillery badge to front & crest are firmly affixed & original to the helmet. The one piece black sheepskin liner predates the second model of multi construction introduced to save time & money in 1916. The brown leather chinstrap is private purchase available to officers according to individual preference. It is of note that the brass buckle is the same type as found on the bayonet frog of the period.
WW1 French M15 Early War Engineers Adrian Helmet An example of one of the earliest 1915 issues of M15 French Adrian helmet with helmet & breastplate insignia for Engineers. This Adrian helmet is found in the first lighter \'Horizon Blue\' colour only encountered on early issues , the shade of blue was ordered darkened in June 1916 for reasons of camouflage. Those already in the field by that time were repainted by the troops themselves & so it is difficult to find good early examples with the first early light blue paint left untouched as here. The \'Japy\' manufactured helmet shell also has the first pattern one piece liner , these were changed to multi construction in September 1916 to prevent the unnecessary wastage of leather which occurred when making a liner in one piece. Complete with its original brown leather chinstrap it is interesting to note the soldiers name hand scratched into the paint on the underside of the front lip. A textbook example of the Model 15 French Adrian .
WW1 French M15 Engineers Adrian Helmet An early issue M1915 French Adrian helmet with the early first issue light blue factory paint still intact. These early production helmets with the light blue finish were worn up until 1916 when orders dictated that a darker blue finish was to be hand applied over the top for camouflage purposes. This example has the M15 breastplate badge of the Engineers firmly affixed to front also still in its early blue paint & matching the rest of the helmet. Liner is totally undisturbed & of the pre 1916 one piece construction with the red wool of the early/prewar trouser material having been used in its rear backing construction. Complete with its original chinstrap there are a few small dents to the shell typical of a field worn combat engineers Adrian helmet.
WW1 French M15 Infantry Adrian Helmet A very nice early issue M15 Adrian. This piece predates 1916 as it is still in its light blue factory paint & with one piece liner. Both paint finish & liner were changed in 1916. Many Adrian helmets can be found with various minor personalisations & field expedients such as here where the chinstrap from a kepi has been period fitted . Both ends of the kepi strap have been stitched onto the chinstrap lugs with the tightening system remaining intact. A small period affixed label bearing the numbers '473' can be seen to one of the liner tongues this being , typically, the last three digits of his army number. Drawstring is still present to liner. A well used helmet there are several small dents to the exterior of the shell with an impact dent to the rear which appears to have come from a shell fragment or low calibre round fired at long range. The lack of rivets to the side skirt of the helmet indicates one produced by the firm 'JAPY' . A very good untouched piece.
WW1 French M15 Infantry Adrian Helmet A true \'sleeper\' in every sense of the word this M15 infantry Adrian helmet is just as one would expect to find when fresh to the market. An early manufacture this helmets first factory painting of light blue can be seen underneath the dark blue paint applied as per the 1916 order. The chinstrap fixed around the rim has clearly been undisturbed for many years & was most likely worn like this in the trenches of WW1. The flaming grenade \'RF\' infantry badge is firmly affixed & 100% original to this helmet. The black leather liner is of the first model in one piece construction with its original lace tie still in place & undisturbed from WW1. Stampings in the leather of the liner at the forehead area denote size. I have not lifted the tongues to look for maker in order to preserve the currently stable condition of the leather ends. A very nice example totally of the Great War period.
WW1 French M15 Infantry Battle Damaged Adrian Helmet A rare French M15 infantry Adrian helmet with battle damage to left side . Any battle damaged WW1 helmet in non relic condition is very hard to find the iconic French Adrian being no exception. A visual inspection of the damage ascertains a clear entry point with a large exit next to it on the same side. Having entered the left rear wall of the shell it has then skimmed along the side wall of the helmet & exited approximately 3-4cm further along. The leather liner displays light scarring at the entry point however due to the trajectory of its entry this has not been penetrated. I am unable to definatively ascertain whether it is shrapnel or bullet damage however either are equally as sobering ! This early production \'Poilu\' helmet still has its totally original flaming grenade badge of the infantry to front with dark blue overpaint to its earlier blue finish. Liner is of the early one piece first pattern with dark blue uniform cloth off cut to reverse. The size \'57\' is stamped into the front of the liner. Chinstrap only partially present. In very good condition & a scarce Adrian .
WW1 French M15 Infantry Officers Adrian Helmet Straight out of the attic French infantry officers Adrian helmet complete with officers plaid leather chinstrap & liner. This helmet is offered completely as found still with the dust & grime from years of loft storage. Painted in the more midnight blue seen from 1916 onwards the flaming grenade badge of infantry is firmly affixed & in the same paint finish as the rest of the shell. Officers chinstrap is privately purchased by him at his own expense & personal preference , these were not issued as standard some officers preferring to retain the less conspicuous factory chinstrap that it was issued with. Interior has multi construction liner seen from 1916 onwards in very good condition. Upon the underside of the shell can be seen the manufacturer name of \'Le Jouet De Paris \' with size marks.
WW1 French M15 Infantry Officers Adrian Helmet A very good , paint largely intact , French M15 Adrian helmet with flaming grenade badge for infantry , motorised machine gun troops etc having plaid brown leather chinstrap as was purchased by officers at their own preference. Helmet is finished in the blue factory paint with no secondary coat applied over the top of it this being largely intact still today. Shell is one made by the French firm \'Japy\'. Badge firmly affixed to front. Interior has the early 1915 pattern of one piece liner with untouched tightening lace still in situ. Corrugated air vent strips intact. The plaid leather chinstrap was often preferred by officers & could be worn at their own expense however some kept the plain issue chinstrap for reasons of pocket or not to be too conspicuous in the field. Excellent example with a small dent to right side of shell.
WW1 French M15 Medical Troops Adrian Helmet A rare early French M15 Adrian helmet for medical personnel . Totally untouched , this helmet displays the distinctive medical insignia to front of Caduceus with the serpent of Epidaurus encircling the mirror of prudence . This is flanked by the letters \'RF\' & surrounded by a laurel & oakleaves in its entirety. This insignia was adopted in August 1915 when the War Ministry recommended issuing the helmet to medics & doctors. It is clear that the badge is totally original to the helmet with its holding pins to reverse totally undisturbed. The helmet shell is finished in its original darker blue paint as per orders of 1916 to outside with the earlier 1915 lighter blue shade still visible to interior . Lining is an early second pattern manufacture of brown leather with remnant of original tightening lace. Head band of the liner is in horizon blue wool uniform cloth with corrugated metal strips to each side for ventilation . Complete with intact original chinstrap this is a rare helmet that has survived in excellent condition.
WW1 French M1877 Canteen ( WW1 Standard \'Ersatz\' Issue ) A French 2 litre waterbottle of the early WW1 period in ribbed grey cloth typical of the many differing \'ersatz\' forms of bottle authorised on 28th October 1914. Initially infantry troops in the European theatre were issued with one litre bottles however after the first few battles at the opening of WW1 they were all issued with the 2 litre version which , due to the sudden high demand, came in a wide variety of different covers . Regulations stipulated that they must be attachable to the body on the march & able to sit with stability on a table. This example has survived in very good condition with black iron buckled leather carrying strap, cork stopper & leather lacing fastener intact to cover. There is one small tear to the leather at one end. Name/unit issue label to bottom .
WW1 French M1877 Other Ranks Greatcoat - As Worn 1914 If you are looking for a mint example of the rare French M1877 Greatcoat then read no further ! This heavily worn prewar piece is as was worn by French troops in the early 1914 period until the introduction of the Horizon Blue uniform shortly after the war began. It has moth issues which are well photographed however still a rare item considering it was made in the 1890s. Made of 90% dark blue woollen cloth with a 10% white wool mix this coat was officially issued as the main garment after 1855 both in winter & summer. All six rows of its large tombac buttons are present to the front with front skirt buttons intact allowing the coats bottom corners to be buttoned back. The leather reinforced loop to rear left side is present allowing support of the belt equipment & to attach the bayonet frog. Standup collar has red scalloped patches of the 14th Infantry Regiment & may well be very old replacements. Interior of coat has off white linin lining with profuse stampings . A Toulouse maker stamp is present giving size markings & what appears to be a date of 1890. An inspection stamp is partially visible with the year of '98' being legible. A Regimental marking indicates issue to the 14th or 143rd Infantry regiment , I suspect the latter. This coat has sporadic moth throughout with some particularly bad areas to the rear. Displayed from the front on a mannequin it would be absolutely visually fine & with a Field Pack on the rear this would hide much of the bad damage to the small of the back area. Please study the attached photographs for further detail. A rare item & almost impossible to find at all in any condition.
WW1 French M1884 78th Inf.Regt Kepi An M1884 other ranks kepi of the 78th Infantry regiment as worn by the French army in the early 1914 period . As with most French army attire upon its mobilisation in 1914 this model dated from the 1880s & was soon replaced by 1915 with other forms of less conspicuous headgear which continued to evolve as the war went on. Of red wool cloth with dark blue cord piping the cap band has the number of the regiment crudely stitched on in this case the 78th. When one examines the ad hoc stitching of the patch onto the band it is quite apparent that this is very typical rough soldier applied sewing as is found on most original examples. The circular leather cutout patch in the leather crown has size marking \'56\' & an inspection stamp which appears to give the date 1899. Chinstrap complete with two tombac c/s buttons bearing the flaming grenade of the infantry. There are some very old obligatory light surface moth nips of the wool in places nothing detracting . As with most French infantry militaria from WW1 this Kepi is well worn & epitomises the \'Poilu\' of 1914.
WW1 French M1886 Other Ranks Pith Helmet With Rare Khaki Cover A scarce French M1886 other ranks Pith helmet with its rare khaki cover issued as of 1914 still fitted. Like many items of French uniform, equipment & headdress seen in use during WW1 these were of a much earlier model but still in service by Colonial troops in WW1. Of cork construction they were covered with unbleached cotton drill & were lined internally with black cotton. This wonderful piece has an intact black leather adjustable sweatband very reminiscent of those sometimes found in kepis. A blue paper size sticker of '59' is still present with a Paris depot inspection stamp next to it. Brown leather chinstrap intact. The hard to find khaki cover is of four piece construction with tightening lace under the rear seam. A superb French Colonial Troops piece !
WW1 French M1915 \'Horizon Blue\' Capot 1916 , 33rd Infantry Regiment A rare M1915 Capot of the 33rd Infantry Regiment with matching depot markings to lining of the ' 33 de L' & date 1916. The coat has all of its blue painted buttons to front & shoulders with Regimental numbers embroidered on basic cloth of collars. NCO rank bars adorn both sleeves with three overseas service chevrons indicating two years service at the front & ' Chef-Armurier' ( Chief Armourer) badge to left arm. Interior of coat has heavy off white lining with reinforced bag pockets for carriage of ammunition . The ink stamp for '33e De L' denotes the 33rd Regiment of the line matching that of the collar with depot inspection stamp dated 1916 , sizes & manufacturer all visible. Fabulous rare item from the Poilu of WW1. The 33rd Infantry regiment were heavily involved in WW1 being at such battles as the Marne ,Champagne, Verdun & Passchendaele to name only a few.
WW1 French Medical M15 Adrian Helmet A rare example of the French M15 Adrian helmet for medical personel . Totally untouched , this helmet displays the distinctive medical insignia to front of Caduceus with the serpent of Epidaurus encircling the mirror of prudence . This is flanked by the letters \'RF\' & surrounded by a laurel & oakleaves in its entirety. This insignia was adopted in August 1915 when the War Ministry recommended issuing the helmet to medics & doctors. It is clear that the badge is totally original to the helmet with its holding pins to reverse totally undisturbed. The helmet shell is finished in its original dark blue paint with one piece liner lined in blue uniform cloth to its reverse. This helmet dates from around the 1916 period onwards when the lighter horizon blue of the first issues was darkened for greater camouflage effect. Complete with chinstrap this is a rare helmet that has survived in very good condition.
WW1 French Medical M15 Adrian Helmet A rare early French M15 Adrian helmet for medical personnel . Totally untouched , this helmet displays the distinctive medical insignia to front of Caduceus with the serpent of Epidaurus encircling the mirror of prudence . This is flanked by the letters 'RF' & surrounded by a laurel & oakleaves in its entirety. This insignia was adopted in August 1915 when the War Ministry recommended issuing the helmet to medics & doctors. It is clear that the badge is totally original to the helmet with its holding pins to reverse totally undisturbed. A lighter blue shade than the rest of the helmet this is a common occurrence with plates being changed upon the transfer of personnel on a regular basis within the French army of the period. The helmet shell is finished in its original early light blue paint & has ink stamping of the manufacturer 'Le Jouet De Paris 59-B3 ' to interior crown. Lining is an early second pattern manufacture of light brown leather with original tightening lace. Head band of the liner is in dark blue wool uniform cloth with corrugated metal strips to each side for ventilation present. Complete with intact original chinstrap this is a rare helmet that has survived in excellent condition.
WW1 French Medical Troops M15 Adrian Helmet A rare early French M15 Adrian helmet for medical personnel . Totally untouched , this helmet displays the distinctive medical insignia to front of Caduceus with the serpent of Epidaurus encircling the mirror of prudence . This is flanked by the letters 'RF' & surrounded by a laurel & oakleaves in its entirety. This insignia was adopted in August 1915 when the War Ministry recommended issuing the helmet to medics & doctors. It is clear that the badge is totally original to the helmet with its holding pins to reverse totally undisturbed. A lighter blue shade than the rest of the helmet this is a common occurrence with plates being changed upon the transfer of personnel on a regular basis within the French army of the period. The helmet shell is finished in its original early light blue paint & has cc & anchor ink stamping of the manufacturer 'Ci des Compteurs ' to interior crown. Lining is an early one piece first pattern . Head band of the liner is in dark blue wool uniform cloth with corrugated metal strips to each side for ventilation present. Complete with intact original chinstrap this is a rare helmet that has survived in good condition.
WW1 French Medical Troops Souvenir M15 Adrian Helmet A very clean M15 Medical troops Adrian helmet with brass \' Soldat De La Grand Guerre 1914-1918\' souvenir plaque to front peak. Helmets of demobilised officers & other ranks were officially decorated with the brass \'Soldat De La Grande Guerre 1914 - 1918\' (Soldier Of The Great War 1914-1918) souvenir plaques as of 16th April 1919 & were issued by the state of France as a recognition of service. Some were named at the soldiers expense however many were not as is the case here. This helmet has the harder to find medical troops front plate this being the only such helmet of that branch which I have encountered with a souvenir plaque. Initially this helmet left the factory in the light blue colour but was overpainted in the darker blue around 1916 period. Badge colour matches the rest of the helmet . Interior has multi construction brown leather liner seen from 1916 onwards with horizon blue cloth used in the construction of its band . Its original tightening lace is still in situ. The chinstrap is original to the helmet with intact black painted steel buckle . There is some dryness & a small surface crack in the middle although very stable as it is . A faint name can be partially seen scratched under the front lip.
WW1 French NCOs 2nd Engineer Regiment Tunic A very nice field worn WW1 French four pocket trench weight tunic for an NCO of the 2nd Engineer Regiment. Tunic is in thick blue wool with all of its blackened buttons stamped with the helmet & breastplate specifically for Engineers. Having a half saxon collar with buttoned shoulder straps & four pleated straight flapped pockets the lozenge shaped collar tabs are of the style adopted in January 1917. They are of black wool cloth with scarlet braid & with gilted metal numbers. Interior lining is intact & has one of its interior pockets removed no doubt for some practical use elsewhere. NCOs sergeant rank insignia to each sleeve . This would make a superb representative combat display piece on a bust with belt equipment & other accoutrements. Overall the condition of this wonderful , no doubt , trench worn piece is very good with wear to the nap of the wool & some moth tracking visible to the collar & tunic body visible upon close inspection.
WW1 French O/Rs Horizon Blue Kepi 1914/15 A very worn & aged veteran of the early war period this Horizon Blue French other ranks kepi dates from the 1914/15 period. This is a commercially made example available for private purchase from hat makers who were already advertising such products before the war even started. The market for commercial Kepis was very busy in the opening weeks of war with some being purchased & sent to men at the front by their families. This wonderful \' Poilu \' item of headdress is made entirely from blue wool cloth with matching chinstrap & cloth covered chinstrap buttons. Lined with a blue type satin the internal jute reinforcement can be seen in areas where the stitching of the lining has come away showing its internal construction. The leather sweatband is largely present with some elements minus. with Far from being a mint example their is a fair amount of moth some of which has been collector repaired. The brim is still good & firm. Still an excellent display piece
WW1 French Officers Kepi , 35th Infantry Regiment An early pre WW1 infantry Lieutenants officers Kepi from the 35th infantry regiment. This regiment were in action at Verdun in 1917 as well as other battles in 1914 & 1915 which I have listed below. This kepi is typical of officers dress in August 1914 having the classic \'polo\' shape being more cylindrical & reduced in size than the earlier 1885 wider topped version . The officers single front stripe & braid system to the fine red cloth top denote Lieutenant whilst the Hungarian knot of braid denotes in this form a junior officer. The regiments numbers are embroidered to the front in cannetille. The chinstrap buttons are small & in the branch of service which , here, is gold for infantry. Interior of the Kepi is very finely made with a black leather sweatband & Paris tailor maker to the crown. A well service worn piece , it has survived in remarkably excellent condition with only some minor pin prick moth holes in places. To the top rear of the seam there are a couple of slightly larger holes only noticeable when the low sunken crown is stretched out to reveal the crease where it joins the side of the cap. I have left this item completely as recently found most encountered now of this date being very moth damaged with detached peaks etc. A superb \'charactor\' piece representing French forces in the early stages of WW1. This French infantry regiment were in action at the following battles : 1914 : Alsace l\'Ourcq 1915 : Champagne 1916 : Verdun 1918 : Reims
WW1 French Officers Kepi - 28th Infantry Regiment 1914/15 A rare French officers kepi in blue which replaced the previous garish red models as of late 1914/15. Privately purchased & with rank braid for that of a \'Sous-Lieutenant\' this kepi retains features typical of the prewar style in its shape but has blue chinstrap in matching material & grey painted infantry chinstrap buttons to each side. The number of the regiment is in metallic \'cannetille\' although this has darkened with age. Only small remnants of the champagne interior now remain however a Paris tailor can just about be discerned. Leather sweatband is present & has officers initials mounted on symbols. Some aging to leather. There is moth to this piece indicative of its age & wool construction however this early variant saw only limited production & is practically impossible to find with the new Adrian helmet taking its place in the lineup of French Great War headgear from 1915 onwards. The 28th Infantry regiment were active right through WW1 from 1914-18 being involved many actions which include the battles of the Marne, Aisne & Verdun.
WW1 French Private Purchase \'Calot\' ( Cap ) Of An Infantry Adjutant Officially the M1891/15 these caps were reserved for off duty wear prior to WW1 however were ordered to be carried in the field pack according to a 1913 directive & were actually worn in the field by soldiers in the Autumn of 1914. This private purchase example is of good quality with added yellow infantry piping which was not regulation but at the preference of the man purchasing it. Made of fine quality wool known as 'NCOs cloth ' it has a gold rank bar with red fleck signifying the French rank of Adjutant which broadly equates to that of a Chief Warrant Officer. Interior has a good quality black leather sweatband & blue sateen lining. There are some moth nips to the surface only of the nap of the cloth. Top centre piece of cap has a snap fastener to pinch it together as well as both of the side skirts . A scarce piece & very good example from the vast WW1 French headdress subject .
WW1 French Standard WW1 Issue Model 1893/14 Field Pack An excellent example of the French field pack in grey green canvas with brown leather straps & dated 1918. This model originates from the earlier 1893 model which was very similar but in black. In 1914 it was changed to this model in grey green canvas with a few improvements to the interior & then made right up until the end of the war. Very hard to find in any condition that is even near acceptable this piece has survived remarkably well with all of its leather straps & fittings being undamaged , supple & in good order. Its two carrying straps to the rear are both intact with leather tabs for the strapping of other equipment to the top , sides & bottom of the pack. A makers name from \'Rouen\' can be seen stamped into the leather of the top tabs with a soliders name written in pencil to the rear canvas back. An inspection stamp can be clearly seen to the underside of the top flap with the markings & date of \' Commission De Reception 25 / 3 1917 \' .
WW1 French Standard WW1 Issue Model 1893/14 Field Pack An excellent example of the French field pack in grey green canvas with its brown leather carrying & equipment straps & 1918 date . To the rear is the name of an infantryman from Infantry Regiment 95. This model originates from the earlier 1893 model which was very similar but in black. In 1914 it was changed to this model in grey green canvas with a few improvements to the interior & then made right up until the end of the war. Very hard to find in any condition that is even near acceptable this piece has survived remarkably well with all of its leather straps & fittings being undamaged , supple & in good order. Its two carrying straps to the rear are both intact with leather tabs for the strapping of other equipment to the top , sides & bottom of the pack. An inspection stamp can be clearly seen to the underside of the top flap with the date of 1918 . To the rear of the pack has been handwritten the details of the soldier \' ROS M.D.L. HERAL.R Ri 95\' an infantryman from Regiment Infantry 95.
WW1 French Standard WW1 Issue Model 1893/14 Field Pack An excellent example of the French field pack in grey green canvas with its brown leather carrying straps to rear & equipment straps still rolled to top. This model originates from the earlier 1893 model which was very similar but in black. In 1914 it was changed to this model in grey green canvas with a few improvements to the interior & then made right up until the end of the war. Very hard to find in any condition that is even near acceptable this piece has survived remarkably well with all of its leather straps & fittings being in good order. Its two carrying straps to the rear are both intact with leather tabs for the strapping of other equipment to the top . Profuse stampings can be clearly seen to the underside of the top flap with a soldiers name \' BRUYERE\' handwritten to the rear. Classic equipment item of the WW1 French soldier .
WW1 French Waterbottle & Drinking Cup In Rare Horizon Blue A fabulous example of the iconic early WW1 French waterbottle with blue wool cover & drinking cup attached for convenience by the soldier. It is so hard to find French WW1 waterbottles in anything other than poor condition especially in the classic wartime \'Horizon Blue\' of this period. This is the 2 Litre Model 1877 which was in use by French troops when WW1 began. Although initially reserved for use by Colonial infantry in the prewar period the 2 litre model was then made general issue to infantry early on in WW1. This example has survived exceptionally well & has the early brass buckled brown leather carrying strap still fitted. It is of note that in typical wartime form a seperate piece of the earlier iron blue grey wool has been used in its construction. A linen name tag is sewn to the bottom of the bottle this very typical of wartime issue pieces. With signs of only very minimal use it comes with the zinc plated sheet steel drinking cup which was on issue to every man .
WW1 French Waterbottle In Rare Horizon Blue With Cup A second fabulous example of the iconic early WW1 French waterbottle with blue wool cover & drinking cup. This example came from the same WW1 collection as the last we recently listed & has been in his astounding collection ever since. It is so hard to find French WW1 waterbottles in anything other than poor condition especially in the classic wartime \'Horizon Blue\' of this period. This is the 2 Litre Model 1877 which was in use by French troops when WW1 began. Although initially reserved for use by Colonial infantry in the prewar period the 2 litre model was then made general issue to infantry early on in WW1. This example has survived exceptionally well & has the early brass buckled brown leather carrying strap still fitted. A linen name tag is sewn to the bottom of the bottle this very typical of wartime issue pieces. With signs of only very minimal use it comes with the zinc plated sheet steel Paris maker marked drinking cup which was on issue to every man .
WW1 French Zouave \'Sergent\' Souvenir Plaque Helmet A very nice WW1 M15 Adrian helmet with souvenir plaque to a Sergeant & in the mustard colour of the 'Armee D'Afrique'. The reddish brown painted crescent denotes Zouves. These were first issued to Colonial troops in their factory blue but then mustard painted as here as the war went on . A mix of the early blue & different shades of the mustard colour will be encountered as it was never standardised. A late war addition was to paint the crescent of the badge in a colour indicating its branch i.e reddish brown for Zouave troops as seen here. As is well recorded the brass souvenir plaques were awarded to each soldier at the end of the war with early examples being named to its recipient. This was soon dropped due to the sheer volume of numbers becoming impractical & so named examples are difficult to find. The rank of 'Sergent' is engraved on this plaque with a surname of the soldier also the standard ' SOLDAT DE LA GRANDE GUERRE 1914 - 1918 ' . A fabulous piece & an important part of Adrian helmet history.
WW1 French Zouve/Tirailleurs Adrian Helmet An excellent WW1 M15 French Adrian helmet for African troops ( Armee D\' Afrique ) worn with this mustard colour & crescent badge by Chausseurs d\'Afrique, the Spahis , the Zouaves & the Tirailleurs . These troops were recruited from or stationed in French North Africa from 1830 & as such were part of the French Metropolitan army many of whom were sent to fight in France at the beginning of WW1. The mustard colour of the helmets was to match the colour of their uniforms & first issues of the helmet were mustard painted over the factory blue when received as is the case here . As the war progressed they were then mustard painted directly at the factory during manufacture & so this example is one of the very first African Army issues. A heavily worn combat helmet the original blue is visible through the chips & scuffs of the outer paint which is thickly hand applied with a brush. All fititngs are still firm & intact with the early first model one piece liner & its corrugated ventilation strips still in place. With its original brown leather chinstrap this has a small tear to the leather at one end . There are a couple of minor dents & a small knock to the left side helmet rim. Uncleaned & dusty this helmet has not been touched since it was recently discovered one misty morning in France.
WW1 French \'Adjudent\' Military Medal/Croix De Guerre Recipient Tunic Of The Distinguished 61st Artillery Regiment I was particularly pleased to recently find this wonderfully original & undisturbed named WW1 French field tunic from an 'Adjudent' of the 61st Artillery Regiment who were in action right through the Great War at many famous battles such as the early France border battles in Meurthe-Moselle in August 1914 right through to: The Marne 1914 The Yser 1914 The Argonne 1915 Champagne 1915 Verdun 1916 Lorraine 1916 The Somme 1916 The Marne 1916-17 The Aisne 1917 Verdun 1917 Lorraine 1917-18 The Somme 1918 The rank of 'Adjudent' is denoted by the red flecked 'Galons' on each sleeve & is similar to the British rank of Adjutant who is an assistant to the Commanding officer . This man would therefore have been in the Command dugout with the CO & instrumental in the day to day running of the regiment. It is quite apparent that this was the tunic he wore in the field & therefore has probably been present at many of the places listed above. In the style of the officers 'New' tunic seen from 1915 onwards these were modelled on the British officers tunic with long skirt , large pockets & pleats with turn down collar & cuffs. With a Paris tailor label the collar tabs of the tunic are totally original in scarlet with light blue soutache for Field Artillery. All buttons are with crossed cannons. To the interior of the inside pocket is a name label now faded but with some scrutiny may possibly be deciphered. Left breast has two very well faded Military Medal & Croix De Guerre ribbons the former awarded for meritorious service & acts of bravery against the enemy. The Croix De Guerre ribbon is loose in the pocket so I have placed in situ while photographed. There are some grubby marks overall with a few small moth holes in places & an area of moth chewing to one of the lower corners which is hidden when the front is buttoned up . Fabulous item of WW1 French history straight out of the Great War.
WW1 French \'Battle of the Marne\' 74th Inf.Regt M1884 Kepi & M1879 Tunic- 1914 A WW1 French infantry other ranks kepi of the 74th infantry division with matching regimentally numbered infantry tunic of the M1879 pattern. This uniform although originating from the 1880 period was the pattern still being worn during the early frontier battles of 1914 against the invading German army. The kepi is a wonderful battle worn \'been there \' piece still encrusted with sweat & dirt to inside & out with lining showing heavy wear. The front red & blue regimental number patch is crudely handstitched to the kepi as they all were & totally original to it. This is well seated into the cloth of the body with commensurate wear to the rest of the piece & stitching that is clearly very old. A faint inspection mark can be seen underneath the name flap to crown. Tunic itself has suffered from moth attack ( See images ) but with all flaming grenade embossed brass buttons intact & equipment loop to side still present. This is more likely to be a private purchase example for best dress with a black satin type lining as opposed to the rougher cheesecloth of general issue. Both being of matching regiment & having come together I offer them uncleaned & as they came to me. As would be surmised this regiment fought in the First Battle of the Marne 1914 , Artois 1915 , Verdun in 1916 & Roulers in 1918.
WW1 French \'Engineers\' Adrian Steel Helmet A scarce WW1 French Adrian helmet with badge to the front for 'Engineers' ' . This iconic French helmet has its first factory issue 'horizon blue' paint visible to the inside & out with some service wear to its outer paint finish. A distinct area of thumb wear to the underside of its front lip can be seen caused by the constant taking on & off of the helmet by the soldier over its military lifetime. The Engineers badge is still tight to the helmet with no movement whatsoever. The liner fitted within this helmet is the second pattern found from around the 1916 period onwards. These are constructed from several different leather pieces to save on materials at this stage of the war. Its corrugated insert between the shell & the leather liner remains in good order with the liner still firmly attached by the standard method of liner pins. Leather chinstrap is of the first sheepskin pattern. These were found to be too brittle & were later replaced by goatskin. A super combat Engineers Adrian straight from the trench warfare of WW1.
WW1 French \'Horizon Blue\' 1st Infantry Regiment Sergeants Tunic A very good French Infantry NCOs tunic in the 1915 pattern of \'Horizon Blue\' with insignia of the 1st Infantry Regiment. Many different variations of the NCOs tunic will be encountered in varying standards & all of them collectable in their own right. This piece is four pocket fronted with seven flaming grenade embossed Paris marked buttons for infantry. Each sleeve has the reduced rank insignia of sergeant in gold braid with black braid to collar for infantry branch of service & number \'1\' in gilt for regiment . Brass equipment hooks to waist. As with many French uniforms beneath officer rank of this period the interior lining bears stamps for the large Paris film company \' Traonouez\' . There is some wear to the nap of the cloth & a couple of very small moth nips to the wool in places.
WW1 French \'Poilu\' Infantry Belt Set 1914 Period A rare opportunity to purchase a French infantrymans belt equipment set as worn in the 1914 period. This set is exactly as worn by the French infantryman & comprises blackened leather belt , three ammunition pouches & bayonet frog. Many changes were implemented come 1915 with most of the existing components being of pre war patterns the belt here being the M1848 pattern & the three cartridge pouches of the M1888 pattern. The black leather belt has adjustable brass buckle marked to reverse ' SteCle De Fournitures Militaire ' with a brass clip that hooks into a bracket on the opposite end. This very early style of belt was replaced by a buckle belt soon after the war begun. All three of the blackened leather M1888 cartridge pouches are intact with two vertical belt loops to rear & a triangle of zinc plated iron wire to fasten the carrying straps. These carried 120 8mm Lebel rounds for the ' Poilu' with each containing five packets of eight rounds. All items are in very good condition with general service wear to the leather & some very minor rodent nips. Note middle pouch has a hole to its base & there is a strengthening repair to the underside of the bayonet frogs scabbard fastening strap.
WW1 French \'Special Artillery\' Tankers Adrian Helmet A rare WW1 Adrian helmet converted for use by Armoured Vehicle troops known as ' Special Artillery'. When France first started using Armoured vehicles in the latter WW1 period they acknowledged that a steel helmet would be required by the crews if engaged in combat outside the tank. A specific helmet did not actually enter service until 1919 however tank units were already making modifications to their Adrian helmets by removal of the front visor at unit workshop level. There was no standardisation of this conversion & so examples can be seen in period photographs with & without brow pads in various forms. This fabulous piece is an example of such a helmet with the Artillery branch badge to front of which the Special Artillery were a part. Interior has second pattern multi construction liner with chinstrap secured to rear neckguard. Much of its original factory blue paint is still remaining.
WW1 German \'Stirnpanzer\' Brow Plate A rare opportunity to own a fabulous piece of Great War trench armour this being the helmet brow plate or \'Stirnpanzer\' as it was known then by its official title. Produced from 1916 onwards ( The same time as the M16 helmet ) it was designed as a form of armoured , frontal protection shield that could be fitted onto the front of the German steel helmet for wear by troops during trench fighting or in static positions etc. Due to its weight it was not a popular item of equipment . With a thickness of 5-6mm it was proposed that one in twenty helmets be fitted with them. This piece still has a very good proportion of its original green factory paint to both inside & out this being more evident to the inside . The maker mark of \' BE\' & batch number of what appears to be \' 231\' are stamped onto one inside corner. Having both of its original securing straps one is still attached & one not but still present. Made of black leather they were secured to each end with two double rivets as can still be seen here. The attached buckled side shows well the double rivet fixture to fix them to the plate & the detached adjustment side demonstrates the impractically large number of holes which is very typical of the strap for the brow plate. Although detached it is totally original & still has one of the rivets remaining to the leather. On examination of the brow plate itself the securing & vent lug holes have been roughly cut into each side with this being \'fettled\' to remove any sharp edges afterwards. There is further evidence of fettling with grinding tools to smooth down the rough edges of the plate after casting. There are two small shrapnel ball strikes discernible when examined closely. Interesting to note also the distinct \'ring\' of the plate when hung up and tapped. A rare iconic piece not often encountered in todays market.
WW1 German ' Kaiserliche Marine ' Turret Binoculars , Cased With Mounts 1916-1920 A fine pair of the rare Emil Busch, Rathenow made WW1 Imperial German Kriegsmarine turret binoculars coming cased & with both pivot & German marked foot mounts. In their original battleship grey these binoculars were made by Busch in the 1916-1920 period & were acquired by the Admiralty for Royal Navy use as denoted by the broad arrow marking added by them upon thier acquisition. Fitted with two swivel oculars to each side the larger is of powerful 12 X 80 magnification & the smaller of 12 X 20 magnification. The focus on both is very good with both swivels working perfectly . The right hand lense has suffered a chip in its long lifetime ( As pictured ) however the viewing through both is not affected at all. One small dent to body casing. . Both extendable rain shields & lens covers are intact with their original leather attachment straps. Coming complete with original wooden case in which the whole set can be safely stored when not in use. ***I will ship worldwide but please contact to discuss delivery costs/options to your location***
WW1 German 10th Inf. Regt Private Purchase Pickelhaube Cover *** Cover Only *** WW1 German private purchase other ranks pickelhaube cover of the 10th Infantry Regiment with remains of green late 1914/1915 period number to front. Due to pickelhaube covers often being scruffy & ill fitting a certain amount of individual \'tailoring\' with covers stitched in & slight personal alterations can be encountered as well as privately unit purchased versions being used as is the case here. This piece has remains of the green infantry regiment number \'10\' to front these authorised as of late 1914/early 15 to replace the previous prewar red issues. With three securing hooks to front underside & two to rear it had two laces one to each side with right side still present. Faint manufacturer ink stampings to rear underside. ( Pickelhaube for display only & not included )
WW1 German 15th Infantry Regiment Pickelhaube With Matching Cover A stunning battlefield used example of an M1895 enlisted mans Prussian pickelhaube in 'as found' condition with prewar red numbered enlisted mans cover . From the very early war period red numbering was used prewar & only up until the end of August 1914 so this piece was most likely captured in one of the earlier battles. The pickelhaube has all of its original brass fittings with gilt fired front plate & original cockades. The brown leather chinstrap is totally original to this set. When one examines the interior the regimental stamp of the Infantry Regiment 15 can be seen on the underside of the rear peak with a size mark 57 1/2 & faint illegible maker & date to crown. The early cover has machine stitched numbers with hooks around its lower edge which have mathing patina to the furniture on the pickelhaube itself. There are witness marks to its underside & some leather congealing onto the underside of the fabric which correlate with prolonged wear over the helmet & its cockades. A totally bring back piece with only one small repair of the chinstrap to strengthen a weak area.
WW1 German 16th Inf.Regt Pickelhaube & Early Red Numbered Cover With Matching Regimental Numbers A stunning battlefield used example of an M1895 enlisted mans Prussian pickelhaube in \'as found\' condition with prewar red numbered enlisted mans cover . Red numbering on covers was used prewar & only up until the end of August 1914 so this piece was most likely captured in one of the earlier battles. The pickelhaube has all of its original brass fittings with gilt fired front plate & original cockades. The leather chinstrap is totally original to this set. When one examines the interior the regimental stamp of the Infantry Regiment 16 can be seen on the underside of the rear peak .The early cover has machine stitched numbers with hooks around its lower edge which have matching patina to the furniture on the pickelhaube itself. At some point a tear in the front of the cover was collector repaired this having been done some time ago with a reinforcement backing placed behind it,. A fabulous piece & hard to find real \'been there\' red numbered examples that have always been together.
WW1 German 23rd Infantry Pickelhaube & Trench Cover A fabulous Imperial German pickelhaube & cover of the Prussian 23rd Infantry Regiment. This timecapsule piece comes completely as it was discovered a few years ago with red regimentally numbers which replaced the previous green in April 1914. The front portion of the cover can be carefully unhooked so as the underside can be examined this then revealing the ink stamped maker & date of 1914 with 57 size mark . The pickelhaube retains its totally original leather chinstrap & cockades with much age wear throughout typical of a well worn trench piece. When one examines the rear peak of the helmet the infantry regiment stamp of 'JR23 ' can be seen matching that of the cover. I have not removed the cover completely as it is well fitted onto to the helmet with age probably not been off since WW1. Fabulous piece & a rare opportunity to own such a piece of WW1 trench history.
WW1 German 53rd Infantry Regiment Pickelhaube & Cover A wonderful Prussian pickelhaube of the 53rd infantry regiment with green numbered helmet cover dating from late 1914 / early 1915. This pickelhaube cover has belonged first to the 52nd infantry regiment then second to the 53rd. markings to the underside of the rear peak bear a crossed out 52nd regiment marking with also a 52nd Ink stamp to the inside edge of the cover. A sewn in nametag in the cover gives the name of a soldier serving with the 53rd Infantry Regiment. It is interesting to note that evidence of the numbers '52' can still be seen to the front of the cover , these removed when the green colour replaced the red late 1914. The pickelhaube itself is totally untouched with its original chinstrap & cockades all present & in good order. Interior of pickelhaube shows heavy wear.
WW1 German 6 X 24 Doppelfernrohr 03 Binoculars With Buttoning Tab & Lense Protector In \'03 Carrying Case With Instruction Card To Lid A set of WW1 German 6 X 24 Dienstglas complete with buttoning tab & lense cover all contained within a Fernglas 03 case that has the soldiers number written onto the instructional card underneath the lid. The D.F.03 Dienstglas are made by the firm ' C.P. Goerz of Berlin ' & marked 'DF03 UF No.6682 DInestglas 6 Fach' . Optics are good. Both butting tab & lense cover are original to them with a small period stitch repair where the stud to one of the strap arms is minus. There are a couple of chips to the body covering through wear. Carrying case is of a black painted wood construction with intact belt loops to rear. Instructional label beneath lid is near perfect. Both leather securing tabs to each side are undamaged.
WW1 German Ammunition Bandolier A very rare WW1 German ammunition bandolier in blue cotton . Contrary to popular belief , these bandoliers were not a late war item & were already in service before the outbreak of war in 1914. Actually conceived in 1908 , they were an important part of German ammunition issue & saw much use in the trenches of WW1. Made from varying shades of blue cotton material this example is in used condition & has a few rust stains to the cotton from the clips of German ammunition that were originally found within them. The imprint of these rounds can still be seen on each compartment ,which were made to take the chargers with tips downwards. A cloth strip was simply sewn in place across the top to hold them in place. One of the end cloth strips is marked with an ink stamp which gives the ammunition production companys details & the filling date 17/10/13. The bandolier has had card inserts sewn into each compartment for display purposes by the previous owner. A near impossible to find item of equipment of the WW1 German soldier.
WW1 German Ammunition Bandolier A very rare WW1 German ammunition bandolier in blue cotton . Contrary to popular belief , these bandoliers were not a late war item & were already in service before the outbreak of war in 1914. Actually conceived in 1908 , they were an important part of German ammunition issue & saw much use in the trenches of WW1. Made from varying shades of blue cotton material this example is in used condition & has a few rust stains to the cotton from the clips of German ammunition that were originally found within them. The imprint of these rounds can still be seen on each compartment ,which were made to take the chargers with tips downwards. A cloth strip was simply sewn in place across the top to hold them in place. A near impossible to find item of equipment of the WW1 German soldier.
WW1 German Artillery Long Luger Holster 1917 With Original Cleaning Rod & Stripping Tool A 1917 dated Hoffman of Berlin brown leather holster for the long Artillery luger PO8 pistol coming complete with its original \'lange\' luger cleaning rod & stripping tool. This scarce holster has clear maker name & date to underside of top flap with a handwritten soldiers name to rear of pouch \' Pfeiffer\' . All of its original stitching is still intact. The small stripping tool pouch to inside of flap is intact with closure stud firm. The tool that was still in the holster is sold with it , this is an unmarked example typical of all DWM examples that were made ( See the excellent Luger book by Jan Still ). The cleaning rod is also completely original to the holster & so all offered together completely as it came. In quite superb condition & a scarce holster to find.
WW1 German Baden Ersatz Felt Pickelhaube Excellent example of a Baden infantry ersatz felt pickelhaube with its original cockades & leather chinstrap. Issued from September 1914 through into the early quarter of 1915 these ersatz helmets were a stopgap measure to meet the shortfall in demand raised by the sudden increase in troops at the outbreak of war in 1914. Several variations of the Ersatz helmet exist this grey felt piece having the pre 1915 brass fittings & non removeable spike. The Baden helmet plate has much of its original gilding remaining with expected wear to its high points. Both cockades are correct for the helmet with its brass buckled leather chinstrap 100% original & intact. The black leather liner is intact with the imprint of the rear of the chinstrap lug visible on the underside. A metal band was used in its construction as the liner band to keep the shape of the whole helmet. Overall superb untouched piece from an excellent collection recently purchased.
WW1 German Battle Damaged M16 Helmet With \'Aisne\' Capture Label Testament to the heavy fighting around the Aisne a souvenir paper label stuck to the inside of this trench helmet reads \' FROM THE RUINS OF LAON\' \' which was a town captured by the Germans in the Autumn of 1914 and held until the Allied offensive in the summer of 1918. This WW1 German M16 helmet is battle damaged with an entry hole to front forehead area & a shrapnel rip to the top of the helmet. Completely untouched the helmet has a much of its original green factory paint finish still remaining with all of its three liner pins totally original to the helmet. The leather liner band is still in place with one of its three pads still present. The leather on this is very dark stained & decayed & may be a result of trauma received from the visible head wound that this wearer would have received. The maker mark of \'Si66\' is visible to flared rim of the helmet for the firm \'Eisenhutte Silesia\' . Fabulous piece of battlefield history.
WW1 German Battle Damaged M17 Named Helmet Picked Up \'Sailly Le Sec\' With Inscription A souvenir of the Somme battlefield area this WW1 German M17 helmet has a shrapnel hole to the front of it with German soldiers name ' Hettler , 5th Kompanie ' & also the place name 'Sailly Le Sec ' inscribed into the front pad. Still with an excellent proportion of its original factory green paint to shell the metal M17 liner band is securely in place with liner pins original & untouched. All three pads are present although heavily worn with one still retaining its cushion. This pad had mostly come away from its band so was secured with cotton to hold it in place by the previous owner. Both of the chinstrap fittings are still present to each lug . Sailly Le Sec was on the Northern bank of the Somme & was the limit of the German advance in the Spring of 1918.
WW1 German Battle Damaged M17 Named Helmet Picked Up \'Sailly Le Sec\' With Inscription A souvenir of the Somme battlefield area this WW1 German M17 helmet has a shrapnel hole to the front of it with German soldiers name ' Hettler , 5th Kompanie ' & also the place name 'Sailly Le Sec ' inscribed into the front pad. Still with an excellent proportion of its original factory green paint to shell the metal M17 liner band is securely in place with liner pins original & untouched. All three pads are present although heavily worn with one still retaining its cushion. This pad had mostly come away from its band so was secured with cotton to hold it in place by the previous owner. Both of the chinstrap fittings are still present to each lug . Sailly Le Sec was on the Northern bank of the Somme & was the limit of the German advance in the Spring of 1918.
WW1 German Camouflage Helmet Named With Research to A Soldier Reported Missing 1918 An impressive & informatively researched M17 camouflage helmet to an Infantry Feldwebel Leutnant who was reported as missing in 1918. Helmet bears a three colour tan ochre, brown & forest green segmented pattern with black dividing lines that create a very effective camouflage pattern. Thick brush strokes are still very much evident to its entirety with all three of the liner pins totally original to the shell. Interior has metal band of the M17 with one pad holder remaining. The clear handwritten rank & name of \' Feldw. Lt. Lange \' is visible to the underside of rear rim which has revealed the following information upon research : Feldwebel Leutnant Lange , 2nd Coy , Res Ersatz Inf Regt 3 & an experienced NCO promoted to rank of Feldwebel/Leutnant . Reported Missing Sept 1st 1918 , Morval. I have enclosed a photocopy of the 1918 records with the helmet. Fascinating piece of WW1 history & perhaps a souvenir liberated from a casualty that was never found. Heinrich Lange from Halle & born December 6th 1876.
WW1 German Camouflage Helmet Shell A stunning WW1 German camouflage helmet shell with finger thick black dividing lines between each segment adhering to the Ludendorff directive of 1918 . Helmet is handpainted in classic tan ochre , dark brown & light green with the definitive black dividing lines immediately apparent . Many variants of camouflage schemes , colours & thickness of the black lines exist with this piece having attained an atractive natural age patina over what would have been a very effective camouflage. Both air vents have been plugged by the original wearer to prevent cold air entering , a common problem in the trenches of WW1. Interior gives us the maker & size mark ' BF64 ' ( Fulda) . Four small holes can be seen in the rim of the helmet these from where it was once wall mounted on a plaque as a souvenir in the post WW1 period. Superb piece.
WW1 German Camouflage Helmet With Chinstrap & Liner Marked \' BA XIII 1916\' A striking WW1 German camouflage M16 helmet complete with original chinstrap & all three of its liner pads intact. A three colour hand brushed camouflage scheme of forest green, tan ochre & brown can be seen here with thin black dividing lines between each segment. It is interesting to note on examination that there are two different greens one being a more lime shade than the other both making a very visually impactive scheme of colour. A large sized helmet it has its standard green paint finish visible to the underside with maker marking & size ' Q66' for a Quist size 66. Batch number to crown of '121' . Stamped to the rear right liner band is the acceptance stamp ' BA XIII 1916' . Helmet has the soldiers name 'Winkler' written in pencil & also the large size stamp of '66' to the right side indicating the helmet was reconditioned or repaired & repainted both inside & out by brush. This was a common practice in WW1 . A very nice piece & with original brass buckled chinstrap.
WW1 German Cartridge Bandolier A very rare WW1 German ammunition bandolier in blue cotton . Contrary to popular belief , these bandoliers were not a late war item & were already in service before the outbreak of war in 1914. Actually conceived in 1908 , they were an important part of German ammunition issue & saw much use in the trenches of WW1. Made from varying shades of blue cotton material this example is in used condition & has a few rust stains to the cotton from the clips of German ammunition that were originally found within them. The imprint of these rounds can still be seen on each compartment ,which were made to take the chargers with tips downwards. A papercloth strip was simply sewn in place across the top to hold them in place. A remaining strip of this paper type material at one end appears to bear a date of \'7 2 18\' . A near impossible to find item of equipment of the WW1 German soldier.
WW1 German Cartridge Bandolier A very rare WW1 German ammunition bandolier in blue cotton . Contrary to popular belief , these bandoliers were not a late war item & were already in service before the outbreak of war in 1914. Actually conceived in 1908 , they were an important part of German ammunition issue & saw much use in the trenches of WW1. Made from varying shades of blue cotton material this example is in excellent condition with some grubby areas & has the number \'16\' within a circle ink stamped onto one side. There is also a manufacturers mark within an oval at the centre yoke. Each compartment was made to take the chargers with tips downwards. A papercloth strip was simply sewn in place across the top to hold them in place. A near impossible to find item of equipment of the WW1 German soldier.
WW1 German Combat Belt With G98 Pouch & Breadbag ,1915 & 1917 Dates A WW1 German Prussian other ranks belt & buckle with G98 cartridge pouch & breadbag still on the belt as it was recovered in the Verdun area some years ago. The grey painted steel belt buckle retains its tab with the maker name & date ' D.AROEVER, MAGDEBURG 1917' . Belt leather is also faintly maker marked , now mostly illegible , however the date 1915 is discernable. The cartridge pouch has early brass fittings with internal spacers & maker & date 1915 marked to rear. Breadbag has all of its fittings with some rust & dryness to leather. To the rear of the breadbag is ink stamped an Armee korps marking with the date '15. Underside of flap has markings 'BJA' & 'F' indicating it has been through a repair depot & is thus fit for Field use. Overall dirt & grime I have made no attempt to clean any of it !
WW1 German Doughboy Souvenir \'Post Home\' M16 Camouflage Helmet With Intact Liner Pads & Cushions A WW1 German M16 ' Post Home' helmet with three colour handpainted camouflage scheme & remains of a postage stamp to the top & what appears to be the name of a US sergeant written onto the inner skirt. This helmet displays very thick black lines seperating each camouflage segment the colours of which are dark brown , ochre & green. There is much wear to the helmets surface however the paint scheme remains largely intact. This piece was originally sourced by its previous owner via the family of a US soldier who had posted it back from the front. There is what remains of a postage stamp to the top with the sergeants name written in pencil & also further writing which may have been the German soldiers name next to it. The 'Bell L' maker logo with size '64' is visible & refers to the maker 'Richard Lindenberg A.G. of Remscheid-Hasten' . Helmet has leather M16 liner band with all of its pins original & still tight to the helmet. All three of its very well worn & dirty off white pads have no tears & each still have their cushions still inside. Tightening lace present.
WW1 German Ersatz 'Rolled Edge' Felt Pickelhaube With Shrapnel Hole A rare Ersatz 'rolled edge' felt Pickelhaube completely untouched from WW1 & straight from the battlefield. Having remained in family hands until now this time capsule of a piece is still caked in mud & also has a small shrapnel hole which has sliced through down into the liner. The Ersatz Pickelhauben were produced to meet a severe leather shortage at the beginning of WW1 brought about by the sudden demand on German industry. Different variations exist albeit in very small numbers . This piece has been made in the Model 1895 style with brass fittings but no rear spine or front visor trim . A rolled & stitched edging can be seen around the whole bottom edge of the helmet intended to help retain its shape. Spike & base plate are still firm to the top of the helmet with its original chinstrap still in place. It is of note that a small shrapnel hole is present in the top side of the felt which upon examination has sliced through into the leather liner underneath causing a corresponding hole & an apparent scorch mark to the surrounding leather. An Army Corps ink stamp is partially visible to the rear brim with the maker name logo embossed into the leather liner. It is fascinating to see the amount of dried mud visible to the inside of the helmet & also up inside the spike. Being undisturbed for many years in a house there is dust to the exterior which I have not attempted to clean off. The helmet plate is original to the helmet although has been off at some point in its life ( matchstick used to rescure) . It has lasted very well for this pattern of helmet with only some slight distortion & a tear to the liner . A rare piece, never in collectors hands before & straight from the battlefields of WW1.
WW1 German Ersatz Model 1895 Felt Pickelhaube of Prussia A very good example of the Model 1895 pickelhaube in its Ersatz felt form . Manufactured in the latter period of 1914 the 1895 model of pickelhaube was simplified to an Ersatz form in felt omitting the brass front visor trim & rear spine. This is one such surviving example which was kept as a souvenir of one of the early battles with its front plate polished in the postwar years for display on the mantelpiece of a residential home. Retaining its original brass fittings both cockades are original to the helmet along with the brass buckled chinstrap which is still down as they were worn in the trenches & how they were often captured. Interior retains its black leather liner in very good hardly worn condition with front plate held in place by two small leather pieces. A small size tag '56' can still be seen in situ underneath the liner. Just one small stress split to front peak .
WW1 German Ersatz Model 1915 Prussian Infantry Pickelhaube A rare WW1 Ersatz Model 1915 Prussian infantry pickelhaube in felt ( Filzhelme) with M1915 grey fittings & original chinstrap & buckles. The felt pickelhaube began to be fitted with grey steel fittings at this point of the war to save on the previous silver & brass which were now needed elsewhere. Some manufacturers utilised existing supplies of brass & silver & so these were still used alongside but painted in matching grey as is the case here . All of the fittings to this pickelhaube are original with no damage to the Prussian front plate or the original brown leather chinstrap. There are a couple of small \'kinks\' to the front peak edging however all of the metal fittings are sound. The top spike is firm to the mounting & does not detach , this is brass that has been grey overpainted as can be seen on the neck area. Both cockades present. A rare felt pickelhaube that has survived in very good condition.
WW1 German Ersatz Prussian Artillery Kugelhelm Excellent example of a Prussian Artillery ersatz felt kugelhelm with its original cockades & leather chinstrap. Issued from September 1914 through into the early quarter of 1915 these ersatz helmets were a stopgap measure to meet the shortfall in demand raised by the sudden increase in troops at the outbreak of war in 1914. Several variations of the Ersatz helmet exist this grey felt piece having the pre 1915 brass fittings & non removeable top ball . The Prussian helmet plate has much of its original gilding remaining with expected wear to its high points. Both cockades are correct for the helmet with its brass buckled leather chinstrap 100% original & intact. The black leather liner is in very good order with the imprint of the chinstrap lug pressed into its underside from years of storage . There is a manufacturers oval ink stamp visible to inside of the felt shell. Overall superb untouched piece the felt ersatz Artillery issues being much harder to find.
WW1 German Ersatz \' Filzhelme\' (Felt Pickelhaube ) Of Prussia From Dragoon Regiment 14. I am very pleased to be able to offer a fabulous recently acquired ersatz felt pickelhaube with name tag to an \'Ersatz\' Squadron of \' Kurm Drag. Regt Nr.14\' ( Kurmarkisches Drag. Regt 14 ) . Although cavalry troops received their own Dragoon helmets these were still in short supply & so most only received the standard ersatz infantry issues such as seen here. Ersatz felt pickelhaubes were first manufactured in 1914 with identical fittings in brass as the M1895 pickelhaube . This piece has front brass plate for Prussia with brass front visor trim & its original leather chinstrap & cockades still in place. An imprint of the edges of the plate sunk into the felt can be clearly discerned this evidencing its originality on this piece. The felt construction is interesting with thick felt mounts being present on the side on which the chinstrap lugs are mounted. Both cockades are 100% original. Interior of the helmet has a black leather lining complete still with its drawcord & all in excellent undamaged condition. Although partially damaged the paper nametag present to the inside skull of the helmet reads \' Drag *** , Ersatz . Estadr ** Kurm.Drag.Regt. Nr.14 \'. Therefore this pickelhaube belonged to a cavalryman from the Dragoon Regiment 14 who were raised in September 1866 & garrisoned in Colmar ( Elsass ) . They came under the command of XV Army Corps who fought on the Western Front throughout WW1 & were involved in such battles as the Battle of the Frontiers , Battle of Mulhouse & the First Battle of Ypres. A stunning Ersatz piece in excellent undamaged condition & one that would be difficult to find again.
WW1 German Ersatz \' Tinned\' Messtin 1915 Dated A WW1 model of German messtin this being one of the earliest \'Ersatz\' models in tin replacing the already existing aluminium which needed to be conserved for the war effort. These crude messtins were produced up until the use of enamel & were coated , more often than not , in grey or black paint . This messtin is marked to both hinges & lid with \' THIEL - SCHTE 15\' & has very faint traces of a circular mark to the lid now barely visible. Very well used , its black paint finish is very worn however the steel hinged lid handle is undamaged as is the carrying wire. The excellent work \'Feldzug 1917\' by the late Michael Baldwin describes in detail the varying patterns of messtin from 1914 onwards . Very hard to find 1915 dated messtins now most long since used to destruction.
WW1 German Felt Ersatz Model 1915 Prussian Infantry Pickelhaube A rare WW1 Ersatz Model 1915 Prussian infantry pickelhaube in felt ( Filzhelme) with M1915 grey fittings & original chinstrap & buckles. The felt pickelhaube began to be fitted with grey steel fittings at this point of the war to save on the previous silver & brass which were now needed elsewhere. All of the fittings to this pickelhaube are original with no damage to the Prussian front plate or the original brown leather chinstrap. All of the grey steel fittings are sound. The top spike still detaches , & is original matching to this piece. Both cockades present & in good order. A very subtle repair has been carried out to the front peak where a couple of small stress tears had previously occurred , this is hardly visible & only noticeable upon close inspection. A rare felt pickelhaube & striking display piece.
WW1 German Felt Ersatz Pickelhaube Of Prussia A fabulous example of the felt ersatz pickelhaube in unissued near perfect condition with matching metal fittings & correct cockades to each side. A helmet that , in my opinion, has never been issued & retains its stiff form as it would have been supplied before wear. Typically for an early 1915 manufacture all of the metal fittings including the front plate are of brass which has been chemically subdued leaving an almost green tint to the patina. The chinstrap is 100% original to the piece with matching buckles to each side. Front plate is affixed to rear in the normal leather tongued fashion, there are no additional holes . Interior liner is again excellent with the original tightening cord. Stunning textbook example & almost impossible to find in this condition.
WW1 German Felt Ersatz Prussian Pickelhaube An excellent top shelf example of the Prussian Ersatz pickelhaube in felt with grey painted metal fittings , original chinstrap & cockades. It is apparent from close examination that this pickelhaube started life with all brass fittings right down to the chinstrap posts & buckles before being overpainted in field grey paint as per the 1915 models. The spike is the older non detachable M95 model . All fittings are firm & the chinstrap 100% original to the helmet . Both cockades excellent. The unblackened leather lining is very good with the maker name of 'J.Bambus & Co ' clearly visible impressed into the leather on one side. Bambus are a recognised maker of felt pickelhaubes. There are faint ink markings to the underside of the rear peak. Felt body excellent & overall a stunning piece.
WW1 German Fernglas 08 & Ersatz Case Complete With German Instruction Card 1917 A very good pair of the WW1 German Fernglas \'08 binoculars complete with their original ersatz green carrying case. These field binoculars were used by troops such as those in Machine Gun crews as well as officers on a more general basis. The fernglas have a very good amount of their original green paint rough textured finish remaining with undamaged green rubber eyepieces & locking wheel to centre of arms. This is marked with the manufacturer details of \' Voigtlander Braunschweig Mod 08 No16266. Optics are good with functional rotating eyepieces. Leather neckstrap intact. The carrying case is undamaged with both belt loops & fittings intact to rear . The side fastening studs & leather tongue are present , one minus top half the ither intact. Inside of lid retains the German instructions printed on fine papercloth & rivetted in place, these are often removed.
WW1 German Fernglas \'08 With Carrying Case A very good pair of the WW1 German Fernglas '08 binoculars complete with their original brown leather carrying case. These field binoculars were used by troops such as those in Machine Gun crews as well as officers on a more general basis. The fernglas have a very good amount of their original green paint finish remaining with undamaged green rubber eyepieces & a fully operational locking wheel to centre of arms. This is marked with the manufacturer details of 'E.Leitz, Wetzlar with serial number 23884 . Optics are good with functional rotating eyepieces. Leather neckstrap intact. The carrying case is undamaged with both belt loops & fittings intact to rear . The side fastening studs & leather tongues are undamaged & intact. Inside of lid retains the German instructions printed on fine papercloth & rivetted in place, these are often removed. The Gottingen maker logo is embossed into the leather at rear.
WW1 German Fur Tornister Pack Dated 1915 & 20th Infantry Regiment Marked A WW1 German issue fur tornister as was issued from 1914 onwards when the demand for packs far outstripped the supply & differing Ersatz models were used. This pack would be ideal for manneuin display where it could be worn buckled onto the cartridge pouches. Constructed with leather edged full fur to front & back the interior is of brown canvas. A Berlin maker mark & date 'M.LIEMANN1915' is visible to the lower rear section . Both shoulder straps are complete to rear & have carbine hooks for use with the cartridge pouches. One strap is marked to the '20th JR' ( 20th Infantry Regiment ) who saw much heavy fighting in WW1. In overall very good condition for a 1915 piece many of these have not survived either having been discarded after WW1 or used to destruction in the postwar years. The rear straps on this piece are complete with a depot replacement to the swivel & small strap using an early brass mount on one side & their is some wear to the leather at the top bar where the shoulder straps are rivetted ( See images ) . Both of the top flap securing straps are totally intact with damage to the two leather buckle straps of the interior compartment. The 20th (3rd Brandenburg) Infantry "Count Tauentzien von Wittenberg' was part of the III Army Corps & were active at Mons , The Marne , Verdun & Amiens.
WW1 German Gas Mask & Canister With Carrying Straps Very nice original example of the Imperial German leather gas mask model 1917. This replaced the earlier 'Gummimaske' version & is distinguishable from the later Model 1918 version by the presence of its thin metal spider reinforcement behind the lenses. In excellent condition its canvas head straps remain undamaged with lenses uncracked. A good part of the oiled string often missing from the front of the facepiece is present here with most of the original green paint remaining to filter housing. It comes with the 11-C-11 filter canister which has survived also in excellent condition. Gas mask tin is of the correct 1917/18 pattern with spare lense compartment to interior of lid & April 1918 dated spare lenses present in protective paper packet. A very high proportion of the original green paint remains to tin with its original long & short rolled paper cloth straps intact. A very nice set.
WW1 German Gas Mask , Carrying Straps & Tin WW1 Imperial German leather gas mask model 1917 coming complete with carrying tin & long strap. This mask replaced the earlier \'Gummimaske\' version & is distinguishable from the later Model 1918 version by the presence of its thin metal spider reinforcement behind the lenses. In a very acceptable good trench used condition its canvas head straps remain undamaged with lenses uncracked. It comes with the original filter canister & some of its original finish remaining. Gas mask tin is of the correct 1917/18 pattern with spare lense compartment to interior of lid & July 1918 dated spare lenses present in protective paper packet. A very good proportion of the original green paint remains to tin. Long strap is of the typically seen paper cloth & retains its white leather tongue at one end. Short strap minus. Ink stamped to the bottom of the tin & an overall good example of these now rare items of equipment.
WW1 German Jager Zu Pferde Helmet 1916 An untouched 1916 dated lobster tailed \'Metalhelme\' of the Jager-zu-Pferde with nickel silver fittings & curved M1894 chinscales in brass denoting wear by Regiments 1 to 4 & 7 . The Model 1905 Jager zu Pferde helmet was made of blackened steel with nickel silver fittings except for the chinscales which were , in most cases, of tombak . This new pattern of helmet carried a Dragoner pattern eagle Wappen with the characteristic upswept wings . Both cockades are of the correct larger 63mm Kurassier pattern for other ranks with , in this instance, the tombak chinscales denoting Regts 1 to 4 & 7 . Other regiments had distinctive differences such as blackened chinscales or all tombak fittings very different to here.Internally the underside of the front lip is painted in green with a deluxe type square tongued leather liner which points towards the wearer being an NCO/One year volunteer. in excellent order & a version that can be encountered along with its rounded tongues counterpart. To the dome of the shell is a the manufacturer mark \'DAMASCHKE\' & DATE 1916 this being one of the last produced. A quite excellent untouched & unmessed with piece of Imperial German cavalry headgear & probably one of the best examples that you are likely to ever encounter.
WW1 German M15 Enlisted Mans Wurttemburg Infantry Pickelhaube A very clean example Wurttemberg infantry pickelhaube of the M15 model complete with removeable spike & all of its original fittings. A stunning example the Wurttemburg front plate retains almost all of its grey paint finish & is firmly affixed to the helmet with correlating wear on the leather underneath to confirm its originality to the body. All other fittings are firm with a high amount of patinated grey finish throughout. The shellac coating is still quite immaculate with only minor crazing overall. The nine tongue leather liner has kept its tan coloured finish & is complete with drawstring. The skull of the helmet displays the black ink stamped size of \' 57\' with all of the crown pins unmolested & showing natural age. A quite superb textbook other ranks piece .
WW1 German M15 Prussian Cuirassier Helmet 1916 One of the most impressive helmets of Imperial Germany this is the rare M15 model Cuirassiers 'lobster tail' helmet . The Cuirassiers of Imperial Germany were historically heavy cavalry troops however after their initial effectiveness in the early months of WW1 they became more useful in a reconnaissance role as the static trench warfare on all fronts set in. After 1916 many of the horses were destined to pull Artillery equipment & the men sent to fight in the trenches as were those of other traditional cavalry roles. This helmet was made in 1915 & , as here , had a removeable spike which was not to be worn in action. Helmet body is of subdued polished steel with only the fittings being grey painted as was standard with this model. The leather chinstrap on its '94 posts replaced the previous parade like chinscaled versions this yet another modification of the old traditional style. Prussian front plate is the correct model for this helmet having the chest feathers interlocking & crossing at 45 degrees . This differs from the line infantry plate on which the feathers just sit downwards. Both cockades are the standard size in line with those worn on the pickelhaube . These replaced the slightly larger prewar versions. Interior of helmet is black painted with a green underside to front peak . The maker name & date ' Helbing , Sackewitz 1916 ' is clearly stamped to the crown. A superb piece with a couple of non detracting dents only noticeable upon close inspection.
WW1 German M15 Prussian Cuirassier Helmet 1916 One of the most impressive helmets of Imperial Germany this is the rare M15 model Cuirassiers 'lobster tail' helmet . The Cuirassiers of Imperial Germany were historically heavy cavalry troops however after their initial effectiveness in the early months of WW1 they became more useful in a reconnaissance role as the static trench warfare on all fronts set in. After 1916 many of the horses were destined to pull Artillery equipment & the men sent to fight in the trenches as were those of other traditional cavalry roles. This helmet was made in 1916 & , as here , had a removeable spike which was not to be worn in action. Helmet body is of subdued polished steel with only the fittings being grey painted as was standard with this model. The leather chinstrap on its '94 posts replaced the previous parade like chinscaled versions this yet another modification of the old traditional style. Prussian front plate is the correct model for this helmet having the chest feathers interlocking & crossing at 45 degrees . This differs from the line infantry plate on which the feathers just sit downwards. Both cockades are the standard size in line with those worn on the pickelhaube . These replaced the slightly larger prewar versions. Interior of helmet is black painted with a green underside to front peak . The maker name & date ' Helbing , Sackewitz 1916 ' is clearly stamped to the crown. A superb piece with a couple of non detracting minor indentations from service wear only noticeable upon close inspection.
WW1 German M15 Prussian Jager Enlisted Mans Shako A textbook wartime example of the Prussian Jager enlisted mans shako with all fittings in zinc plated iron painted in matt grey as per the early 1915 order. Worn by some branches of the infantry , traditionally the Jager troops these were worn by them in place of the standard pickelhaube. Body is of stiff black leather with ventilation grommets to each side & chinstrap side posts of the M91 pattern with matching black leather grey metal buckled chinstrap in quite stunning condition. National cockade still present. Prussian Jager eagle frontplate is firmly affixed with white & black cloth field badge inserted into top front. There is a small hardly noticeable break to the leather at its entry point. Interior is excellent with liner intact & oval manufacturer ink stamp partially visible. A fine one off example of the Imperial German shako.
WW1 German M15 Wurtemburg Pickelhaube A very clean example Wurttemberg infantry pickelhaube of the M15 model complete with removeable spike & all of its original fittings. A stunning example the Wurttemburg front plate retains almost all of its grey paint finish & is firmly affixed to the helmet with correlating wear on the leather underneath to confirm its originality to the body. All other fittings are firm with a high amount of patinated grey finish throughout. The shellac coating is still quite immaculate with only minor crazing overall. The nine tongue leather liner has kept its tan coloured finish & is complete with drawstring. The skull of the helmet displays the black ink stamped size of \' 57\' with all of the crown pins unmolested & showing natural age. A quite superb textbook other ranks piece .
WW1 German M16 Camouflage Helmet A fabulous example of a WW1 German M16 steel trench helmet with handpainted three colour camouflage scheme & three padded leather liner. The three classic colours of tan ochre , reddish brown & forest green are visible here these being brush stroke applied over the factory green of the helmet in segments. Divided by the prescribed thick black lines as per orders the whole camouflage scheme remains highly visible with a good amount of trench use evidenced by scuffing & chips to the paint most evident on the crown. Underside rim of the helmet is still in its original factory green & gives us the maker initial for Quist & size 'Q.66' . Examining the M16 leather band it is clear that the pins have not been interfered with & that the liner is 100 % original to the helmet. All three of the leather pads are still present & all contain their original cushion inserts , There is , of course, age to the leather with some minor dryness & cracking to the leather in places. This is more prominent in the forehead pad which had come away from the band but has been held in place with thread for visual effect. The tightening lace is still present. Clearly a helmet that has seen much action with all of the character one would expect to see on such an iconic piece from the Great war.
WW1 German M16 Camouflage Helmet If you are looking for one good German camouflage M16 trench helmet which has clearly seen action in the first world war then this one may be for you. Helmet has a fabulous three colour thick handpainted camouflage scheme incorporating the typically seen colours of forest green , brown & ochre in segments with thick black dividing lines. The letter ' M ' green segment can be seen incorporated in the camouflage scheme at the front of the helmet which is thought to be from one units painter as many similar original examples have been encountered . Although darkened with age the interior is still in its factory green & maker marked 'BF62' for the maker 'FC Bellinger , Fulda' . The batch number to shell is 'B1124' . Leather liner band is intact with its three pins undisturbed & original to the helmet. All three of the leather pads are present & due to their much aged condition have been held in place with thread for preservation.
WW1 German M16 Camouflage Helmet A very well preserved & large sized M16 camouflage helmet with the classic textbook three colour combination of dark brown , yellow ochre & forest green seperated by black lines. The liner system is complete with inner cushions . A quite fabulous piece it is of note that the helmets factory green grey paint has been incorporated into the scheme as two of the segments within the whole design so in fact two different greens appear making a total of four colours overall. There is natural age wear to the helmet overall with only minor chips & scuffs to the paint in places. Examining the inside of the helmet I cannot discern the maker stamp as it is faint & barely visible. The leather band is totally undisturbed with all three pins untouched. The three original leather liner pads are present along with all three of its cushions . Red ties are in place to the rear of each pad. Overall an excellent camouflage trench helmet.
WW1 German M16 Camouflage Helmet WW1 German M16 three colour camouflage steel helmet with a good proportion of its original liner still intact. Camouflage is of the classic dark brown , tan ochre & green with thin black dividing lines & overall wear typical of a WW1 trench worn helmet . It is interesting to note the rough pasty texture of the ochre & brown when compared to the green which is much more of a thicker paint finish. Quist maker marked & a size 66 ( Q66) . All three of the liner pins are original to the helmet with thick leather M16 band tight to the shell. All three leather pads are present although damaged in places & there are the remains of a period placed soft bandage rolled up behind the pads for insulation & comfort. The German soldiers name is written to the inside of the rear rim in indelible pencil ( See image ) .
WW1 German M16 Camouflage Helmet A fabulous example of a WW1 German M16 steel trench helmet with handpainted three colour camouflage scheme & three padded leather liner. The three classic colours of tan ochre , brown & green are visible here these being brush stroke applied over the factory green of the helmet in segments. Divided by the prescribed thick black lines as per the Ludendorff order the whole camouflage scheme remains highly visible with a good amount of trench use evidenced by scuffing & chips to the paint . Underside rim of the helmet is still in its original factory green & gives us the maker initials 'BF' for the firm ' Bellinger, Fulda' & size '62' . Examining the M16 leather band it is clear that the pins have not been interfered with & that the liner is 100 % original to the helmet. All three of the leather pad holders are still present & all contain their original cushion inserts , There is , of course, age to the leather however all three finger tips are still present. Clearly a helmet that has seen much action with all of the character one would expect to see on such an iconic piece from the Great war.
WW1 German M16 Camouflage Helmet A WW1 German M16 three tone camouflage helmet with the regulation thick black dividing lines between each segment. A helmet that has seen much field wear the classic colours of dark brown , tan ochre & the helmets factory green paint have been incorporated into the design. All of the liner pins are undisturbed & original to the helmet with leather M16 liner band intact. All three of the cushion pad holders are heavily worn but present with all three original internal cushions still within each. Underside of shall bears a very faint maker mark & size of what appears to be 'BF64' . A helmet that has clearly been in the trenches y find it particularly appealing that it has never been cleaned & remains in its souvenired state straight out of the shed or attic .
WW1 German M16 Camouflage Helmet A very striking & large sized M16 camouflage helmet with the classic textbook three colour combination of dark brown , yellow ochre & forest green seperated by black lines. The liner system is complete with inner cushions . A quite fabulous piece it is of note that the helmets factory green grey paint has been incorporated into the scheme as two of the segments within the whole design so in fact two different greens appear making a total of four colours overall. There is natural age wear to the helmet overall with only minor chips & scuffs to the paint in places. Examining the inside of the helmet I cannot discern the maker stamp as it is faint & barely visible. The leather band is totally undisturbed with all three pins untouched. The three original leather liner pads are present along with all three of its cushions . Red ties are in place to the rear of each pad. Overall an excellent camouflage trench helmet.
WW1 German M16 Camouflage Helmet Named To A Dragoon ( German Cavalry ) WW1 German M16 camouflage helmet in three tone camouflage named to a German cavalryman ( Dragoon ) on rear rim. With the onset of trench warfare cavalry troops were reformed into Cavalry Schutzen Regiments acting as infantry battalions & companies in the trenches as is the case with the wearer of this helmet. The brush painted colours on this helmet are in the classic tan ochre , forest green & brown with each of these segments divided by thick black lines. Additionally to each colour the soldier has added unique ad hoc strikes of black within each segment enhancing the whole camouflage effect. Both ear lugs have been plugged with stick parts to keep the heat in. All three liner pins are original showing builtup rust age in situ. The M16 leather liner band is of early manufacture with one row of stitching to bottom edge . All three leather pad holders still intact & partial chinstrap remaining .
WW1 German M16 Camouflage Helmet Named To A Leutnant A fabulous Leutnant named German M16 camouflage helmet with a striking handpainted three tone swirl camouflage scheme to its exterior. Finished in tan ochre , forest green & brown the scheme has been applied with each segment seperated by thick black dividing lines these sweeping down & around the helmets entirety to great effect. All three of the helmets liner pins remain intact & uninterfered with this much evidenced to the interior where the arms of the pins are well seated into the leather M16 band. All three of the cushion pad holders are present & remain undamaged. Tightening cord intact. Of note is the officers name painted to the underside of the rear rim which although slightly appears to be ' Leutnant Beimann '. The 'Bell L' maker mark is visible with the size an apparent '64'. Overall very striking helmet froim the German trenches of the Great War .
WW1 German M16 Casualty Helmet - From The Marne Area 1918 Untouched German M16 trench helmet coming from the Marne area & left behind after the 1918 battle there during the German Spring offensive. An early M16 helmet with leather liner band it was reputedly taken from a wounded German soldier by a French civilian & kept in the family until a few years ago. The front cushion holder displays evidence of a head wound with a hardened dark stain & some decay to tips of the finger. Apart from this one the two other pads retain their original cushions. Exterior has much of its original factory green paint remaining with service wear & an appealing natural age patina to paint throughout. All three liner pins are intact & totally undisturbed this especially evident when examined from the inside . Maker marked & size coded \'BF62\' for the firm FULDA it bears the depot stamp \'AK\' with soldiers name handwritten to underside of rear rim . This is difficult to see however could most likely be deciphered with some skill & patience. Fascinating piece from one of the last battles of WW1.
WW1 German M16 Casualty Helmet - From The Marne Area 1918 Untouched German M16 trench helmet coming from the Marne area & left behind after the 1918 battle there during the German Spring offensive. An early M16 helmet with leather liner band it was reputedly taken from a wounded German soldier by a French civilian & kept in the family until a few years ago. The front cushion holder displays evidence of a head wound with a hardened dark stain & some decay to tips of the finger. Apart from this one the two other pads retain their original cushions. Exterior has much of its original factory green paint remaining with service wear & an appealing natural age patina to paint throughout. All three liner pins are intact & totally undisturbed this especially evident when examined from the inside . Maker marked & size coded \'BF62\' for the firm FULDA it bears the depot stamp \'AK\' with soldiers name handwritten to underside of rear rim . This is difficult to see however could most likely be deciphered with some skill & patience. Fascinating piece from one of the last battles of WW1.
WW1 German M16 Helmet - Found With Landwehr Infanterie Reg 382 Feldrock Code 13997 An untouched WW1 German M16 helmet that was found in the same Alsace house as the Landwehr Infanterie Regiment 382 Feldrock listed seperately with item code 13997. A timecapsule piece in itself this helmet is an early production M16 with leather liner band & all three pad holders still present & two of its original cushions still present in two of them. Exterior of helmet displays the lighter green factory paint finish with signs of heavy wear there being a small creased dent to rear from an impact of some sort. All three of the liner pins are totally original to the helmet the rear pin showing hardly any rust age at all when compared to the bleached dry look on the rest of the helmet. Rivets sometimes had a thin zinc coat which would fend off a certain amount of rust age. Leather liner band is stitch joined at rear with just one single row along top edge denoting early manufacture. There is only minimal dryness to pads , tightening lace still present. A small part of its original chinstrap remains with early brass C/S buckles to each side. Maker mark & size ET64 underside of flared rim. A very nice untouched M16 helmet which I have made no attempt to clean.
WW1 German M16 Splotch Camouflage Helmet & Chinstrap A WW1 German M16 helmet complete with its chinstrap & in a three tone splotch camouflage & with its original brown leather chinstrap. As is now well recorded the German army used a wide variety of different styles when it came to camouflage this only being standardised by the Ludendorff order in 1918 . Prior to this many items of equipment were already being colourfully painted including cannons & vehicles as well as helmets. This scarce piece has utilised the helmets apple green factory paint as a base with ad hoc thickly applied over splotches of reddish brown , tan & dark green. The maker & size markings \'ET64\' can be seen under the helmets rim for the firm Eisenhutte, Thale 64\' . The remains of a black ink stamped \'AK\' depot mark & size can be seen to rear rim underside. All three liner rivets are totally undisturbed . All three cushion holders are present & in undamaged condition with all three cushions contained within each. One pad holder has utilised a red striped backing material whilst the others are off white. A handwritten name in pencil can be seen to one pad, tightening cord intact. This helmet may , at one time, have been a post home due to the previous presence of some type of large adhesive label that has left a rectangular patch where it once was . Finally , the leather chinstrap with steel buckles is still fitted , this is in good condition with just a small stress crack on one end. Overall a stunning piece & historically reminiscent of the varying artistic licence much seen.
WW1 German M16 Steel Helmet - Straight From The Trenches Of WW1 A fresh to the market WW1 German M16 steel helmet with much of its early green paint remaining to inside & out . This helmet has clearly seen much action in the trenches of WW1 with heavy wear to its interior leather liner. The air ventilation lugs have been filled on one side this to prevent cold air entering when in wear. Underside of rim is marked with the maker logo of \'Bell L 64\' for the manufacturer Richard Lindenberg A.G. of Remscheid-Hasten & size 64. Leather liner is of the first M16 model with all three pins well seated into the band & clearly not disturbed since their original placement in WW1.The whole liner system is tightly in place untouched for years. All three cushion holders present with tightening cord intact. Through the buildup of grime down inside the dome the lot numbers \' 797 \' can be seen. Coming untouched & with the grime of over 100 years storage this is a timeless piece straight from the trenches of the Great War.
WW1 German M16 Trench Helmet A WW1 German M16 helmet that has all three of its liner pads still remaining with all three inner cushions. This helmet is a representative example of the classic WW1 German helmet & one that has been found after some considerable time having been picked up then tucked away in a loft or barn. The exterior of the shell has lost most of its paint with the effects of long term storage being evident. Some small remnants of paint remain to the interior however it\'s overall appearance still retains an original aged patina which has its own \'straight out of the woodwork\' appeal. The maker mark & size \'N.J 62\' are visible to skirt underside. It is very difficult to find a helmet that still has all three of its pads with all three of its inner cushions remaining to each as is the case here. The leather is still relatively soft on each & all of the finger ends are actually undamaged with the drawcord still present. The front pad has a very typical stress tear halfway across at the top edge of the band. On inspection , it is clear that all three of the liner pins fitted onto the leather M16 band are undisturbed & original to the helmet. A very appealing straight from the battlefield WW1 helmet.
WW1 German M16 Trench Helmet With Chinstrap A very good & 100 % complete example of the WW1 Imperial German M16 steel combat helmet the standard issue of helmet worn by German soldiers in the trenches as of 1916. It is becoming increasingly harder to find good complete examples of the German WW1 helmet this piece ticking all of the boxes that we would hope for. It has a very high percentage of its green factory paint finish to inside & out of shell with all three of the liner pins totally original to the helmet. The maker & size marking \' TJ66\' can be seen to the rims underside for the firm \' C. Thiel & Söhne, - Lübeck \' & a good large size of \'66\'. The leather liner band is totally intact with all of the pins still firmly affixed in place with no damage. All three of the liner fingers are intact with all three of the cushion inserts still present. Tightening string intact. A superb example , a good size & totally complete !
WW1 German M16 Trench Helmet With Shrapnel Hit To Rim A fabulous textbook early production WW1 German M16 steel helmet complete with liner pads & all three cushions. This helmet has clearly seen action in the trenches of WW1 having a slight shrapnel hit to the helmets rim ( See Images ) . A very good proportion of its factory green paint remains to shell with a very natural age patina from years of being untouched & unmessed with. All three of the liner band pins are original to the helmet , totally undisturbed & tight to the shell. Underside of the rim gives us the maker & size 'ET64' for the firm Eisenhuttenwerke , Thale . One can properly see from the underside where a shrapnel shard has impacted into one small part of the rim taking off an approx 1cm section of the rim edge & causing a small split as it travelled through . The leather M16 liner band is tight to the shell with all three pads being of early good quality. All three of the original cushions are still present. Superb helmet !
WW1 German M16 \'Square Dip\' Helmet With Battle Damage A rare WW1 German M16 \'Square Dip\' helmet so called because of its sharp angled appearance where visor meets apron. Thought to be the first version of the M16 helmet these \' Square dip\' helmets were found to suffer a large number of \'fails\' during pressing of the shells due to excessive stress being placed on this part of the \'dip \'. Only a small number were manufactured before the design was soon changed however examples that passed the manufacturing process were still issued & used. The field used helmets are likely to have suffered a high number of failures due to the fault or were simply lost in action so original examples are very hard to find now. This piece comes in a good field used condition with what appears to be a small impact indentation to the left side which has just broken the surface of the metal. This has created a split as is typical of a high impact shrapnel hit . Shell retains some of its original factory green paint with some dry rust age overall. . Features distinctive to this helmet & ones that would be expected of a \' square dip\' are maker mark ( ET) to the firm Eisenhuttenwerk Thale A.G. who were the sole producer of these helmets. Most are a size 64 as is the case here. The leather liner band is of a thinner leather than usual this with a size stamped into the front , as here , a \' 64\' . The three pads are still present these being the exact correct type for the Square Dip with unturned back raw edges to the leather & the rear pocket in leather to hold the cushions. With only two tongues remaining , one of these has a large amount of non discernible handwriting in ink no doubt of the previous owner as is often found on WW1 German helmets. Both front pins are of a slightly unusual variation & appear to have always been with the helmet. A rare example not often encountered today.
WW1 German M17 Camouflage Helmet A WW1 German M17 camouflage helmet with thickly brushed camouflage applied over its factory green paint. The colours here are typical with a yellow ochre & dark brown & the factory green paint left exposed to make up the green segments within the scheme. All three of the liner pins are untouched & original to the helmet with the metal liner band tight & two of the leather pads still remaining albeit one not in good condition. The front pad retains its cushion. A portion of the original chinstrap with buckle is tied to one pad with the opposite pad tied to the band to prevent further deterioration. A black ink stamped \'64\' on the rear of the flared rim denotes size, this is often seen in late war helmets especially those that have been refurbished from the battlefield.
WW1 German M17 Camouflage Helmet An M17 German helmet shell in a most striking three colour camouflage scheme painted in multiple segments of tan ochre , forest green & brown around the whole helmet. Probably one of the most striking camouflage helmets that I have yet come across the brush strokes & paint drips can be seen within the paint when closely examined . All of the segments have been divided carefully by hand drawn black dividing lines these creating a very effective zizag scheme to the helmets entirety. All three of the liner pins are undisturbed & original to the helmet with metal M17 band having had its leather pads removed some time ago with only very small traces of this remaining. Both brass chinstrap brackets remain. The maker logo for \'Bell L\' ( Richard Lindenberg ) can be faintly seen through the age patina , size appears to be a 66.
WW1 German M17 Camouflage Helmet - German Spring Offensive 1918 A WW1 German M17 steel helmet with three colour block camouflage scheme & manufacturer stamps to pad holders. Typical of the ad hoc camouflage schemes that can be encountered & most likely worn during the German Spring Offensive of 1918 this piece has had the three colours of forest green , black & brown painted in blocks with jagged black dividing lines around each to break up the colours .Showing extensive service wear to the exterior there are natural chips & scuffs to the paint with dry age patina evident over much of it. All three liner pins are totally original to the helmet with matching paint to each. Interior also shows heavy sweat staining to pads the maker & size \'ET64\' to underside of rim for the firm Eisenhutte , Thale Size 64. All three of the pad holders are still present & although sweat stained are surprisingly intact with undamaged fingers & original tightening cord still in place. Examination of the pad holders reveals a manufacturer stamp to two of them , sometimes seen on these off white vegetable dyed examples. Two cushions remain .
WW1 German M17 Gas Mask & Canister A WW1 German M17 gas mask complete with carrying canister & spare lenses . An example in very good condition with the spider reinforcement to lenses denoting these as the M17 model. The oilcloth of the mask is excellent with string to facepiece intact. No damage to eyepieces. Filter still has its cardboard protective cover to bottom which would be removed when ready for use . Ink markings & date to filter read ' 11-c-11 ' & ' B 12 .Juni 18 ' . Carrying canister has the lift catch & nipple rather than a latch for fastening , these versions are not often encountered & considered to be a rare variation. The stamped letter 'L' is most likely a manufacturer . A very good proportion of its original green paint remains with canvas ersatz long strap & paper cloth short strap.
WW1 German M17 Gas Mask & Canister With Spare Lenses & Paper Instructional Insert WW1 Imperial German leather gas mask model 1917 coming complete with carrying tin & original WW1 period issue nettle/paper cloth long & short straps , spare 1918 dated eye pieces & the often missing instruction insert to bottom of tin. This mask replaced the earlier 'Gummimaske' version & is distinguishable from the later Model 1918 version by the presence of its thin metal spider reinforcement behind the lenses. In very good condition its canvas head straps remain undamaged with lenses uncracked. It comes with the original '11-c-11' filter canister with date '14 Juni 1918' & a good proportion of the green factory paint remaining. Gas mask tin is of the correct 1917/18 pattern with spare lense compartment to interior of lid & May 1918 dated spare lenses present in protective paper packet. A very good proportion of the original green paint remains to tin. Both straps are of the typically seen paper/nettle cloth & retain their white chromed leather tongue at ends . Short strap intact. An overall good example of these now rare items of equipment.
WW1 German M17 Gas Mask & Carrying Tin WW1 Imperial German leather gas mask model 1917 coming complete with carrying tin & straps. . This mask replaced the earlier \'Gummimaske\' version & is distinguishable from the later Model 1918 version by the presence of its thin metal spider reinforcement behind the lenses. In very good condition its canvas head straps remain undamaged with lenses uncracked. It comes with the original filter canister which is August 1918 dated. Gas mask tin is of the correct 1917/18 pattern with spare lense compartment to interior of lid & April 1918 dated spare lenses present in protective paper packet. A very good proportion of the original green paint remains to tin with its well used original short leather edged ersatz strap being torn at one end. Long strap is original & retains white leather tongue at one end. These are becoming very hard to find now.
WW1 German M17 Gas Mask With Rare \' Schnappdeckel\' Filter Attachment & Deep Lid Carrying Tin This iconic WW1 German gas mask is the Model 17 with \' spider\' reinforcement to eyepieces & the rare additional smoke /arsenic filter clipped onto the bottom. These were introduced in May 1918 however not many seem to have survived. The mask is in excellent order with all of its headstrap system intact , a capture tag is tied to the long neck strap. This is now illegible having soaked up the oil from the oil impregnated facepiece which was intended to prevent the penetration of gas. The often missing front adjustment string is still present. Filter is dated March 1918 & still with virtually all of its grey paint finish remaining. Carrying tin is the \'deep lid\' variant intended for the M17 mask. These are invariably recycled Gummimaske tins that have had latches added & a deeper lid to accomodate the bulkier M17 leather mask. Both long & short strap are original & intact completing this very nice set.
WW1 German M17 Helmet 1918 Dated An interesting manufacturer & date ink stamped WW1 German M17 helmet complete with metal liner band & all three pad holders & cushions still inside. All of the liner pins are totally undisturbed on this piece with green factory finish remaining to inside & out. A size '64' ink stamp can be clearly seen to the underside of the rear rim with faint 'AK' inspection mark which stands for ' Abnahmekommando ' which is an inspection team approval stamp . The maker mark & size to underside rim of 'BF64' denotes the scarcer maker of Fulda . All three of the off white chromed tanned leather cushion pads contain their cushions , the visible line on one of them is a an indelible pencil scrawl marked upon the hide to aid cutting & assembly. the underside of the pads are stamped with an oval maker mark. One of the end tongues has a small double staple collector repair . Lifting the front pad one can easily see on the metal band the inked size stamp of '64' & the initials 'FCB' with the date '18'. Overall nice example of the M17 helmet .
WW1 German M17 Helmet With Original Chinstrap A very nice unmessed with & untouched WW1 German M17 helmet complete with liner & its original chinstrap still attached. Much of this helmets original factory green paint finish is remaining to inside & out with the maker mark & size to shell \'Si 62\' for the firm \' Eisenhüttenwerk Schlesien Paruschowitz/ Oberschlesien \' . The metal liner band is tight to the shell with all three liner pins totally unmolested & 100% original to the helmet. All three of the cream leather pads still have their cushions with some tears to the forehead pad which is minus its two fingers. The excellent original leather chinstrap is an early example with brass buckles & post brackets that were overpainted in grey in line with the new M15 grey colour of the pickelhaube. With some light surface age I have made no attempt to clean the shell leaving it completely as it was recently found.
WW1 German M17 Helmet With Souvenir Tag An excellent large sized WW1 German M17 helmet that has a very old paper tag tied to it which reads ' German Soldier Helmet World War 1' followed by what appears to be a name with potential for research. This 'TJ' made helmet has much of its original factory green paint remaining to exterior with all three liner pins & metal liner band totally undisturbed. The underside of the neckguard is black inkstamped with the depot marking ' AK 66' a marking that rarely survives. This A K stamp stands for ' Abnahmekommando ' which is an inspection team approval stamp alongside its large size '66'. The maker mark & size to underside rim of 'TJ' denotes the scarcer maker ' C Thiel & Sohne , Lubeck ' with the '66' again confirming its large size. All three of the off white chromed tanned leather cushion pads contain their cushions , the visible blue lines are indelible pencil scrawls marked upon the hides to aid cutting & assembly. . In very nice untouched condition there is a very typically found stress tear to one of the cushion holders ( See images ) .
WW1 German M17 Mask , Named To Machine Gun Company & With Rare \' Schnappdeckel\' Filter Attachment This iconic WW1 German gas mask is the Model 17 with \' spider\' reinforcement to eyepieces & the rare additional \'Schnappdeckel \' smoke /arsenic filter clipped onto the bottom. These were introduced in May 1918 however not many seem to have survived. Upon the lid of the carrying tin can be seen the mans name & unit mark of a Machine Gun Unit (MGK) . Leatherwork of mask is very good with oil impregnated facepiece intended to prevent the penetration of gas. The often missing front adjustment string is still present. Filter is dated June 1917 with marking \'1-6-17\' & \'11-c-11\' still with virtually all of its grey green paint finish remaining. Carrying tin has both its original long & short straps with green paint remaining to outside of tin & factory japanned black to interior. Spare lense to compartment.
WW1 German M17 Splotch Camouflage Helmet A WW1 German M17 helmet in a three tone splotch camouflage & with soldiers name & Kompany handwritten in pencil to underside of rim. As is now well recorded the German army used a wide variety of different styles when it came to camouflage this only being standardised by the Ludendorff order in 1918 . Prior to this many items of equipment were already being colourfully painted including cannons & vehicles as well as helmets. This scarce piece has utilised the helmets apple green factory paint as a base with ad hoc thickly applied over splotches of green to the front section & then reddish brown & tan blocks to the sides & back. The maker & size markings \'ET64\' can be seen under the helmets rim for the firm Eisenhutte, Thale 64\' . All three liner rivets are totally undisturbed . All three heavily worn off white chromed leather cushion holders are present with all three of its leather cushions contained within each. Tightening cord intact. A good representative example of the varying artistic licence that can be much seen.
WW1 German M17 Three Colour Camouflage Helmet With Battle Damage Straight from the trenches of WW1 a German M17 helmet with three colour camouflage paint & a shrapnel hole to its right side. An interesting helmet that displays brush stroked hand applied paint in classic dark brown , yellow ochre & forest green segments all seperated by brush applied black dividing lines. Shrapnel has pierced the lower right side skirt from the outside with inner leather pads removed which may indicate a casualty . Right air vent has been plugged for better insulation in the cold , the left vent is clear. Interior of helmet retains its original green factory paint with maker mark & size 'Si66' . for the firm ' Eisenhutte ,Silesia 66' .There is also a faint black stamped factory ink marking to rear of skirt '66' . The metal M17 liner band remains in place with all three liner pins original to the helmet & having matching camouflage paint to exterior.
WW1 German M17 Trench Helmet With Bullet Entry & Exit Holes A heavily worn WW1 German trench helmet this being another item from the fabulous First World war collection recently acquired. This iconic piece has entry & exit bullet damage to front & rear. Bullet has entered into the front left side & exited through the back leaving splintering of the metal. This later M17 model has much age patination to its exterior with all three liner pins present. Interior inspection shows a maker code & size \'G.62\' for the firm \'Gebruder Gnüchtel Lauter/Sachsen\' . The factory green is prevalent around the rims underside & although with typically damaged fingers & very heavy age wear there are two of the original off white chromed leather pads. These began to be used as they were more moisture resistant than the previous vegetable tanned leather. All of the three rivets are tight to the liner band & show no disturbance. An iconic helmet typical of the later war issues.
WW1 German M17 \'Machine Gun Company\' Named Camouflage Helmet An excellent WW1 German M17 camouflage helmet with soldiers name & unit lettering to a Machine Gun Company. This helmet has the classic thick border lined segments of forest green & brown & shows much trench wear to its exterior with chips & scuffs to the paint indicative of combat wear. Interior has the white hand painted name & unit mark of ' Boller. 2.M.G.K. ' referring to its wearer a soldier named 'Boller' from the '2 Machinengewehr Kompanie' (2nd Machine Gun Company. ). Much of its original factory green paint remains to rim underside with maker mark appearing to be a poorly stamped 'K64' . All three of its leather fingers remain intact & are still supple. All three of its M17 band liner pins are original to the helmet & undisturbed.
WW1 German M18 Combat Helmet Scarce WW1 German M18 steel combat helmet coming in excellent order & complete with original chinstrap & totally intact liner. . This was the last model of WW1 German helmet used in WW1 with its metal band having integral chinstrap loops. A very high proportion of its original green grey factory paint remains to shell with maker mark & size \'ET64\' ( Eisenhuttenwerk Thale ) to flared rim. All of the three liner rivets are undisturbed with all three of the late war cream leather pads in excellent order. There is dirt & grime to each from wear however all three retain their horse hair filled inner cushions. Particularly appealing is the original brown leather carbine hooked chinstrap still on the helmet with faint \'Dresden\' maker visible. A super example of a rare helmet.
WW1 German M18 Helmet With Chinstrap An excellent hard to find WW1 German M18 steel helmet coming complete with the rare long chinstrap side & all three liner pads & cushions . Finished in its factory applied field grey paint this is mostly intact with only light chips & scuffs to exterior surface. All three of its liner pins are undisturbed with the M18 liner band tight to the shell. The 'bell' maker mark for ' Richard Lindenberg ' with size '64' is visible to underside of flared rim with a crown stamp of ' 713 F '. All three pads are intact & of off white leather with all three horsehair filled cushions still in place. It is very hard to find original M18 chinstraps however the brown leather hooked long chinstrap side is present , the buckle side is minus. An overall excellent rare M18 helmet
WW1 German M1895 Ersatz \'Eisenblech\' ( Tin Plate ) Prussian Infantry Pickelhaube A fabulous example of the rare M1895 ersatz pickelhaube in tin with Prussian front plate & its original chinstrap. These \'Ersatz\' pickelhaubes were produced from 1914 to 1915 meet the huge demand in pickelhaubes needed to equip millions of soldiers. When this demand was met & the leather shortage problem resolved these Ersatz versions were withdrawn from frontline service & normal manufacture resumed . This has the distinctive \' Eisenblech Ersatz-Helme\' features of a main body made from black lacquered tin plate & a spike base made all from one piece & having a non detachable spike that has been crimped into place on the helmet skull. The rear spine stops short of the spike base & has no sliding vent. Both the national & Prussian state cockade are present & original to the helmet. The clear manufacturer mark for the firm \' Heyden , Berlin \' & date \'1915\' can be seen to the underside of the front peak with size mark of \'56\'. Interior of the helmet has a brown felt covering to the skull with leather liner undamaged & with original leather drawcord to tongues. When one examines the condition of this beautiful piece it is quite clear that it is in its original form with correlating age around the edges of the metal front plate , rear spine & spike base indicating that they have always been together. The black lacquering to the metal body is quite excellent with an attractive lustre still remaining & only a few minor scuffs from light service wear. If one closely examines it there are one or two very small \'dinks\' in the metal which are to be expected when the thin metal plate would offer no more protection than a leather version. The chinstrap is not a replacement but 100% original to the helmet with minor surface age & a total seperation of the leather on one side near to the chinstrap post ( Please see pictures ) . The helmet still displays well & considering its age of 104 years old & current rarity in the early war \'Ersatz\' category it would have its place on the shelf in any advanced WW1 German headgear collection.
WW1 German M1897 Pickelhaube Cover - 73rd Infantry Regiment An M1897 reed green helmet cover with red numbers of '73' for the 73rd Infantry Regiment. This exact type of cover is well documented in Michael Baldwins book ' Feldzug 1914' in which several examples of these covers are pictured. Found in France several years ago , a number of these covers were discovered together all of the same manufacture with differing red numbers to front . Due to the switching of red numbers to green numbers after August 1914 for reasons of camouflage it is unlikely these were ever issued before the switchover. Produced from a reed green flecked fabric with punched out numbers zig zag stitched to the front it has brass hooks to secure to the helmet in the typical other ranks style. The spike cover is lined inside with leather for reinforcement. Rare piece to find most having been swallowed up into collections some time ago.
WW1 German M1909 Cartridge Pouch Pair A pair of cartridge pouches in the classic brown leather of WW1 . These were standard issue to riflemen & are of the M1909 pattern . Both pouches have all of their closure studs intact with each pockets charger dividers still present. The first pouch dates from the prewar period with maker to rear of \' A.DAHL,BAHMEN\' & the date 1913. The middle pouch top flap is ink stamped to its underside with the Corps depot marking \' B.A.VIII\' & matching date of 1913. There is also a regimental mark of \'R28\' . All of the metal fittings are in brass. The second pouch is clearly dated 1915 with marking to rear \' RBAIII 1915\' .This pouch has zinc plated steel fittings which were produced from 1915 onwards however retains the earlier short 1909 style of closure stud ( Same as the first pouch ) . A large number of different manufacturers made these pouches & so it is not surprising that most pouches are encountered mismatched as was the case, due to operational requirements , back in WW1 . Both in good order with the earlier pouch having a small stress tear to the rear crease of one top flap.
WW1 German Maxim Machine Gun Sight & Case With Machine Gun Company Markings A WW1 German MG 08 Maxim machine gun sight coming complete with carrying case bearing markings to a Machine Gun Company. This sight has a very high proportion of its original green grey factory paint finish to it with markings to side wall of ' Z F 12 . No.28077 . Emil Busch A-G. Rathenow ' . Optics still clear with ranging inverted V clear when viewed. Lense cover & leather eyepiece present . Brown leather case is of WW1 period production & has , stamped into lid ' 1. M.G.K. GEW 9653 ' (1st Machine Gun Company weapon number 9653 ) . With brown painted brass reinforced edges it has the typically seen orange stitching with white padding to interior. Both leather securing straps & rivets to sides are undamaged. Maker markings of 'Emil Busch AG Rathenow ' to rear of case with both belt loops intact & secure.
WW1 German Messtin 1915/16 A WW1 model of German messtin this being one of the earliest 'Ersatz' models in tin replacing the already existing aluminium which needed to be conserved for the war effort. These crude messtins were produced up until the use of enamel & were coated , more often than not , in grey or black paint . This messtin is marked to lid with a Thale maker & '15' date & also marked ' Stenzwerk '16' to one side . . Very well used , its black paint finish is worn with a natural age patina & the steel hinged lid handle is undamaged as is the carrying wire. The excellent work 'Feldzug 1917' by the late Michael Baldwin describes in detail the varying patterns of messtin from 1914 onwards . Distinctly WW1 German military issue the lid predates those issued with a lip to hold the messtin strap in place this only seen on later examples. There is a slot to the arm of the lid through which one strap was intended to pass. Very hard to find these early to midwar dated messtins now most long since used to destruction.
WW1 German MG08 Machine Gun Sight In Transit Box A WW1 German MG 08 Maxim machine gun sight coming complete with its 100 % original carrying case. This sight has a very high proportion of its original green grey factory paint finish to it with markings to side wall of \' Z F 12 . No 1340 . R Grodenstock , Munchen \' . Optics still clear with ranging inverted V clear when viewed. Lense cover present with original leather strap . Brown leather case is of WW1 period production with brass reinforced edges & the white leather covering inside such as was used on later war helmet pads. Both leather securing straps & rivets to sides are undamaged. Faint Berlin maker markings appear to the side of the case with date no longer visible. Serial numbered to top with \'SA\' mark for later Finnish military issue this being commonplace with many war captured items of Imperial German equipment.
WW1 German Officers Pickelhaube of Prussia An excellent WW1 Prussian officers pickelhaube with immaculate gilted metal officers fitments & intact scaled chinstrap. This textbook example Pickelhaube has all of the standard high quality officer features that one would expect to see on such an example. Its front Prussian plate is still firmly affixed with gilt finish remaining to its entirety. The distinctive tall spike & pearled neck ring is detachable & affixes to an undisturbed spike base mount with all of its stars still present. Front & rear peaks are intact & firm with no loose stitching at all. Underside of the helmet displays the green lined front peak & red lined rear peak as well as officers calf leatherette headband & silk skull all beautifully presented. Both cockades are of the correct officer pattern. A superb high quality piece typifying the Prussian officer in the early WW1 period.
WW1 German One Piece Ersatz PIckelhaube Of Prussia A WW1 German Ersatz pickelhaube of Prussia in rare one piece pressed tin configuration with brass front plate & fitted spike . Many variations of the Ersatz pickelhaube can be encountered this being the so called \'one piece\' version with spike mount integral to the rest of the helmet. Both national & state cockades are present & in good order with chinstrap having brass buckles correct for this late 1914 early 1915 piece. Internally the liner leather is intact & has a name written to its underside of which I have included an image. A floating cork band sits between the liner & shell for added comfort . Helmet shows wear with couple of minor dents in places & chips/scuffs to the paint surface. Chinstrap is totally original to the helmet & has been very professionally reinforced behind its fold where it meets the buckle on one side to preserve the leather .
WW1 German ORs Pickelhaube Of Prussia ( 28th Infantry Regiment ) A textbook early war Prussian infantry pickelhaube coming complete & untouched with its original chinstrap & cockades. The undamaged front Prussian plate is firmly secured to the leather body of the helmet with both fixing holes remaining totally undisturbed with their brass ring surrounds. Helmet surface has minor age with some scuffs in places. All of the brass mountings are firm & well matched in their entirety. Spike is non removeable. Both the national & Prussian state cockade are present & original to the helmet. All stitching to front & rear peak is firm. Chinstrap has brass buckles & side mounts & is in surprisingly excellent condition. Interior of the helmet shows no disturbance to any of the securing pins .The black leather liner is excellent with its leather lace tie cord & all tongues & their tips intact. Rear peak bears some illegible black ink marking with markings for the 28th Infantry regiment stamped to the inside of the helmet & the date '1904'. Overall a fabulous untouched example of the early war Prussian infantrymans pickelhaube.
WW1 German Other Ranks Infantry Regiment Marked Prussian Pickelhaube ( 17th Infantry Regiment ) An excellent textbook early war Prussian infantry pickelhaube coming complete with its original chinstrap & regimental markings to rear peak. The undamaged front Prussian plate is firmly secured to the leather body of the helmet with both fixing holes remaining totally undisturbed with their brass ring surrounds. Some correlating patination on the leather around the edges of the plate confirm that has been in situ for many years , the leather slides holding it in place at rear are perfectly mounted. All of the other brass mountings are firm & a total exact match in colour. The spike is non removeable. The leather body of the helmet has remained in excellent condition with only typical surface wear visible on close inspection. Both the national & Prussian state cockade are present & original to the helmet. All stitching to front & rear peak is firm. Chinstrap has brass buckles & side mounts & is in surprisingly excellent condition. Interior of the helmet shows no disturbance to any of the securing pins . There is an illegible circular manufacturers stamp to crown. The black leather is excellent with its leather lace tie cord & all tongues & their tips intact. Rear peak bears many black ink stamped markings , the most legible appears to be a 1905 issue stamp to the 17th Infantry Regiment. There also appears to be a second issue marking very difficult to read. Overall a fabulous example of the early war Prussian infantrymans pickelhaube.
WW1 German Other Ranks Prussian Pickelhaube A fine example of the last model of German pickelhaube with original chinstrap & grey steel fittings introduced on 28th June 1915 . By this time in the war the expensive fittings of brass & silver were now needed for the war effort elsewhere & so this version , although still iconic , was rather simplified. This superb early war 'trench' piece with its original removeable spike & both national & state cockades has survived very well with a nice even age to its exterior & a very appealing age patina to its fittings. I have made no attempt to clean it & so it is thus left as found. The mid brown leather liner typifies that found on pickelhaube examples of this period. The untouched Prussian helmet plate is secured to the helmet with its two original leather fasteners through each eye on the helmets underside . All of the chemically treated grey metal fittings are original to the helmet & tightly fitting. Chinstrap is a scarce original example . A faint Berlin maker stamp can be partially seen to helmets underside with depot mark 'KBAII' . A classic Imperial German item brought back from the trenches of WW1.
WW1 German Pickelhaube of Bavaria ( Marked 21st Inf Regt ) A textbook early pickelhaube of Bavaria with regimental markings of the 21st Infantry Regiment Western Front - Somme , Passchaendale, 1918 Spring Offensive). All fittings on this piece are in brass with a marking on the underside of the rear peak giving the regimental marking ' 21 IR 1902 ' . Front plate retains a high proportion of its definition & is firm to helmet. Both cockades are correct for Bavaria. The black leather chinstrap is 100% original & has correct brass chinstrap buckles & mounts. Interior leather shows heavy wear with a maker name within oval to underside of helmet. There is some movement to rear peak where stitching eroded although barely noticeable . The 21st Royal Bavarian Inf Regt 'Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV of Mecklenburg-Schwerin was formed in 1897 & saw extensive service on the Western Front at places such as the Somme , Passchaendale & the 1918 Spring Offensive.
WW1 German Pickelhaube of Prussia A textbook early war Prussian infantry pickelhaube coming complete & untouched with its original chinstrap & cockades. The undamaged front Prussian plate is firmly secured to the leather body of the helmet with both fixing holes remaining totally undisturbed with their brass ring surrounds. Helmet surface has minor age with some scuffs in places. All of the brass mountings are firm . Spike is non removeable. Both the national & Prussian state cockade are present & original to the helmet. All stitching to front & rear peak is firm , small split to front brass edging as is typical. Chinstrap has brass buckles & side mounts & is in surprisingly excellent condition. Slight oxidisation to one buckle. Black leather liner is very good with all tongues & their tips intact. Rear peak bears some largely illegible black ink marking with grade stamp \'III\' & the date \'1908\'. Overall good example of the early war Prussian infantrymans pickelhaube.
WW1 German Post Home M17 Camouflage Helmet With Complete Liner A superb large sized WW1 German M17 camouflage helmet that was posted back to the United States from the front as a souvenir of the Great War . Many WW1 German helmets were sent back by American servicemen as war souvenirs this being such an example with the remains of postage labels to the crown of the helmet. It has been block camouflage painted in the classic forest green & mid brown with thick dividing lines between each segment as was stipulated by the Ludendorff order of July 1918. A good proportion of the handbrushed camouflage paint remains with some scuffs & dings visible to its exterior . Underside of shell shows us the factory green paint intact with size & maker stamp \'Si66\' for the firm \'Eisenhüttenwerk Schlesien, Paruschowitz/ Oberschlesien \' . The German soldier has written some of his information in pencil to underside of flared rim at rear ( See picture ). The metal liner band of this M17 is totally undisturbed with much of the original green paint remaining to it . All three liner pins are tight & original to this piece their originality easily ascertained by a visual inspection. Showing wear , the three off white liner pads are present with end tongues mostly pulled through. All three cushions to rear are still in place. One of the pads has a stress tear where it joins the band ( See image ). Having been found in the States some years ago this helmet was captured by a US soldier in the last desperate battles of WW1 .
WW1 German Prussian Artillery Kugelhelme- 67th A.R With Shrapnel Embedded In Top A WW1 German Prussian Artillery Kugelhelme with markings to underside of peak for Artillerie Regiment 67. So called the \'Kugelhelme\' due to its Artillery troops specific ball top ( Kugel being German for ball ) this untouched piece displays a beautifully gilt frosted Prussian front plate with brass fittings & interestingly a small piece of shrapnel still lodged within one of its spike base retaining pins. Its boiled leather body has survived exceptionally well with no damage & leather chinstrap original. One of the chinstrap studs has been field repaired this clearly , with the shrapnel shard, having been a well field worn helmet in the early days of WW1. Interior liner is also in good order with faint ink stamped size & the Artillerie regiment marking in rectangle \'67AR\'. On inspection of the front plate insertion there are no extra holes.
WW1 German Prussian Garde Officer Pickelhaube With Capture Provenance WW1 German infantry officers pickelhaube of the Prussian Garde souvenired by a British sergeant of the Machine Gun Corps with various capture paperwork from the family who sold it on privately some years ago. Helmet shows signs of heavy wear but with crisp detailing remaining to its front plate & a very commensurate age patina with some loss of finish in places. The enamel \'Garde\' badge is excellent with gold inlay & no chips to enamel. Both of its correct officer cockades are present with flat chinscales to front . The boiled leather of the helmet retains a very nice lacquered finish with a very old bruise to the rear which I suspect was gained from military service. Interior headband & lining is without rips or tears with green leather undersided front & rear peaks. Coming with it is a folder entitled \'Captured German Guarde Officers Pickelhaube - Captured By Acting Sergeant 51526 ALFRED EDWARD OXLEY, MACHINE GUN CORPS ( Cavalry ) \' .
WW1 German Prussian Officers Pickelhaube A stunning WW1 Prussian officers pickelhaube with immaculate gilted metal officers fitments & perfectly intact scaled chinstrap. This textbook example private purchase Pickelhaube has all of the standard high quality officer features that one would expect to see on such an example. Its front Prussian plate is still firmly affixed with all of the gilt finish remaining to its entirety. The distinctive tall spike & pearled neck ring is detachable & affixes to an undisturbed spike base mount with all of its stars still present. Front & rear peaks are intact & firm with no loose stitching at all. Underside of the helmet displays the green lined front peak & red lined rear peak as well as officers calf skin headband & silk skull all beautifully intact. There is an folded piece of German newspaper under the silk which I have not removed to examine however I believe it has been there for a very long time. Both cockades are of the officer pattern. A superb piece typifying the Prussian officer in the early WW1 period.
WW1 German Regimentally Marked Saxon Pickelhaube A timecapsule piece in every sense of the expression this Saxon pickelhaube is one of the harder versions to find with markings to the rear peak of the 107th Infantry Regiment 'Prince Johann Georg' ( 8th Royal Saxon ) who fought on the Western Front notably at the Battles of the Somme & Verdun. Of prewar M1895 construction with black leather body & brass fittings the smooth edged cockades are totally correct for this piece & have likely never been off. The surface cracking to the paintwork of both the national & state cockades evidence their age. The brass buckled leather chinstrap has survived well with both of its brass mounts intact. Front plate has a very nice natural age patina to it with a good proportion of its gilding remaining at its low points. Both leather wedges remain to hold the plate lugs in position. Interior black leather lining shows heavy wear but has survived in very good condition. I have made no attempt to inspect the underside for markings. Rear peak has the ink markings ' 107R '. With natural age to this prewar piece there is typical crazing to the shellac with some chips & scuffs to the surface from trench wear.
WW1 German Regimentally Marked Saxon Pickelhaube ( 182nd Regiment ) A timecapsule piece in every sense of the expression this Saxon pickelhaube has markings to the rear peak of the 182nd Infantry Regiment who fought at the Western Front notably at the Battles of the Marne & the Somme. Of prewar M1895 construction with black leather body & brass fittings the cockades are totally correct for this piece & have likely never been off. The surface cracking to the paintwork of both the national & state cockades evidence their age. The brass buckled brown leather chinstrap has survived well with both of its brass mounts intact. Front plate has a very nice natural age patina to it with a good proportion of its gilding remaining at its low points. One of its leather wedges remains to hold the plate lugs in position. Interior black leather lining is intact with one small tear to one edge . It is quite stuff so I have made no attempt to inspect the underside for markings. Rear peak has the ink markings ' 182R 3K ' for 3rd Company , 182nd regiment ' . With natural age to this prewar piece there is typical crazing to the shellac with some chips & scuffs to the surface from trench wear. The 182nd Infantry Regiment ( 16th Royal Saxon ) was formed on October 1st 1912 & was therefore the last of the Imperial German infantry regiments formed before the outbreak of the First World War . In 1914 they were based in Freiburg as part of the XIX Army Corps . During the First World War they served on the Western Front most notably at the Battles of the Marne & the Somme .
WW1 German Regimentally Marked Saxon Pickelhaube ( 182nd Regiment ) A timecapsule piece in every sense of the expression this Saxon pickelhaube has markings to the rear peak of the 182nd Infantry Regiment who fought at the Western Front notably at the Battles of the Marne & the Somme. Of prewar M1895 construction with black leather body & brass fittings the cockades are totally correct for this piece & have likely never been off. The surface cracking to the paintwork of both the national & state cockades evidence their age. The brass buckled brown leather chinstrap has survived well with both of its brass mounts intact. Front plate has a very nice natural age patina to it with a good proportion of its gilding remaining at its low points. One of its leather wedges remains to hold the plate lugs in position. Interior black leather lining is intact with one small tear to one edge . It is quite stuff so I have made no attempt to inspect the underside for markings. Rear peak has the ink markings \' 182R 3K \' for 3rd Company , 182nd regiment \' . With natural age to this prewar piece there is typical crazing to the shellac with some chips & scuffs to the surface from trench wear. The 182nd Infantry Regiment ( 16th Royal Saxon ) was formed on October 1st 1912 & was therefore the last of the Imperial German infantry regiments formed before the outbreak of the First World War . In 1914 they were based in Freiburg as part of the XIX Army Corps . During the First World War they served on the Western Front most notably at the Battles of the Marne & the Somme .
WW1 German Reserve Infantry Regiment 74 Pickelhaube With \'WATERLOO\' Scroll A fantastic Reserve Infantry officers pickelhaube with \'WATERLOO\' scroll of the 74th Regiment who were entitled to wear the Prussian plate & Waterloo scroll due to their role in the famous battle of June 1815. This is a classic officers private purchase piece with tall spike & flat infantry pattern chinscales secured by gilt rosettes. The Prussian eagle frontplate bears the scroll \'WATERLOO\' across its upper breast which was adopted January 24th 1899. Close examination of the reverse of the plate confirms its originality with the high quality workmanship of a period piece evidenced by the solder of the scroll matching that of the screw posts . It is quite clear from witness marks on the front of the helmet itself that this plate has bene in situ for a very long time. Interior shows nicely a manufacturers paper label \'W.S.H. MARKE\' with Size \'551/2\'. The helmet has been purchased by the officer without a lining this most likely in order to cut down on his costly uniform expenditure. The finish on the pickelhaube itself shows light naturally aged crazing finely complimenting the originality of this fabulous piece.
WW1 German S98/05Na Butcher Bayonet Reissued In Third Reich Period A rare WW1 German S98/05Na 1916 dated Butcher bayonet which has been reworked in the early WW2 period for issue to non frontline units. Completely untouched & still with the K98 frog in which it was last issued this bayonet was most likely issue to a luftwaffe flak unit due to the frog displaying signs of it being a brown luftwaffe issue with faint traces of a unit mark to the rear. The Third Reich depot rework is evident by the presence of the grips having been resecured with K98 slotted screwbolts & a blued blade. It is of note that the lack of a 1920/21 date signifies that it was not a police issue of that period .. only having been reworked & reissued in the early Third Reich period. The bayonet itself has the maker mark ' Deutsche Maschinenfabrik A-G Duisberg ' with what appears to be a weapon number of '1647' above this ' . In totally untouched , uncleaned condition this bayonet recently surfaced in Northern France & is offered in the unmolested 'timecapsule' condition that it came to me. UK Sales Only. ***Proof of age over 18 will be required, thankyou***
WW1 German Saxon Reserve Artillery Officers Pickelhaube & Trench Cover A fine Saxon reserve Artillery officers ball top pickelhaube complete with trench cover. This stunning piece is in quite superb condition of shellac coated boiled leather construction with gilded officers brass fittings retaining much of their burnished highlights .The ball top immediately identifies this piece as for Artillery troops with the frosted silver reservists cross on the front plate . As is well known most reserve regiments were fighting during WW1 . With correct chinscales & Saxon/national cockades being of the larger pattern these are totally correct for this State. Interior is finished with fine satin lining & styled leatherette headband very typical of officer issue. The trench cover is of the officers issue with fibre lips to front & back edge as opposed to the other ranks issue which is fastened with hooks. As is typical of a cover that has been on a helmet for a very long time the witness mark of the cockade sitting underneath it can be seen on the material. A wonderful piece from the harder to find Artillery.
WW1 German Second Model \' Sappenpanzer\' Trench Armour A fabulous set of the WW1 German trench armour with a very high amount of its all original matching green paint & maker marks of the famous \'Krupp\' company. Interestingly it has a very small impact dent of some kind at the top collar area of the breast plate. A rare & totally original complete set this is the second model which came into service not long after the introduction of the first model in 1916. These second types were a slight improvement on the first model allowing better freedom of movement around the armpit area in a firing position. Upon close examination the armour bears traces of its chemically blackened finish over which much of the original green paint still remains. The lightly scaled finish of the metal shows only light corrosion in places this testament to the highly skilled heat treatment of the metal during its manufacture . The slightly raised medial ridge of the breast plate is another indication of its later type this being an improvement from the previous bulbous chest design. There are some batch stampings visible on the plates with the distinctive Krupp symbol. The slotted strap brackets to the chest plate are intact with its original webbing straps being held in place to the lower plates by the use of heavy staple stitches. The felt pads , intended to reduce noise, are attached by the same webbing straps with double rows of stitching. All of the pads & webbing straps are 100 % original to the set with some decay to the webbing in places ( Left side has a break ) which has been reinforced with crudely applied stitching to strengthen it. As an extra precaution to preserve the rest of the old webbing , string has been used to take the weight of the plates when displayed in a hung position as it would have been worn. Overall a very rare piece to find and coming from the same excellent collection as some of our other recent WW1 pieces.
WW1 German Second Model \'Sappenpanzer\' Trench Armour A rare & totally original set of WW1 German trench armour this being the second model coming into service between March & October 1916. An iconic piece of WW1 trench equipment these second types were a slight improvement on the first model allowing better freedom of movement in a firing position. This was achieved by the chest plate becoming narrower towards the armpits. The slightly raised centre ridge on the chest is another indication of its later type this being an improvement from the squared bulbous chest design. Upon close examination the armour bears traces of its chemically blackened finish over which much of the factory applied field grey paint still remains. The lightly scaled finish of the metal shows only light corrosion in places this testament to the highly skilled heat treatment of the metal during its manufacture . There are some batch stampings visible on the plates with a large stylised black painted symbol to the chest plate which appears to be the size marking of two. The slotted strap brackets to the chest plate are intact with its original webbing straps being held in place to the lower plates by the use of heavy staple stitches. The felt pads , intended to reduce noise, are attached by the same webbing straps with double rows of stitching. Overall a very rare piece to find now !
WW1 German Second Model \'Sappenpanzer\' Trench Armour A rare & totally original complete set of WW1 German trench armour this being the second model coming into service not long after the introduction of the first model in 1916. An iconic piece of WW1 trench equipment these second types were a slight improvement on the first model allowing better freedom of movement around the armpit area in a firing position. Upon close examination the armour bears traces of its chemically blackened finish over which much of the factory applied field grey paint still remains. The lightly scaled finish of the metal shows only light corrosion in places this testament to the highly skilled heat treatment of the metal during its manufacture . The slightly raised medial ridge of the breast plate is another indication of its later type this being an improvement from the previous bulbous chest design. There are some batch stampings visible on the plates with a large stylised black painted symbol to the chest plate which appears to be the size marking of two. The slotted strap brackets to the chest plate are intact with its original webbing straps being held in place to the lower plates by the use of heavy staple stitches. The felt pads , intended to reduce noise, are attached by the same webbing straps with double rows of stitching. Overall a very rare piece to find and coming from the same excellent European collection as the example we sold recently .
WW1 German Shrapnel Damaged Battlefield Pickup Pickelhaube A totally one off Great War souvenir piece this shrapnel damaged Prussian Pickelhaube from the 60th Infantry regiment has a capture label affixed to it which reads ' Found In The Ruins of Ham ' ( France ) & what appears to be a name & the words ' Do Not Remove' . There are also what appear to be some inventory numbers neatly painted onto the rear peaks underside from the large public school where it resided after WW1 . This Prussian other ranks pickelhaube is quite literally as it was found with the chinstrap still down & a 2.5 cm shrapnel gash which has gone in through the top of the helmet & straight down skimming the interior plate of the spike base. It then appears to have travelled straight down skimming the leather of the chinstrap & causing the rips in the leather as can be seen to its right side . Of early prewar manufacture it has brass gilted fittings & one of its cockades remaining to the left side. Although stiff the leather of the liner is intact . The number '60' ( Infantry Reg 60 ) can be seen to the underside of the rear peak with the schools archive code ' 63L/5'. A unique item & what would be the cornerstone of any Great War collection. Infantry Regiment 60 were garrisoned in Wissembourg in 1914 as part of the XXI Army Corps. They served on the Western Front early on but transferred to the Eastern Front in January 1915 before returning back to the Western Front in January 1918.
WW1 German Transitional 2nd Pattern Sawback Bayonet Butcher & Frog A true time capsule of a piece this battlefield souvenired WW1 German sawback bayonet is still in its brown leather frog & has lain untouched for many years until now. A transitional second pattern sawback with no flashguard the maker is marked to the ricasso \' SIMSON & Co Suhl \' with \'15\' date & Prussian cypher to back of blade. Inspection marks can be seen to the pommel with wood grips surprisingly devoid of woodworm & in very good order. I have left the blade untouched as it has remained in excellent. clean and bright condition with no unsightly pitting or damage. The brown leather frog is totally original to the bayonet & retains firm stitching with all four rivets intact. A time capsule of a piece & pure history in its rawest form.
WW1 German Wurttemberg 124th Infantry Regiment Pickelhaube With Trench Cover A fabulous Wurttemberg pickelhaube of the 124th Infantry regiment with green numbered helmet cover dating from late 1914 / early 1915. The brass hooked other ranks cover displays heavy trench wear with commensurate witness marks matching those on the helmet. Body of the pickelhaube has some age crackling to its shellac surface with both original cockades present. All of the fittings are of brass denoting early prewar manufacture this correlating with the \'1907\' depot ink stamp visible to the underside of the rear peak. Wurttemberg front plate still retains crisp detail with original brass eyelets to lug holes & no postwar interference. Chinstrap is brass buckled & totally original this matching the age patina of the rest of the helmet . Overall fantastic piece epitomising the appearance of the early war German soldier.
WW1 German Wurttemburg Officers Pickelhaube A stunning WW1 Wurttemberg officers pickelhaube with immaculate gilted metal officers fitments, perfectly intact scaled chinstrap & squared front peak . This textbook example officers Pickelhaube has all of the standard high quality features that one would expect to see on such an example. Its front Wurttemberg plate is still firmly affixed with all gilt finish remaining to its entirety. The distinctive tall spike with pearled neck ring is detachable & affixes to an undisturbed spike base mount with all of its stars still present. Front & rear peaks are intact & firm with no loose stitching at all. Underside of the helmet displays the green lined front peak & red lined rear peak as well as officers leatherette headband & champagne silk skull showing light wear. Both cockades are of the officer pattern. There is some light crazing & a couple of small chips to the exterior surface . A superb piece typifying the Wurttemberg officer in the prewar & early WW1 period.
WW1 German \' Sappenpanzer\' Trench Armour A rare & complete set of WW1 German trench armour this being the second model coming into service not long after the introduction of the first model in 1916. An iconic piece of WW1 trench equipment these second types were a slight improvement on the first model allowing better freedom of movement around the armpit area in a firing position. Upon close examination the armour bears traces of its chemically blackened finish over which much of the factory applied field grey paint still remains. The lightly scaled finish of the metal shows only light corrosion in places this testament to the highly skilled heat treatment of the metal during its manufacture . The slightly raised medial ridge of the breast plate is another indication of its later type this being an improvement from the previous bulbous chest design. The slotted strap brackets to the chest plate are intact with its original webbing straps being held in place to the lower plates by the use of heavy staple stitches. The felt pads , intended to reduce noise, are attached by the same webbing straps with double rows of stitching. Overall a very rare piece to find and coming from the an excellent European collection we have recently purchased.
WW1 German \'07/14 Landwehr Infanterie Regiment Nr 382 Feldrock 1914 - Found In a Wall Cavity Recently found in an Alsace wall cavity this 1907/14 Feldrock is from Landwehr Infanterie Regiment Nr 382 ( 44th Division ) & exactly the pattern of combat tunic being worn by the German soldier in the August of 1914. Having lain forgotten about for many years until discovered during recent renovations it still has its \'382\' numbered shoulder boards & shoulder strap buttons numbered \'7\' with a very clear \'BAX XV 1914\' date to interior lining. Further markings of \' BJA *** \' ( Only partially legible ) denote that this tunic has been through a repair depot at some point with the garneture mark \'f\' for \'Feld\' denoting that this was his working Field tunic & so his combat tunic worn when fighting. All of its front fly buttons remain with all three buttons to right cuff & five buttons to reverse of skirt. Both belt hooks still intact to rear. A rare early tunic that would command a price well over the 5K mark in better condition this timecapsule piece has clearly seen much action during WW1 with the fate of its originall wearer sadly unknown.
WW1 German \'Baden\' Ersatz Pickelhaube A rare bringback ersatz pickelhaube of Baden with beautifully age tarnished brass fittings & original chinstrap & cockades. This pickelhaube is of the pressed cork & felt ersatz issue seen at of the end of 1914 as a stopgap measure to supply the massively expanding German army. Totally untouched it may be observed that the golden Baden cockade is , officially speaking , on the wrong side however these are often encountered like this due to over 100 years of private ownership , wearing on the head , played with by younger members of the family etc etc. I have not interfered with it as I leave it quite literally \'as found\'. The chinstrap is 100% original to it with both of its buckles fastened round to the right side. All of the brass fittings are still firm with naturally matched age patina to all & the front plate showing evidence of its life on this helmet around the edges of the eagles neck. Interior liner is still good with some minor pulling through to the rear tongue tips .Top spike firm. Difficult to find ersatz helmets from the state of Baden especially in such untouched condition.
WW1 German \'Field Artillery Regiment 70\' Feldmutze A profusely Artillery regiment marked prewar issue '07 Feldmutze with black cap band & red piping. These iconic Imperial German caps were issued to NCOs & other ranks alike & were worn by most units right up until the end of the First World War. In typical grey green cloth the front of the Mutze displays the Prussian state cockade & also the enlisted mans Feldmutze Imperial cockade. This cap would most certainly have been used through into WW1 however started life in 1909 with this date & the regimental marking of 'F.A.R.70. 2.B' to the interior. The size mark of '58' is also present with what appears to be a reissue date of '1911' stamped in red ink. What really makes this cap is the presence of two laundry name tags ( With different names ) stitched to the inside lining one having been placed on top of the other at the time of its reissue most likely in 1911 as the red ink date implies. The visible tag reads ' Kanonier Doring 2.Kompagnie , 4 Lothr. Feldart. Rgt nr.70 ' . ( Gunner Doring, 2nd Company, 4th Lorraine Field Artillery Regiment No.70 ) . This very old 'Artillerie' gunners item of headdress has survived remarkably well with only a few pin prick moth holes & slight fraying. The 4th Lorraine Field Artillery Regiment No.70 only served on the Western Front from 1914-1918 with the Prussian 34th Infantry Division. They were in action at such famous actions as the Argonne Forest, Verdun, Battle of Flanders & Cambrai just to name a few.
WW1 German \'GBN\' Maker Battle Damaged Helmet A very good battle damaged WW1 steel combat helmet with the distinctive long visor sometimes referred to as the \' Duck Bill \' . These long visored variants are particular to the \'GBN\' maker ( Gebrueder Bing A.G., Nuernber ) the markings of \'GBN64\' which appear in the usual place to the underside of the shell skirt . This helmet has a large gash to its rear which has the appearance of shrapnel damage partially obliterating the soldiers name which was written to the underside of the rim in this area. There are also traces of scratched initials in the paint here. There is much of the original dark green paint remaining with all of the wear that one would expect to see on a trench worn helmet. Liner & pins long removed. A very nice uncleaned example of the German \'trench\' helmet.
WW1 German \'Inf Regt 10\' Prussian Belt , Cartridge Pouches & Improvised Bread Bag Strap Braces A very nice WW1 German riflemans belt equipment set with improvised suspenders made from a breadbag strap. Dating from the 1915/16 period the pouches & belt are in blackened leather with dates 1915/16 & maker to both cartridge pouches. Belt has a brass fastening tab with maker to one end & what appears to be a '15 date. One of the pouches has the markings of Infantry Regiment 10 with a German soldiers name on a laundry label affixed to underside flap of middle pouch. German soldiers of the period are often seen utilising the breadbag strap as equipment suspenders . Y straps as we know them were not introduced until 1939 & the equipment suspenders of the period that did exist were reserved mainly for mounted troops. Good supple leather , no damage , nice set.
WW1 German \'Prussian Garde\' M15 Pickelhaube A very nice & original 'Prussian Garde' pickelhaube with front plate never having been off & correct 'KBAG' Prussian Garde issue marking dated 1915 to underside of rear peak. Immediately apparent on this piece is the wear & correlation of its strikingly detailed front plate imprinted through time onto the leather of the helmet. The 1915 dated 'KBAG' stamp confirms that this has always been a helmet of the 'Prussian Garde' & is this a desirable item from one of the oldest Imperial German Regiments. All fittings are firm with no interference & the leather liner has a couple of damaged finger ends. The soldiers initials are also visible to rear peak. Black leather chinstrap is a totally original example with remains of grey paint to its steel buckles. There is some stitching away from the rear peak & what appear to be white paint specs to exterior.
WW1 German \'Sappenpanzer\' Trench Armour-Krupp Marked With Original Green Paint Probably the best complete set of WW1 German trench armour we have yet had so far with a high proportion of its original green finish still remaining to inside & out. This is the second model coming into service not long after the introduction of the first model in 1916. An iconic piece of WW1 trench equipment these second types were a slight improvement on the first model allowing better freedom of movement around the armpit area in a firing position.Factory finished in apple green paint the same as that used on the helmets this is mostly intact with the underside of the shoulders displaying this as it would have looked when it left the factory . The slightly raised medial ridge of the breast plate is an indication of its later type this being an improvement from the previous bulbous chest design. The slotted strap brackets to the chest plate are intact with its original webbing straps being held in place to the lower plates by the use of heavy staple stitches. The felt pads , intended to reduce noise, are attached by the same webbing straps with double rows of stitching.A couple of old collector applied stitches can be seen to the straps supports. Overall a very rare piece to find and coming from an excellent European collection we have recently purchased. ***Please contact for accurate shipping cost befiore ordering if abroad***
WW1 German \'Timecapsule\' Pickelhaube With Capture Label A totally untouched German pickelhaube of Prussia with capture label reading \' Taken From a German Carriage At St.Avold\' . This piece was long forgotten in the possession of a private family attic for many years having been brought back by a member of the family after WW1. This piece exudes history with wear to its entirety indicative of a combat worn piece. All fittings are of the M1915 steel variety with a brush of natural age patina to the Prussian front plate from storage conditions. Both national & state cockades are present to each side with a beautifully matched chinstrap which is clearly totally original to the helmet. The hand written capture label has been encapsulated into a plastic sheath to preserve it. Interior has an oval maker ink stamp with date 1915. Also size mark 54 & owners name handwritten onto skull.
WW1 Gurkha Kukri , 1917 Dated. Very nice example of the WW1 Gurkha issue Kukri complete with its scabbard & belt hanger. The WW1 style of Kukri is more ornate than its WW2 issue counterpart as can be seen here with brass mountings decorating the handle. Brown wood grips are in excellent condition with no unsightly chips, dents or woodworm. Blade is also excellent with only a couple of blemishes through age on one side. Very clear markings remain on the blade near the handle these being ' CO I ' & the Indian I above the broad arrow denoting Indian issue then the date '1917' with '37' underneath this more than likely denoting reissue in 1937. Brown leather scabbard has a brass tip at the bottom with a leather belt mount consisting of two hanging belt loops & a leather lace frontage securing the mount onto the scabbard. Leather work of both is excellent with no tears or brittleness. Overall very nice WW1 example of this scarce Gurkha weapon.
WW1 HMS Defence , Battle of Jutland 1916 Casualty Group A photographs & paperwork grouping to a Gunner of the Royal Marine Artillery who was KIA on 31/5/1916 aboard the HMS Defence during the Battle of Jutland . Grouping comprises a memorial scroll commemorating ' Gunner David John Price Davies R.M.A H.M.S Defence ' with three period black & white photos two of him & one of several sailors in a studio group shot with the names on the back of ' A.Smith, G Richards, R Nicholls & D Millard. ' There is also an October 1921 dated letter from the Admiralty forwarding to his next of kin his medal entitlement of 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory medal. The medals are sadly no longer present. An extract of a report about the last moments of the HMS Defence :- Both the Defence and Warrior had already hit the doomed Wiesbaden. Still Admiral Arbuthnot, in spite of straddling salvoes, held on till within 5,500 yards of his prey he turned to starboard. Both ships were now in a hurricane of fire, which the Germans were concentrating with terrible effect to save their burning ship, and there quickly followed another of the series of appalling catastrophes which so tragically distinguish this battle from all others. Four minutes after crossing the Lion's bows the Defence was hit by two heavy salvoes in quick succession, and the Admiral and his flagship disappeared in a roar of flame (6.20).
WW1 Imperial German 10 X 50 Dienstglas 1917 WW1 Imperial German 10 X 50 'Dienstglas' with what appears to be a date , or acceptance date, of ' IV 1917' to right prism. The Zeiss serial number range appears to put the number of 741390 into the year of 1917 production . This model of DF ( doppelfernrohr ) were manufactured from 1914-1919 & were used by officers of the Imperial German army & navy. The lack of marine markings would certainly imply army issue however the 'K' on the hinge lug bar is a WW I period 'Gewehr Prüfungskommission Spandau' acceptance marking . Although certainly good for a mannequin/dugout display the optics would require attention for anything more as they are rather hazy & the focus stiff. Only one rain shield remains. Overall they do show the effects of age with some surface rust in places & decay to the paint surfaces. One end of the leather strap is detached although the end studded section is present. Nevertheless an interesting set not often encountered.
WW1 Imperial German 1898 n/A Pattern Bayonet & Scabbard Superb example of the Imperial German Model 1898 Bayonet complete with its leather & steel mounted scabbard. The ricasso is stamped by the manufacturer 'V.C.Schilling Suhl' with Bavarian royal cypher for Konig Otto (1886-1913) to spine of blade with date 1911. It has second type grooved slab wood grips with working pommel catch. The swept crossguard is crisply regimentally stamped with ' B.21.R.R ' denoting a Reserve Regiment & there are Imperial acceptance stamps to pommel, pommel press stud & both wood grip screws. Piped back blade is excellent . It is complete with steel mounted leather scabbard that has Imperial German markings to the chape , throat & mouth . All leather and stitching of the scabbard is intact and it is in near mint condition. A superb example.
WW1 Imperial German 1898/05 Saw-Back ''Butcher' Bayonet , Scabbard & Frog Sound example of the infamous WW1 German 'Butcher Knife' for the GEW 98 Mauser rifle. this example being intended for use by Pioneer troops having a saw backed upper edge. Bayonet has scarce maker mark to ' Durkopp Werke AG ' on the blade & is in overall good condition. Imperial German marks to pommel & scabbard tip. Excellent original wooden grips. Blade condition is very good with no pitting or rust & saw-back teeth are still razor sharp as originally intended. Spine bears cipher with overall good finish to metal surfaces having no pitting. Scabbard is also good with throat lozenge screw still present & is also complete with its brown leather frog which would date to the mid WW1 period. Overall a nice example of the Imperial German pioneers sawback bayonet.
WW1 Imperial German 1898/05 Sawback \'Butcher\' Bayonet ,Scabbard & Frog WW1 Imperial German 1898/05 Saw-Back \'\'Butcher\' Bayonet , Scabbard & Frog. Sound example of the infamous WW1 German \'Butcher Knife\' for the GEW 98 Mauser rifle this example being intended for use by Pioneer troops having a saw backed upper edge. Bayonet has maker mark to \'Simson & Co Suhl\' on the blade & is in overall good condition. Spine bears the cipher of the Kaiser being a crown over a W indicating it to be of Prussian origin then the date \'15\' for 1915. Imperial German marks to pommel. Saw-back teeth on blade still razor sharp as originally intended. What appears to be shrapnel damage is present on the right side grip this being a souvenired item from the brutal trench warfare of WW1. Scabbard is also good with throat lozenge screw still present. Brown leather frog in excellent order still supple with no damage & clearly dated 1915. Overall a nice example of the Imperial German pioneers sawback bayonet.
WW1 Imperial German 1898Aa Bayonet, Guarde Grenadier Regiment Marked An interesting first type 1898 bayonet being the so called aa version with one piece wooden grip. This piece was made at Erfurt & bears regimental markings to hilt ' 3.G.G.5.155. ' of the Garde Grenadier Regiment based at Spandau. Inspectors stamps ( crown over initial ) to pommel with faint ERFURT marking to ricasso & spine of blade. Wooden grip is of the scarce one piece type which were only used for a limited period due to their proneness to cracking. Very slight hairline is apparent here to the grip underside although these early models are hard to find. Black leather scabbard is in good order with some age to metal surfaces . Brown leather frog is dry in places & frayed to front body with stitching coming away on one side. Overall a scarce Imperial German bayonet.
WW1 Imperial German 1908 Pattern Binoculars & case, 1916 Dated. Classic WW1 German binocular set complete with lens cover & brown leather case. Typical of the 1908 pattern of German binocular this set are cased in grey/green stippled metal with early hard rubber green eyepieces. The manufacturer logo of 'Carl Zeiss Jena' & the designation type of 'Fernglas 08' are stamped onto the knurled adjustment dial with the date ' XII 1916 ' stamped onto one of its metal arms. Brown leather neck strap is complete & in supple condition & is threaded through the sides of the grey/green metal lens cover which is a rare accessory to find these days. One of the eyelenses is cracked with its lower adjustable focussing portion only turning very slightly. The other side works perfectly. Brown leather case is maker marked 'Carl Zeiss' & is complete with its paper label in old Gothic German intact on the inside of the lid. Both leather tabs at the side of the case have suffered some damage & one has torn away although the seperated piece could be repaired with some care. Nice complete set.
WW1 Imperial German 1914 Dated Prussian Foot Artillery Pickelhaube From 'Fussartillerie-Regiment 9 A recently 'loft found' straight from the battlefield Enlisted Mans 1895 Model Prussian Foot Artillery Pickelhaube with regimental markings to rear peak for 'Fussartillerie-Regiment 9' . This helmet has been in the hands of family descendants until now the story of it being 'captured in the trenches' passed down to its surviving generation. With its chinstrap still in the wear down position as it would have been worn it has survived remarkably well with most of its fittings still in place. The evenly patinated brass furniture with its distinctive ball to denote Artillery troops remains intact to the top of the helmet & has all four of its original studs still present. It is well secured with some movement. Its front plate of Prussia still retains a very impressive amount of its original gilding this being of the pre war high quality standard. Chinstrap is in very good condition , unhardened & with its two brass buckles undamaged. Only the national cockade remains ( Left side ) . Half of the front peak edging remains to its left side with the other side now missing & devoid of its side stud. An ink stamp to interior of helmet body gives a 1914 date & Offenbach maker , the owners initials of 'J N ' can be seen to right side of rear peak with the regimental markings to left. A time capsule of a piece untouched since the First World War . The Fs.A.R.9 was in the 9th Corps District - Schleswig-Holstein - and formed part of the 18th Division from the beginning of the war until early 1917 when it was transferred to the 3rd Naval Division. The 18th Division were involved in such battles as Mons , The Marne & Arras to name a few.
WW1 Imperial German 1915 Model Prussian Infantry Pickelhaube A fine example of the last model of German pickelhaube with original chinstrap & grey steel fittings introduced on 28th June 1915 . By this time in the war the expensive fittings of brass & silver were now needed for the war effort elsewhere & so this version , although still iconic , was rather simplified. This superb early war 'trench' piece with its original removeable spike & both national & state cockades has survived very well with a nice even age to its exterior & a very appealing age patina to its fittings. I have made no attempt to clean it & so it is thus left as found. The black leather liner typifies that found on pickelhaube examples of this period. It is in good condition & is complete with leather tongue tie . The Prussian helmet plate is secured to the helmet with its two original leather fasteners through each eye on the helmets underside. All of the chemically treated grey metal fittings are original to the helmet & tightly fitting. Most of the helmets exterior black finish is still present with some of the usual crazing in places. Chinstrap is still complete with its very rarely found original chinstrap. This has grey buckles matching that of the rest of the helmet in age & patina & does appear to have been with the helmet for a very long time. There is some expected age to the leather surface in places as these were often worn down in action & thus had a practical use rather than just for display. Along with other various traces of soldiers writing to the underside of the helmet an ink stamped size mark of '54' is present to the rear guard along with the soldier owners name scrawled in ink & just partially visible. A classic Imperial German item brought back from the trenches of WW1.
WW1 Imperial German Artillery/Sturmtruppen Luger 1917 A super 1917 dated bringback example of the famous First world war Imperial German 'Artillery' luger. Designed to meet the request of the German artillery for a pistol-carbine these were first used by Imperial artillery troops but also by German storm troops infiltrating enemy positions . This example is a very nice WW1 piece still with a good slick mechanical toggle action. It has all matching numbers with the exception of the cartridge ejector arm & also has its correct WW1 Imperial German magazine ( non matching ) . This fantastic war souvenired item has not been refinished & has no unsightly pitting or damage to its metal surfaces. Its original brown checquered wood grips remain . Hard to find untouched this is a time capsule piece from the trenches of the first world war. Deactivated according to Home Office guidelines & supplied with Home Office certificate of deactivation. UK sales only.
WW1 Imperial German Battle Damaged M17 Helmet A text book M17 helmet with not often seen maker marked & 1917 dated liner pads to interior. Much of this helmets green factory paint finish remains with only light surface wear to inside & out . The metal liner band confirms its M17 model with very well survived leather liner & pads all bearing the manufacturer name & date 1917. All three of the pads are the original horsehair filled issue typical of these helmets & original to this piece. Markings to the side apron underside of 'Si 62' denote the size & manufacturer 'Eisenhüttenwerk Schlesien, Paruschowitz/ Oberschlesien' & there is also a black ink stamped size marking '62' to the opposite side. Interesting to note that some sort of bullet or blast strike to the rear of the helmet has left a small indentation & paint loss to that small area . The strike has resulted in the loss of the rear rivet which has sheared away upon impact leaving visible scarring to the metal band on the inside where the rivet was ripped out. A very nice Imperial German helmet from the later period of WW1.
WW1 Imperial German Battle Damaged M16 Steel Helmet An emotive battle damaged M16 German WW1 steel helmet with shrapnel blast having gone up through its front lip. With a good proportion of the original green factory paint remaining to the helmet overall this helmet has been subject to a blast which has entered up through the underside of the front lip. This has caused a gash measuring just under 7cm in length. There is also a small hole to the top crown of the helmet with , next to that, an entry of a small splinter of shrapnel which has become lodged & can be seen protruding through the underside of the crown. The helmet itself is an 'Si66' production for the firm ' Eisenhüttenwerk Schlesien, Paruschowitz/ Oberschlesien ' . It is of note that the ventlation lugs have been filled , this was a common practice amongst the troops to prevent the entry of cold air . Leather liner system is original to the helmet with two of its three liner pins remaining . Although the leather band remains present its pads are mostly decayed with the front pad retaining its original cushion. A small proportion of the leather chinstrap still hangs from the left lug.
WW1 Imperial German Camouflage Helmet A rather striking WW1 German camouflage helmet with camouflage segments divided by finger thick black borders as stipulated by the 1918 'Ludendorff' order. The distinctive colours seen here are of the typical dark brown ,olive green & mid brown colours with all of its original liner pins having matching colour paint in its relevant section. The original factory green paint can be seen under the scheme in places. The interior of the helmet is interesting with evidence of this being a battlefield refurbishment as is well known to have been done with German helmets in the first world war. The first thick leather liner band of the M16 pattern has ,at some point, been removed having then been upgraded with the later M17 metal band. The liner pins are thereafter undisturbed matching in age to the metal band & tight to the shell. The three white leather liner pads show dirt & quite extensive wear however remain remarkably intact with each bearing faint maker ink stamps to their reverse. . The original straw filled cushion pads are present to each these being very hard to find now. With a maker mark & size 'ET66' this is certainly an appealing piece from the trenches of WW1.
WW1 Imperial German Camouflaged M17 Steel Combat Helmet A superb WW1 M17 three colour camouflage steel combat helmet of the Imperial German Army . A true veteran of WW1 trench warfare the striking colours of this helmet have been hand brush applied in small black border line seperated sections of forest green , tan ochre & brick red . All three liner pins are totally undisturbed & still tight to the helmet with minor abrasions & service wear scuffing to its exterior in places. The interior of the helmet bears its original factory green paint with size & maker mark 'ET64' for the firm Eisenhutte. The helmets liner system is remarkably complete with its 1917 steel band & the three pads remaining in their entirety. All three pads are maker marked & dated this being discernible as the maker 'Otto Koch , Berlin 1918'. This is visible on two of the pads however difficult to see on the front forehead pad although present. All three of the often missing original horsehair filled off white cushion pads are still present. One pad has the German soldiers name handwritten onto it in pencil this appearing to read ' Moller' in the very familiar handwriting style of the period . A quite superb rare helmet which no doubt saw many of the horrors of trench warfare in the Great war.
WW1 Imperial German Camouflaged M17 Steel Combat Helmet A superb WW1 M17 three colour camouflage steel combat helmet of the Imperial German Army . A true veteran of WW1 trench warfare the striking colours of this helmet have been hand brush applied in small black border line seperated sections of forest green , tan ochre & brick red . All three liner pins are totally undisturbed & still tight to the helmet with minor abrasions & service wear scuffing to its exterior in places. The interior of the helmet bears its original factory green paint with size & maker mark 'ET64' for the firm Eisenhutte. The helmets liner system is remarkably complete with its 1917 steel band & the three pads remaining in their entirety. All three pads are maker marked & dated this being discernible as the maker 'Otto Koch , Berlin 1918'. This is visible on two of the pads however difficult to see on the front forehead pad although present. All three of the often missing original horsehair filled off white cushion pads are still present. One pad has the German soldiers name handwritten onto it in pencil this appearing to read ' Moller' in the very familiar handwriting style of the period . A quite superb rare helmet which no doubt saw many of the horrors of trench warfare in the Great war.
WW1 Imperial German Carl Zeiss \'Rabbit Ears\' Trench Optics & Tripod A superb display piece being the ' Rabbit Ears' trench optics from the WW1 period. In the classic light field green grey of Imperial Germany these are constructed in brass & were seen being used in camouflaged observation positions by Imperial German troops. Well marked by the acknowledged optic maker 'Carl Zeiss Jena' they are in good used condition with graticuling to right lense . Much of its green gray paint remains with some wear & age bubbling in places. The designation marking of ' S.F.09 Nr ' is visible with Carl Zeiss Jena well marked. The German wording ' Klemme losen bevor Arme bewegt werden. can be seen to right arm. Eyepieces are used but intact. The focus on both lenses appears to be non functional with some loose internal particles visible when looked through. Coming in their correct leather case this has suffered some dry flaking to leather with long strap at rear dry & detached at one end. An excellent German trench display piece! ***Please contact to discuss collection/delivery options & the cost of this to be added to the total***
WW1 Imperial German Cavalry Sword 1916 An Imperial German cavalry sword in very good condition & with the appealing midwar date of 1916 . Most examples encountered today are rusted , pitted or both to say the least however the blade on this piece can only be described as immaculate. The wood of the handle displays only minor service wear with no unsightly pitting or dents to any other part of the sword or scabbard. The rear of the 30 inch blade has the cypher of W under crown for Kaiser Wilhelm II ( Prussia ) with date '16 ' clearly visible. The maker ' Simson & Co' can be seen to ricasso on close inspection. Profuse Imperial inspection marks appear throughout. Only some minor surface age is present which I have made no attempt to remove this being left to the preference of its new owner. An untouched piece & a souvenir of German cavalry troops in the first world war.
WW1 Imperial German Dagger/Fighting Knife ( Captured French Bayonet Conversion ) Excellent condition dagger made from a shortened French 1866 Sabre bayonet of which large numbers were captured by the Germans in the Franco-Prussian War of 1871. This piece has been professionally converted the blade in its original French bayonet form having been originally purchased from a German firm & put together with the handle & hilt by one of the French arsenals most likely Tulle. Upon having been captured by German forces in the 1870 F-P war the French Arsenal marking has been ground off of the top spine at a later date & the length shortened along with the bayonet ring having also been removed to convert into dagger form. Its early brown leather frog compliments the piece with 'R.Kirschbaum' firm of Solingen markings to the blade.
WW1 Imperial German Doctor Named M16 Camouflage Steel Combat Helmet A superb WW1 M16 Doctor named four colour camouflage steel combat helmet of the Imperial German Army . A true veteran of WW1 trench warfare the striking colours of this helmet have been applied in small black border line seperated sections of forest green , tan ochre , brick red & factory green . All three liner pins are totally undisturbed & still tight to the helmet with minor abrasions & service wear scuffing to its exterior in places. The interior of the helmet bears its original factory green paint with the Doctors name neatly painted under the front lip. Some small areas of very minor rust spotting can be seen upon close inspection however the helmet shell manufacturer & size mark of 'K64' (Remscheid-Hasten K) can be clearly seen to its left side. The leather liner system is still present with the rear arms of each pin being well embedded into the leather untouched for many years. All three pads are still in place & although supple do have dryness to the leather & displacement of the tongue ends through age. A quite superb helmet which do doubt saw many of the horrors of trench warfare in the Great war.
WW1 Imperial German Doubledated 9mm P08 Luger Pistol 1918 A matching numbered first world war example of the German P08 luger dated 1918. A nice Erfurt double dated example with manufacture date of 1918 & profuse Imperial German acceptance & proof markings. The German government was worried about the circulation of illegal war souvenired weapons in the immediate post WW1 period as well as those in possession of them who may have political motive or criminal intent. A regulation to counter this was passed in 1920 at which point government issued lugers were stamped with this date above the manufacture date to show that they were legally state owned & not illegal weapons or battlefield bringbacks. This superb piece is capable of being cocked , stripped & dryfired & has a good sound mechanical toggle action. With correct WW1 checquered wood grips it has a postwar replacement magazine & is believed to have been found without one before its deactivation in 1995. Overall condition is excellent with only some very light surface age. Much of its original blued finish remains. Deactivated according to Home Office guidelines & supplied with Home Office certificate of deactivation. UK sales only.
WW1 Imperial German Eastern Front Photograph Album A WW1 German soldiers photograph album containing many field photographs taken on the Eastern Front in 1915/16 . The soldier was a member of 4th Regiment, Field Artillery Battery 11 manning positions in the East with many depictions of dugouts & artillery casemates contained within the album. One of the first images is of soldiers within a festively decorated bunker sat around a Christmas tree with the caption giving the date 1915. Some field graves including a 'Soldatenfriedhof ' in Radschiechow ( Poland ) are captioned & a very smart battery commander , Hauptmann Freitag , is pictured with snow scenes & the Kurland Spring of 1916 represented in a quiet countryside depiction. Other photographs include Austrian artillery troops at their log built bunker ( 1916 ) , snow scenes, artillery pieces & German & Russian infantry posing together in the field ! As the mans service progresses some photographs ( Including the church ) of the Verdun town of Brandeville appear including the Divisional Staff Headquarters there & an ammunition store in Brenil . Continuing through to the Marne there is a countryside photograph of Ponsart & also one of German troops passing over a bridge . Captioned 'Dorfstrasse in Crugny ' there are horse drawn transports with soldiers in steel helmets etc clearly seen in shot. It would be fascinating to make a 'Then & Now ' comparison of this location. One of the last photographs shows a camouflage painted train gun ..always an interesting point of discussion when one reviews camouflage schemes of the German forces in WW1. 64 photographs in total .
WW1 Imperial German Field Glasses (Fernglas) & Case 1917 An excellent condition pair of the WW1 Imperial German Carl Zeiss 'Fernglas 08' field glasses complete with their original neck strap & brown leather carrying case. Both eyepieces on the glasses are still present & undamaged with the date 1917 clearly visible on one of the arms. Adjusting turn screw is marked with the Zeiss maker & the designation ' Fernglas 08 ' . Optics are clear. Carrying case is in excellent condition with orange painted metal fittings for side strengthening . To the inside of the top cover of the case is the German paper instruction label with a British commercial paper label placed over this pertaining to their commercial sale upon capture. The British label refers to these as 'Zeiss Field Glasses' & instructs sending to ' SM Lennox, Chemists & Optician ' when they required cleaning. This case has belt loops to rear & also carrying strap with a stud & eye closure system to each side of top cover. Scarce set to find in this condition & with clear date.
WW1 Imperial German Field Glasses (Fernglas) & Case 1916 An excellent condition pair of the WW1 Imperial German 'Fernglas 08' field glasses complete with their original neck strap & brown leather carrying case. Both eyepieces on the glasses are still present & undamaged with the date 'III 1916 ' clearly visible on one of the arms. Adjusting turn screw is marked with the 'C.P.Goerz, Berlin' maker & the designation ' Fernglas 08 ' . Optics good with typically stiff eyepieces. Carrying case is in excellent condition with maker markings to rear for the famous optics firm ' Emil Busch A.G. Rathenow ' This case has totally intact belt loops to rear with a stud & eye closure system to each side of top cover. The German instruction sheet normally affixed to the inside of the lid is still present & can be seen mostly intact in the bottom of the box. Binoculars come complete with carrying strap.
WW1 Imperial German G98 Mauser Rifle 1908 ( Matching Numbers & Infantry Regiment Marked ) Excellent example of the WW1 Imperial German G98 rifle ordnance marked to ' Deutsche Waffen -Und Munitionsfabriken Berlin 1908 ' . Overall it is in excellent condition with good non damaged wood & regimental markings to butt disc denoting the rifle to be from the 2nd Company of Infanterie-Regt Nr 36 weapon 204. The whole of the piece has all matching numbers & is a genuine bring back souvenir from World War One. There is general age to the metalwork although no apparent serious pitting only surface rust in places which would respond well to cleaning. Being an old piece it has over time lost its bolt retaining catch on the side & also the internal magazine spring & platform however this does not detract from its overal scarcity & desirability as a sought after World War One German piece. Having recently surfaced it has never before been offered on the collectors market & as such is a total sleeper apart from its recent deactivation according to Home Office specifications.
WW1 Imperial German G98 Mauser Rifle 1917 Rare matching numbered example of the Mauser G98 WW1 Imperial German infantry rifle . This classic First world war rifle is Danzig marked & 1917 dated & has matching numbers to every part with the exception of the safety catch. All of its parts are original with steel butt plate & the soldiers initials 'J.K' carved into the right side of the stock. Breech housing is excellent with 'Gew 98. ' to be crisply seen on the left side along with profuse matching serial numbers & Imperial German inspection markings to right side. Rifle comes complete with cleaning rod that has some apparent battle damage to muzzle end. Woodwork on this piece certainly tells a story of a trench used combat weapon with some small dents & grazes in places. Some very light surface age to metal in places. Deactivated only last year in 2012 this was apparently a bringback family piece found languishing in the corner of a loft until discovered upon renovation works. Deactivated to Home Office specification with Home Office certificate of deactivation supplied. UK sales only.
WW1 Imperial German Gas Mask & Canister Excellent condition example of the 1917 pattern Imperial German gas mask with 1917/18 pattern tin & 11-c-11 filter. Typical of this pattern of mask it is made from brown leather with oilcloth edging & acetate eye lenses with metal spider reinforcement. Carrying tin has a fair proportion of its original grey green paint remaining with spare lense compartment to inside of lid. . The scarce original carrying straps are very good & with white leather reinforcement as found on later pieces & only one repaired area to long strap. Shortstrap present & intact . Filter is in its original green grey paint with May 1917 date. Leather facepiece of mask is excellent. . Headstraps excellent with no damage & good elasticity remaining. Overall a nice original example .
WW1 Imperial German Gas Mask & Carrying Tin A good display example of the WW1 German oil impregnated brown leather gas mask coming complete with its 1917 pattern carrying tin. Brown leather of mask with its oilcloth edging is good & is supple with no damage. Headstraps retain elasticity ( Long strap minus ). Carrying tin is in good order in its original green on black paint with spare lenses contained within their special hinged compartment in the lid. Named to soldier \'K.Schulz\' on bottom of tin with stamp of issue still visible. Overall service wear to exterior of tin with some aged rust in places . Filter to gas mask has had its insides removed sometimes done to remove the asbestos content however visually from the outside it is excellent. Overall a good WW1 German trench souvenired example.
WW1 Imperial German Gas Mask 17 & Tin Fine original example of the 1917 pattern Imperial German gas Mask with 1917/18 pattern tin & 11-c-11 filter. Typical of this pattern of mask it is made from brown leather with oilcloth edging & acetate eye lenses with metal spider reinforcement. Carrying tin is in its original green paint with one set of spare lenses contained within the hinged lid compartment. WW1 German breadbag strap has been used here as carrying strap matching the wear & age of the rest of the piece , it is also complete with its one buttonholed short strap which is a rare component to find still on it. Filter is in its original green grey paint with date 'Mai 18' (May 1918 ). There is some age overall with light rust to some metal parts which will clean. It has come from having been stored away for a long time & is new to the collectors market thus is currently in nice 'as found' condition. Most certainly a good representative piece of the WW1 German soldiers gas mask.
WW1 Imperial German Gas Mask 17 & Tin Excellent almost unissued condition example of the 1917 pattern Imperial German gas Mask with 1917/18 pattern tin & 11-c-11 filter. Typical of this pattern of mask it is made from brown leather with oilcloth edging & acetate eye lenses with metal spider reinforcement. Carrying tin has approx 98% of its original grey green paint remaining with one set of spare lenses contained within the hinged lid compartment. Straps are clean & excellent with white leather reinforcement as found on later pieces & only one small area of fraying to long strap. Shortstrap present. Filter is in its original green grey paint with Jan 1918 date. Leather facepiece of mask has the appearance of hardly ever having being worn with the inside appearing like new. Headstraps excellent with no damage & good elasticity remaining. Overall an excellent example with no rust & only light service use. Most certainly one of the best examples i have ever seen.
WW1 Imperial German Infantry Pickelhaube Of Prussia An interesting example of a Prussian WW1 pickelhaube which comes completely as captured with its original front plate having never been off of the helmet & all fittings still in place with years of accumulated storage dust & age contributing to the charactor of the helmet. This helmet is a good example of those that can be encountered from 1915 onwards with a mix of brass & grey painted steel fittings used by manufacturers to meet demand as WW1 raged on . It is interesting to note that the rear peak markings of \' BA VII 1910\' within a rectangle denote it having been through a repair depotin 1910 & the letter \'F\' refers to \'Feld\' being the clothing grade that means this helmet was for field wear. There is also a marking which appears to be for Infantry Regiment 53 with the date 1910. They were a Westphalian regiment & under the control of VII Armee Korps. The Prussian helmet plate to front is firmly affixed to the helmet having not been off since it was taken from the battlefield. Chinstrap is also totally original & has grey painted steel fittings also. A circular manufacturers ink stamp can be seen to crown of shell. A fabulous WW1 time capsule pickelhaube !
WW1 Imperial German M15 Pickelhaube ( Prussia ) A fine example of the last model of German pickelhaube with original chinstrap & grey steel fittings introduced on 28th June 1915 . By this time in the war the expensive fittings of brass & silver were now needed for the war effort elsewhere & so this version , although still iconic , was rather simplified. This superb early war \'trench\' piece with its original removeable spike & both national & state cockades has survived very well with a nice even age to its exterior & a very appealing age patina to its fittings. The mid brown leather liner typifies that found on pickelhaube examples of this period. The untouched Prussian helmet plate is secured to the helmet with its two original leather fasteners through each eye on the helmets underside . All of the chemically treated grey metal fittings are original to the helmet & tightly fitting. The markings \'BJA VIII\' can be seen to rear brim for \'Bekleidungs Instandsetzungsamt\' (Clothing Repair Depot) Armee-Korps VIII. This can sometimes be seen as BIA, as the J and I were used interchangeably. The letter F is a grading stamp that means Feldbrauchbar (field serviceable). The date 1918 would be the date it was refurbished as some German troops were still being issued the pickelhaube this late in the war due to shortages of the relatively recent stahlhelm. A classic Imperial German item !
WW1 Imperial German M15 Prussian Infantry Pickelhaube A fine example of the last model of German pickelhaube with grey steel fittings introduced on 28th June 1915 . By this time in the war the expensive fittings of brass & silver were now needed for the war effort elsewhere & so this version , although still iconic , was rather simplified. This piece has survived very well with a nice even age to its exterior & no unsightly damage to the leather. I have made no attempt to clean the metal fittings & so these are left as found. The paper thin leather liner typifies that found on pickelhaube examples of this period however it is still in good condition & bears traces of a maker name to one tongue. Along with other various traces of soldiers writing to the underside of the helmet a unit ink stamp can be seen to the rear brim. A classic Imperial German item brought back from the trenches of WW1.
WW1 Imperial German M15/16 Stick Bomb ( Somme Capture Attributation 1916 ) A very rare WW1 German high explosive stick grenade complete with Somme 1916 attributation . This is the model produced from late 1915 onwards & is an example manufactured by the electrical firm AEG ' Allgemeine Elektricitats-Gesellschaft ' . With the grenade head formed from green painted sheet steel the insert detonator before use wording ' Vor Gebrauch Sprengkapseln Einsetzen' is still partly visible with faint lettering to the top of the grenade & belt hook intact to side. Wood shaft has the time designation ' 5 1/2 SEK. A.E.G. ( Five and a half seconds ) with faint ink stamps of fuse fitting. Nice to see on this example is the often rotted away tin screw cap housing with screw cap having thin very old lettering painted to it 'Somme 1916' . A porcelain ball is present within its housing. Now becoming nearly impossible to find this is a very good example straight from the Somme battlefield with most of its original green paint remaining to head , no woodworm to handle & a very good proportion of its original stencilling remaining . Only a couple of holes exist to head through either age or shrapnel . *** The grenade is totally free from explosive & can be proved as such upon inspection*** ***UK sales only***
WW1 Imperial German M16 Camouflage Helmet An undisputably original German first world war camouflage helmet of the M16 model. A quite superb untouched example the subdued camouflage scheme consists of typical WW1 green & brown colours separated in sections by finger width black lines. There is rust bleed coming through the shell with some chipping to the paint from much field wear. Interior of the helmet is in excellent order being totally untouched & with its three leather pads all containing the original padded inners. Leather shows signs of much wear through sweat staining but remains in excellent undamaged condition. Drawstring intact. Difficult to see any of its shell markings however not a small size. Textbook example & a 100% original German camouflage helmet straight out of the trenches of WW1.
WW1 Imperial German M16 Camouflage Helmet An Imperial German M16 steel combat helmet with classic WW1 camouflage scheme of large dark green & brown segments. The dividing black lines are very distinct on this piece being of finger width thickness as per the 1918 regulations . The rear inside apron of the helmet has a handpainted name & regimental marking in the typical style of the period. Also visible is the lesser encountered bell symbol signifying a manufacturer who is, as yet , unknown. The leather liner band remains intact within the helmet however the three pads are mostly missing due to decay. All three liner pins are original to the helmet & undisturbed. Parts of the original chinstrap remain however this is now delicate & has been held in place with drawcord from the liner system. Totally untouched since WW1 there is a nice age patina to the exterior which I certainly have not attempted to remove.
WW1 Imperial German M16 Camouflage Helmet A superb Imperial German three colour M16 handpainted camouflage helmet complete with liner . Totally untouched since it left the trenches of WW1 its block painted scheme of dark green , ochre & dark brown are immediately apparent. Each segment is divided with thick & thin black lines that sweep into a rather striking pattern at the rear of the helmet. There is much service wear to the exterior of the helmet & what appears to be a small white paint splash to the front left from shed storage. The inside is in its factory green paint with traces of handwritten name in pencil to the underside of the rear skirt. Shell marked 'N.J62' to left side ( Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke, Schwerte i/Westf.) Leather liner band is intact with all three of its original liners pins still present & undisturbed. The three pads are generally good with some dryness & deteroration to the ends of one tongue & cord holes pulled through on another. One leather tongue has a folded up piece of material within it that appears to have been there for man years. A striking helmet , uncleaned & straight from the battlefields of WW1.
WW1 Imperial German M16 Helmet A textbook example of the Imperial German M16 helmet with all original paint & its correct three pad liner system intact. This was the standard issue of German steel combat helmet in the mid to late first world war period now difficult to find in good condition with liner intact. Most of the original paint finish remains to exterior of helmet with some period writing in pencil to right side of shell. The rather 'iconic' ventilation lugs protrude from each side liner pins original to this helmet. Helmet has maker initials & size 'ET64' for the firm 'Eisenhuttenwerk Thale A.G.' to underside of rim. Leather liner system is in very good condition these normally being rotted in one way or another . All three pad pockets are complete & contain their original pad cushions , all ties are intact. A classic German soldiers combat helmet straight out of the trenches of WW1.
WW1 Imperial German M16 Helmet ( Scarce VII Army Corps Repair Depot Marking ) A superb untouched M16 German helmet with all original paint & its leather liner & pads all still present. The rarely encountered black ink stamped marking ' B I.A. VII ' ( Bekleidungs Instandsetzung ) surmounting a 'G' is visible to rim underside this apparently denoting that it was submitted to a repair depot at the Prussian Army Corps VII after found to be unserviceable . The 'G' underneath this stands for ' Garnisonsdienstbrauchbar' meaning for garrison / home service use only. In short , that this is a refurbished helmet no longer deemed fit for front line use. Paintwork to shell is in the correct factory green inside & out with signs of combat use in the form of minor abrasions to the exterior of the shell. Internally the leather band & three pins of this M16 are undisturbed. The three often missing leather pads are present & one of the three padded inners complete. Some considerable wear is visible to the leather of the pads with two of the pads having stress tears to their edges. All of their holed tongues through which the drawstring passes through are intact with the original drawstring still fitted here. It is of note that many WW1 liner fakes have flooded the market now these always being in a much better condition than the originals when encountered. A pencil written soldiers name can be faintly seen to the inside crown of the shell. Overall a textbook example in totally untouched condition.
WW1 Imperial German M16 Helmet With Chinstrap If you are looking for one complete textbook example of the WW1 German M16 helmet then this 'timecapsule' piece may be for you. Retaining a very good amount of its original factory ' apple green' paint this helmet still has its early original brass buckled chinstrap with all three of its M16 liner system liner pads & holders still intact. All three of the liner pins are undisturbed & totally original to the helmet with matching paint to that of the shell. To the reverse the liner pins are well seated into the leather band showing very natural age buildup around them. Both of its air vents have been plugged this often done by the soldier to aid in insulation down in the cold trenches. Maker & size marked ' BF62' to skirt for the firm 'FC Belinger' . All three liner pad holders are in good order showing moderate wear & with leather tightening lace still present. A handwritten name is visible to one of the holders. Fabulous piece & difficult to find in such an untouched state.
WW1 Imperial German M16 Steel Combat Helmet A text book example of a bringback WW1 German steel helmet being of the M16 model with leather liner band & seperate chinstrap lugs to underside of neck guard. In its factory green paint with the two distinctive ventilation lugs to front sides it is interesting to note that these have been filled with rolled card by the soldier to prevent heat loss in the cold trench conditions or equally to prevent whistling in exposed windy conditions. Maker marked 'ET' for the firm ' Eisenhuttenwerk Thale A.G.' to underside of rim with the size '62' . The helmet still has its three liner pads two of which have their padding still in place. The front pad has no internal padding & has been resecured into a fixed position by repair. This helmet was recovered from the battlefields of WW1 & has an interesting blast fracture to the front right lip .
WW1 Imperial German M17 Camouflage Helmet A very visually striking & totally original M17 Imperial German steel combat helmet that has received a camouflage scheme according to the Ludendorff order of the 7th July 1918.. The camouflage paint in green , tan ochre & brown is separated by the prescribed finger thick black lines with the different colour segments rather artistically applied. Green is the dominant colour appearing here giving an indication as to the summer time of year in which the helmet was painted. A green circle is apparent to the crown of the helmet. Very nicely intact & untouched to the inside of the helmet the factory green paint is visible with all three tan leather liner pads remaining intact. Complete with original tightening string , the pads are faintly ink stamped with a maker & 1918 date. Two pads have the off white inner cushions with the third being of the blue striped material sometimes seen. Metal liner band is ink stamped with maker mark 'BF' ( F.C.Bellinger ) to shell & size 64. A superb textbook camouflage helmet , untouched & totally original.
WW1 Imperial German M17 Camouflage Helmet A fantastic M17 steel combat helmet with four colour camouflage scheme hand applied by brush to the exterior of the helmet. The colours of this rather distinctive helmet are that of forest green , brown, tan ochre & black painted in blocks without the often seen black dividing lines. It is well known that many different camouflage schemes can be seen on WW1 German helmets with the 1918 Ludendorff order regarding the camouflaging of helmetd either being self interpreted or many field painted helmets already predating the issue of that order. The very simple block scheme here leads to a stacked block type effect culminating in a circle on the crown of the helmet. To the inside can be seen much of its original factory green with the maker & size mark 'ET6' for a size 64 by 'Eisenhuttenwerke'. The metal liner band denotes the model 17 with all three split pins totally original to it & never removed from the helmet. A handwritten name appears written to the rear neck apron of the helmet.
WW1 Imperial German M17 Camouflage Helmet A very good & complete WW1 Imperial German M17 camouflage helmet. This helmet displays the textbook hand painted black line seperated camouflage scheme with the green , brown & tan ochre colours immediately striking in their appearance. This type of camouflage pattern complies with the Ludendorff order of 1918 which prescribed the use of finger thick black lines to seperate the camouflage colours of each segment. Wear & scuffing to the camouflage paint is visible upon examination this revealing its factory green finish underneath in places. Two small dents to the rear of the helmet indicate battle scarring possibly by shrapnel. Interior of helmet has the M17 metal liner band with totally untouched pins unmolested from the day they were fitted at the factory. The large sized shell is marked 'Si66' for 'Eisenhuette Silesia, Paruschowitz Oberschlesien' . There is a partially visible name handwritten in pencil to underside of rear rim. The light coloured pads are often seen on later helmets such as this & are complete with their original cushion pads. A drawstring remains on one of the pads tongues however the ends are shredded from wear to the eyelets. An excellent original camouflage helmet & one that has seen much action.
WW1 Imperial German M17 Camouflage Helmet With Battle Damage A WW1 German three colour camouflage M17 helmet complete with shrapnel damage to the flared rim of its left side & all of its three liner pads intact. Testament to the combat that the wearer of this helmet was involved in a shrapnel shard has ripped into the left lower side causing loss of paint around the immediate area of impact & an inward burr to the sharp edges of the metal. This superb original helmet is typical of those worn in the trenches by the German soldier in the later war period with many variations of camouflage scheme being possible. This particular example has the three colours tan ochre, plum red & forest green thickly hand painted in alternating segments with finger thick black seperation lines between each. The factory green paint can be seen to underside of the shell. Much wear is visible to the exterior paint however the camouflage remains very visible. The air ventilation lug on the right side has been filled at one point with mud or dirt this was often done for insulation against the cold wind. Interior of the helmet has marking to metal \'Si62\' for the firm \' Eisenhuttenwerk Schliesen ,Paruschowitz/Oberschlesien \' . All liner pins are totally undisturbed & original to the helmet. Metal band is of the M17 model with the later seen & well worn cream leather pads having original drawstring. There is heavy wear to the pads with one small hardly noticeable stress tear on one of them. Two of the pads have their original cushions still present . To avoid any damage to the pads I have not lifted them to examine the cushions anymore closely . Overall a textbook M17 camouflage helmet which has seen action in the trenches of WW1 !
WW1 Imperial German M17 Gas Mask & Carrying Tin Very nice original example of the Imperial German leather gas mask model 1917. This replaced the earlier 'Gummimaske' version & is distinguishable from the later Model 1918 version by the presence of its thin metal spider reinforcement behind the lenses. In excellent condition its canvas head straps remain undamaged with lenses uncracked. The oiled string often missing from the front of the facepiece is present here with most of the original green paint remaining to filter housing. It comes with the 11-C-11 filter canister which has survived also in excellent condition. Gas mask tin is of the correct 1917/18 pattern with spare lense compartment to interior of lid & July 1918 dated spare lenses present in protective paper packet. A very high proportion of the original green paint remains to tin with its original long & short rolled paper cloth straps intact. A very nice set.
WW1 Imperial German M17 Gas Mask & Carrying Tin WW1 Imperial German leather gas mask model 1917 coming complete with carrying tin & straps. . This mask replaced the earlier 'Gummimaske' version & is distinguishable from the later Model 1918 version by the presence of its thin metal spider reinforcement behind the lenses. In very good condition its canvas head straps remain undamaged with lenses uncracked. It comes with the original filter canister & a good proportion of the grey factory paint remaining. Gas mask tin is of the correct 1917/18 pattern with spare lense compartment to interior of lid & April 1918 dated spare lenses present in protective paper packet. A very good proportion of the original green paint remains to tin with its well used original short leather edged ersatz strap being torn at one end. Long strap is of the typically seen paper cloth & retains its white leather tongue at one end. Short strap intact. There are the remains of a period paper label to the tin which is believed to be a label relating to its capture from the WW1 battlefield. Nicely ink stamped to the bottom of the tin & an overall good example of these now rare items of equipment.
WW1 Imperial German M17 Gas Mask & Carrying Tin Very nice original example of the Imperial German leather gas mask model 1917. This replaced the earlier \'Gummimaske\' version & is distinguishable from the later Model 1918 version by the presence of its thin metal spider reinforcement behind the lenses. In excellent condition its canvas head straps remain undamaged with lenses uncracked. The oiled string often missing from the front of the facepiece is present here with most of the original green paint remaining to filter housing. It comes with the 11-C-11 filter canister which has survived also in excellent condition. Gas mask tin is of the correct 1917/18 pattern with spare lense compartment to interior of lid & July 1918 dated spare lenses present in protective paper packet. A very high proportion of the original green paint remains to tin with its original long & short rolled paper cloth straps intact. A very nice set.
WW1 Imperial German M17 Helmet An interesting M17 Imperial German helmet which has received a light brown hand applied camouflage overpaint applied over its factory green finish. A very old application this may well denote the helmets service in a theatre such as Salonika/Macedonia where the factory green was not appropriate. A large sized 'Si66' marked shell for the maker ' Eisenhutte Silesia, Paruschowitz Oberschlesien ' it has an undisturbed metal liner band with liner pins also unmolested this being easily ascertainable upon visual inspection. All three leather pads remain intact with inner cushions ( See image ) . Coming with a very well used apparently period non standard chinstrap it is of interest that the right side chinstrap lug has had a field repair to hold it in place. A small split to the left brim edge does not detract from what is a well used helmet from this period.
WW1 Imperial German M17 \' HESS\' Named Camouflage Helmet A totally untouched WW1 M17 German steel combat helmet with green & subdued tan segmented camouflage scheme. This untouched helmet was recently discovered in the roof of a house whilst being renovated & as such is offered completely as found. Helmet displays forest green segments alternating with the tan around the circumference of the helmet these two colours presenting on the top of the helmet as one circular area dividing into a tan half & a green half. All segments are seperated by the thin black lines seen on most camouflage helmets of the period. On the interior neck guard of the helmet can be seen the name \'HESS\' this handpainted in black block lettering. The M17 metal liner band is intact with two of the liner pads still containing their cushions. All of the three are present although with typical dryness & cracking to the leather in places. The third pad has deteriorated & has now been held in place by thread secure its current condition. Shell marked \'Si66\' (Eisenhüttenwerk Schlesien, Paruschowitz/ Oberschlesien ) . One original chinstrap lug remains. With some light surface rust from roof storage in places this helmet may well be much enhanced with some care. A battlefield pickup & straight from the trenches of WW1.
WW1 Imperial German M18 Camouflage Helmet A scarce M18 model Imperial German combat helmet with original three colour camouflage scheme. This helmet is featured on pages 294 & 295 of the superb reference work by Michael Haselgrove & Branislav Radovic 'History of the Steel Helmet in the First World War' . This classic camouflage scheme shows a correlation of dark brown , ochre & dark olive green with the prescribed thick black line separation dividing its segments. Very subtle rust bleed is visible in places with the factory green paint to be seen in some areas around the crown. Within the helmet can be seen its distinctive M18 model liner band with rectangular chinstrap loops fixed directly to it . It is quite apparent that the band is original to the helmet with no disturbance to be seen to its split pins & an age patina that matches the rest of the helmet. No leather pads are present. The interior of the shell shows some remaining factory applied green with the size & maker mark 'Si.62' for 'Sachische Emailles u.Paruschowitz' at side . Excellent M18 camouflage helmet & very hard to find now.
WW1 Imperial German M1915/16 High Explosive Stick Grenade ( Attributed Somme 1916 ) A very rare WW1 German high explosive stick grenade complete with Somme 1916 attributation . This is the model produced from late 1915 onwards & is an example manufactured by the electrical firm AEG ' Allgemeine Elektricitats-Gesellschaft ' . With the grenade head formed from green painted sheet steel the insert detonator before use wording ' Vor Gebrauch Sprengkapseln Einsetzen' is still partly visible with faint lettering to the top of the grenade & belt hook intact to side. Wood shaft has the time designation ' 5 1/2 SEK. A.E.G. ( Five and a half seconds ) with faint ink stamps of fuse fitting. Nice to see on this example is the often rotted away tin screw cap housing with screw cap having thin very old lettering painted to it 'Somme 1916' . A porcelain ball is present within its housing. Now becoming nearly impossible to find this is a very good example straight from the Somme battlefield with most of its original green paint remaining to head , no woodworm to handle & a very good proportion of its original stencilling remaining . Only a couple of holes exist to head through either age or shrapnel , the grenade is totally free from explosive & can be proved as such upon inspection. ***UK sales only***
WW1 Imperial German MG 08 Machine Gun Sight A true veteran of WW1 this is the scarcely encountered MG08 machine gun sight made by Emil Busch A-G Rathenow. Much of the classic WW1 green gray paint remains although this has not adhered well to all of its surfaces. The lens cover at the front end of the sight is secured by an ersatz webbing strap this being a very typical German feature of the WW1 period. Although slightly stiff its adjustment wheel to side still functions moving the inverted 'V' seen in the optics up & down to its desired position. The optics are mostly clear when viewed with a couple of spots to the lense . The eye piece housing has had , at some point , tape applied to tighten the fit of the warped screw thread , this now sits very well onto its mounting. Fresh to the market & totally as found a fascinating piece of German machine gun history.
WW1 Imperial German Model 17 Gas Mask ( Matching Name To Mask & Canister ) Very nice original example of the Imperial German leather gas mask model 1917. This replaced the earlier 'Gummimaske' version & is distinguishable from the later Model 1918 version by the presence of its thin metal spider reinforcement behind the lenses. In very good condition its canvas head straps remain undamaged with lenses uncracked. The oiled string often missing from the front of the facepiece is present here with the soldiers name ' Schlulen ' handpainted to filter housing. It comes with the 11-C-11 filter canister which is July 1918 dated. Gas mask tin is of the correct 1917/18 pattern with spare lense compartment to interior of lid & spare lenses present in protective paper packet. It is very hard to find the original instruction paper which sits in the bottom of the tin still present here. A very good proportion of the original green paint remains to tin with its original short leather edged strap intact. A very nice set.
WW1 Imperial German Model 1915 Stick Grenade Scarce Model 1915 Imperial German stick grenade this being a pattern with detachable lid to its head held on with two prongs . The distinctive belt hook is intact to the head with wooden shaft marked '5 1/2 seconden ' denoting that it has a five and a half second fuse. A Berlin maker is stamped beneath this . The capped ball end was used from late 1915 onwards this being such an example with the later starred screw cap & its housing still present. An original piece it has had , in the most part , a paint refinish to the head & as such makes for a very nice display piece these being now hard to find in anything other than very relic condition. Inert & free from explosive I have shown a picture of the inside of the head to demonstrate it as such. UK & sale within GB only.
WW1 Imperial German Officers Pickelhaube A fabulous souvenired German Officers Pickelhaube recently discovered & having been picked up from the battlefield of WW1. This is a Prussian line infantry officers example originally of private purchase with quality rear spine & officer starred spike base . Other private purchase officer features are the rosette chinscale mounts & officer cockades. Interior of the helmet has fine calf skin sweatband with silk maker marked skullcap. A black felt lining to the underside of the shell body is to be seen when the silk is carefully lifted back. This is an untouched helmet which has not seen the light of day for many years & as such shows the effects of loft storage with much of the brass gilding only faintly visible in places. Helmet fittings were made of weakly gilded zinc or iron as from the end of 1914 due to the shortage of bronze . The chinstrap scales are now rusty however the leather chinstrap is surprisingly intact & although slightly dry remains undamaged. As can be seen the no doubt impressive & once imposing officers spike is long gone & in fear of an injustice i have made no attempt to replace it. It's absence may well be due to them being removed in the field by general order as from late 1915 & the use of covers becoming widespread. A time capsule of a piece & one that most likely saw much action before its capture.
WW1 Imperial German Officers Pickelhaube A very nice untouched Prussian officers pickelhaube in very good condition & coming complete with both of its officer quality cockades , distinctive tall officers spike & officers chinstrap. It is clear on an initial inspection that the Prussian plate to the front of this helmet has never been off with correlating wear & age to the leather around its outer edges. All three of its leather tongues are still firmly in place to the rear lugs on the inside of the helmet . The black leather of the helmet displays only minor crazing with all gilted fittings firm. Uncleaned for many years , their is equal age tarnishing to the gilting throughout however when one removes the spike by its screw thread its former splendid gilt finish can still be seen. Both of the part bullion cockades are in excellent order. As with many souvenired officers pickelhaubes the chinstrap has lost its front buckle however still displays well retained in the up position with a securing loop. Its high quality soft calf leather sweatband has survived well. Slight displacement of rear peak stitching as is common with these helmets. Overall a very nice untouched helmet , uncleaned & left exactly as found .
WW1 Imperial German Officers Pickelhaube A very nice untouched private purchase Prussian pickelhaube which either belonged to an officer or a high ranking NCO ( Feldwebelleutnant) . It is clear on an initial inspection that the Prussian plate to the front of this helmet has never been off with correlating wear & age to the leather around its outer edges. Its nut & bolt fixings are visible from the inside & are clearly undisturbed. Officers chinscales good , I have made no attempt to undo the locking machanism however the small buckle section is visible behind it. The black leather of the helmet displays age crazing with age dulled gilted fittings firm & uncleaned for many years. The ribbed rear spine of the helmet is typical of a private purchase piece with pearled & vented spike neck & starred base firm. It is apparent that the spike is of the standard height rather than some of the taller versions & so this may denote a high ranking NCO although can equally be down to an individual officers preference who may not have wished to be so identifiable in the field. The underside of the helmet shows the front peak underside in green & the rear in red with leather liner stiff but in overall very good condition. The owners initials appear handwritten in pencil to the front area. One bullion cockade remains to right side with slight displacement of rear peak stitching as is common with these souvenired helmets. Overall a very nice time capsule piece left uncleaned & exactly as discovered.
WW1 Imperial German Personal Items - 'Hindenburg Pickelhaube 'Ceramic Pipe , Compass Glass & Pen knife WW1 German personal item grouping the first item being a ceramic pipe depicting Hindenburg sold privately to troops & their families to celebrate the flavour of the era . An interesting piece with a well detailed pickelhaube as the lid for the tobacco well .The depiction of Hindenburg surmounts the wording ' Generalfeldmarschall v.Hindenburg' . The pipe is fashioned from a piece of hollowed thin tree branch. Also included is a ' BAVARIA' marked Opera type magnifying glass & compass tool. These were produced for the civilian market in the period however were a practical item for the WW1 German soldier. The last item is a Robert Klaas,Solingen made pen knife of the period. All classic pocket items of the WW1 German soldier.
WW1 Imperial German Pickelhaube of Prussian 72nd Regiment With Matching Trench Cover & Matching Named & Unit Marked Clothing Labels Of Soldier A wonderful example of a man\'s quality, one year volunteer, private purchase helmet and cover. A truly stunning example of a private purchase other ranks quality 1895 pattern helmet. Any German other rank could purchase this spare helmet but they were expensive. NCOs were also well known for purchasing their own helmets. The term \'one year volunteer\' has been somewhat overused in relation to private purchase other ranks helmets. However, in the case of this stunning piece it is 100% correct. Both helmet and matching other ranks issue cover are clearly marked by means of the typical printed cotton tickets with details of this one year volunteer Gefreiter. Also upon both the labels are regimental and company details clearly showing the Prussian 72nd. The helmet\'s flame-gilt eagle has beautiful detail and screwback fixing posts that clearly have never been disturbed. This feature, along with the removable screw topped spike and overall manufacture quality, clearly set this helmet aside. The condition of the helmet is super and bright throughout with no deformation and all fixtures correct and complete. The cover has clearly always been with the helmet and has machine-applied 72nd to the front with some moth nipping to the red of the letters. Just below the letters are two hand applied cotton bar tacks. These would have been to facilitate attachment of a manoeuvre band. All these features are synonymous with pre-war and early used Kammer (issue) quality Pickelhaube covers. Interestingly, the cover has received a light green overdye at some point. This has happened during its working life and the dye has also overwashed the identification label. This overdying was carried out due to the fact that these pre-war quality helmet covers were renowned for rapid bleaching and fading. This would ultimately lead to wartime changes in both the fabric and the hue of the fabric greatly. It would certainly appear that this set was an early battlefield pick up and the prolonged positioning of the cover upon the helmet itself has greatly protected the leather helmet beneath. The one year volunteer system meant men who volunteered would, amongst other concessions to short term service, have to purchase their own uniforms. Pickelhaubes were sourced from high quality suppliers and even at times rented from parent units. The \'OYV\' system had no equivalent within the Allied nations\' forces and thus is a complicated, yet fascinating, aspect of Imperial German history. Any helmet with its matching cover is of course now rare to find. This would make a stunning centrepiece to any Great War related headdress collection.
WW1 Imperial German Prussian M15 Enlisted Mans Greatcoat A very good worn example of the M15 enlisted mans greatcoat which was introduced as part of the new uniform changes from September 21st 1915. Shoulder straps are to the 93rd Reserve Infantry Regiment. Manufactured to Wurttemberg/Prussian & Saxony specifications it has the distinctive green colour collar differing from the field grey of its Bavarian counterpart. The barrel cuffs were implemented for this model & only previously existed on the mounted troops version. A six button ( brown painted ) front adorns this coat with two to its adjustable belt at rear. The grey lining is from the April 1916 period onwards & has the XIII Wuttemberg clothing depot acceptance stamp & date 1917 so we can date the manufacture of this 'Einheitsmantel' from 1917 at the earliest. A very nice looking greatcoat ideal for an infantry soldier setup there are some inevitable moth holes on this 100 year old item seen in varying places upon inspection. These , in my opinion, do not detract from what is now a very rare item of German soldiers cold weather uniform.
WW1 Imperial German Prussian Officers Pickelhaube A fabulous souvenired German Officers Pickelhaube recently discovered & having been picked up from the battlefield of WW1. This is a Prussian line infantry officers example of private purchase with quality rear spine & officer starred spike base . Other private purchase officer features are the rosette chinscale mounts & fine officer cockades. Interior of the helmet has fine calf skin sweatband with silk half sectioned champagne skullcap. Helmet fittings were made of weakly gilded zinc or iron as from the end of 1914 due to the shortage of bronze however the quality of the finish on this surviving example would suggest an earlier pre war manufacture. The chinstrap scales are quite excellent with small buckle still present behind it. A small part of the hidden thin leather strap is minus due to age however would only be visible when worn down. As can be seen the tall officers spike is striking in its appearance & fortunately still present on this piece , many were lost in the field or simply removed according to the 1915 order. The helmet plate has never been off & the original nut & washer assembly can be seen to the inside . Pencil markings with a roman numeral II & what may be a handwritten size marking can be seen to the reverse side of the front of the helmet. A time capsule of a piece & now hard to find it has some overall age patina which only adds to its charactor & also of note two stars minus from its spike base. One that most likely saw action in the early days of WW1 .
WW1 Imperial German Prussian Officers Pickelhaube A stunning WW1 Prussian officers pickelhaube with immaculate gilted metal officers fitments & perfectly intact scaled chinstrap. This textbook example private purchase Pickelhaube has all of the standard high quality officer features that one would expect to see on such an example. Its front Prussian plate is still firmly affixed with all of the gilt finish remaining to its entirety. The distinctive tall spike & pearled neck ring is detachable & affixes to an undisturbed spike base mount with all of its stars still present. Front & rear peaks are intact & firm with no loose stitching at all. Underside of the helmet displays the green lined front peak & red lined rear peak as well as officers calf skin headband & silk skull all beautifully intact. Both cockades are of the officer pattern. A superb piece typifying the Prussian officer in the early WW1 period.
WW1 Imperial German Prussian ORs Pickelhaube A perfectly superb German first world war Prussian spiked helmet or ' Pickelhaube ' as worn in the trenches by the German soldier prior to the introduction of the steel helmet. This is the 1915 other ranks model with matt field grey fittings & removeable metal spike. Its distinctive leather skull with front & rear peaks define the iconic image of the first world war German soldier this example having a good overall non crushed appearance & an appealing amount of age toning that compliment this ' time capsule ' German spiked helmet. Some very typical minor surface crazing is to be seen to the leather of the skull as is indicative of a good original example. Front & rear peaks remain firm. Some interior ink markings are very faintly visible to rear peak being ' B.A XVI.1915 ' for the army depot of Western Lorraine , Metz . Faint size stamp ' 54 ' to crown area although this number may also refer to the rack number on which the helmet was stored . A classic item of Imperial German headdress the cockades have not survived the passage of time being now long since gone. Replacement chinstrap.
WW1 Imperial German Prussian Pickelhaube With Soldiers Name & Unit Tag To Liner (57th Inf Reg , Western Front ) If you are searching for a textbook named & regimentally identified WW1 German pickelhaube from the Western Front for your collection , untouched & as it came back from the Great War then this one may be for you. This is a classic M1895 prewar pattern 1915 dated German infantrymans pickelhaube with the added interest of a clothing tag stitched to the leather liner giving the wearers name, rank & unit as \' Musketier Isken, 3.Comp, I Ers-Batt , Inf Reg. Nr 57 \' . These clothing or \'laundry\' tags can sometimes be found on German items of uniform , headdress & equipment although it is scarce. With no repairs or replacement parts to the brass fittings it still has its original brass buckle mounted leather chinstrap with both cockades present. Rear pins of all fittings are secure with no movement & have clearly never been disturbed. Within the leather helmet itself we can see much accumulated dust & dirt but also the faint manufacture date of 1915 & a circular makers marking . The rear peak also has a matching regiments mark of \'J.R.57 \' for Infantry regiment 57. The \'J\' was often used in place of the \'I\' & so refers to Infantry & not Jager ! In overall very good condition there is , as is usual, some crazing to the leather although both peaks remain firm. A quite superb souvenir piece straight from the trenches of the Western Front . The 57th ( 8th Westphalian ) Infantry \'Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick\' were part of 14th Division, 79th Infantry Brigade , VII Army Corps in WW1. The 14th Division served on the Western Front. It participated in the initial German drive through Belgium and France, including the Battle of Liège and culminating in the First Battle of the Marne. After a period of trench warfare in various parts of the line, the division went to Verdun in 1916. During the 1918 German Spring Offensive, the division fought in the Third Battle of the Aisne.
WW1 Imperial German Regimentally Marked G98 Rifle 1909 A quite stunning pre first world war German Gewehr 98 ( G98 ) rifle , the standard issue rifle of the German soldier in WW1. Dated 1909 this example was made at the Prussian Arsenal , Spandau & bears profuse inspection & Imperial German markings including ' Gew 98 ' to left side of receiver & Prussian cypher for King Wilhelm II ( 1888-1918 ) on right. The 'Lange Tangent' backsight on this rifle is in excellent working order & moves backwards & forwards on its rail with very impressive efficiency. Beautiful wood furniture adorns this piece with original brass butt disc having the , as yet , unresearched regimental markings of ' K.G.287' . This superb first world war German rifle cocks & dryfires with ease & is supplied with its Home Office certificate of deactivation . UK sales only.
WW1 Imperial German S98/05 Aa Transitional Sawback Butcher Bayonet ( Rare Regimental Static Smoke Troops Markings ) A rare 1915 dated first world war German sawback butcher bayonet with never before recorded regimental markings for a static smoke troops unit ' NK.B.203.2. ' ( Nebel Kompanie Bodenstandig , 203rd Division , Weapon Number 2 ) . The 'Bodenstandig ' in the abbreviation denotes static & therefore not a motorised or mobile unit. Most likely issued to an NCO due to the low weapon number this is an outstanding Erfurt made sawback example with high ears to crossguard & second model flashguard. Spine of blade has date 1915 with German cypher of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Prussia 1888-1918. In overall excellent condition with some green paint remaining to scabbard. Owners initials etched into handle. A superb piece to a rare WW1 German field unit.
WW1 Imperial German S98/05 Sawback Bayonet ( Scarce R.Stock Maker ) 1916 An Imperial German \' R.Stock\' made S98/05na sawback \' Butcher\' bayonet with 1916 date to spine & second model steel scabbard correct for this date when they first began to be issued. Sawback bayonets were for issue to Pioneer troops however these were soon unpopular with the troops due to their treatment when captured with such a spiteful looking weapon. Maker marked to ricasso \' R.STOCK & Co BERLIN-MARIENFELD\' with Prussian cypher to spine & \'16 date this is a scarce combination to find as only a few surviving examples have been recorded as dated 1916 from the maker \'R.Stock\' . This firm went on to produce other materials for the war effort. ( See page 88 Vol 1 Anthony Carters German Bayonets. Wood grips are in superb condition with pommel catch still working. Inspection marks to pommel. A classic piece of WW1 trench history.
WW1 Imperial German Stick Bomb Model 1915 A very rare totally original example of the WW1 German Model 1915 stick bomb. All of the early 1915 patterns of stick bomb are rare especially if in excellent condition as is this one. These bombs were manufactured by Karl Spaeter & usually have black painted heads with the white stencilled instructions ' VOR GEBRAUCH SPRENGKAPSEL EINSETZEN' literally meaning 'Before Use , Insert detonator ' . Much of this stencilling is still visible. The distinctive metal belt hook is still intact on the side. The wooden handle is in excellent woodworm free condition & is still firmly secured to the metal neck & head with no looseness. This particular piece was almost certainly brought home as a souvenir displaying a small dent near the top of the head that was probably caused by a shell or grenade fragment.
WW1 Imperial German Stick Grenade A very rare WW1 German high explosive stick grenade complete with Somme 1916 attributation . This is the model produced from late 1915 onwards & is an example manufactured by the electrical firm AEG \' Allgemeine Elektricitats-Gesellschaft \' . With the grenade head formed from green painted sheet steel the insert detonator before use wording \' Vor Gebrauch Sprengkapseln Einsetzen\' is still partly visible with faint lettering to the top of the grenade & belt hook intact to side. Wood shaft has the time designation \' 5 1/2 SEK. A.E.G. ( Five and a half seconds ) with faint ink stamps of fuse fitting. Nice to see on this example is the often rotted away tin screw cap housing with screw cap having thin very old lettering painted to it \'Somme 1916\' . A porcelain ball is present within its housing. Now becoming nearly impossible to find this is a very good example straight from the Somme battlefield with most of its original green paint remaining to head , no woodworm to handle & a very good proportion of its original stencilling remaining . Only a couple of holes exist to head through either age or shrapnel . *** The grenade is totally free from explosive & can be proved as such upon inspection*** ***UK sales within Great Britain only***
WW1 Imperial German \' Stirnpanzer\' Brow Plate A rare opportunity to own a fabulous piece of Great War trench armour this being the helmet brow plate or \'Stirnpanzer\' as it was known then by its official title. Produced from 1916 onwards ( The same time as the M16 helmet ) it was designed as a form of armoured , frontal protection shield that could be fitted onto the front of the German steel helmet for wear by troops during trench fighting or in static positions etc. Due to its weight it was not a popular item of equipment . With a thickness of 5-6mm it was proposed that one in twenty helmets be fitted with them. This piece still has a very good proportion of its original green factory paint to both inside & out . Having both of its original securing straps both are aged but have survived in very good condition. Made of black leather they were secured to each end with two double rivets as can still be seen here. The adjustment side shows the impractically large number of holes which is very typical of the strap for the brow plate. On examination of the brow plate itself the securing & vent lug holes have been roughly cut into each side with this being \'fettled\' to remove any sharp edges afterwards. There is further evidence of fettling with grinding tools to smooth down the rough edges of the plate after casting. It is interesting to note the distinct bell type \'ring\' of the plate when hung up and tapped. A faint marking which I believe to be an \'R\' & \'14\' number marking can just be seen at the top inside edge , this marking has been recorded before on other examples however is yet unattributed. A rare & complete iconic piece not often encountered in todays market.
WW1 Imperial German \' Time Capsule\' Belt Equipment Set A wonderful set of WW1 German belt equipment which was all found together having lain untouched for many years. This set comprises a Prussian army belt & buckle , early \'09 model cartridge pouch with brass fittings & a WW1 breadbag . All of the leather components are in their natural undyed leather finish this dating from the beginning of WW1 when it was ordered that leatherwork was to be issued in natural brown leather to save time & costs during mobilisation. After September 1915 leather equipment was ordered to be blackened however this was not often adhered to due to dye shortages & time restraints. Belt buckle retains its leather tab & is of brass & nickle construction. Hooked end to leather is of matching brass. It is interesting to note that the buckle end of the belt leather has been slightly tapered in by the soldier at each side making it easier to tuck in behind the opposite end of the leather when in wear. All brass fittings to cartridge pouch this predating the changes from brass to steel in 1915. It is with all of its straps undamaged . Breadbag is a classic early WW1 example with the only remaining marking being \'B.A III\' for \' Bekleidungsamt III \' . Well used & undisturbed set straight out of WW1.
WW1 Italian Farina ' Trench Model ' Helmet A very rare Italian ' Farina ' helmet , the first helmet to be issued to the Italian Army in World War One. These , in conjunction with body armour , were issued to special units whose dangerous task it was to clear barbed wire & other obstacles prior to an assault. Made by the engineering company of 'Ing. F. Farina ' in Milan there were two models one having a deeper depth frontal visor & the other a shallower form referred to as the reduced , or trench model as is the specimen here. Constructed with a rear strip & heavily armoured laminate visor being rivetted to the helmet bowl at front & rear its factory applied grey green finish is still visible in places although this did not adhere well to the nickel- chrome steel of the visor. Issued without any form of liner they were normally worn over a seperate padded cap or the field cap worn back to front in the absence of any other padding. A leather chinstrap was rivetted to the sides of the helmet & although still present here it is detached ( as is often the case ) . A fascinating piece of WW1 protective headgear & practically unobtainable today.
WW1 Italian Farina ' Trench Model' Helmet A very rare Italian ' Farina ' helmet , the first helmet to be issued to the Italian Army in World War One. These , in conjunction with body armour , were issued to special units whose dangerous task it was to clear barbed wire & other obstacles prior to an assault. Made by the engineering company of 'Ing. F. Farina ' in Milan there were two models one having a deeper depth frontal visor & the other a shallower form referred to as the reduced , or trench model as is the specimen here. Constructed with a rear strip & heavily armoured laminate visor being rivetted to the helmet bowl at front & rear its factory applied grey green finish is still visible in places although this did not adhere well to the nickel- chrome steel of the visor. Issued without any form of liner they were normally worn over a seperate padded cap or the field cap worn back to front in the absence of any other padding. A leather chinstrap was rivetted to the sides of the helmet & although still present here it is detached ( as is often the case ) . A fascinating piece of WW1 protective headgear & practically unobtainable today.
WW1 Italian Farina 'Trench Model' Helmet A very rare Italian ' Farina ' helmet , the first helmet to be issued to the Italian Army in World War One. These , in conjunction with body armour , were issued to special units whose dangerous task it was to clear barbed wire & other obstacles prior to an assault. Made by the engineering company of 'Ing. F. Farina ' in Milan there were two models one having a deeper depth frontal visor & the other a shallower form referred to as the reduced , or trench model as is the specimen here. Constructed with a rear strip & heavily armoured laminate visor being rivetted to the helmet bowl at front & rear its factory applied grey green finish is still visible in places although this did not adhere well to the nickel- chrome steel of the visor. Issued without any form of liner they were normally worn over a seperate padded cap or the field cap worn back to front in the absence of any other padding. A leather chinstrap was rivetted to the sides of the helmet & although still present here it is detached ( as is often the case ) . A fascinating piece of WW1 protective headgear & practically unobtainable today.
WW1 Italian Farina Helmet A very rare Italian ' Farina ' helmet , the first helmet to be issued to the Italian Army in World War One. These , in conjunction with body armour , were issued to special units whose dangerous task it was to clear barbed wire & other obstacles prior to an assault. Made by the engineering company of 'Ing. F. Farina ' in Milan there were two models one having a deeper depth frontal visor with vision recess as here & the other a shallower form referred to as the reduced , or trench model as is the specimen here. Constructed with a rear strip & heavily armoured laminate visor being rivetted to the helmet bowl at front & rear its factory applied grey green finish is still visible in places although this did not adhere well to the nickel- chrome steel of the visor. Issued without any form of liner they were normally worn over a seperate padded cap or the field cap worn back to front in the absence of any other padding. A leather chinstrap was rivetted to the sides of the helmet & as is often the case has long gone sadly. A fascinating piece of WW1 protective headgear & practically unobtainable today.
WW1 Italian Model 15 \'Adrian\' Helmet A very rare Italian Model 1915 helmet , produced by the Italians & strongly resembling the French Adrian Model 1915 helmet. These now seldom encountered Italian models appeared in 1916 however were still designated the Model 1915 . They differed from their French forerunners by having a more robust two part only construction consisting of the shell & the crest. They were also easier & therefore cheaper to manufacture then the French version. They came in a grey green factory paint with no insignia ( Or holes ) to the front their being no official regulations in respect of helmet insignia. This is a magnificent apparently unissued example with nearly all of its factory paint finish remaining. Its interior two piece liner is constructed with leather headband & leathercloth tongues . The black crown surmounting 'MA' initials within a circle are believed to be a manufacturers mark. The brown leather chinstrap remains intact , this most likely due to its robust heavy gauge. The paper glued label to rear lip may well have been a price tag or inventory label . A very rare helmet of the Great War.
WW1 KIA Group , West Yorkshire Regiment. This group is to a Private Clarence Davey from the 9th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment who was killed in France on 20th May 1918 aged 19 years. Private Davey is buried in the Philosophe British Cemetery in the Pas De Calais, France where many casualties of the Loos battlefield were laid to rest. Amongst the paperwork & memorial plaque relating to his death are a Princess Mary Gift Tin & also a Greetings card signed 'Clarence' with the coloured motif of the 3rd Batt West Yorkshire Regiment on the front cover. Inside are the crossed flags of the Prince of Wales in colour & a dedication for 'Past remembrances' evidently a tribute to fallen comrades before he himself was Killed in Action in 1918. Also included is a funeral/death notice to Pvt Davey with the West York Reg motif on the front bordered in black, a studio portrait photograph of him in service dress with Lewis Gunners & Marksmanship Badge & two other photographs of a nurse (maybe a sweetheart) & an Australian. There is also a 1921 dated envelope addressed to his mother containing his medal entitlements of the War & Victory Medal. Very interesting group to a World War One infantryman & worthy of further research.
WW1 KIA Memoriam Card & Photograph, W.Yorks Regiment. Interesting WW1 British death notice to a member of the 9th Battalion West Yorkshire regiment killed in action in France on 20th May 1918 aged 19 years. Private Clarence George Edmond Davey is buried in the Philosophe British Cemetery in the Pas De Calais area of Northern France where many casualties from the Loos battlefield now rest. A black bordered white card it has the badge of the West Yorkshire regiment & the words 'In Memoriam' on the front of it & on the inside a poem & a dedication from his parents with the details of death. Accompanying the card is a studio portrait postcard photograph of Private Davey in WW1 service uniform wearing on his tunic the Lewis Gunner & Marksmanship badge. Interesting small lot to a late war casualty.
WW1 M15 Ersatz Prussian Picklehaube Good original example of the scarce Imperial German M15 Ersatz Picklehaube in grey felt with non reflective grey painted metal fittings. This is a good untouched example of this desirable picklehaube with the grey metal fittings being untouched & never removed from their original mounting. Front peak has good metal edging ( not seen on all Ersatz helmets ) still firm with a repair at each end of the peaks stress points only visible upon close inspection. Rear spine is also untouched with original fixing visible to inside of helmet under liner. Top spike mounting is still firm & uninterfered with the pins going through to the underside totally untouched & original as when first mounted. Removable spike has at some point been polished which over time has then rust patinated although this a totally original component which has traces of the original grey paint around its inner edges. Side national & Prussian cockades are perfect with original paint remaining matching nicely with the leather chinstrap which shows good age & the correct grey painted buckles. Prussian plate to front is heavily tarnished & is firm to the helmet with clear age shadow to the felt around its edges visible. Leather liner is in good condition with no tears only a very small area of stitching away from the body at the front peak area. Overall a very nice looking Ersatz Picklehaube with age & wear as would be expected on a WW1 worn piece such as this.
WW1 M15 Ersatz Prussian Picklehaube Good original example of the scarce Imperial German M15 Ersatz Picklehaube in grey felt with non reflective grey painted metal fittings. This is a good untouched example of this desirable picklehaube with the grey metal fittings being untouched & never removed from their original mounting. Front peak has good metal edging ( not seen on all Ersatz helmets ) still firm with a repair at each end of the peaks stress points only visible upon close inspection. Rear spine is also untouched with original fixing visible to inside of helmet under liner. Top spike mounting is still firm & uninterfered with the pins going through to the underside totally untouched & original as when first mounted. Removable spike has at some point been polished which over time has then rust patinated although this a totally original component which has traces of the original grey paint around its inner edges. Side national & Prussian cockades are perfect with original paint remaining matching nicely with the leather chinstrap which shows good age & the correct grey painted buckles. Prussian plate to front is heavily tarnished & is firm to the helmet with clear age shadow to the felt around its edges visible. Leather liner is in good condition with no tears only a very small area of stitching away from the body at the front peak area. Overall a very nice looking Ersatz Picklehaube with age & wear as would be expected on a WW1 worn piece such as this.
WW1 M15 French Infantry Adrian Helmet A textbook large sized early M15 French Adrian helmet in the first shiny light blue colour that was found to be less than ideal when it came to being inconspicuous to the enemy. This colour predates June 1916 when a dark blue overpaint was authorised to overcome the compromising issue of a shiny bright blue finish. Much of this early paint finish remains with a few minor scuffs to the surface area. The flaming grenade \'RF\' ( Republique Francais ) badge to front was worn not only by infantry but also by cavalry troops as well & is totally original to this helmet. Another indication of this helmets early manufacture is the one piece leather liner , there were multi constructed as of September 1916 to save on leather. It is backed with blue uniform cloth & has has its corrugated aluminium adjustment strips still present. When one carefully examines the interior crown of the helmet a black ink stamp with an anchor flanked either side by a \'c\' can be seen. This is not , as sometimes erroneously described , anything to do with the Navy but the manufacturer stamp of the company \'La Compagnie Coloniale\' . At least eight manufactureres are known to have made the M15 Adrian helmet. Leather chinstrap is in excellent original condition with no damage & an intact black buckle & brass securing stud. A quite stunning example of the very earliest of french Adrian helmet.
WW1 M15 French Medical Adrian Helmet A rare large sized example of the French M15 Adrian helmet for medical personnell . Totally untouched , this helmet displays the distinctive medical insignia to front of Caduceus with the serpent of Epidaurus encircling the mirror of prudence . This is flanked by the letters \'RF\' & surrounded by a laurel & oakleaves in its entirety. This insignia was adopted in August 1915 when the War Ministry recommended issuing the helmet to medics & doctors. It is clear that the badge is totally original to the helmet with its holding pins to reverse totally undisturbed. The helmet shell is finished in its original dark blue paint with early pre 1916 one piece liner lined in uniform cloth to its reverse. Made by the firm \'Cie Coloniale\' with its distinctive CC & anchor logo to crown it is a very large sized example. Complete with chinstrap this is a rare helmet that has survived in very good condition.
WW1 M15 Medical Adrian Helmet A scarce WW1 French M15 Adrian helmet for medical personnel . This helmet displays the distinctive medical insignia to front of Caduceus with the serpent of Epidaurus encircling the mirror of prudence . This is flanked by the letters \'RF\' & surrounded by a laurel & oakleaves in its entirety. This insignia was adopted in August 1915 when the War Ministry recommended issuing the helmet to medics & doctors. It is clear that the badge is totally original to the helmet with its holding pins to reverse totally undisturbed. The helmet shell is finished in its original blue paint with early pre 1916 one piece liner lined in dark blue uniform cloth to its reverse. Complete with chinstrap this is one of the scarcer Adrian helmets that has survived in very good condition.
WW1 M16 Imperial German Camouflage Helmet With Chinstrap A very visually impressive WW1 German M16 camouflage helmet with its original leather chinstrap still fitted . A fascinating timecapsule piece this helmet has thumbprints visible in the paint where handled as the paint was still drying either at the depot , factory or in the field . An ET64 manufacture , this helmet shows a three colour segmented pattern seperated by thin dividing lines which again demonstrate the wide range of differences in camouflage scheme interpretations before the official Ludendorff order of 1918. The colours of brown , ochre & forest green have been applied over its early factory green paint finish with this showing through in areas of wear. The overall appearance of the helmet tells us that this was a well used helmet in the German trenches but with all three of its liner pins original to the helmet & totally undisturbed. Chinstrap still present & although delicate in places with tears to the leather is known to have been on this helmet when it was given to the vendor by his father many years ago. The M16 leather band is in good secure order with two of its pads & cushions still present. A partial pencil written name is legible to the underside of the rear skirt with the black ink size stamp '64' applied at the depot also visible here. In the paint around it are thumbprints due to handling when the paint was still drying thus encapsulating one of the Kaisers men within the history of this helmet forever. Fabulous helmet.
WW1 M17 Imperial German Camouflage Helmet With Entry & Exit Battle Damage A WW1 German M17 camouflage helmet with battle damage in the form of entry & exit holes to side & rear. An interesting 'ad hoc' camouflage interpretation with very typical colours of tan ochre , reddish brown & forest green applied in brush strokes to the exterior. The thick texture of the paint brush is evident in places with dried paint run visible where it has been hurriedly applied. Minus its liner pads, there are two holes appearing to be an entry & exit where a projectile has entered from the front left side & exited to the rear causing a much larger hole. All three of the liner pins are original to the helmet & undisturbed with metal M17 liner band intact & tightly still in situ. Faint traces of a name can be seen on the underside of the rear skirt with the maker & size 'BF64' for the firm Bellinger.
WW1 M1884 Private Purchase Kepi , 114th Infantry Regiment An M1884 private purchase infantry kepi of an other ranks soldier from the 114th Infantry Regiment. Many French soldiers had to purchase their own uniform for best dress this being an example as worn by a member of the other ranks. The early prewar style is distinctive with its red cloth & dark blue cord piping . Hardly differing from an issue version externally the interior of black satin with a black leatherette sweatband is of a much higher standard than those issued from stores. this more akin to a basic officer or NCO quality. With tombac flaming grenade infantry buttons to each side the condition of this beautiful piece is excellent having no discernable moth holes or damage to the leather. The 114th were garrisoned at St-Maixent & part of the 34th Brigade , 17th Division during the early part of WW1.
WW1 Machine Gun Corps Military Cross Winner Grouping Machine Gun Corps Military Cross recipient! A fabulous group of items all once having belonged to Military Cross winner Second Lieutenant L.E.LEWIS of the Machine Gun Corps . This grouping comprises the following items : A period framed & crest headed 21/10/18 dated letter from Second Army Headquarters congratulating 2nd Lt Lewis on his award of the MC. This letter is signed by General Sir Herbert Plumer , Commander of the Second Army ( As of 13th March 1918 ) . His Mk.VIII Verners compass named to him on case & dated 1917 to both case & compass. This was used by him as part of his Sam Browne equipment on active service in the trenches of France. His officers field glasses , French made & broad arrow marked. Used by him on active service in France. A small apparently captured German pocket hip flask carried on active service , thick heavy duty glass leatherette covered with metal cup half bottom. German silver screw cap to bottle. Clearly a soldier of great capability & utilising these skills he was commissioned in the Machine Gun Corps from the rank of corporal on 23/3/1918, his London Gazette entry reads as follows : ' 2nd Lt. Lewis Edmund Lewis, 30th Bn., M.O. Co. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in command of a battery of machine guns in the attack on Messines Ridge on 28th September, 1918. During a critical moment of the advance he engaged a hostile machine gun and crew coming into action, killing four, wounding one, and taking one prisoner. His initiative and the reports he sent in about the progress of the advance were of great assistance. ' A fabulous group from the sought after Machine Gun Corps.
WW1 Missing In Action Paperwork Group, Lancashire Fusiliers Very interesting paperwork group relating to a Private in the 2/7 Lancashire Fusiliers who was officially reported as Missing In Action by the War Office on the 21st March 1918. Private 201278 Ernest Edgerton was serving overseas in France with the Lancs Fusiliers in 1918 when notification was sent to his fiancee Bertha Delon. The first official letter sent dated the 21st March 1918 lists his details & army number & is sent from the Infantry records office at Preston. Their are also a further two official notification letters one stating he is missing following an engagement in France on the 21st March 1918. The group includes much 1918 correspondence from the War Office in response to his fiancees enquiries as to his whereabouts as well as seven Field Service Postcards sent between the 8th August 1917 & January 1918 by Pte Edgerton to her from France before he went missing. Following further enquiries by the War Office & much correspondence a Red Cross postcard dated 9/5/1918 stated no more news although on 15th May 1918 a British Red Cross official postcard brings notification that Pte Edgerton is a Prisoner Of War. Three more British Red Cross postcards bear related correspondence. Nicely completing the set is a letter from Buckingham Palace on headed paper dated 1918 welcoming home Pte Edgerton on behalf of the Queen & signed with the Royal signature. Two postwar telegraphs sent in 1920 bring news on the wedding of the soldier & his fiancee in one & in the other the succesful birth of a baby girl on Christmas morning 1920. Interesting & complete group telling a story of one soldier in the final months of World War One.
WW1 Model 1916 Portuguese Helmet A fine example of the Portuguese Model 1916 helmet & one that is instantly recognisable to WW1 collectors by its ribbed design. The origins of these helmets have been widely discussed however it is known that they were available for private purchase by British officers in the early part of WW1. Made only of mild steel they were found not to be effective in the face of an even moderate velocity round as well as the ribbed surface tending to aid the projectile in penetration when hit . Banned for sale in Great Britain around the 1916 period it is believed that they were issued to Portuguese troops as a temporary measure. In a very typical British khaki paint colour of the period the helmet shell is of one piece construction with a ventilation hole in each side of the helmet . A thin strip of corrugated cork is fitted between the shell & leather liner with a woollen inner showing some rust bleeding in places. There are traces of a marking on the wool with some , sadly illegible , handwritten nomenclature to the front of the leather band. Brown leather chinstrap has a knot tied in it perhaps to adjust it but is otherwise intact. An interesting helmet & very hard to find today .
WW1 Named Manchester Regiment MC Winners British Officers Private Purchase DayField Body Shield A fabulous private purchase Dayfield Body Shield named to Military Cross winner Captain F.C Benton of the Manchester Regiment . Britain were well ahead in the development of Body Armour during WW1 & led the way when it came to those available for purchase at that time. One of the most popular was this Dayfield Body Shield of which various patterns existed . The example here still has its rare paper marketing label to the front reading \' The Dayfield Body Shield Resists Bayonet , Sword or Lance Thrusts also spent bullets & shell \' . fragments. \' Handwritten onto one side is the faintly visible but distinct name of \'FC Benton\' which would be very enjoyable to fully research. In overall very good condition both long fastening tapes to the rear are present. There are some rust marks in places to the fabric from storage . A scarce item & one which would benefit from thorough research of the officer.
WW1 Northumberland Fusiliers KIA Group ( Letter From The Trenches & Other Battlefield Ephemera ) This is a very nice family lot of photographs & ephemera, some from the trenches, relating to a Private in the Northumberland Fusiliers who was Killed In Action in June 1917 & who is now buried in the Messines Ridge Cemetery. From an initial investigation of the items in the lot it is apparent that Private JA Walker had two young sons Henry & Harry when he went into the army although tragically his wife appears to have died aged 31 in 1916 . The most notable items in the group are a letter handwritten in pencil dated 1917 sent by him from the front & two postcards contained within a period black wallet which all bear a poignancy relating to Pte Walker. The letter dated 29/4/17 is addressed to Harry , his oldest son, in which he provides his army number & unit details to enable food to be sent to him at the front which he requests in his letter . With the letter are two postcard photographs of his sons sent to him from England & also a photograph of him in service dress clearly wearing the cap badge of the Northumberland Fusiliers. On the back of each of these pictures is a pencil scribbled note ' found on the battlefield ' with the added note ' from Pte Riches 46327 his old chum' . Pte JA Walker was Killed In Action on the 13th June 1917 thus the letter was most probably his last . The black wallet & two postcards both with ' To dad ' from Henry & Harry respectively & the photograph of him in uniform were evidently taken from him after his death by Pte Riches ( Northumberland Fusiliers via National Archives ) for return to his next of kin & highlight the tragic fate of many WW1 soldiers. Accompanying the group are two letters from the Imperial War Graves Commission dated 1920 & 1923 referring to his remains being re-interred from a small field cemetery near Joy Farm, Oostaverne to the Messines Ridge British cemetery 5 3/4 miles south of Ypres. Completing the group are photographs & paperwork relating to Harry Walker after WW1 including ephemera from The Aberdeen Line on which he worked as a ships steward, his post (1919) WW1 Medical & National Health Insurance cards & a letter & photographs from the WW2 period. Overall a very interesting group with WW1 battlefield recovered items.
WW1 Portuguese Model 1916 Helmet A fine example of the rare Portuguese Model 1916 helmet & one that is instantly recognisable to WW1 collectors by its ribbed design. The origins of these helmets have been widely discussed however it is known that they were available for private purchase by British officers in the early part of WW1. Made only of mild steel they were found not to be effective in the face of an even moderate velocity round as well as the ribbed surface tending to aid the projectile in penetration when hit . Banned for sale in Great Britain around the 1916 period it is believed that they were issued to Portuguese troops as a temporary measure. In a very typical British khaki paint colour of the period the helmet shell is of one piece construction with a ventilation hole in each side of the helmet . A thin strip of corrugated cork is fitted between the shell & leather liner with a woollen inner showing some minor rust bleeding in places. Brown leather chinstrap has some pencillled numbers written onto it & is still supple & undamaged. An interesting helmet & very hard to find today .
WW1 Pre 1917 British MK1 Brodie Helmet ( Sapper Name & Unit Details To Underside Of Rim ) A very good named MK1 British Brodie helmet of the Mk1 model with rim . This example has been made without the incorporation of a rubber ring to lining therefore predating its manufacture to before 1917. All of the correct WW1 British Brodie features are present with thin chinstrap bales & split rivet fixed lugs denoting its British origin. This well worn helmet has the remains of its rough textured khaki paint finish to surface. To the underside of the rim have been written the very researchable details of a Sapper with the date 1917 so one would assume this was the wearer of the helmet. I should add that this writing , although old , has been added to the helmet later in indelible pen & still remains an important part of this helmets history.
WW1 Precision Model Toy Gun Nice item for the collector of military related model toys this being a precision made model of a Field Gun that incorporates mechanical working parts & is capable of firing small wooden 'rounds'. Piece measures 24 inches in length from end to end & 4 1/2 inches in width at its widest point. Dark green metal parts include revolving metal wheels & a movable gun barrel operated by the long crank wheel to its rear. Another long handle that sits to the side of the barrel cocks the gun whilst the breech can then be opened & the wooden round loaded. When the breech is closed again the trigger handle can then be pushed down firing the wooden round surprisingly several metres. Five wooden rounds come with the gun. No markings so apparently a privately made item. Rare mechanical childs toy of the First World War era.
WW1 Prussian Enlisted Mans Pickelhaube An all leather brass mounted small sized enlisted mans pickelhaube. An excellent display piece, the skull bears some crazing to both the front & back peaks. Black, white & red national cockade & Prussian cockade to opposite side ( Replacements ) , Chinstrap is also a replacement. Brass Prussian front plate is securely mounted with slight indentation marks in leather around edges. Top spike portion has three replacement pins only noticeable from the inside & there is one pin missing to the rear brass mount. Front peak is good & firm with a small stress split to the brass edging to the right side of its centre. Leather liner is in good condition with some sweat staining but no damage or tears to the tongues. Overall general display example of the Prussian Enlisted Mans Pickelhaube.
WW1 Prussian M15 Pickelhaube 1915 A fine example of the last model of German pickelhaube with original chinstrap & grey steel fittings introduced on 28th June 1915 . By this time in the war the expensive fittings of brass & silver were now needed for the war effort elsewhere & so this version , although still iconic , was rather simplified. This superb early war \'trench\' piece with its original removeable spike & both national & state cockades has survived very well with a nice even age to its exterior & a very appealing patina to its fittings. The black leather liner typifies that found on pickelhaube examples of this period. The untouched Prussian helmet plate is secured to the helmet with its two original leather fasteners through each eye on the helmets underside . All of the chemically treated grey metal fittings are original to the helmet & tightly fitting. Faint inspection markings can be seen to rear brim with an oval manufacturers stamp & 1915 date to interior crown. The size stamp of \'54 1/2\' is also legible. A classic Imperial German item in fabulous condition!
WW1 Prussian Officers Pickelhaube A stunning WW1 Prussian officers pickelhaube with immaculate gilted metal officers fitments & perfectly intact scaled chinstrap. This textbook example private purchase Pickelhaube has all of the standard high quality officer features that one would expect to see on such an example. Its front Prussian plate is still firmly affixed with gilt finish remaining to its entirety. The distinctive tall spike & pearled neck ring is detachable & affixes to an undisturbed spike base mount with all of its stars still present. Front & rear peaks are intact & firm with no loose stitching at all. Underside of the helmet displays the green lined front peak & red lined rear peak as well as officers calf leatherette headband & silk skull all beautifully presented. Both cockades are of the correct officer pattern. A superb piece high quality piece typifying the Prussian officer in the early WW1 period.
WW1 Prussian Other Ranks M15 Pickelhaube A wonderful untouched ' Time Capsule' example of a Prussian WW1 pickelhaube which comes completely as recently discovered with its original front plate having never been off of the helmet & its original chinstrap still in place as it was worn by the soldier. This helmet is a good example of those that can be encountered from 1915 onwards with grey steel fittings used to replace the earlier brass productions. It is interesting to note the rear peak markings of ' BA IX' & also those of ' BJA IX' within a rectangle denoting it as having been through a repair depot with the boxed letter 'F' referring to 'Feld' being the clothing grade that means this helmet was for field wear. A date of 1914 can be seen to the interior crown with a further ink stamp within an oval from ' JE Strecker 1917 '. As pickelhaubes were still being made up until the end of the war this is an example of one manufactured from existing stock in 1917. The Prussian helmet plate to front is firmly affixed into the surface of the helmets leather this clearly undisturbed since WW1. The totally original brown leather chinstrap is seated perfectly on the helmet with its two grey buckles again undisturbed & a visible buildup of dirt & dust age present behind it. Both cockades are present & in excellent order. A fabulous WW1 piece !
WW1 Prussian Other Ranks Pickelhaube ( 29th Reserve Regiment ) An excellent textbook early war Prussian infantry pickelhaube coming complete untouched with its original chinstrap & cockades. The undamaged front Prussian plate is firmly secured to the leather body of the helmet with both fixing holes remaining totally undisturbed with their brass ring surrounds. Helmet surface has minor age with some scuffs in places. Correlating patination on the leather around the edges of the plate confirm that has been in situ for many years , the leather slides holding it in place at rear are perfectly mounted. All of the other brass mountings are firm & a total exact match in colour. The spike is non removeable. The leather body of the helmet has remained in excellent condition with only typical surface wear visible on close inspection. Both the national & Prussian state cockade are present & original to the helmet. All stitching to front & rear peak is firm. Chinstrap has brass buckles & side mounts & is in surprisingly excellent condition. Interior of the helmet shows no disturbance to any of the securing pins .The black leather is excellent with its leather lace tie cord & all tongues & their tips intact. Rear peak bears black ink marking \'29R\' for what is most likely 29th Reserve Regiment . Overall a fabulous untouched example of the early war Prussian infantrymans pickelhaube.
WW1 R.M.L.I Defence Of Antwerp 1914 Star & Bar / LSGC Medal Group An untouched Royal Marine medal group to a Marine who was in action at the Defence of Antwerp in October 1914. This grouping comprises 1914 Mons Star with bar, War & Victory medal along with the Royal Navy Long Service & Good Conduct medal. All of the medals are still completely as they were issued & are still in their original boxes not even appearing to have ever been put onto the ribbons. Each box bears the original name & contents label with the brown paper medal envelopes still present. Included in the group is a photocopy of his service record on which there are many entries including the recording of service at Dunkirk from 20th September 1917 to 20th October 1914 & the Defence of Antwerp from 3rd October to 9th October 1914. His entitlement to the Long Service & Good Conduct medal is listed on 20/10/17. A fascinating medal group to a WW1 active Royal Marine.
WW1 Rabbit Ears Trench Periscope /Scherenfernrohr By Carl Zeiss A superb display piece being the cased ' Rabbit Ears' trench optics from the WW1 period. In the classic light field green grey of Imperial Germany these are constructed in brass & were seen being used in camouflaged observation positions by Imperial German troops. Well marked by the acknowledged optic maker 'Carl Zeiss Jena' they are in good used condition with graticuling to right lense . Much of its green gray paint remains with some wear & age bubbling in places. The designation marking of ' S.F.09 Nr ' is visible with Carl Zeiss Jena well marked. The German wording ' Klemme losen bevor Arme bewegt werden. can be seen to right arm. Eyepieces are used but intact. The focus on both lenses appears to be non functional with some loose internal particles visible when looked through. Coming in their correct leather case this has suffered some dry flaking to leather with long strap at rear dry & detached at one end. An excellent German trench display piece! ***Please contact to discuss collection/delivery options & the cost of this to be added to the total***
WW1 Rabbit Ears Trench Periscope /Scherenfernrohr By Carl Zeiss A superb display piece being the cased ' Rabbit Ears' trench optics from the WW1 period. In the classic light field green grey of Imperial Germany these are constructed in brass & were seen being used in camouflaged observation positions by Imperial German troops. Well marked by the acknowledged optic maker 'Carl Zeiss Jena' they are in good used condition with graticuling to right lense . Much of its green gray paint remains with some wear & age bubbling in places. The designation marking of ' S.F.09 Nr ' is visible with Carl Zeiss Jena well marked. The German wording ' Klemme losen bevor Arme bewegt werden. can be seen to right arm. Eyepieces are used but intact. Spare eyepieces still in their case compartment. The focus on both lenses appears to be non functional with some loose internal particles visible when looked through. Coming in their correct leather case this has suffered some dry flaking to leather with long strap at rear dry & detached at one end. An excellent German trench display piece! ***Please contact to discuss collection/delivery options & the cost of this to be added to the total***
WW1 Romanian 1915-17 Adrian Helmet A rare untouched M15 Romanian Adrian helmet with its original Romanian badge to front. Romania ordered 200,000 Adrian helmets from the French at the end of 1916 with only around 90,000 being supplied. They are known as the Romanian Adrian Model 1915-17 & , apart from the badge , are identical to the French helmet. This particular example has its Romanian badge still firmly affixed to the front , this being the royal cipher of King Ferdinand 1 with with two stylised back to back \'Fs\' & a central numeral \'1\' surmounted by a crown. The helmet has a multi construction leather liner with the ink stamped maker to crown \' Le Jouet De Paris\' . Chinstrap is present but delicate with one end detached. Romania entered the war in August 1916 when it declared war on Austria & moved troops into Transylvannia. Suffering heavy losses during a swift German advance the government was forced to evacuate its capital city of Bucharest . Suffering some 335,000 war dead the Romanian Adrian helmet is very difficult to find today.
WW1 Romanian Adrian M1915-1917 Helmet A very rare Model 1915-1917 Romanian Adrian helmet in excellent condition. . At the end of 1916 Romania ordered 200,000 Model 1915 French Adrian helmets of which approximately 90,000 were able to be delivered in January 1917. These helmets were known as the Romanian Adrian Model 1915-1917 & came in the same blue colour as the French issue but with the Romanian badge depicting the royal cipher of King Ferdinand I . With the limited run of those supplied & the 335,000 men lost by Romania these helmets are exceptionally rare today. This fabulous example is a totally untouched piece with original Romanian badge unmolested & firmly affixed to the front of the helmet. The original blue paint remains to interior with early type one piece brown leather liner totally intact. One tongue end is missing. The size stamp appears to front of liner ' 59 B3' . Blue uniform cloth has been used on the liner band with its original brown leather chinstrap intact. The exterior of the helmet has been overpainted in khaki after Romania adopted this as their standard uniform in 1923. A very rare helmet.
WW1 Royal Flying Corps Observers Coat Scarce issue example of the Royal Flying Corps Observers coat in the knee length mid tan wrapover style with angled map pocket to front. It is very hard to find stores issued examples most encountered examples being of officers private purchase. The remains of the stores issue 'WD' code is still visible inside the right sleeve. Still complete with its original waistbelt it also has the orange poppers typical of these WW1 coats. Tan blanket lined it displays some wear & a little bit of minor scuffing with a couple of period repairs one to front & another to rear bottom of skirt. A service used coat there are some subtle black marks in places most typical of the grease & oil marks which one would pick up from the fuel & oil exorbitant flying machines of WW1.
WW1 Royal Flying Corps Playing Cards Rare complete set of World War One playing cards attributed to the Royal Flying Corps & made by the well known card maker of the period Chas.Goodall & Son Ltd. Cards are packaged in a bound cardboard case that has a seperate sleeve that fits over the top. On the front of the sleeve are the wings & initials of the 'RFC' & the manufacturers details. Rear of the sleeve has a sample of what is on the back of each playing card being the wings & motto of the Royal Flying Corps. Sleeve has seperated into three pieces but is nevertheless complete. Chas, Goodall & Son were well known for their playing cards & range of weird & wonderful designs, this is apparent on the Ace of Spades that is intricately designed to incorporate the company name. A rare set of cards to a very popular First World War Corps.
WW1 Royal Irish Rifles Service Dress Cap A late WW1 officers SD cap to a member of the Royal Irish Rifles . This famous Irish regiment were heavily involved in many of the famous campaigns of WW1 including Neuve Chapelle , Fromelles , Loos & the Somme before their name being changed to the Royal Ulster Rifles as of 1st January 1921. Made of fine whipcord material this 'stiff' style cap displays the very typical WW1 feature of a high front maintained by a hinged spring stiffener fitted to the inside of the cap. The pre 1921 Royal Irish Rifles cap badge is black cord boss mounted with small black chinstrap buttons on which the wording ' Royal Irish Rifles ' can be seen upon close inspection. Chinstrap is in thin blackened leather correct for the Rifles. Internally the padded lining has diamond tailor label for 'Battersby London ' . Leather sweatband has its stitching away at the whole of the forehead area however this is only noticeable if one wishes to lift the band. It is notable that on this cap the underside of the peak is covered in the same material as the rest of the cap . When one inspects the chinstrap buttons & cap badge it is quite apparent that they are original to the cap & so we can predate its manufacture to before January 1921 when the name changed to the Royal Ulster Rifles. There is one small moth nip to the top of the cap & two small holes to the rear centre seam crease area seen only when the rear top section of the cap is lifted.
WW1 Russian Adrian Helmet A very rare WW1 Russian Adrian Model 1915-16 helmet in the chestnut brown colour used to match the Russian uniforms . The Russians ordered 2,048000 Adrian helmets from the French however France was only able to supply 340,000 by the end of 1916. They were identical to the French issue apart from the Russian badge & brown colour ( Of which different shades will be encountered ) . This fine piece has remained in excellent condition with a high percentage of its original chestnut brown remaining. The Russian badge featuring the double head of Imperial Russia is totally original to the helmet & remains firmly in place. See images for prong detail. An early one piece liner can be seen to the inside with its original chinstrap remaining in place. Even with the large number of these Russian helmets produced they remain difficult to find this believed to be due to Russia being involved in a number of conflicts following the abdication of the Tsar & the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk on the 15th December 1917 ending the war between Russia & the central powers. These helmets continued to be used usually with the Imperial badge removed from the front . Other countries made use of the Russian helmet again usually involving the removal of the original badge. A piece that has survived in very good condition & rarely encountered today.
WW1 Russian Adrian Helmet A very rare WW1 Russian Adrian Model 1915-16 helmet in the chestnut brown colour used to match the Russian uniforms . The Russians ordered 2,048000 Adrian helmets from the French however France was only able to supply 340,000 by the end of 1916. They were identical to the French issue apart from the Russian badge & brown colour ( Of which different shades will be encountered ) . This fine piece has remained in excellent condition with a high percentage of its original chestnut brown remaining. The Russian badge featuring the double head of Imperial Russia is totally original to the helmet & remains firmly in place. See images for prong detail. An early one piece liner can be seen to the inside with its original chinstrap remaining in place. Even with the large number of these Russian helmets produced they remain difficult to find this believed to be due to Russia being involved in a number of conflicts following the abdication of the Tsar & the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk on the 15th December 1917 ending the war between Russia & the central powers. These helmets continued to be used usually with the Imperial badge removed from the front . Other countries made use of the Russian helmet again usually involving the removal of the original badge. A piece that has survived in very good condition & rarely encountered today.
WW1 Russian Adrian Model 1915-16 Helmet A very rare WW1 Russian Adrian Model 1915-16 helmet in the chestnut brown colour used to match the Russian uniforms . The Russians ordered 2,048000 Adrian helmets from the French however France was only able to supply 340,000 by the end of 1916. They were identical to the French issue apart from the Russian badge & brown colour ( Of which different shades will be encountered ) . This fine piece has remained in excellent condition with a high percentage of its original chestnut brown remaining. The Russian badge featuring the double head of Imperial Russia is totally original to the helmet & remains firmly in place. An early one piece liner can be seen to the inside with only a small part of the chinstrap remaining. Even with the large number of these Russian helmets produced they remain difficult to find this believed to be due to Russia being involved in a number of conflicts following the abdication of the Tsar & the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk on the 15th December 1917 ending the war between Russia & the central powers. These helmets continued to be used usually with the Imperial badge removed from the front . Other countries made use of the Russian helmet again usually involving the removal of the original badge. A piece that has survived in very good condition & rarely encountered today.
WW1 Russian Adrian Model 1915-16 Helmet A very rare WW1 Russian Adrian Model 1915-16 helmet in the chestnut brown colour used to match the Russian uniforms . The Russians ordered 2,048000 Adrian helmets from the French however France was only able to supply 340,000 by the end of 1916. They were identical to the French issue apart from the Russian badge & brown colour ( Of which different shades will be encountered ) . This fine piece has remained in excellent condition with a high percentage of its original chestnut brown remaining. The Russian badge featuring the double head of Imperial Russia is totally original to the helmet & remains firmly in place. See images for prong detail. An early one piece liner can be seen to the inside with its original chinstrap remaining in place. There are some Russian markings to underside of rear brim. Even with the large number of these Russian helmets produced they remain difficult to find this believed to be due to Russia being involved in a number of conflicts following the abdication of the Tsar & the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk on the 15th December 1917 ending the war between Russia & the central powers. These helmets continued to be used usually with the Imperial badge removed from the front . Other countries made use of the Russian helmet again usually involving the removal of the original badge. A piece that has survived in very good condition & rarely encountered today.
WW1 Transitional Double Decal M18 Cut-Out Helmet A superb example of the seldom found M18 ear cut-out helmet in its rarest form being a double decalled early transitional piece but still with its M18 liner, original paint & scarce two part M18 1918 dated chinstrap present & intact. The often called \'Cavalry helmet\' was made with the ear cut-out to facilitate better hearing & was the last pattern of German helmet that saw service in WW1. Going into the Reichswehr & early National Socialist period these were still much in use & as dictated by the 1934 order were to have the new State shield on the right & the new army decal on the left. It is extremely rare to find both decals still in place on any WW1 pattern German helmet. Appealing about this helmet is its clear early M18 production having utilised an M17 metal liner band with the chinstrap retainer lug rivetted in. Old stocks of M17 parts were used up until exhausted in the new M18 production this being totally period & textbook according to Ludwig Baers superb History of the German Steel Helmet pg 60. Interestingly the M18 tan leather liner pads are still in place with their original seldom seen horsehair filled cloth cushion pads the liner often having been replaced by the M31 system. Two part brown leather chinstrap has maker markings & the clear date 1918. Helmet shell has all of its original factory green paint with the clear \'ET64\' on its inside rim & totally correct for this style of helmet. Both decals show some age & bear testament to its service use much visible in the closeup photographs. A handpainted regimental unit marking to 2/R.R.2 on the inside rim nicely completes this historical helmet the likes of which are rarely seen. See Imperial German Helmets & Headdress for more photographs.
WW1 US .30-06 P17 Rifle ( Winchester ) Fine example of the WW1 US 'P17' rifle this being produced by the United States upon their entry into WW1 to meet their growing rifle demand . Basically a copy of the earlier P14 model produced for the British the P17 differed in that it was made for the 30-06 round other than that they were virtually identical. The P17 saw service with the Home Guard in WW2 along with its earlier counterpart the P14. This rifle was made by Winchester & is in overall sound condition. It has some wear & overall usage to the metal surfaces being that of a most likely Home Guard used example. The Model 1917 & Winchester receiver logo can be seen with serial number 407691 which would appear to date this example to the Sept/October 1918 period. Production of the P17 ceased in 1919. The WW1 eagles head acceptance stamp can also be seen on the left receiver rail as well as other parts of the rifle. Overall a good piece & an interesting part of Americas WW1 history.
WW1 US 28th Infantry Brodie Helmet Interesting British made Brodie helmet with Divisional flash on the side of the US 28th Division . Upon the American entry into WW1 & their subsequent deployment in France in late 1917 the United States government initially purchased 400,000 helmets from Great Britain & did not begin to produce their own until the beginning of 1918. The Divisional flash seen here was used by the 28th from October 1918 onwards after being granted by General Pershing who dubbed them the ' Iron Division' . The Brodie has a rough mud brown finish to exterior & underside with the key flash applied to its right . Correlating age runs through the edges of the handpainted emblem with a few slight dings to its surface as throughout. Underside of rim shows initials 'FKS' for the steel maker with a very nice intact chinstrap & liner system. The brown leather of the chinstrap is impressively supple with no damage to the side buckles & the impressed size '63/4' can still be seen to dome strap. Head band is supple with traces of pink Brodie patent stamp to underside. No moth to dome pad with the post 1917 donut ring in place underneath it. Overall a very nice American helmet from the WW1 period.
WW1 US 28th Infantry Division Trench Mortar Man Tunic A WW1 US tunic with insignia for a member of the Trench Mortars battery within the 28th Infantry Division. This four pocket M1910 model tunic has Trench Mortars collar dog with the \'TM\' above crossed cannons & red 28th Inf Div patch to left shoulder. Embroidered red Mortar patch & rank insignia in the red of artillery beneath this. Both overseas service chevrons to lower left sleeve indicate six months service each . In excellent condition with no moth or damage & all of its correct US embossed buttons present. The 28th Infantry Division was very active in WW1 being heavily committed during the German offensive of July 1918 where it was involved in fierce hand to hand combat with the German assault at the Battle of Chateau - Thierry. Other actions included Meuse-Argonnes, Champagne-Marne , Aisne-Marne & the battles of Fismes & Fismette .
WW1 US 2nd Division Artillery Uniform Grouping A complete US M17 uniform grouping from the 2nd Division Artillery with rare Koblenz , Germany made patch with hand painted head. . Tunic is the M17 model worn by US combat troops in the field in WW1 with originally applied patch to left sleeve , corporal rank chevrons & three service stripes beneath this. Collar discs are 'US' with artillery disc for C Company , 12th Field Artillery Regiment . Clothing label gives contract date of Jun 1918. Field cap has matching insignia for 12th Field Artillery. Present in all three items is an old collectors red ink stamp reading ' ROBERT BORRELL SR, US ARTILLERY UNIFORM COLLECTOR' . We believe Mr Borrell to be the uniform archivist for an American museum collection these being the ownership stamps from his department. A scarce set with the German 2nd Div patch being a rare piece to find.
WW1 US 2nd Division M17 Helmet ( 15th Artillery Regiment ) A wonderful US WW1 Brodie helmet with green backed Indian Head insignia of the 2nd Division , 15th Field Artillery regiment. In its original granulated brown khaki factory paint this is the American M1917 version of the earlier British Brodie helmet much worn by their troops upon their entry into WW1 . Helmet has had a couple of small impact dents to front crown area with chips & scuffs to surface paint evidencing its service wear. Interior is good with original liner & chinstrap showing heavy wear. maker & steel lot code to underside of rim \' ZC 2 10 \' ZC is believed to be \' Columbian Enamelling and Stamping Company\' . The 15th FAR were attached to 2nd Infantry Division as of September 1917 & landed at Le Havre in February 1918 before being deployed against the German army on the St Mihiel Salient . They participated in the major offensive near Soissons in July 1918 & through until October supported the 2nd Division in operations st Soissons , Marbache & Champagne . Fabulous piece.
WW1 US 3rd Army , 4th Corps Souvenir Brodie Helmet WW1 Brodie helmet which was issued to a member of the 3rd Army , 4th Corps & which has then , as was generally done , been souvenir painted at the end of WW1 with soldiers initials & flag of the USA . A 1916 issue British Brodie helmet this piece was one of the 400,000 supplied to the USA between July & November 1917 to meet impending war demands before they started to manufacture their own. To the crown is painted the red , white & blue \'A\' insignia of the 3rd Army with black & white insignia of the 4th Corps. His initials & the US flag have been wonderfully painted in colour . Finished in granulated camouflage khaki paint the underside of the rim is marked HH for the firm Harrison Bros & Howson with heat stamp. Chinstrap split in half however liner intact.
WW1 US 91st Infantry Camouflage M17 Helmet A fabulous WW1 US army camouflaged M17 helmet with fir tree insignia of the 91st Infantry Division to front. A concept inspired by the German idea of camouflage & the American popularity of souveniring their helmets many of the US M17 issues were camouflaged after the end of the first world war with the colours on many being very visually striking to say the least. This fabulous piece is in a class of its own having four different roughly granulated colours all divided with random patterned black seperation lines. At the front of the helmet can be seen a black bordered dark green fir tree with a faint \'91\' at its centre. The fir tree was chosen to represent the 91st Division symbolizing its traditional home of the Far West. Interior of the helmet displays its original khaki factory paint with steel lot number & maker initials \' ZC\' ( Believed to be Edward. G. Budd Manufacturing Co. ) . Liner system intact . Leather chinstrap remains in places & shows minor wear but good. The 91st Infantry Div . were involved in the Mihiel Offensive in France in September 1918 & were also in action on the the Meuse-Argonne offensive succesfully helping to destroy the German First Guard Division before succesfully assaulting three successive enemy lines. It was also in action at the Escaut River in the Battle of the Lys & the Escaut.
WW1 US Gas Mask & Haversack A fine example of the scarce 1917 pattern First World War US soldiers 'ASBR' gas mask or American Small Box Respirator complete with haversack & record card . Americas late entry into the war required a wide issue of equipment to her troops including the threat of gas attack having to be considered. This was a copy of the British Box Respirator & is very similar in appearance. Facepiece is of rubberised fabric & in very good condition with no perishing or damage. Its card envelope containing instructions for use is present. Carrying haversack dated 1918 & in very good condition. Top flap closed by pop studs with soldiers number stencilled to front. String intact. Overall in good condition for a WW1 piece & a scarce piece of US Doughboy equipment. Filter is an apparent later replacement.
WW1 US Gas Mask & Haversack With Instructions A fine example of the scarce 1917 pattern First World War US soldiers \'ASBR\' gas mask or American Small Box Respirator complete with haversack & Gas record card . Americas late entry into the war required a wide issue of equipment to her troops including the threat of gas attack having to be considered. This was a copy of the British Box Respirator & is very similar in appearance. Facepiece is of rubberised fabric & in very good condition with only some minor dryness not detracting at al from its displayability. . Its card envelope containing instructions for use is present. Carrying haversack is marked to inside top flap & in very good condition. String intact. Overall in good condition for a WW1 piece & a scarce piece of US Doughboy equipment.
WW1 US Gas Mask In Haversack A fine example of the scarce 1917 pattern First World War US soldiers 'ASBR' gas mask or American Small Box Respirator complete with haversack & record card . Americas late entry into the war required a wide issue of equipment to her troops including the threat of gas attack having to be considered. This was a copy of the British Box Respirator & is very similar in appearance. Facepiece is of rubberised fabric & now very brittle so it could not be put on a head for display. Hosepipe is also hard. Card envelope containing instructions for use is present. Carrying haversack is in very good condition with soldiers unit of the 52nd Pioneer Infantry, AEF ( American Expeditionary Force ) & initials drawn to the front & back. Overall a scarce piece of WW1 US Doughboy equipment.
WW1 US GI Doughboy Painted German \'Mimickry\' Camouflage Helmet WW1 German M16 helmet in a very striking four colour camouflage scheme typical of those painted by US soldiers in the immediate postwar period to be kept as souvenirs. The colours are very typical with the camouflage pattern closely mimicking those worn by German troops encountered by the \'Doughboy\' in the latter WW1 period. To the front of the helmet appears to have been some sort of painted emblem most likely the Division of the US soldier with a very faint name drawn to the underside of the rear rim. Maker stamp & size of \'TJ66\' for the firm \'Thiel & Söhne,Lübeck\' (Considered to be a rare maker) . Collectable in their own right these so called \'Mimickry\' helmets were often reminders of famous actions such as at Belleau Wood & the encompassing Battle of the Argonne .
WW1 US M17 Gas Mask & Haversack A fine example of the 1917 pattern First World War US soldiers gas mask complete with haversack & record card attached to filter. Americas late entry into the war required a wide issue of equipment to her troops including the threat of gas attack having to be considered. This was a copy of the British Box Respirator & is very similar in appearance. Facepiece is of rubberised fabric & in excellent near mint condition with no perishing or damage. Hosepipe is crushed although not split with green filter intact. Its card envelope containing instructions, record card & tape plasters for repairs of the hood is present. Carrying haversack dated 1918 & made by Simmons. Top flap closed by pop studs with soldiers name & number written to front. Two small dark patches to bag ( one corner & on strap ) from storage. String intact. Overall in good condition for a WW1 piece & a scarce piece of US Doughboy equipment. .
WW1 US M1917 Gas Mask & Haversack A fine example of the 1917 pattern First World War US soldiers gas mask complete with haversack & record card attached to filter. Americas late entry into the war required a wide issue of equipment to her troops including the threat of gas attack having to be considered. This was a copy of the British Box Respirator & is very similar in appearance. Facepiece is of rubberised fabric with flaking of the inner rubber although hosepipe still supple & overall good. Green filter intact. Its card envelope containing instructions, record card & tape plasters for repairs of the hood is present. Carrying haversack marked to inside flap which is closed by pop studs . Some writing to front of bag. String intact. Overall interesting item of WW1 Doughboy anti gas equipment.
WW1 US Model 5 Experimental Helmet Rare US Model 5 experimental helmet complete with its brown leather liner & three pad chinstrap system. The US Army actively sought to develop a distinctive American made helmet due to the perceived deficiencies of the M17 helmet with 16 different designs being considered from 1917 until shortly after the First World War. The Model 5 , reminiscent of armour from the 15th or 16th century was designed with a very familiar brown leather three pad liner system & chinstrap & has a thick sawdust mixed khaki paint finish to its exterior. Lined up with the other experimental helmets on the table it was considered a serious contender but rejected for being too similar to the German helmet. It is known to have been made at the manufacturer Hale & Kilburn in around the 1918 period & surviving examples are rare.
WW1 US P17 Bayonet & Scabbard 1917 Nice example of the US made 1917 bayonet this piece being made by Remington with correct US green scabbard. Original US markings can be seen on the ricasso with Ordnance flaming bomb & eagle head with pattern date of 1917. Walnut grips are excellent with no damage & metal surfaces are good with much blueing remaining. US issue scabbard with the hook for attachment to the US belt still present. There is a 3cm cut to the left & right side of the scabbard which, it has been suggested from the private source where obtained, was originally made to accommodate a thigh strap. This bayonet was issued to US troops for their P17 rifle in WW1 & imported during WW2 for British service ( Home Guard especially ) . Overall a good example of this popular US/British service bayonet.
WW1 US P17 Bayonet ( 1918 Dated ) With Home Guard Issue Frog A scarce example of the WW1 US P17 bayonet with correct US green scabbard & brown leather British 1940 dated frog indicating use by the Home Guard. This bayonet is one of the few with \'1918\' pattern date to ricasso instead of the usual 1917. This was a brief Remington production error which occurred in early 1918 & is found on only 3 % of those made. The error was soon rectified with the date being changed back to 1917 upon it being pointed out that this date referred to the model date & not the year of production. The Remington logo is found beneath this. Parkerised blade in good order with frog dated 1940 & \'BH&G\' maker ( Barrow , Hepburn & Gale ) . Some rot to top edge of belt loop. ***UK Sales Only / Proof of age required***
WW1 US P17 Bayonet , Scabbard & '25 Patt Frog Nice example of the US made 1917 pattern bayonet this piece being made by Remington with correct US green scabbard. Original US markings can be seen on the ricasso with Ordnance flaming bomb & eagle head with pattern date of 1917. Walnut grips are excellent with metal surfaces having much blueing remaining. US issue scabbard with the hook for attachment to the US belt still present. A British 1925 pattern bayonet frog ( RAF )has been period added indicating use with the British Home Guard . The '25 pattern of frog was fitted with the brass pop stud to facilitate attachment to the left cartridge carrier. It is unusual to find this early pattern of frog on a P17 bayonet however being almost identical to its later '37 pattern counterpart it was most likely a stopgap issue finding its way into Home Guard service. Some evidence of blue grey in places would suggest an RAF '25 pattern issue rather than the earlier identical '19 pattern. This bayonet was issued to US troops for their P17 rifle in WW1 & imported during WW2 for British service ( Home Guard especially ) . Overall a good example of this popular US/British service bayonet.
WW1 US Private Purchase Ankle Boots A pair of US ankle boots from the WW1 period very similar in style to the 1904 issue ankle boot & also having some similarity to the rare Pershing boot of the period. These originally came from the USA with a WW1 US uniform of the period & although not a textbook issue boot I do believe these to be a private purchase variation preferred due to the inadequacy of the issue ankle boot in the waterlogged trenches. The most rudimentary visual examination of the boots construction clearly confirms that they have a stout leather welt with affixed leather outer soles & heels. With a low toe & finished typically rough side out they have heel & toe taps with the majority of their hobnails. A good large size & coming with their leather laces. The Pershing boot being practically unobtainable these would be a perfect addition to complete the doughboy mannequin.
WW1 US Respirator & Haversack A scarce 1917 pattern First World War US soldiers 'ASBR' gas mask or American Small Box Respirator complete with 1917 dated haversack . Americas late entry into the war required a wide issue of equipment to her troops including the threat of gas attack having to be considered. This was a copy of the British Box Respirator & is very similar in appearance. Facepiece is of rubberised fabric & now very flaky & brittle so it could not be put on a head for display or indeed manipulated from the position it is in now. Hosepipe has remained relatively soft . Carrying haversack is in very good condition with maker mark & date ' SIMMONS 1917' to underside of flap. There are faint traces of a name & other writing to haversack. Overall a scarce piece of WW1 US Doughboy equipment.
WW1 US Tunic & Brodie Helmet, 6th Infantry Division Artillery A WW1 US M1912 tunic & US issue Brodie helmet badged to a member of the 6th Infantry Division who went overseas in June 1918 & saw 43 days of combat in the Gerdmer Sector , Vosges- France & in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Tunic is standard American issue with the red star of the 6th on the left sleeve & a red 'Discharge Chevron' beneath this. An artillery trade patch is sewn to right arm with bronze collar badges one depicting crossed cannons for artillery. The 'E' denotes unit. A full black lining still has the contract label attached to it although this is now illegible. The Brodie helmet is of British issue this purporting to be one of the 400,000 purchased by the US before it could begin production of the new M1917 helmet. It is in its totally original khaki brown paint with the metal suppliers initials & illegible batch number 'HS399' ( Hadfield Steel ) . A very well aged red star of the 6th Division can be seen to the front . Liner is aged & has a chinstrap repair to one side . Chinstrap hardened slightly with age.
WW1 US \'35th Infantry Division\' M17 Camouflage Helmet A fabulous WW1 US army camouflaged M17 helmet with insignia of the 35th Infantry Division to front. A concept inspired by the German idea of camouflage & the American popularity of souveniring their helmets many of the US M17 issues were camouflaged after the end of the first world war with the colours on many being very visually striking to say the least. This fabulous piece is in a class of its own having four different roughly granulated colours all divided with random patterned black seperation lines. At the front of the helmet can be seen the distinctive \'crosshairs\' insignia of the 35th. The cross hair was a symbol used to mark the Santa Fe Trail, an area where the unit trained, and was designated as an identifying device for the unit by Headquarters, 35th Division General Orders 25, dated March 27, 1918. The organization is referred to as the Santa Fe Division. Interior of the helmet displays its original khaki factory paint with steel lot number & maker initials \' ZC\' ( Believed to be Edward. G. Budd Manufacturing Co. ) . Liner system & chinstrap intact . The 35th Division arrived at Le Havre, France, on 11 May 1918. The 35th served first, a brigade at a time, in the Vosges mountains between 30 June and 13 August. The whole division served in the Gerardmer sector, Alsace, 14 August to 1 September; Meuse-Argonne, 21 to 30 September; Sommedieu sector, 15 October, to 6 November. Men of the division spent ninety-two days in quiet sectors and five in active; advanced twelve and one half kilometres against resistance, captured 781 prisoners, and lost 1,067 killed and 6,216 wounded.The 35th Division had as an officer Captain Harry Truman, 33rd President of the United States, who commanded Battery D of the 129th Field Artillery Regiment.
WW2 British Army Gas Mask Set With Anti Gas Accessories An early WW2 British gas mask & haversack coming with Anti Gas wallet , Anti Dimming Kit & s full unused tin of No.2 Ointment tubes. Gas mask has 1941 dated black rubber face piece with khaki stockinged hose & red 1941 dated filter. In its early gas mask dated 1941 this has the owners name handwritten to inside of top flap. Within the two external pockets of the bag are found a 1940 dated tin of No.2 ointment tubes with an a scarce gas wallet. Wrapped within this are several packets of anti gas goggles in their brown paper wrapping. There is also a tin of 1940 dated Anti Dimming Kit , I have not yet been able to remove either screw cap although this should be possible with lubrication . Haversack string still present. There is some overall age with a small hole to facepiece & the usual stickiness of the wallet.
WW2 Parachute Regiment ( 2nd Bn , 1st Airborne Div ) Sergeants 1943 Battledress With Original 1944 Para Beret , A rare , untouched & only recently surfaced 'Attic acquired' Parachute Regiment battledress coming as found with its 1944 dated red beret . By the golden yellow lanyard still hanging from the left shoulder we can firmly attribute this grouping to the Second battalion , Parachute regiment who were part of the 1st Airborne Division fighting in North Africa & Italy & of course ... Arnhem. The first original Parachute regiment battledress I have been fortunate enough to acquire this is a 1943 dated American 'War Aid' produced example made for Great Britain under the Lend Lease agreement & preferred by British troops when they could acquire them. Shoulder titles are the earlier embroidered ' PARACHUTE' pattern with embroidered pegasus patches that incorporate the seperate leg design . All insignia is handsewn with the sergeant stripes notably more crudely stitched than the other insignia which was most likely applied earlier by a more experienced hand at home. The golden yellow lanyard is totally original to the battledress the colour originating from the battalions first commanding officer EWC Flavell who , coming from the 70th Middlesex Regiment , wore one from this his parent battalion. The beret is well worn with faint markings just about visible for that of 'KANGOLWEAR LIMITED' with broad arrow marking & date of 1944. Although very difficult to capture by camera it is clearly discernible to the naked eye. A few moth nips exist overall.
WW2 Argentinian Battle Damaged Combat Helmet From Mount Longdon An Argentinian combat helmet that has a bullet exit & entry hole from front to rear & a handwritten label cellotaped to the front of the helmet reading \' Mount Longdon 12-7-84\' . Acquired from the Mount Longdon area on a visit two years after the conflict in July 1984 it is testament to the vicious fighting that took place there between ( In the main ) Argentinian troops of the 7th Infantry regiment & 3 Para . The bullet damage has passed through the shell & liner on both sides. After being brought back it hung in a pub for a while before changing hands. Helmet shell is an American produced example purchased by Argentina from surplus stocks with a green paint finish. The number \'195\' is painted to the inside . The liner shows typical Argentinian refurbishment with crude rivetting of the webbing system being typical. There is rust to the metal of the liner system with some decay to the webbing where left exposed to the elements for some time. This helmet comes from a recently rediscovered private collection I have just purchased of Argentinian items that were gathered from Falklands veterans in the 1980s\' & 1990s\'.
WW2 Argentinian Camouflage Combat Helmet An Argentinian helmet brought back from the Falklands campaign of 1982 with camouflage cover. This helmet is in a very typical configuration as worn by the Argentinian conscripts who fought there the green cover being a parka hood still bearing the \' EJERCITO ARGENTINO \' label. The soldier has also applied subtle black splotches to the cover for extra camouflage effect this according to the individual preference of the wearer. A well used helmet , as most are, it is totally as picked up still with the mud of the Falklands well seated within the ribbing of the material. Both chinstraps appear to have been cut , this is sometimes indicative of a casualty retrieved helmet. Argentinian forces used two types of M1 shell , those that came from American surplus stocks & those that were made by Argentina themselves. The latter are recognisable from the US made shells by a few minor details such as a slightly more pronounced lip & deeper fitted chinstrap bales as is the case here. The number \'4\' has been painted to the inside of the shell in a style very typical of those found within these helmets. The liner displays the rough dark green sand mixed finish to exterior. Classic combat example.
WW2 Battledress Jacket & Trousers, Northern Ireland District. Very nice condition Australian made battledress & trousers worn by a British soldier in WW2. Many examples of non British made battledress used by British troops can be encountered due to the better quality & comfort of , for example the Canadian or Australian styles, compared to the course material of the British BD. This example has been used by a Desert veteran belonging to the Royal Army Service Corps having attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Under the RASC titles are the scarce embroidered badges of Northern Ireland District being a white gate on an emerald green background. After the defeat at Dunkirk the United Kingdom including Northern Ireland was placed under the command of GHQ Home Forces in this area to assist the Irish army in the event of a German invasion. RASC arm of service strips present with the three stripe rank chevrons & crown. Clothing label inside the BD reads '1943' & a 'size 8' . Medal ribbons to chest are for the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal & Territorial Efficiency Medal. Trousers are a good size with a stitched in label for the soldiers name & regimental number. The whole set was evidently acquired together by the previous owner as with it came a quality made Australian khaki beret ( some mothing ) with a tailors label & matching name & regimental tag as found in the trousers stitched inside. Overall condition is excellent with no noticeable moth on the jacket or trousers & all nap to cloth remaining. Most probably a uniform kept for special occasions thus seeing minimal wear.
WW2 Battledress Of 8th Army \' American Field Service\' 1943 An interesting 1943 dated Canadian made battledress to a member of the ' American Field Service ' serving with the 8th Army. The American Field Service were originally volunteers from the American colony of Paris who in 1914 organised a temporary military hospital in a suburb of Paris. They soon found themselves fielding volunteer ambulance drivers who picked up wounded men from the frontline putting themselves in great danger in the process. This was such a success that many drivers were recruited from American colleges & universities then brought to France to work with French ambulance drivers often at the Front. In WW2 they reorganised its ambulance service & first sent units to France then to the British Armies in North Africa , Italy , India-Burma & then with the free French for the final drive from Southern France to Germany. As is well known the Canadian made battledresses were popular with Allied troops & personnel due to their more comfortable fit & look when compared to the British issues. Overrall excellent condition & quite a unique piece. These brave personnel did suffer casualties as their work picking up the wounded often took them up to the front line at their own request.
WW2 British \'7th Battalion , Herts Home Guard\' Paperwork Grouping An interesting group of three items of ephemera all marked to the 7th Battalion of the Herts Home Guard who had their HQ at Chipperfield in WW2. One of the pieces is a March 1944 dated four page typed set of Standing Operational Orders all relating to action in the event of an invasion around their locality. These orders list key instructions such as the mustering of men & their associated code words as well as listing Out-Stations to be manned in the event of invasion . These are numbered 1 to 7 & list the 'Barncroft' or 'Water Tower O.P' & British Legion as points where signals communications should be maintained. Other recognisable points where the battalion had posts are Keys Yard, Northchurch Hall, Cooper Recreation Club Pavilion & the Bridgewater Arms . A printed table of the field telephone lines for the 7th Battalion lists Battalion HQ & Company HQs phone circuits as well as those for A ,B, C & D Coys. Finally a training pamphlet of Field Telephony dated December 1943 is named to a man named 'Webb' . Interesting group with much local history .
WW2 British ' City of London ' Home Guard Sergeants Battledress Blouse 1941 A fantastic originally badged British Home Guard battledress from the 31st Battalion City of London ( 10th GPO ) ( St Pancras ) . The General Post Office was one of the designated public utility services that fielded Home Guard units with this GPO battalion being based in St. Pancras. This Home Guard sergeant was a veteran of the first world war as is denoted by the three WW1 medal ribbons that decorate the left breast. Printed Home Guard titles are to be seen to each shoulder surmounting area & battalion flashes as well as sergeant rank chevrons on each arm. All early brass dished buttons still intact to front fly with one button minus to left front pocket ( not visible beneath pocket flap ) . ' Battledress serge ' label present to inside right breast with P coded stores stamp for year 1941 . Overal in very good condition with some very minor moth nips to be seen in places.
WW2 British '37 Patt Mk1 Basic Ammunition Pouch Pair Specifically designed to hold the 32 round curved Bren Gun magazines these basic ammunition pouches of the 1937 pattern webbing set held many other forms of ammunition for the Tommy on the move. This pair is of the first Mk 1 type having the higher belt hook section on the rear & one having three loops on the inside of the top flap which were intended for the grenade cup discharger. These three looped examples were soon discontinued & are only to be found on the earliest produced of these pouches this one being MECo & broad arrow marked & dated 1938. Second pouch is matching in colour & MECo & broad arrow stamped & dated 1939. Overall they are well used with green blanco/web renovator & some fraying & disfigurement to rear belt hook area. Overall a scarce pair of pouches the MK1 type being now virtually unobtainable.
WW2 British '40 Pattern Army Fire Service Battledress 1943 A very nice army 1940 pattern battledress having all original insignia for that of a corporal in the Army Fire Service. These personnel were military firemen specially trained to protect army stores, equipment & accommodation at home & overseas. Battledress has the rather striking ' Army Fire Service ' badge on both sleeves in red , yellow & blue authorised for wear by all ranks. The formation patch of Northern Command then surmounts rank chevrons for corporal. It is quite apparent that the badges are original to the battledress , neatly handsewn & quite visibly seated into the cloth over a period of years. BD clothing label still intact to interior giving size 13 & date of September 1943 . N mounted WD stores code denotes inspection date of 1943. Condition of this quite unusual army battledress is overall very good having been clearly worn as a working BD . There are only two small moth holes one on the back & one under the right armpit. Defence medal ribbon to left breast.
WW2 British 'Desert Rat' Camouflage Tommy Helmet Scarce example of an original sand camouflage painted MKII British steel helmet for Desert use. Underside of helmet shows its first factory applied khaki finish with the rough sandy yellow paint being applied over the top as is correct for early WW2 Tropical issue helmets. There is rust to the inside however the liner & cradle are intact & in relatively good condition ( having not been cleaned ). Markings to the cradle show the manufacturer to be CS&W Ltd , a size 7 1/4 & the manufacture date of 1939. Web chinstrap is in good condition a replacement rectangular bracket has been fitted at one end securing the web strap to the helmet shell ( Only noticeable upon close inspection ). Overall service wear to outside paint, chipped in places with some traces of its khaki paint visible in one area. Certainly a true sleeper of a correct textbook Desert camouflage helmet having recently surfaced from private sources.
WW2 British 'War Finish' Webley Service Revolver 1943 A WW2 British military issue MkIV Webley made .38 service revolver with matching serial numbers dating this gun to having been made in 1943. These Mk IV revolvers were used by the British military under contract as of late 1940 & were produced for the duration of the war. Wartime produced examples were stamped ' War Finish ' as a means of Webley making clear the reasons for the lesser quality of the finish. This piece has non damaged black composite grips with various military inspection markings throughout. ' Webley & Scott Ltd Birmingham ' to top frame & ' Mark IV .38 ' to side. It is capable of being cocked & dryfired & is a new specification deactivation coming with Home Office certificate of deactivation. UK sales only. Comes with Home Office certificate of deactivation. UK sales only.
WW2 British 'Y' Division 5th Infantry, Northamptonshire Regt BD 1942 A superb British army battledress to a Captain of the Northamptonshire regiment serving in the 5th Infantry Division. All badges are the correct tailor applied period originals as would be expected for an officer . They have not been resewn on , this is clearly apparent in a hands on inspection which i have attempted to emulate in the photographs. Both shoulders have embroidered 'Northamptonshire' titles which have been slightly padded & three scarlet (infantry )backed rank pips for Captain to each shoulder. Both shoulders have the seperate sewn Div patch & Brigade strips on khaki drill cloth which is then sewn directly onto the battledress in one piece. Printed 5th infantry 'Y' div patch above brigade strips professionally sewn with all stitching of badges being of the same thread & its originality also evident when viewed from the inside of the cloth. Some slight age fading to one side of the battledress through storage which does not detract. There are a few small moth nips evident which actually confirm the originality of the badges to the jacket where on the right shoulder a couple of nips go through the shoulder title & are consistent with the rest of the BD. There are two 50 pence piece size holes on the upper right back however the scarcity of an untouched NW Europe infantry battledress more than compensates for this. Clothing label is present & dated 1942 with WD stores code also visible. The 5th Infantry Division were based in Yorkshire in 1939 hence the 'Y' being chosen as their div sign. A much blooded infantry division they saw action in the Sicily Landings, Anzio & Rome to name but a few. They are probably most known for their final role in North West Europe.
WW2 British 'Y' Division 5th Infantry, Northamptonshire Regt BD 1942 A superb British army battledress to a Captain of the Northamptonshire regiment serving in the 5th Infantry Division. All badges are the correct tailor applied period originals as would be expected for an officer . They have not been resewn , this is clearly apparent in a hands on inspection which i have attempted to emulate in the photographs. Both shoulders have embroidered 'Northamptonshire' titles with padding & three scarlet (infantry ) backed rank pips for Captain to each shoulder. Both shoulders have the seperate sewn Div patch & Brigade strips on khaki drill cloth which is then sewn directly onto the battledress in one piece. Printed 5th infantry 'Y' div patch above brigade strips are professionally sewn with all stitching of badges being in the same thread & its originality also evident when viewed from the inside of the cloth. Some slight age fading to one side of the battledress through storage which does not detract. There are a few small moth nips which help to confirm the originality of the badges to the jacket as on the right shoulder a couple of nips go through the shoulder title & are consistent with the rest of the BD. There are two 50 pence piece size holes on the upper right back however the scarcity of an untouched NW Europe infantry battledress more than compensates for this. Clothing label is present & dated 1942 with WD stores code also visible. The 5th Infantry Division were based in Yorkshire in 1939 hence the 'Y' being chosen as their div sign. A much blooded infantry division they saw action in the Sicily Landings, Anzio & Rome to name but a few. They are probably most known for their final role in North West Europe.
WW2 British 11th ( Newquay ) Battalion Home Guard , Cornwall Area Battle School Photograph Album A very rare Home Guard photograph album recording the officers & men of the 11th ( Newquay ) Battalion Cornwall Home Guard in training as well as scenes from a large parade within Newquay town. The album is likely to have been recorded during a larger exercise in which other troops were taking part & is believed to be taken at the Cornwall Coastal Area Battle School. A large group photograph dated April 1943 came with the album & shows officers from the school with some of their names written on the back of the picture in pen. The 11th Battalion Cornwall Home Guard were responsible for the Newquay area & their distinctive beaked bird patches can be seen on many of the battledress & some of the steel helmets in wear in the photographs. This large album contains 127 black & white photographs with some quite superb shots of men firing weapons such as the Spigot Mortar , the drum fed Besa Machine Gun & the Vickers. Some live time photographs of ordnance exploding with troops sheltering in positions nearby are also seen as well the great detail which can be studied of the uniforms & equipment being worn by the Home Guard in the field. From high ranking officers right down to the lower ranks they are all here depicted in preparation for an anticipated German invasion.
WW2 British 151 Parachute Battalion Slouch Hat 1942 A scarce jungle slouch hat from a member of 151 Parachute Battalion with 1942 date to sweatband. Affixed to side is the woven parachute on light blue lozenge this cleaerly having been in place for many years. Pugaree intact. Leather sweatband is very good & undamaged with the size mark \'7\' , broad arrow & clear 1942 date. To the opposite side is the maker \'Moores , London\' . A part of the chinstrap remains. The 151st Parachute Battalion was raised from British Army volunteers at Delhi in October 1941 and belonged to the 50th (Indian) Parachute Brigade. It played an internal security role suppressing Congress riots in Delhi in August 1942. In November it was re-designated 156 Parachute Battalion and joined the 4th Parachute Brigade at Kabrit in Egypt in 1943.
WW2 British 1908 Pattern Webbing Set ( Various Dates ) Colour matching green blancoed set of 1908 pattern webbing refurbished by Mills Equipment Company for issue in the early World War two period when the expansion of the British Army brought about a shortfall in equipment available for general issue. Remaining in use by the Royal Navy well into WW2 & also supplied by Mills worldwide the legacy of the original 1908 design lived on well into the early war years the component parts of this set varying in date from mid WW1 to early WW2 . Due to the matching colour of the set it would not be unreasonable to assume that it has stayed together since the end of its military service. Comprising the set are a Medium size waisbelt MECO marked & dated 1927, pair of shoulder straps one dated 1940, Entrenching Tool & Carrier the tool being dated 1918 & the carrier MEco marked 1916, pair of cartridge ammunition pouches one marked & dated MECo1915 , a blue enamelled waterbottle with cradle marked & dated 1919 & a 1919 MECo marked & dated smallpack with its internal divider still present. Overall a good virtually complete set all in matching green blanco.
WW2 British 1937 Pattern Battledress Trousers 1942 An excellent pair of British battledress trousers of the 1937 pattern 'O' coded WD stores code for the year 1942. The 1940 pattern of battledress trouser was not issued until June 1942 this pair therefore being one of the last pairs of '37 pattern to be manufactured before the switch over. The stores code date on this pair is 1942 indicating late 1941 or 1942 manufacture . Trousers have concealed brass dished buttons on front & back with four trouser belt loops & three outer buttons for BD blouse attachment. Nap of cloth is excellent on this pair with waist size being approx 32-33in & inside leg 31 inches. The strap & button arrangement was discontinued from battledress trousers as of June 1941. Two buttons minus from front fly. There are only a couple of extremely miniscule moth nips to the trousers these only being noticeable upon very close inspection. Most certainly a scarce pair of the early pattern British soldiers battledress trouser & hard to find in such good condition.
WW2 British 1937 Pattern Labelled Battledress Trousers , 1940 Dated A scarce pair of 1937 pattern battledress trousers with Q coded WD inspectors marking for the year 1940. These are the very first pattern of issue battledress trouser & were worn by troops of the BEF at Dunkirk. They are very hard to find today in any condition. These trousers still have all of their maker marked brass dished buttons & the button fastened ankle tabs which are very often missing. In overall very good condition there is none of the usual moth damage to the crotch just a few minor period stitch repairs to the serge which you will only find if you examine the trousers closely ! A couple of the very usual pin prick size moth holes also present themselves upon close examination .. please see photographs . Size is an approx 30 inch waist with 31 inch inside leg. Very hard to find such an early pair of trousers now especially with label still on !
WW2 British 1937 Pattern Trousers ( Anti Vessicant Treated ) Good condition pair of the scarce 1937 pattern British battledress trousers with remains of clothing label to rear waist area. With good nap of cloth remaining this early pattern of BD trouser conform with the '37 pattern having concealed button fastenings on pockets & upward buttoning belt loops to waist. Interestingly the waistband has been stamped '4/41 AV' being an abbreviation for ' Anti Vessicant ' indicating that they were Anti Gas impregnated in April 1941. The Battledress & Greatcoat that these trousers were found with is also stamped with same AV markings . ( Listed seperately item 3013 ). Only two very small holes on each leg noticeable upon close inspection & general age to some buttons however overall this pair are in excellent condition having recently surfaced from the effects of a former member of the Home Guard.
WW2 British 1939 Pattern Leather Equipment Set A set of the British 'stopgap' 1939 pattern leather infantry equipment complete with the rare entrenching tool carrier dated 1940 that is almost impossible to find . Set comprises all of the components photographed including the 1940 dated largepack with both of its helmet straps. Examining the set one can see the maker mark & date of ' B.H&G1940' to straps of the carrier as well as 1939/1941 dates to each of the L straps respectively. Rear of the pack has markings to a Private from the Suffolk regiment . Other faint markings do present themselves with rear of both pouches bearing broad arrows & 1942 dates. Overall excellent condition & a rare opportunity. FROM THE LONG ESTABLISHED COLLECTION OF AUTHOR CHRIS POLLENDINE WHO IS A MAIN CONTRIBUTOR TO THE SUPERB BRITISH WEBBING EQUIPMENT WEBSITE KARKEEWEB & AUTHOR OF TWO UNRIVALLED WW1 REFERENCE WORKS CAMPAIGN 1914 & CAMPAIGN 1915 .
WW2 British 1940 Pattern 51st ( Highland Division ) Officers Battledress 1943 British battledress of the '40 pattern with insignia & medal ribbons for a Mentioned in Despatches Royal Artillery Captain of the Highland Division . 'HD' embroidered patches are to be seen on both shoulders with artillery arm of service strips underneath these. Three rank pips to each shoulder strap for captain. Pleating to the back of the BD suggests it was a walking out blouse . Clothing label gives size 7 with clear date. According to his medal ribbons this officer has served with the 8th Army in Africa & also saw service in Italy. He has then fought in France & Germany as indicated by the F&G stars entitlement. His other ribbons include 1939-45 star & Defence medal. An oakleaf tells us that he was also Mentioned in Despatches having been , no doubt , a well fielded officer. There are some moth holes in general , the most noticeable being a 1cm hole to the back & a small spattering to the rear seam of the left arm. The history of the 51st (Highland) Division has an interesting & , as per this battledress , corroborating story as having served in the North African campaign ( in action at El Alamein Oct-Nov 1942 ) & then returning to England before taking part in the invasion of Northern Europe where it saw action in Normandy & finally Germany.
WW2 British 1940 Pattern Battledress Trousers Excellent condition pair of the 1940 pattern Battledress trousers with map & bandage pocket to front. This pair is interesting in that they have been slightly tailored for wear as walking out trousers with the normal high waist tailored in & a small strip of webbing put in to reinforce the bottom hem at the rear heel to prevent fraying. Also three stitched on belt loops have been placed at the waist area. Consequently these could be worn as trousers with shoes in shirt sleeve order or in the normal manner with gaiters if required. Most commonly associated with that of an officer style in this fashion. Excellent condition & still fit for purpose there is only minimal wear to nap of cloth. & no holes. Size is a 40inch waist with 29 inch inside leg.
WW2 British 1940 Pattern Battledress Trousers & Braces A superb pair of British battledress trousers from the early war 1940-42 period being of the familiar 1937 style with top buttoning belt loops but with the 1940 modification of revolving vegetable ivory button to field dressing pocket. They also conform to the 1941 modification of no buttoning tabs to the trouser legs although these were often removed by the individual. They would certainly appear to be of production just prior to the 1940 'Austerity ' pattern being introduced. In excellent condition the clothing label has long been removed from its conspicuous position on the outside of the waistband however the WD stores code shows the 'o' code for the year 1942. They are as recently found in a trunk still with their original issue braces on. I have not attempted to remove them although the leather is good & could, i suspect, be removed if required. Excellent condition pair with no moth & a size 30inch waist , 30.5 inside leg.
WW2 British 1940 Pattern BD 1942 (RASC Shoulder Titles) Good used 1940 pattern battledress with early 1942 date & still bearing original printed shoulder titles of the RASC ( other insignia removed ). This BD is interesting in that it has had some period tailoring carried out in the upper chest area & also the addition of a button & tab choker at the neck, with the issue metal fastener having been removed, so as it could be fastened with more comfort. Maker label is for that of a Size 3 ( See pics ) with clear date 1942. There is one moth hole to front waistbelt area with a very small amount of tracking to lower waist which is barely noticeable. One moth hole to rear left just above waist approx 1cm circ. Both arms have slight tracking with approx three small holes to right arm & one to left. Frayed area to left side of collar. Not in mint condition considering its 68 year age but an interesting private variation with good early date.
WW2 British 1940 Pattern Originally Badged Battledress 1944 Nice condition originally badged battledress blouse of the 1940 pattern bearing its original insignia to British Troops in France with sergeant chevrons to both arms & service chevrons to right arm. Medal ribbons above left pocket for 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star & Territorial Efficiency Medal. Overall excellent condition with very minor moth nip to front right side that is bearly noticeable unless closely inspected. Calico label to inside left breast showing made by WA Phelps in 1944. Accompanying this BD are the mans dogtag pair indicating C of E religion with name & army number & also having a personalised good luck symbol crudely made of aluminium representing a cat ( Nine lives! ) . Most certainly a good originally badged Battledress Blouse to a well served British soldier.
WW2 British 1940 Pattern REME 49th ' Polar Bear ' Division Battledress Untouched & originally badged battledress to a soldier of the 49th ' Polar Bear ' division who had previously served with the 53rd 'Mountain' division before being transferred into this now depleted unit. An interesting combination these anomalies were seen towards the end of the war when units were being reorganised to counter for losses received as a result of combat action. This man has been fighting with the famous 53rd Mountain division up to a point but then reorganised , with other men , into the 49th which had received losses as a result of their fighting in NW Europe. These unit moves were understandably not popular with the troops however it was agreed at a higher level that they may keep certain identifying insignia from their previous units. Here is a classic example where he has been able to keep his previous 'Mountain ' title upon being transferred into his new unit. Battledress is a very original & appealing piece with embroidered REME shoulder titles & printed Polar Bear patches. The sought after & striking 'Mountain' titles are embroidered with khaki felt arm of service strips beneath these. Clothing label is present & clearly readable with M dated WD stores code for the year 1944. The neat & measured pleating at the rear of the blouse suggest wear as a best dress with only a very minimal few small moth nips in places mainly on the rear of the collar ( pictured ). Overall a scarce & untouched WW2 British soldiers battledress.
WW2 British 1942 Dated First Pattern Denison Smock Complete With Parachute Badge To Arm An excellent example of the first pattern Denison smock complete with its original working half zip , 1942 dated clothing label & tail. This wonderful example comes complete with its original paratrooper parachute qualification badge still sewn to right sleeve. A very acceptable size 3 , the smock has excellent strong colours with the handpainted camouflage to front & back being strikingly prevalent. The often removed 'ape' tail to rear is original to the smock along with its original 'Lightning' half zip still in full working order. All of the press snaps are Newey marked to their underside with one period replaced outer popper fastener to upper right pocket, totally indicative of a service worn combat smock. Clothing label is still readable & showing the well known maker ' Wareings (N'Ton) Ltd with clear date 1942 . The WD broad arrow inspectors stamp is faintly visible. The right arm displays the correct wartime parachute wings , these are neatly handsewn & , I believe, original to the smock. Overall a super example of this classic paratrooper smock most likely having seen service in one of the well known wartime operations of the Parachute regiment.
WW2 British 1st Army Royal Artillery Battledress 1944 An original & untouched battledress to a Royal Artillery soldier serving with the 1st Army & a veteran of North Africa. BD has printed Royal Artillery titles to each shoulder with red cross on crusaders shield & sword denoting 1st Army. 1st Army invaded North Africa during the winter of 1942 - 43 & was instrumental in concluding the Tunisian campaign & finishing off axis forces in North Africa. Arm of service strips for artillery also to each arm. Battledress is of the preferred Canadian manufacture , much worn by those British troops who could acquire them. BD has clear maker & size details to inside right breast with the broad arrow within C denoting Canadian government. Made in Toronto it is a size 15 & dated 1944. Medal ribbons to left breast with 1 clasp to Africa star denoting service with 1st Army between 23rd october 1942 & 23rd May 1943 . Overall excellent condition with one small 1cm moth nip to right pocket.
WW2 British 21st Army Group Battledress Pair ( Royal Army Ordnance Corps ) Untouched & totally original Battledress pair coming from the one man who served with Montgomerys 21st Army Group in WW2 with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Both BDs have the same insignia one being his working BD & the other his best dress. His working dress is of British issue being a 1940 pattern with exposed buttons & his best being of Canadian issue these being highly sought after by British troops who favoured their higher quality. This is much evidenced in period photographs by British soldiers not always wearing British issue Battledress which was a lesser quality garment than its Commonwealth & other Allied equivalents. Printed RAOC titles are present to both BD with corporal chevrons & printed five year service chevrons to lower right sleeve. Arm of service strips denote RAOC. Medal ribbons present to Canadian BD for 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star & Defence medal. 1942 date to Canadian BD & 1943 to British. Both in excellent condition with no moth & both only having recently come on to the collectors market. The 21st Army Group was a British headquarters formation comprising primarily of British and Canadian forces. The Army Group was an important Allied force in the European Theatre of World War II. It was established in London during July 1943 under the command of Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) and was assigned to Operation Overlord, the invasion of Europe. The 21st Army Group operated in Northern France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany from June 1944 till the end of the war.
WW2 British 21st Army Group HQ Signals Warrant Officer Named Battledress Grouping - Served From May 1939 A very nice battledress grouping to a Warrant Officer of the Royal Signals attached to 21st Army Group HQ . Grouping comprised of : 1. Badged battledress ( named ) 2. Badged GS cap 3. Shirt ( Named ) 4. Gas Spectacles 5. Braces 6. Dog tags to Mansbridge 7. 2 X Paybooks ( Mansbridge ) 8. Handkerchief ( named ) One of the paybooks is cover only with the old paybook signed 11 May 1940 contained within a replacement cover that he acquired. Interestingly shows his enlistment at Porstmouth on 5th May 1939 & initially training with the 43rd Div ( Wessex ) at Castle House, Mere . There is a memorial to the 43rd Wessex on Castle Hill at Mere today. This entry of 13 Dec \'39 reads \' 43Div ***** at Castle House , Mere \' & then an entry dated 11-14th Mar 40 beneath this reads \' Duty with ***** at Mere in DW.exercise \' . Both entries are partially blotted out ( marked with asterisk ) quite possibly implying a confidential posting that he later did not wish to impart. Moving forward a few years , the 1940 pattern 1944 dated Battledress is complete with its original clothing label with M coded WD inspectors stamp for the same year. Blouse has embroidered insignia of the 21st Army Group HQ to both sleeves. Printed \' Royal Signals\' shoulder titles also present with Warrant officer rank badges to each sleeve. His paybook notes promotion to A/CSM ( Acting Company Sergeant Major ) W.O Class II on 21/9/42. Several of the items are named to the soldier Mansbridge certainly including his dogtags which are present with the group. An interesting lot , he may well have served with Monty at 21st Army Group Headquarters.
WW2 British 2nd Army Battledress 1942 Good used example of a 1940 Pattern BD to a Staff Sergeant in the Royal Corps of Signals serving with the 2nd Army who landed in Normandy & took part in the whole of the North West Europe campaign. BD has printed Signals titles to shoulders with 2nd Army patches & Signals arm of service strips. Staff sergeant pip & stripes to each arm. All insignia is handstitched to the Battledress with good correlation of wear & its overall appearance suggesting a good field used BD. Calico clothing label present to inside breast showing a size 6 & made by Albion of Belfast. Date stamped December 1942. This is a superb original Battledress in its entirety however it has suffered some insect attack to its front fly & left pocket area with a couple of holes also to the back although this is still a good overall working BD.
WW2 British 2nd Infantry Division Slouch Hat 1942 Scarce British made Slouch hat made by the British Denton Hat Company Ltd in 1942 & badged to the famous 2nd Infantry Division who initially fought in France with the BEF & then against the Japanese in the Far East from when this hat dates. Of khaki wool felt the hat has signs of heavy service use & has been subject to some overall moth tracking & nips with the some of the nips having gone through the felt. A general repair has been applied with the application of a hard green resin to the top crown area most noticeable on the inside. Brown leather chinstrap is still present although dry & very delicate to one side where cracked. Cross keys badge of the 2nd Inf. Div is machine stitched on with a small repair to one small portion of its left side. Overall a used & somewhat aged hat but extremely evocative of the jungle war in the Far East.
WW2 British 31st Battalion (GPO) ,City Of London Home Guard Sergeants Battledress A 1937 pattern battledress to a London Home Guard member from the 31st Battalion (10 GPO) , City of London based at St.Pancras. The General Post Office was one of the designated public utility services that fielded Home Guard units with this GPO battalion being based in St. Pancras. This Home Guard sergeant was a veteran of the first world war as is denoted by the three WW1 medal ribbons that decorate the left breast. Printed Home Guard titles are to be seen to each shoulder surmounting area & battalion flashes as well as sergeant rank chevrons on each arm. Of the typical 1937 pattern this battledress has early brass dished buttons to its pleated concealed button pockets & its calico clothing label still intact to inside right breast. A 'P' coded ( 1941) inspectors ink stamp is visible to interior right side fly . Both arms have printed Home Guard titles & flashes with sergeants rank chevrons denoting Senior NCO rank. Overall in very good condition having some very minor & hardly noticeable moth nips in places.
WW2 British 36th Infantry Division Slouch Hat 1941 Khaki coloured felt Slouch hat originally adopted by the Australian Military Forces in 1885 & used by British forces in Far Eastern theatres during WW2. Made by Henderson of Australia in 1941 this is a classic example of a popular piece of headgear worn by a member of the 36th Infantry Division as is evidenced by the embroidered Div patch of the 36th Inf Div on the hats turned up side. This patch was designed combining the emblems of the 29th & 72nd Brigades to make the Divisional sign , a Division which fought against the Japanese in Burma. In overall excellent condition there is no evidence of mothing to the outside of the hat only two discernable moth nips to the underside of the brim. Leather sweatband with maker markings & date impressed clear & good.
WW2 British 3rd Infantry Division Normandy Campaign Battledress Blouse Excellent sleeper condition originally badged Battledress blouse to a Chief Physical Training Instructor attached to the Normandy attributed 3rd Infantry Division & having the rank badges to Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor. Battledress is of 1940 pattern with the calico clothing label having nomenclature of Prices Tailors Ltd ( Fifty Shilling Tailors ) Size 3 & the date 1944. Both arms have red on black worsted shoulder titles with black & red arm of service strips. 3rd Infantry Div patches also with brass Crown & Wreath rank to each sleeve denoting QMS Instructor rank which is correct for the Army Physical Training Corps. PTI crossed swords to right sleeve . Medal ribbons to left breast for 1939-45 Star, War Medal, France & Germany Star & Defence Medal indicating service in the NW European Theatre with the 3rd Division. Recently surfaced from private sources this BD is in excellent untouched condition with name , rank & number of former owner to inside pocket. The combat history of the battle hardened 3rd Infantry Division is well documented having been heavily involved in the Normandy campaign first landing on Sword beach in the early hours of 6th June 1944 & going through to the bitter fighting inland meeting tough opposition from elite German troops.
WW2 British 3rd Infantry Division Normandy Campaign Battledress Blouse Excellent sleeper condition originally badged Battledress blouse to a Chief Physical Training Instructor attached to the Normandy attributed 3rd Infantry Division & having the rank badges to Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor. Battledress is of 1940 pattern with the calico clothing label having nomenclature of Prices Tailors Ltd ( Fifty Shilling Tailors ) Size 3 & the date 1944. Both arms have red on black worsted shoulder titles with black & red arm of service strips. 3rd Infantry Div patches also with brass Crown & Wreath rank to each sleeve denoting QMS Instructor rank which is correct for the Army Physical Training Corps. PTI crossed swords to right sleeve . Medal ribbons to left breast for 1939-45 Star, War Medal, France & Germany Star & Defence Medal indicating service in the NW European Theatre with the 3rd Division. Recently surfaced from private sources this BD is in excellent untouched condition with name , rank & number of former owner to inside pocket. The combat history of the battle hardened 3rd Infantry Division is well documented having been heavily involved in the Normandy campaign first landing on Sword beach in the early hours of 6th June 1944 & going through to the bitter fighting inland meeting tough opposition from elite German troops.
WW2 British 3rd Infantry Division PT Instructor Battledress Excellent sleeper condition originally badged Battledress blouse to a Chief Physical Training Instructor attached to the 3rd Infantry Division & having the rank badges to Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor. Battledress is of 1940 pattern with the calico clothing label having nomenclature of Prices Tailors Ltd ( Fifty Shilling Tailors ) Size 3 & the date 1944. Both arms have red on black worsted shoulder titles with black & red arm of service strips. 3rd Infantry Div patches also with brass Crown & Wreath rank to each sleeve denoting QMS Instructor rank which is correct for the Army Physical Training Corps. PTI crossed swords to right sleeve . Medal ribbons to left breast for 1939-45 Star, War Medal, France & Germany Star & Defence Medal indicating service in the NW European Theatre with the 3rd Division. Recently surfaced from private sources this BD is in excellent untouched condition with name , rank & number of former owner to inside pocket. The combat history of the battle hardened 3rd Infantry Division is well documented having been heavily involved in the Normandy campaign first landing on Sword beach in the early hours of 6th June 1944 & going through to the bitter fighting inland meeting tough opposition from elite German troops.
WW2 British 3rd Reconnaissance Regiment ( Northumberland Fusiliers ) Battledress A very rare battledress to a British army captain of the 3rd Reconnaissance Regiment ( Northumberland Fusiliers ) serving with the 3rd Infantry Division who landed in Normandy on D Day 6th June 1944 & fought right through in the Battle of Normandy to the Netherlands & later the invasion of Germany. Battledress is a 1944 dated piece & has all of its originally badged Reconnaissance insignia to both arms. Three Captains embroidered rank pips backed in green for Reconnaissance adorn each shoulder strap with the yellow on green reconnaissance embroidered shoulder titles to both arms. Under these is the 3rd Infantry Div patch followed by green/yellow arm of service strips. The red V on brown denotes Northumberland Fusiliers this range of battledress insignia being a specilaist collectors field in its own right. Battledress clothing label gives manufacturer date of 1944 with pattern marking of 1940. Tailoring to the battledress is of typical high officer quality with open collar & the often preferred rugby ball buttons. Medal ribbons of the 1939-45 Star, War medal & France & Germany Star are mounted on the left breast & confirm this officers service in the N.W.European theatre of war.
WW2 British 3rd Reconnaissance Regiment ( Northumberland Fusiliers ) Battledress A very rare battledress to a British army captain of the 3rd Reconnaissance Regiment ( Northumberland Fusiliers ) serving with the 3rd Infantry Division who landed in Normandy on D Day 6th June 1944 & fought right through in the Battle of Normandy to the Netherlands & later the invasion of Germany. Battledress is a 1944 dated piece & has all of its originally badged Reconnaissance insignia to both arms. Three Captains embroidered rank pips backed in green for Reconnaissance adorn each shoulder strap with the yellow on green reconnaissance embroidered shoulder titles to both arms. Under these is the 3rd Infantry Div patch followed by green/yellow arm of service strips. The red V on brown denotes Northumberland Fusiliers this range of battledress insignia being a specilaist collectors field in its own right. Battledress clothing label gives manufacturer date of 1944 with pattern marking of 1940. Tailoring to the battledress is of typical high officer quality with open collar & the often preferred rugby ball buttons. Medal ribbons of the 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star & Defence medal are mounted on the left breast & confirm this officers service in the N.W.European theatre of war. Free of moth or damage & stored by the former owner since the end of his wartime service it is apparent that this was a 'best dress' battledress & as such an exceptionally scarce uniform of the Reconnaissance to find still in existence today.
WW2 British 46th Infantry Division Artillery Warrant Officer Battledress (February 1944 Dated) A very nice British worn Canadian made 1944 dated battledress with battle patches to each arm bearing the oak tree formation sign of the 46th Infantry Division & with blue & red arm of service strips underneath. The left sleeve bears a red backed crown & laurel wreaths for rank of . It is well known that the Canadian battledress was often worn by British troops being preferred for its comfort & quality over the scratchy British version. Interior is marked with the Canadian inspectors marking of a broad arrow within C & the maker name of Tip Top tailors Ltd. Date is February 1944. In fantastic condition with no moth holes . The 46th Division was involved in battles of the Italian Campaign such as Salerno Landings , Monte Cassino , Gothic Line to name but a few.
WW2 British 49th ( West Riding ) Infantry Division Royal Artillery Battledress Blouse A totally original 37/40 pattern battledress with originally applied printed shoulder titles for the 49th Infantry Division ( West Riding ) & arm of service strips of blue & red for Royal Artillery. Complete with its original clothing label bearing the 'Battledress Blouse Serge 1940 Pattern Size13' nomenclature as well as the WD 'O' coded inspectors stamp for the year 1942 it is in excellent with no moth & just the lower front fly button now minus. Fought in the 1940 Norwegian campaign & just after the D Day Landings in June 1944 moved to France where they took part in the fighting as part of 30 Corps. Moving through North West Europe they fought in the second battle of Arnhem & the the liberation of Utrecht.
WW2 British 4th Inf Div Corps of Military Police Battledress Superb & originally badged battledress to a Lance Corporal in the Corps of Military Police serving with the 4th Infantry Division. BD has on each shoulder black on red 'CMP' titles with red circle on white patch with fourth quadrant detached & Lance Corporal chevrons to each arm. Nap of cloth is excellent this evidently being his best issue with hardly any wear at all. Only two very tiny moth nips to the rear collar vicinity testify to the early to midwar age of the jacket bearing a Calico clothing label & date of June 1942. Size is a No13. Jacket has all brass dished buttons. Coming with the BD is his original ' MP armband ' & ' Metropolitan ' whistle both worn in the field by members of the Military Police. ( See British WW2 Equipment section for a seperately listed Military Police Pistol order webbing set ). The 4th Infantry Division were heavily involved in the fighting in North Africa, Italy & Greece being active during Operation Vulcan , the final ground attack against Axis forces in N.Africa, the Italian campaign & Monte Cassino coming up against the famous Hermann Goering Division in Italy & the fearless German Fallschirmjager at Monte Cassino.
WW2 British 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division Royal Engineers Helmet A very rare helmet that I have had the good fortune to acquire recently from Normandy having been found in the Evrecy area & a remnant of the fighting in the vicious Normandy battles of that area in July 1944. This never to be seen again piece of Normandy history has not only the name of the original owner scratched into the upper edge of the flared rim but also the red 'W' of the Welsh Division & also the insignia of the Royal Engineers to the left side. It is totally untouched & has the thick khaki brown overpaint to its exterior which was applied to many of these earlier helmets. The liner & top nut are totally undisturbed with correlating scuffs & wear throughout indicative of combat use. On the flared rim can be seen a name thickly scratched into the paint wih the initials after it of 'R.E' & then a partial number . This may be discernible for research upon closer inspection. The faint date of 1939 can be seen to underside of rim with the maker 'JSS' for Joseph Sankey. 1939 date to chinstrap brackets. Liner has the early first oval dome pad with date 1939 to liner cradle. This rare piece of Normandy history has been in a very old collection for many years with Welsh Division examples always having been extremely difficult to find at all.
WW2 British 5th North Staffs Anti Aircraft Home Guard Battledress 1940 A 1940 dated '37 pattern battledress to a member of the 5th Battalion, North Staffs Home Guard who were serving as Anti Aircraft personnel protecting American troops in the area just prior to the D Day Landings. A large sized BD this example has clothing label stating it was made by 'Universal Clothing Co ( Kingsland ) Ltd , EC1 London ' . All of the insignia is very crudely soldier hand applied with thick khaki thread of the period, it is always interesting to note the different styles of 'soldiers sewing' original battledress. Both sleeves have embroidered Home Guard shoulder titles with printed 'NS 5' patches & the badge of the Anti Aircraft Command. This man was also a veteran of the first world war as indicated by the War & Victory medal ribbons to left breast. In overall excellent condition this battledress only recently surfaced & is a true 'sleeper' in every sense of the word.
WW2 British 5th North Staffs Anti Aircraft Home Guard Battledress 1940 A fabulous 100% originally badged 1940 dated \'37 pattern battledress to a member of the 5th Battalion, North Staffs Home Guard who were serving as Anti Aircraft personnel protecting American troops in the area just prior to the D Day Landings. A large sized BD this example has clothing label stating it was made by \'Universal Clothing Co ( Kingsland ) Ltd , EC1 London \' . All of the insignia is very crudely soldier hand applied with thick khaki thread of the period, it is always interesting to note the different styles of \'soldiers sewing\' original battledress. Both sleeves have embroidered Home Guard shoulder titles with printed \'NS 5\' patches & the badge of the Anti Aircraft Command. This man was also a veteran of the first world war as indicated by the War & Victory medal ribbons to left breast. In overall excellent condition this battledress only recently surfaced & is a true \'sleeper\' in every sense of the word.
WW2 British 70th West Riding Home Guard Battledress An early non collar lined '37 pattern battledress from a Major in the 70th West Riding ( Staincross ) Battalion Home Guard. A veteran of the First world war , as is indicated by his WW1 medal ribbons seen on left breast , this man also saw four years service overseas as is shown by the chevron on his right sleeve. Printed Home Guard shoulder titles are padded in typical officer style with the area & battalion flashes in place beneath these. Rank pips to each shoulder. Another subtle officer refinement to note is the professionally applied pop stud fastening arrangement to waist which would give the BD a more fitted look . The collar has not been officer converted however it is apparent that it has been worn open due to the fall of the creasing & some discolouration to the exposed open collar area. Calico clothing label is intact to inside breast however only partially readable . Size is 15. In excellent condition I can find no moth & only minimal wear to nap of cloth.
WW2 British 78th Infantry Division Sergeant RASC Battledress 1943 An originally badged battledress from a sergeant of the 78th Infantry Division which is well known to have fought with distinction in Tunisia , Sicily & Italy. Battledress is a Canadian made example as was often preferred by British troops when they could be 'obtained' . Insignia has been very neatly hand & machine stitched applied this most likely being a walking out example due to its excellent condition. Divisional patches of the Battleaxe to both sleeves with sergeant chevrons & arm of service strips for the Royal Army Service Corps. There is evidence of a removed medal ribbon bar above the left breast indicating a late war worn piece but certainly before the wars end when many were open collar converted for wear with a tie. Battledress is marked to the interior with Canadian makers details & date 1943. No moth at all & a very nice piece overall.
WW2 British 7th Armoured Div, Royal Armoured Corps \'37 Pattern Battledress A very rare all originally badged battledress to a tank crewman of the Royal Armoured Corps with Anti gas markings of 1941. This battledress has printed \'ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS\' titles to each arm with red & yellow arm of service strips for the R.A.C. A battledress that shows service wear it has its early paper clothing label still present although heavily worn & only partially legible. Inside fly has the marking \' BG 6/41 A.V.\' which indicates that it had an Anti Vessicant Gas treatment in June 1941. All five of its original buttons are present to front fly & both cuffs. There is a moth hole to collar approx 1.5cm X 1 cm ( see images ) & one or two hardly noticeable pin prick moth holes on what is clearly a tank crew field worn British battledress.
WW2 British 7th Armoured Division REME BD 1942 Good example of a British 1940 pattern Battledress blouse to an Articifer in the REME in the 7th Armoured Division. Blouse has twin embroidered REME shoulder titles & with the pink jerboa edged in white on a black background printed patches ( third pattern ) of the 7th Armoured Division. Right arm also bears the hammer & pincers trade badge of an artificer with a one two year good conduct chevron on the lower left sleeve. Defence medal ribbon to left breast. Calico label to inside of BD states aSize 9 made by ' Kings s Land Ltd in 1942. Overall service wear is minor although apparent to certain areas such as the back of the collar. All badges are well handsewn on & correlate well with the age of the BD indicating a good untouched Battledress. Nap to cloth good. The 7th Armoured Division is the best known of the Armoured Divisions being formed originally in Egypt in 1938. It later was serving in North West Europe when this particular third pattern of jerboa patch was adopted helping to date somewhat the service of the wearer.
WW2 British 8th Army RAMC Officer Battledress Grouping An interesting uniform grouping to a Royal Army Medical Corps Officer comprising the following items- 1937 pattern officer tailored Battledress - 1941 dated 1940 pattern battledress trousers - 1944 dated RAMC Officer SD cap - private purchase RAMC Officer FS cap - private purchase Officer private purchase Delta ankle boots Web gaiters - 1943 dated This whole grouping came together from the one man with his '37 pattern officer tailored battledress bearing officers dull cherry felt backed plastic rank pips for rank of lieutenant with arm of service strips to each arm. 8th army shield to right sleeve. Battledress trousers are of the 1940 pattern with 'M' prefixed stores code to inner waistband . The officers boots are also included being of the officers favoured 18 holed 'DELTA' pattern. Service dress cap is a very nice charactor piece which has clearly been worn as his working cap there being much evidence of sweat staining to the front forehead area. The name 'Nethercott' has been written on the sweatband & thus makes research possible. The FS cap has officers RAMC badge & brass kings crown GS buttons however a fair amount of moth has attacked here. Finally his 1943 dated webbing gaiters complete the set . Overall condition of the BD & trousers is very good with a couple of very minimal pinprick moth holes. There is also a spattering of what appears to be iodine , rust or blood on some areas of both garments. Untouched & in trunk storage since the end of WW2.
WW2 British 8th Army RASC Battledress & Trousers Super condition Battledress worn by an 8th Army Lance Corporal of the Royal Army Service Corps. Badged with 8th Army patches on each shoulder, RASC arm of service strips & Lance Corporal chevrons the jacket also has five service chevrons on the lower right sleeve. Medal ribbon bar to left breast indicates him to be a veteran of the North African & Italian campaigns having been awarded the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star & defence medal. A US made War Aid example these Battledress were often preferred for their better quality & are typically found being worn by British troops in the North African & Italian theatres of war This example is dated 1943. Coming complete with matching 1943 dated trousers a small photograph of the man in Naples in May 1944 this is an excellent set with only minor wear in places & nap of cloth good.
WW2 British AB64 Paybook & Ephemera 1941 ( Photo ID ) Excellent condition British Army AB64 Paybook to an artillery gunner enlisted at Wakefield in January 1941. Many entries in this well filled out book printed in 1940 & issued to the soldier upon enlistment in 1941. Interestingly there is a head & shoulders ID photo of the soldier in Battledress on page 3 & also an ink stamp on the Transfer To Reserve Section stating fit for further service as of 14/11/45 for Reserve service having served right through WW2. Entries include Gas Training in 1941 as well as leave entries, medical classification, vaccinations & Protective innoculations..there is also an entry of new teeth upper & lower by the 153 Mobile Dentistry Unit in October 1945. Page 15 lists uniform garment sizes including Anklets Web, Blouse BD, Boots Ankle, Caps & Helmet etc etc. In the back of the paybook are three items of additional paperwork that have been kept with it by the original owner these are a handwritten letter to a sweetheart , a 1941 dated Army Savings Association form stamped by the Royal Artillery Records Office & a poignant newspaper cutting about a V Bomb incident where a crowded store was hit at peak hour causing many casualties. A 7 daye Compassionate Leave entry in his paybook of August 1943 may have some relevance to this. Overall condition excellent.
WW2 British Ack-Ack Gunner Paybook & Medal Grouping British army Ack-Ack paybook grouping to a Bombardier ( Sergeant ) serving with the 450th Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery enlisting on the 17th July 1941 & discharged on the 6th June 1944. Grouping comprises his first issue AB64 paybook showing him as a Provision Shop Manager by profession born on 14th January 1907. Various training & medical information is contained within & a Discharge certificate on the back page showing that he was discharged on the 6th June 1944 due to not being able to meet army physical requirements. His conduct is recorded as being Very Good. There are also two 1st Pattern 1939 patches of the 1st Anti Aircraft Division with two photographs of him one dated August 1941 & the other 23/4/1944. A leave pass with his matching army number & name dating from 27/9/42 through to 27/4/43 is unit stamped to the 450th Heavy ( Mixed) AA Battery AA . He was awarded the Defence & War medal with his award slip still present.
WW2 British AFS Tunic , Cap & 1940 Civil Defence Pass Grouping Part of a recently surfaced larger uniform grouping from the one man who apparently served in North London with the Auxiliary Fire Service & then the Home Guard . His Home Guard battledress & greatcoat are listed separately & all with his name written inside. The Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) was formed in 1938 as part of Civil Defence Air raid precautions its role being to supplement the work of brigades at local level. The AFS and local brigades were superseded in August 1941 by the National Fire Service. This is the heavy weight double fronted fire service tunic bearing AFS buttons & with the AFS area badge for Harrow to left breast. It has a hook & eye fastened collar & is in excellent condition other than underneath the right armpit which requires a stitching repair due to a stress tear. The mans peaked cap was also found with the tunic & is in excellent condition considering its extended loft storage since WW2. Leather sweatband bears mans name 'GE Hope ' . With this uniform is also a Civil Defence pass dated 27th May 1940 . It is named ( & signed ) to ' Part Time Auxiliary Fireman G.E.Hope ' stating that he has access to 'Auxiliary Fire Service Buildings'
WW2 British Airborne /Paratrooper Beret 1944 Dated A scarce 1944 dated British Airborne/ Paratrooper beret with original parachute regiment badge affixed. This is a nicely service used example made by the maker 'Supak' & whilst the date 1944 is clear there is also an 'M' coded WD inspectors stamp for the year 1944 so well within time for one of the famous Airborne actions at Normandy or Arnhem. All of the distinct features of originality are present on this beret with the nipple to top centre , black leather tab backing to ventilation holes & correct ink marking of the manufacturers name , size & date to its interior. The silk ribbon to rear of beret is still present & tied into a knot. With a correct two rear pronged parachute regiment badge affixed to the beret the polishing to its high points by its former owner is much evident. A very decent sized 7 1/4 there is moth tracking to the wool of the beret with a very small spattering of pin prick holes from where it was loft stored for many years after WW2. There is a some hand stitched repair to the rear of the beret ( See image ) .
WW2 British Airborne First Pattern Camouflage Denison Smock A scarce British Airborne troops first pattern Denison camouflage smock complete with its original monkey tail & working half zip. This smock is fabulous large sized example & comes with all of its original features straight out of WW2. The printed camouflage pattern is still good & strong with its original knitted wool cuffs still present. The half zip is a totally original \'N\' marked example & in fully working order. Monkey tail is unmessed with & just as it was when issued. All of its fully functional brass Newey snap fasteners are still present including the two for side waist adjustment. Both of its brown shoulder straps are totally original to the Denison. The inside clothing label is present but totally illegible however there does appear to be what may be a very faint black ink stamped \'O\' near to the bottom hem for the WD inspectors mark. In overall very good but used condition there is a nice amount of wear but with the colours still very strong. There are two holes to the smock , one to the front right breast & one to the right hand side of the back. A fantastic piece classic Arnhem / Normandy issue.
WW2 British Airborne First Pattern Denison Smock ( Tail Intact ) An excellent 'straight out of the woodwork' example of the first pattern Denison smock complete with its original working half zip , 1942 dated clothing label & tail. A very acceptable size 3 , the smock has all of its Newey poppers & original knitted cuffs with some wear. The often removed 'ape' tail to rear is original to the smock with some stitching now having come away to part of it . Clothing label is still readable & showing the well known maker ' Wareings (N'Ton) Ltd with date 1942 . Next to this is the 'O' coded WD broad arrow inspectors stamp also for the year 1942 . The right arm displays clear evidence of the presence of parachute jump wings which , with natural wear & weathering , now shows quite alot of the definition of the badge impressed into the cloth of the smock. Rank pips appear to have been present on the shoulder straps at some point with small slits for their placement visible upon close inspection. Overall a super example of this classic paratrooper smock most likely having seen service in one of the well known wartime operations of the Parachute regiment.
WW2 British Airborne First Pattern Early Handpainted Denison Smock If you are looking for a classic well used Airborne first pattern hand painted Denison smock that has \'been there\' then this piece may be for you ! Complete with its original & working \'Lightning\' half zip & its original monkey tail the clothing label , although faded, is still present. Upon the label can still be seen \'Height 5\' 6\" / 5\' 8\" \'. Although faint & now illegible in places due to wear the maker is the known maker of Dephyrane Garments Ltd & the year very unlikely to be anything other then 1942 due to its early features as explained below. A well fielded Denison smock the camouflage on this piece is of the earliest \' handpainted\' style with the distinctive swathe like pattern & heavy green influence to the camouflage. The second type of camouflage started to appear in late 1942 . Another indication of this smocks early manufacture is the outside of the Newey pop studs being very well worn. These are the very early nickel coated brass versions found on the step in smock which were produced prior to the first pattern Denison. The original cuffs are with holes but , again, 100% original to the garment. There are some repairs with American HBT material having been used in part which I have left unaltered. A fabulous charactor piece which recently surfaced in North West Europe.
WW2 British Airborne Second Pattern Denison Smock A very nice example of the ever popular airborne troops camouflage denison smock in the second pattern as seen from midwar onwards. This nicely used example is still complete with the often removed 'tail' & front half zip ( DOT ) that is in good working order. Its Denison puller is still present . All brass Newey pop studs are complete apart from front top left on tail fastening section which is missing. Some overall wear is evident to the smock with some fraying to cuffs & wear & tear in places with stitch repair to a tear on left side. Faded clothing label on which the size 5 can be seen is present to inside . Date on this is very faint however it appears to be 1945 . WD stores code is prefixed 'Z' which would appear to confirm this. A super textbook example of the second pattern Denison smock.
WW2 British Airborne Troops First Pattern Denison Smock 1942 A scarce 1942 dated British Airborne troops first pattern Denison camouflage smock complete with original monkey tail & working half zip. This smock is a fabulous large sized example & comes with all of its original features straight out of WW2. The printed camouflage pattern is still good & strong with its original knitted wool cuffs still present. The half zip is a totally original ' LIGHTNING' marked example & in fully working order. Monkey tail is unmessed with & just as it was when issued. All of its fully functional brass Newey snap fasteners are still present including the two for side waist adjustment. The interior clothing label is still present & gives the large size of '7' & clear date 1942 with manufacturer 'WAREINGS (N'TON) LTD' . In overall very good moderately used condition there is a nice amount of wear but with the colours still very strong. There is what appears to be a depot repair to the rear ( See images ) . A fantastic piece classic Arnhem / Normandy issue.
WW2 British Anti Aircraft Troops Boots 1943 These military issue winter boots were termed the Naval Pattern & were issued to some Anti-Aircraft units of the Royal Artillery who may be working in muddy conditions. They were also issued to garrisoned troops that stood watch during the cold & wet winter months . In pebbled black leather they have a slightly squared non capped toe & also a pair of leather loops sewn inside each boot near the top to assist in pulling them on. These boots interestingly were made with no metal fittings as this would conduct the cold directly to the feet when standing on a long watch or steel deck , stone street or rooftop. Both clearly maker marked & broad arrow stamped with date 1943 ( Size 8 ) . Excellent supple condition leather with stitching away from front foot section where it joins uppers requiring some repair.
WW2 British Anti Gas Wallet & Anti Liquid Gas Wadding Made from oilskin the Anti Gas wallet was intended to protect documents such as the AB64 paybook etc from the effects of sprayed gas as paper could not be decontaminated & would hence have to be destroyed if exposed. The pattern here is the early version with snap fasteners which were later dispensed with it being deemed sufficient to merely fold the items in the wallet. Visible on the wallet is an ink stamp with the date 1940, manufacturer (unreadable) & broad arrow. Condition of wallet is good with snap fasteners intact although the oilskin is very sticky as is typical of the few examples that i have seen. Adhering to the wallet is a large quantity of cotton wadding which was intended to be used to soak up liquid gas droplets & was normally carried in the gas mask haversack. The Anti Gas Wallet is now a hard to find piece of British Anti Gas equipment this being only the second example ive had in many years.
WW2 British Armoured Crews Helmet , 5th Inniskillen Dragoon Guards Helmet A scarce armoured crew crash helmet with painted insignia of the 5th Inniskillen Dragoon Guards . Overpainted in khaki green the red , yellow & green colours of the 5/DG are handpainted to the side with a name on the front 'MARGE' which most likely refers to his tank or even girlfriend ! It is also of note that the mans serial number falls within the number allocation of the Royal Armoured Corps . Made from a cloth covered 'pulp ' construction similar to the early Despatch Riders helmet these were issued prior to the introduction of the steel helmet for armoured crews . A frontal crash pad protects the forehead area whilst the inside has a leather drawstring lining . The 5th Dragoon Guards were in England until late July 1944 but landed in Normandy & fought with the 7th Armoured Division at Mont Pincon , Lisieux then Belgium & on into Germany.
WW2 British Army & Navy Store Price List Book 1939-40 Interesting book from the early war period being an Army & Navy Stores price list/catalogue full of articles for sale for the military officer & commercial market. Included in the book are pages offering for private purchase to officers military uniform ie, service dress , tropical service dress , mess dress & overseas kit as well as Sam Browne kit items, medals & weapons such as swords, rifles & revolvers. All three services are covered for sale by this internationally renowned store of the period as well as offering many other items of commercial use used by British officers such as quality camping/field sets & utensils & other practical field accessories for the gentleman in the field. Contained within the book are also many other household items for the civilian such as tools, furniture , cigarette accessories, groceries , clothing to name only a few.
WW2 British Army Medical Officers Service Uniform ( Named ) Good example of a WW2 British Officers Service Uniform being to a Captain in the Royal Army Medical Corps. Comprises Jacket, trousers, cap & Sam Browne belt & cross strap all from the one man. Uniform conforms to a later pattern of Service Dress with pleated patch pockets & slip type lower bellows pockets with a plain cuff. All brass kings crown buttons & rank pips to tunic with officers plastic economy collar badges & cap badge. Right side of outer waist area has a custom variation watch pocket covered by the belt when worn. Tailors label to inside of tunic gives a Bristol tailor with officers name ' Lt Beavis ' & the date 6th January 1944 . Officers name also to top collar area & also waistband of SD trousers. Defence & War medal ribbons to left breast. Overall condition is excellent with no moth.
WW2 British Army Motorcyle Despatch Riders Coat, 1944 Date Scarce example of the heavy rubberised tan fabric Motorcycle Despatch Riders coat as used by Despatch Riders & also Military Police Units in WW2. The coat is sized with a fixed waistbelt that fastens the coat watertight via a double buckle system at the front. The coat could then be fastened round each leg as required. Clothing label is intact on the inside with the date of 1944 & the manufacturers details. Also stamped onto the inside of the coats back is again the date 1944 & the motif******* . Overall the jacket is good with normal service use with all poppers & fittings present & correct. These coats are much seen in use in the European theatre from 1944 onwards being much favoured for their large map pockets & durability by all who wore them.
WW2 British Army North West Europe \' Normandy & Arnhem \' Interest Battledress 1943 - 30th Corps , Royal Artillery Staff Sergeant A scarce 1943 dated British battledress from a 30 Corps Staff Sergeant of the Royal Artillery . 30th Corps were of course heavily involved in the Normandy campaign as well as Operation Marketgarden in Holland commanded by General Horrocks. Battledress has printed Royal Artillery shoulder titles to both sleeves with Divisional insignia of 30 Corps ( Wild Boar ) & blue & red arm of service strips beneath. Each sergeant rank chevron is surmounted by gun & crown for Staff Sergeant . All of the insignia is original to the blouse with commensurate age wear throughout . Battledress is a '40 pattern with clothing label still intact giving the Size 9 , date 1943 & manufacturer name of Montagu Burton Ltd, Leeds. All buttons are intact with only a couple of pinprick moth holes in places.
WW2 British Army Officer Casualty Effects ( Killed 1944 ) Arthur Thomas Chard was a Lieutenant in the Royal Army Service Corps 39th General Transport company, Service number 265648. He died 20th April 1944 aged 40 and is buried in Southgate cemetary. No more is known about him but his low service number would suggest he joined the army early in the war . The first of his 7 items is a 'trench art' petrol lighter & ash tray inscribed 'to 2/LT. Chard A token of appreciation from 'B' Pln. 39 G.T.C. Coy. RASC 1943. (The year before his death). The lighter is fully working and the 18 pounder shell case ashtray is dated 1917. Next is his personal shaving kit in an initialled leather case. The "Valet" Auto Strop Safety Razor. Includes a mirror, razor, 2 holders for spare blades, and 2 silver (unmarked) or silver plated containers. The silver has blackened and the hinge of the lid on the leather case has broken. Next is a loose leaf notebook with pencilled notes and calenders for 1926 & 1927. It has his name and full address written in pen. Also pictured with it is a whistle on a green lanyard. It is stamped 'The Metropolitan, J Hudson & Co. 13 Barr St. Birmingham'. Both are in good condition. Next is his 'Johnny Walker' leather wallet & 1935 diary with its original pencil. It has pencil entries and is in good but well used condition. Finally is another wallet given with the compliments of Marmet Ltd. And a copper plaque in a wooden frame. Looks like Art nouveau or arts and crafts period. Overall an interesting & poignant group of items , ripe for research, to a British officer who sadly did not survive WW2.
WW2 British Army Officers Shirt WW2 purchased khaki woollen officers shirt in unmothed condition. This item was found with the Lieutenants denim overalls & leather jerkin listed seperately & differs from the normal other ranks style having a collar attached & being of a higher quality. There are no breast pockets which is typical of a wartime piece. Many different types of shirt were worn by the British soldier & as officers invariably procured their own clothing this widens the difference in styles, patterns & materials considerably. The material on this example is of a good quality wool without the scratchiness of the issue type & the half opening on the front is fastened with three brown resin type buttons as are the cuff openings with one on each. Two out of five of the original buttons have been replaced. Collar is half lined on the inside & out with a smooth cotton material & bears the label 'ALL WOOL Made In England' . There are also some letters stamped lightly onto the inside of the collar being 'CCCL' & then the number '6' .Size is good for mannequin & there are no holes, rips or tears.
WW2 British Army Royal Artillery Spotter Plane Pilots Battledress , Beret & Flying Helmet 1943 Interesting battledress & flying helmet grouping to a a Royal Artillery spotter plane pilot with the rank of captain. Artillery spotter planes came into service in 1941 piloted by RAF trained Royal Artillery officers. Their skill as observers meant they were able to take to the air at short notice with ground situation tactical knowledge & also with the ability to direct the fire of guns within range. More than 90 DFCs were awarded to Spotter Plane pilots by the end of WW2. This 1943 dated battledress is a rare surviving example from one of these pilots & comes with his well worn private purchase RA beret & C Type flying helmet. The battledress is totally originally badged with three rank pips for captain to each shoulder & embroidered Royal Artillery shoulder titles . The distinctive Army Flying badge is sewn to the left breast with medal ribbons of 1939-45 Star, North Africa star , Italy star & Defence medal. This officers involvement in North Africa/Italy most likely signifies his attachment to 651 Squadron who flew throughout the North African campaign in 1942 -43 where it amply proved itself in the new Air OP concept . Battledress is WD stores coded 'N' for the year 1943. Beret is a light brown rib lined example with a private tailors label removed . Badge is red backed & its rear pin shows oxidisation where it has been affixed for many years & reacted to the cloth around it. The wool construction of the beret is circularly ribbed to a centre nipple with two leather backed ventilation grommets near to its lower edge. The C type flying helmet came into service in 1941 this being a very good example with hair lined card inserts to the earcups in place of the wiring. These are as it came & i only presume that they were used when microphones were not fitted. They are removeable. All fittings are intact to the helmet with three straps to the rear for securement of the goggle strap. All the leather is extremely supple with rubber earcups good. An interesting group , fresh to the market & untouched !
WW2 British ARP \'Chief Warden\' Helmet 1938 A wonderful ''Timecapsule' piece of London Blitz history ! This WW2 Home Front Chief Wardens helmet has senior rank double black stripes with 'W' to front & back. I offer this helmet completely uncleaned & as found with years of dirt & grime buildup over its white painted finish . This helmet shows wear & must have seen much devastation in the aftermath of the London bombing raids. A MkII helmet it was factory painted in khaki before being overpainted in black then white probably twice with the black stripes added over the last coat due to promotion through the ranks. Underside of the helmet rim shows edges of the black paint with the original khaki visible to dome. The outer liner securing nut shows evidence of both white & black paint which has not adhered very well but is totally original to the helmet. Being an early issue the liner cradle is VERO marked & 1938 dated. Chinstrap is original to the helmet & retains elasticity. A true piece of Home Front history .
WW2 British Assault Gas Mask , Accessories & Carrying Bag 1943/44 This is the 1943 pattern of British gas mask issued for use in the D-Day Landings by British & Allied troops & later by the Airborne troops during the Battle of Arnhem. It is practically impossible to find these with wartime dated filters most encountered now being of postwar issue. Coming with all of the Anti Gas accessories shown in the first picture this piece is W&G marked & 1944 dated to its canvas headstrap yoke , November '44 dated to facepiece & April '44 dated to filter. The canvas carrying case has matching maker 'W&G' with date March 1943. The carrying strap is also matching maker marked to 'W&G' with date 1943. The soldiers name of 'D.POTTER' has been profusely marked on the strap . The rear of the case is missing its lower belt fastening brass hook. An untouched piece offered completely as it was recently found .
WW2 British Assault Gas Mask - Royal Navy Issued 1943 An all \'43 dated example of the 1943 pattern British gas mask which was extensively issued to troops for the D-Day Landings of June 1944 & beyond. This set has been issued to a member of the Royal Navy with name to carrying strap matching his dog tag on mask. RUbber facepiece is dated July 1943 with reay head strap yoke marked W&G ( Willow & Garing ) with date 1943. Filter dated 2nd February 1944. Carrying bag marked to underside of flap with date \'10/43\' & also to carrying strap with matching year of 1943. Stencilled to one side of the carry strap are the name & initials \'R.BLYTHE R.N\' ( Royal Navy ) with a dog tag attached to the mask having matching details. Nice complete set & difficult to find a set all predating the June 1944 Normandy invasion in which he was probably involved. .
WW2 British Beaded & Ribbed FS Knife A scarce beaded & ribbed Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife with correct original WW2 issue leather sheath in which it has been since the end of WW2. Much has been discussed about the beaded & ribbed knives with an excellent chapter being written about them in the superb reference book \'The Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife \' by Ron Flook. Manufactured from around the midwar period onwards these were issue pieces thought to have been made at Sheffield. This piece has the issue inspection marking of a broad arrow & the number 1 to its lower handle & with no other markings is not one of those that were stamped \'England\' & exported out to the USA after the war. The pommel nut is still tight with some of its original blackening still visible to handle . Almost all remains to blade & hilt. The sheath is a good late war example with all four of its leather tabs for stitching into the special battledress trouser knife pocket having never been removed. The elastic retainer is , as usual, detached at one end however overall it is excellent . I have made no attempt to clean the leather so this comes straight out of the drawer in which it has been since the end of WW2. Blade length 7 inches.
WW2 British Bullet Holed Camouflage Helmet With Unit Flash Under Paint Rare early 1938 dated British helmet having been camouflaged with thick granulated khaki paint around the unit insignia & a faint tortoise shell camouflage scheme painted over the top of that. Flash under the paint identified to that of the Duke of Cornwalls Light Infantry a most active fighting unit of WW2 & Normandy. It is interesting to note that it also has a bullet entry & exit hole so most likely kept by its former owner as a \'near miss\' helmet . Examining the helmet both entry & exit holes show commensurate age with that of the rest of the helmet . Inside of helmet has the stencilled marking \'S.S\' indicating that it has a non magnetic Stainless Steel rim . This marking is only found on the early production MkII helmets . Liner cradle is marked & dated to \'CS&W Ltd 1938\' with chinstrap lugs also dated 1938. Rare British helmet that has been to war with camouflage & bullet holes to add to its desirability.
WW2 British Burma Intelligence Corps Slouch Hat 1942 Quite possibly one of the rarest Far East units from which to acquire surviving artefacts is the Burma Intelligence Corps. Initially formed in 1942 with an HQ & four platoons to assist the Indian Army facing the Japanese in Burma, it was raised by ex Burma policeman Lt Col Phipps & by January of 1943 was well recognised by GHQ Eastern Army. The 'slouch' hat here is a very rare example from that small unit & I dare say one of only a few still in existence. The interior leather sweatband gives maker as the recognisable ' J.COLLETT ' with clear date of 1942. It is interesting to note the extra thickness of this hat which upon examination reveals that two hats have apparently been used to make this one piece with stitching to the outer edging of the brim & the Newey pop stud placed through top & bottom of the brim as is normal. The insignia of the BIC is embroidered onto green felt with a green felt backing running around the circumference of the hat behind the puggaree. Superb piece the likes of which we are unlikely to see again.
WW2 British Camouflage Helmet Interesting example of a WW2 British Mk II helmet that has been period brushstroke camouflaged in a green & dark/light brown paint scheme. The origins of the camouflage on the helmet are unknown however suspected to be from that of the Home Guard who were not unknown to have used camouflage on their helmets dependant on Command. Interestingly it has also been used by an Air Training Corps unit of Wenlock Edge School , a Boarding school in the Wenlock Edge, Shropshire area at some point in its history. This unit were in existence from the early war period this helmet most likely having been used by them after its military service had ended with its former owner whom most likely had links with the school. Liner cradle is size marked 6 3/4 , BMB maker marked & has the date 1939. Web chinstrap in original & has been tied at one end. Lettering is faded off white with dark green period overpaint being applied to underside of rim.
WW2 British Camouflage Netted MK.1 Paratrooper Helmet 1943 A superb rare textbook example of the British Mk1 paratrooper helmet complete with its 100% original leather chinstrap & camouflage netting. The Mk.1 came into production as of 1943 & was a modification of the earlier fibre rim issue. This iconic 'Helmet , Steel , Airborne Troops' ( HSAT) is a 1943 dated example made by the manufacturer G & S & is a size 6 7/8 . There are several consistent features on this piece unique to the G & S produced helmet these being a distinctly dark chocolate brown textured paint finish to the shell , more rounded screw bolts & the pads being produced from a rubber solution coated felt . Liner is tight to the shell with no movement at all. The date , size & maker are clearly visible on the brown leather sweatband . Still fitted to the helmet is its original scrim camouflage net totally undisturbed & exactly how it would have been issued. A quite stunning example !
WW2 British Camouflage Netted MK.1 Paratrooper Helmet 1943 A superb rare textbook example of the British Mk1 paratrooper helmet complete with its 100% original leather chinstrap & camouflage netting. The Mk.1 came into production as of 1943 & was a modification of the earlier fibre rim issue. This iconic \'Helmet , Steel , Airborne Troops\' ( HSAT) is a 1943 dated example made by the manufacturer G & S & although partially obscured appears to be a size 6 7/8 . There are several consistent features on this piece unique to the G & S produced helmet these being a distinctly dark chocolate brown textured paint finish to the shell , more rounded screw bolts & the pads being produced from a rubber solution coated felt . The date of 1943 & maker are clearly visible on the brown leather sweatband . Overall condition is very good with some slight dry areas to fastening strap of chinstrap ( See images ). Chamois lining to chincup is 100% original to the helmet. Still fitted to the helmet is its original scrim camouflage net totally undisturbed & exactly how it would have been issued. Becoming very difficult to find now .
WW2 British Camouflage Netted MK.1 Paratrooper Helmet 1943 A superb rare textbook example of the British Mk1 paratrooper helmet complete with its 100% original leather chinstrap & camouflage netting. The Mk.1 came into production as of 1943 & was a modification of the earlier fibre rim issue. This iconic 'Helmet , Steel , Airborne Troops' ( HSAT) is a 1943 dated example made by the manufacturer G & S & is a size 6 3/4 . There are several consistent features on this piece unique to the G & S produced helmet these being a distinctly dark chocolate brown textured paint finish to the shell , more rounded screw bolts & the pads being produced from a rubber solution coated felt . The date of 1943 & maker are clearly visible on the brown leather sweatband . Overall condition is excellent ! Chamois lining to chincup is 100% original to the helmet. Still fitted to the helmet is its original scrim camouflage net totally undisturbed & exactly how it would have been issued. Becoming very difficult to find now .
WW2 British Camouflage Netted MK.1 Paratrooper Helmet 1943 **Rare Mk1 HSAT With Leather Straps*** A fabulous camouflage netted textbook example of the Mark 1 Helmet , Steel Airborne Troops ( HSAT) dated 1943. This is the classic Airborne helmet as worn by British Paratroopers & Glider Troops on D-Day & at the Battle of Arnhem . Dated 1943 it is not beyond the realms of impossibility that this helmet may well have been worn during one of those famous operations. A helmet that exudes history , it has its original wartime khaki granulated factory paint visible underneath the net with leather straps intact. The leather liner band is in good order with rubber covered felt & maker \'BMB\' ( Briggs Motor Bodies ) & date 1943 as well as the size \'7\'. There is service wear to inside of the helmet & some age cracking to the long end of the chinstrap which has been very subtly collector repaired this only noticeable upon close inspection.
WW2 British Camouflage Netted Paratrooper Helmet ( HSAT) Mk2 Model 1944 Dated A very good condition 1944 dated example of the Mk2 British paratrooper helmet this piece issued with the \'Third model\' webbing chinstrap system. Helmet has its original wartime factory paint to both inner & outer shell with liner system still tight to interior having never been out. Webbing straps show the wartime stitch configuration which is explained in the superb reference by Oliver Lock \' British Airborne Headdress \' . Chincup complete with chamois leather lining. The leather sweatband is in very good hardly worn condition & has clear 1944 date , maker \'BMB\' & size \'7 1/2\' . Dome crash pad still present to crown & rubber cushions all intact showing only minor age. . There is light service wear overall but with very good internal rubber pads & no postwar pen written names to leather band. Leather liner still supple with liner band tight to shell. Upon lifting the leather headband there are 23 dashes drawn onto the leather by a previous owner perhaps signifying his number of jumps or some other tally known only to him. Original camouflage net still in place. Becoming harder to find now with the all important Normandy & Arnhem applicable 1944 date.
WW2 British Camouflage Windproof Smock 1943 Probably the best example of the Camouflaged Windproof Smock that I have yet owned this 1943 dated piece is in near mint condition & comes with both intact clothing & stores labels as an added bonus. This smock is still in its original half front wartime configuration most having been converted to full length zip in the postwar years. All buttons & both drawcords to hood & hem are intact with plete with both tightening buttons & tabs to each cuff still present. The original clothing label is still intact giving a Size No. 5 & manufacturer of \' PRICES TAILORS LTD , THE FIFTY SHILLING TAILORS \' with date 1943 . A faint black ink stamped broad arrow marked W/ID inspectors code is still visible next to it. There is the often missing stores label next affixed to the garments underside.
WW2 British Camouflage Windproof Smock 1944 A 1944 dated British camouflage windproof oversmock as worn by SAS troops as well as other British fighting infantry in the latter part of the NW Europe fighting. This smock is complete with its hood & tie cord & with all buttons to pockets. There is another internal tie cord to bottom hem . On the inside of the smock there is a label which reads \' SMOCK,WINDPROOF CAMOUFLAGED SIZE No.5 \' . There are Height & Breast sizes with a maker name \' A.RAVEN & Co Ltd\' with \'1944\' date & war department broad arrow. There is a faint \' W/ID\' stamp with a number \' 367\' . This smock has been worn although I cannot see any rips or holes . There are a few minor grubby marks & on both cuffs the buttons are broken although partially present ( See images ).
WW2 British Casualty Paperwork Group (S.Lancashire Regiment) Interesting & poignant group of paperwork relating to the death of a British Officer who was killed on Active Service in India in September 1942. The correspondence starts in August 1942 with his wife having written to the Army to enquire as to the welfare of her husband who was serving in India & who she hadnt had any contact from for some time. The enquiries have been taken up by the Chaplains Department several letters of which explain their action. Putting her husbands lack of communication down to the time delays incurred with a posting to India she receives a telegram on 7th october 1942 informing her of the death of her husband , a Lieutenant in the South Lancashire Rifles, as a result of a motor accident. A letter dated February 1943 goes into more detail & gives the circumstances under which he was killed stating that the truck he was travelling in was discovered overturned in a pond by Indian tribesman with his body & that of another soldier underneath the vehicle. Various correspondence relating to this & that of the War Graves & his burial details are to be found within the group along with other letters regarding her entitlement to a Captains pension rather than the Lieutenants pension she was receiving ( When killed he was Paid acting Captain ) . This was also taken up by her writing to her MP EL Fleming & posted to the House of Commons on March 21st 1945 after an ongoing tussle with the War Office. The correspondence relating to this is contained within the group. A newspaper cutting of 1942 lists Lieutenant McManus of the S.Lancs in the Officers Killed Roll of Honour.
WW2 British Civilian Gas Mask & Carrying Tin Nice example of the British civilian gas mask in its privately purchased 'Gas Mask Holder' . These cylindrical metal tins were much sturdier than the standard issue cardboard box & were subsequently sold by many retailers as a more protective alternative. This tin has a lift off lid with 'Name' & 'Address' on the top for the owner & 'MB Gas Mask Holder' around the side. Remains of the carrying string are still present & inside is the original instruction leaflet that came with the tin giving guidance on how to attach the carrying cord & correct packing of the mask into the tin. It also states that the tin is 'painted cream to make it easily visible in the blackout' . Rubber on the mask is still perfect being supple with no hardness or damage at all. Facepiece is dated 1936. Altogether a great piece of Home Front memorabilia.
WW2 British Civilian Gas Mask , Box & Waterproof Cover. Excellent condition example of the Civilian gas mask in its oriignal cardboard box that has placed inside a private purchase waterproof cover. Inside the box is a small card certifying the owner as having been enrolled & accepted as a Fire Watcher with the Whitstable ARP. Also on the card is the owners name & address & the date 1/3/41. Top of gas mask box has owners name written on which matches that of the Fire Watchers card as well as same initials on the straps of the gas mask. Oriignal carrying string to cardboard box still in place with waterproof cover having popper fastenings & carry strap. All metal parts to mask i.e, buckles & filter are free from any rust or corrosion with some perishing to top corners of rubber facepiece. This item has a virtually matching twin listed as item number 2182 having both come from a wartime man & wife couple.
WW2 British Cold Weather Issue \'Ardennes\' Snowsuit Trousers 1944 A pair of the scarce British snow suit trousers in heavy weight white cotton as issued to troops in winter snow terrain. These were also issued to American troops in N.W Europe during the winter of 1944 as they suffered from a severe shortage of white camouflage garments & obtained 15,000 suits from the British. Trousers have an \'M\' coded broad arrow inspection marking for the year 1944 & are in very good non ripped condition . They are complete with their tightening drawcord to waist & front map pocket with button. Intended to be worn over their battledress clothing the waist is an approx size 38-40 & inside leg 22.5 inches. Ideal for an Ardennes or Germany mannequin setup. These heavyweight versions are very difficult to obtain today .
WW2 British Coldstream Guards KIA Grouping A poignant grouping of items relating to Guardsman 2664443 William Morton who served with the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards & was Killed In Action In Italy on 4th October 1944 aged 28. Group comprises : * Pair of embroidered Coldstream Guards shoulder titles * Brass cap badge * A 2/4/41 dated coloured card from CG HQ in Birdcage Walk, London informing family & friends that he is now serving in the Coldstream Guards. * A squad photograph from depot * A photograph of him apparently in his back garden * Photograph of his grave in Italy * Medal Entitlement Slip * Medals including Italy Star Buried in Faenza War Cemetery the photograph of his grave is stamped by the Graves Registration Authority CMF & marekd to FAENZA British Empire Cemetery. Following the fall of Rome to the Allies in June 1944, the German retreat became ordered and successive stands were made on a series of defensive lines. In the northern Appenine mountains the last of these, the Gothic Line, was breached by the Allies during the Autumn campaign and the front inched forward as far as Ravenna in the Adratic sector, but with divisions transferred to support the new offensive in France, and the Germans dug in to a number of key defensive positions, the advance stalled as winter set in. The war cemetery at Faenza was formed during these months for the burial of those who were killed in the static fighting before the Allied advance was renewed in April 1945.
WW2 British Coldstream Guards KIA Souvenir Frame A poignant grouping of items relating to Guardsman 2664443 William Morton who served with the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards & was Killed In Action In Italy on 4th October 1944 aged 28. Group comprises : * Pair of embroidered Coldstream Guards shoulder titles * Brass cap badge * A 2/4/41 dated coloured card from CG HQ in Birdcage Walk, London informing family & friends that he is now serving in the Coldstream Guards. * A squad photograph from depot * A photograph of him apparently in his back garden * Photograph of his grave in italy * Medal Entitlement Slip * Medals including Italy Star Buried in Faenza War Cemetery . Following the fall of Rome to the Allies in June 1944, the German retreat became ordered and successive stands were made on a series of defensive lines. In the northern Appenine mountains the last of these, the Gothic Line, was breached by the Allies during the Autumn campaign and the front inched forward as far as Ravenna in the Adratic sector, but with divisions transferred to support the new offensive in France, and the Germans dug in to a number of key defensive positions, the advance stalled as winter set in. The war cemetery at Faenza was formed during these months for the burial of those who were killed in the static fighting before the Allied advance was renewed in April 1945.
WW2 British Combat Worn \' Normandy Campaign \' Netted & Field Painted Camouflage Turtle Helmet ( 1943 Dated ) One of a number of Normandy battlefield found items in this update that I was able to purchase from the vendor who has owned this helmet since it was found in the Caen area of Normandy some years ago. A classic MkIII high rivet helmet these were issued to British assault troops of the 3rd Infantry Division for the Normandy landings as well as infantry of the Canadian forces. Helmet shows heavy wear with the camouflage net showing a correlating imprint of dirt & age on the shell beneath it. There is a good amount of the original rough green paint finish and just discernible upon close examination a very subtle application of black camouflage swirls applied over this in places . Interior of helmet shows soem damage to liner with a \'CCL 1943\' marked liner cradle. Original chinstrap intact. With all of the dirt , dust & cobwebs of such a combat stored piece there are some small \'dings\' in the exterior of the shell further evidencing that this belonged to a combat soldier of one of the allied forces in the bitter fighting for Caen June to August of 1944.
WW2 British D-Day 1st Assault Brigade Royal Engineers Flashed Armoured Crew Steel Helmet Rare Armoured Crew steel helmet with Royal Engineers flash indicating use by the crews of the 1st Assault Brigade Royal Engineers who were formed as three assault regiments in mid 1943 & assigned to the 79th Armoured Division in preparation for the Normandy invasion on 6th June 1944. These units were comprised of the 'Hobarts Funnies' armoured vehicles modified for specialist roles & intended to assist with the landing phase of the operation. These Assault Squadrons were to clear lanes across the beaches by removing obstacles & mines as well as using their Armoured Fighting Vehicle Royal Engineers ( AVRE ) Petard mounted mortars ( Flying dustbins ) to attack fortifications. The 'Bobbin' & 'Fascine' tanks , amongst others , were to create firm vehicle pathways in the soft ground & to lay a path of wooden poles or brushwood to fill an obstacle forming ditch . Many of the D Day objectives were achieved due to the assistance of the 1st Assault brigade RE however casualties were high & up to 50 % of their AVRES were knocked out in some sectors. These helmets were developed from the 1942 Airborne Troops helmet & were issued to armoured vehicle crews from March 1943. This is the very first model with MkII webbing chinstrap , totally as found & with much wear showing to its rough khaki textured paint. The liner cradle to interior is aged but still soft with the maker BMB & date 1943 just about visible to one arm. Helmet is very dirty & with rust to the buckle of the chinstrap from barn storage. A rare helmet & a fascinating piece of D Day history.
WW2 British D-Day Normandy Hampshire Regiment Bren Gunner Paybook Grouping A fascinating British army AB64 paybook grouping to an infantry soldier who was in combat in the Western Desert , N.Africa & Normandy serving as a Bren Gunner in a Carrier platoon. As a result of all this he appears to have suffered combat stress & was sentenced to Military prison time following Court Martial. Initially volunteering for Boys service in 1935 he joined the Suffolk Regiment in September 1938 & served with them until october 1942 . During this time he did Parachute training with 151 Parachute Battalion in Delhi before returning back to the infantry at his request . He then saw service on the NW Frontier, India before then seeing action in the Western Desert & N.Africa in 1942 where he had treatment for bad nerves. He then served with the Queens Regiment before joining the Hampshires in April 1944. His actual landing date in Normandy is slightly confusing as his medical record states he was first wave of assault troops on D Day with 38 days of heavy action following this . His Pensions record of December 1946 shows a slightly different date of landing in Normandy on 16/6/44 however this may well be a civilian error which was certainly not uncommon in even the immediate postwar years. Either way he fought heavily at Arromanches & Le Hamel with the 43rd Wessex Division or the 50th Northumbrian Infantry . After very heavy fighting one day he was ordered to join another section for more fighting but felt that he ' could manage no more without rest ' & was subsequently court martialled. He served 237 days in a Detention Barracks but this was suspended following medical reports. The Medical officer writing this report states that he believes problems started with the mans health following an earlier exhaustion breakdown after being in action in N.Africa. Within the group there are various letters relating to his Pensionable service & Medical report along with some personal family photographs. A fascinating grouping to a man who was in heavy combat in the early days of the Normandy fighting at Arromanches & Le Hamel & who in todays understanding was apparently suffering from combat stress as a result of this .
WW2 British Desert Camouflage Mk1* 'Tommy' Helmet 1939 A scarce early MK1 * British steel helmet one of the earliest variants of the WW2 issue. These were Mk1 helmets manufactured during the first world war & converted during 1937-38 by replacing the liner & chinstrap whilst retaining the mild steel rim. Early manufacturing is visible here with some ribbing to be seen around the circumference of the helmet. This example bears the steel suppliers initials 'HS ( for Hadfields Ltd ) & displays the typical early smooth light brown factory finish to its underside rim. Exterior of helmet has been camouflage overpainted in a rough very light khaki indicative of Desert service , the darker smooth factory paint can be seen under this in places around the edge of the rim. Chinstrap lugs on underside are dated 1939 with 'JCS & W Ltd ' liner cradle dated 1938. Interestingly the original owner of this helmet has written his service number on the chinstrap webbing. Overall a very nice complete & rare MK1* helmet enhanced by its Desert finish.
WW2 British Desert Rat Tommy Helmet WW2 British Tommy helmet with sand coloured Desert camouflage under netting. Helmet is the standard MKII type with khaki paint finish remaining on the inside that has been period overpainted on the outside with a rough textured sand coloured paint. The net has then been over fitted for added camouflage as is often seen on helmets intended for this theatre. Helmet shell is made by \' RO & CO \' in 1940 , the liner cradle shows a size 7. It is evident that the net has been on this helmet for a long time, i have shown pictures that will hopefully give good account of the age to the net & originality of the camouflage paint. Due to the very good condition of the helmet & liner it appears to have seen only minimum service wear the reasons for which being unknown. Either way this is a textbook example of a Desert camouflage WW2 British helmet.
WW2 British Despatch Riders Helmet With Rare Royal Signals Flash 1942 A 1942 dated British army Despatch Riders helmet with rare blue & white flash of the Royal Signals to its left side. This helmet is in its exact WW2 issue format with original wartime factory granulated green paint remaining to inside & outside of shell. The inside liner band retains the early brown colour visible on its upper edges where it is rivetted to the shell. The Royal Signals flash is applied to the helmet in typical decal form & remains approx 98% intact. The leather headband is marked to the manufacturer \'BMB\' ( Briggs Motor Bodies) & bears size 7 . The date of 1942 , although faint , is clearly discernible when examined closely. The original leather lace fastener is still present to the rear section of the leather neck protection. The front forehead padding has what appears to be some mouse bites visible around its lower edge. A helmet that has seen only light wear with no dents to the shell.
WW2 British DFM Winner Glider Pilot Regiment Battledress A rare & untouched Glider Pilot regiment battledress with all of its correct insignia & the desirable Army flying badge still to left breast. Fresh to the collectors market it has printed Glider Pilot Regt shoulder titles to each shoulder with printed Pegasus patches & rank insignia for that of Staff sergeant. The Army flying badge to left breast is very nicely seated into the cloth of the battledress with all badges having been neatly machine stitched on. The medal ribbons are mounted onto two bars top & bottom these indicating service in Italy as well as France & Germany with an almost certain involvement in either the Normandy or Arnhem glider landings in 1944. Of most note is the presence of the Distinguished Flying medal which would aid research into the original owner of this BD also the Special Constabulary medal attributed to part time police service at some point. Clothing label to inside pocket gives date 1945 & so a replacement issue upon return from the battlefields of Europe. One button is minus from front with a small smattering of moth to right pocket. Very small hole to back.
WW2 British Double Dated MkIII Steel \' Turtle \' Helmet 1944 A one off excellent textbook example of the MkIII 'Turtle' helmet with rare 1944 double date marking to shell & liner. In its original factory green paint this helmet bears the marking 'MKIII 1944' stamped into the rear of the shell & ' BMB 11 1944 ' to liner cradle. With its distinctive high rivets the liner is totally original to the helmet with no disturbance to top liner screw. Webbing chinstrap is the correct later version for this helmet. These helmets were issued to assault formations of the 21st Army Group just prior to the Normandy invasion & thus seen in wear on the beaches of D Day on the 6th June 1944. It is an iconic piece of later war history this being the first version as was much seen during the fighting in NW Europe from June 1944 onwards.
WW2 British Duffel Coat With Rare 1944 Date Excellent example of the issue Duffle Coat seen extensively in use throughout WW2 by Army officers in the Desert & other theatres as well as by members of the Royal Navy. Made from a thick, coarse woollen material called \'duffle\' this term comes from a town in the province of Antwerp, Belgium called \'Duffel\' from where the material originates. Front of coat has four wooden toggle fastenings (such as found on Denison para sleeping bags) to enable them to be used when wearing thick gloves in cold weather. Pockets to each side of coat with cuff fastening strap to each side & integral hood that has button fastenings to inside edges. This example is extremely scarce still having its calico clothing label with the nomenclature \'Duffel Coat\' & \'Size 3\' . Date is a very clear 1944. . In excellent condition there is the odd minor surface moth nip to the nap .
WW2 British Duffle Coat 1941 Excellent example of the issue Duffle Coat seen extensively in use throughout WW2 by Army officers in the Desert & other theatres as well as by members of the Royal Navy. Made from a thick, coarse woollen material called 'duffle' this term comes from a town in the province of Antwerp, Belgium called 'Duffel' from where the material originates. Front of coat has four wooden toggle fastenings such as found on Denison para sleeping bags to enable them to be used when wearing thick gloves in cold weather. Pockets to each side of coat with cuff fastening strap to each side & integral hood that has button fastenings to inside edges. This example is scarce still having its calico clothing label with the nomenclature 'Duffel Coat' & 'Size 2' . A faint date is visible on the label which appears to be 1941. Named to a Lieutenant handwritten in ink on the label. In excellent condition with only minor wear . 52 in chest.
WW2 British Duffle Coat With Rare 1944 Date Excellent example of the issue Duffle Coat seen extensively in use throughout WW2 by Army officers in the Desert & other theatres as well as by members of the Royal Navy. Made from a thick, coarse woollen material called 'duffle' this term comes from a town in the province of Antwerp, Belgium called 'Duffel' from where the material originates. Front of coat has four wooden toggle fastenings (such as found on Denison para sleeping bags) to enable them to be used when wearing thick gloves in cold weather. Pockets to each side of coat with cuff fastening strap to each side & integral hood that has button fastenings to inside edges. This example is extremely scarce still having its calico clothing label with the nomenclature 'Duffel Coat' & 'Size 3' . Date is a very clear 1944. . In excellent condition there is the odd minor surface moth nip to the nap .
WW2 British Early Gas Mask , Haversack & Anti Gas Accessories An early issue British service gas mask with khaki stockinged facepiece & hosepipe. This pattern was introduced in 1926 & being of the first WW2 issue had no facility for a microphone which was a shortfall rectified by its successor. Mask has 1939 date to facepiece & voicemitter with 1939 date to both eye pieces. Filter is of the early No.4A in light khaki colour & also dated 1939. Haversack has all its internal compartments intact with 194 date to inside of flap. Carrying strap is complete & string still present. Both brass drains to bottom are intact. Gas mask is in excellent order with no perishing to facepiece or hosepipe. There is no rust to any of the metal fittings Yoke to headstraps is still supple. Comes complete with its early MkV Outfit Anti Dimming kit & also a pack of Anti Gas Eyeshields . Some cotton waste is also present.
WW2 British Early Mk1* Netted Helmet 1938 An early war predecessor of the standard MkII helmet this is a scarce example of the earlier British MK1* steel helmet. These helmets were designated the MK1* as they were modified from the existing WW1 Mk1 pattern with the addition of the new MK1 webbing chinstrap & MKII liner. Liner cradle dated 1938. This example bears the stencilled letter 'M' in white paint to the underside of the shell denoting that it was fitted with non magnetic steel chin strap lugs but with magnetic steel rims. A well weathered helmet the camoufage net is the correct WW2 pattern & has clearly been on the helmet for a very long time with rust bleed coming through on the outside of the shell. With its chinstrap intact this is a very early war helmet applicable for use by the BEF & those immediately deployed in the early stages of WW2.
WW2 British Early MKII Royal Artillery Flashed Helmet A scarce regimentally flashed example of one of the earliest of British MkII helmets with a first world war MK1 shell having had stainless steel rim added & then Mk1 liner, chinstrap & stainless steel chinstrap lugs used in the completion of its assembly. During late 1937 the War Office decided that the new pattern of helmet should be totally non magnetic hence the use of stainless steel parts from there on & also on existing WW1 stocks of the MK1 which needed to be used up. A factory brown paint is visible to the helmets underside with a lighter shade of khaki sand paint to its exterior. Helmet shell is marked 'BS' for the firm W.Beardmore & Co Ltd of Glasgow who produced shells from January 1916 -1918. The liner is in superb condition with early oval pad & dated 1939 to cradle. The previous owner has inserted paper inside the liner presumably for extra padding & there is a small paper stuck label with the initials 'M/T H.R.' to the rear centre. 'M/T' may be Motor Transport the section to which he was attached. In stunning condition a Royal Artillery blue & red flash adorns the left side . Excellent helmet untouched since WW2.
WW2 British Early Nickel Handled Second Pattern Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife A fine example of the first issue of second pattern Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife with nickel plated handle , brightly polished blade & F-S /Wilkinson logos to both sides. Entered into service in 1941 this pattern had minor differences to the first & was designed to save on labour with a few minor differences being implemented. This is an issued example still in superb condition with the nickel plating only being slightly rubbed on the high points. Blade measures 6.65 inches being only fractionally shortened by sharpening & all fittings are tight with pommel nut undisturbed. Sheath is of the correct pattern for this knife with nickel plated round bottomed chape & its perforated wings for sewing attachment still present. Leather is in excellent condition with no damage & just the elastic retaining strap detached at one end as very commonly seen. A textbook example & completely fresh to the market.
WW2 British Early War Service Gas Mask, Haversack & Accessories An early war example of the British service gas mask with 1939 dated khaki stockinged facepiece & pipe & red filter all in excellent undamaged condition. Facepiece has 'AVON' markings to stockinged covering with 1939 date to facepiece, yoke & voicemitter . No perishing to rubber. Red filter excellent. Haversack is of the scarce MKVI pattern dated 1941 with manufacturer details ink stamped to inside of flap for 'H&S 1941' with broad arrow & 'VI' for haversack type. String present. Carrying strap present. Set comes complete with a a pack of the Anti Gas Eyeshields dated 1942. ( Two pairs of goggles contained within ) . There is also an 'Outfit Anti-Dimming MkV' dated1939 containing wax & a cleaning cloth for cleaning & mist prevention of the eyepieces.
WW2 British East Riding Yeomanry Battledress Grouping A fabulous recently surfaced named WW2 battledress grouping to an Armoured unit soldier of the East Riding Yeomanry. As is well known the ERY , amongst many other famous actions, landed on Sword beach on D Day. This group comprises the following items : 1. 1937 Pattern Battledress Blouse With All Original Insignia & Name/Number To Inside Breast Pocket 3. 1940 Dated Greatcoat With Royal Armoured Corps Service Strips & Recce Buttons. 4. Webbing Belt With His Service Number Written In 5. Mantelpiece Tank Plaque With Mounted Unit Insignia Kept By Veteran As Memento Of Service. Battledress has embroidered East Riding Yeomanry shoulder titles to each shoulder with patches of the 4th Armoured brigade & red & yellow Royal Armoured Corps arm of service strips to each arm. Drivers qualification badge handsewn to left sleeve with white battalion lanyard to right side. Greatcoat has all brass reconnaissance buttons with 1940 dated clothing label still present & RAC arm of service strips to each arm. This battledress belonged to a Trooper of the ERY serving with 4th Armoured Brigade at that time. It is known that 1st ERY served with this brigade in NW Europe & so with the man name & service number there is certainly full research potential. Overall excellent condition with a few only very minor nips discoverable upon close inspection.
WW2 British Fairbairn Sykes Second Pattern Fighting Knife An early second pattern Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife with nickel plated handle & the scarce ' 56 ' inspection mark to its crossguard. The '56' marking is found on nickel finish 2nd pattern knives & is strongly believed to denote that of a Wilkinson production. Its knurled first pattern hilt & straight crossguard are instantly recognisable. Overall appearance is quite excellent on this piece with a good bright blade that measures 6 1/4 inches. Appearing to have been slightly shortened with service use it has been professionally repointed this being quite common with these popular knives. Leather sheath is correct for this knife having elastic hilt strap still in place & intact at both ends. Super service used example of this classic British fighting knife.
WW2 British Fibre Rimmed Despatch Riders Helmet 1942 One of a number of items recently purchased from a well established collection in Normandy this rare fibre rimmed Despatch Riders helmet was found many years ago in the Bayeux area having been left behind after the fighting that took place there in July 1944. The fibre rimmed pattern of helmet was produced in 1942 & gradually replaced by its successor however examples do still occasionally surface today. Totally untouched since WW2 it is in its original rough khaki factory paint & appears to have seen much service with two small dents to the crown & the fibre rim itself now missing from the shell. The inside leather liner band is clearly BMB marked & 1942 dated with the leather of the neckguard in very good order considering its clear service use . The interior 'bump' pad is no longer present & although the liner is complete there is no tightening string. Full of character , one can only imagine the circumstances in which this helmet was lost by its original owner !
WW2 British Field Converted Tankers Overalls Recently having surfaced in Normandy this is a 1944 British Armoured Crews Protective suit converted into a battledress blouse by the soldier according to his own personal requirements. It is well known that overalls could be impractical when it came to toilet necessities & so the conversion into a more useable garment when on the move makes perfect sense. This piece , as one would expect , is well used but still with its clothing label bearing some partially legible details such as the word 'TANK' & the 'Size No.4' . All of the front concealed fly buttons are originally sewn these being covered with a flap to prevent snagging when a rapid exit from a burning vehicle was required. The interior shoulder sleeves that would have once contained the man pull straps are still present. it is interesting to note that the left breast pocket has been period replaced in denim material slightly mismatching in shade. This is a working garment & so its non uniformity is not in question. With several field repairs & some paint / rust marks to the rear this is a British soldiers blouse that has most certainly seen action in Normandy.
WW2 British First Pattern 1942 Date Denison Smock With Added Revolver Cartridge Pockets To Left Sleeve A very large sized British first pattern Denison smock complete with original label & 1942 date. This smock has had a section of .303 MG bandolier stitched to the lower left sleeve to hold extra cartridges , an addition known to have been carried out by Commando troops on occasion. A well used smock that most likely has an interesting history it has , at one time , been cut all the way up the back , around the collar & right down to the front before being later repaired . This may be the result of a wound & the smock being cut off by medics , not an uncommon occurrence when casualty preservation was more important than saving the smock for later generations . A Later use of the smock indicates a full length zip being added then later removed & the half zip reinstalled , this being a DOT pattern as would be expected. There are a couple of repairs to each sleeve , one with a patch & the other stitched plus both knitted cuffs having later cuffs applied to those that are left underneath. The \' SMOCKS , DENISON ( AIRBORNE TROOPS) \' label gives us the large size 7 & the manufacturer \'Wareings (N/Ton) Ltd\' with date 1942. A black ink stamped & \'N\' coded War Department inspection code gives us the date 1943. Excellent piece for display & nice to find with the all important 1942 dated label.
WW2 British First Pattern Denison Airborne Smock A quite striking example of the first pattern Airborne Denison smock in a large size & still with its original tail & knitted woollen cuffs. Of the earliest so called ' hand painted ' camouflage it is distinctive with its light beige background colour set off against the green & brown of the camouflage application. Colours are still very good with moderate wear as expected from an early production Denison. Smock is of a not often seen large size 8 & is very amply made for a large soldier . Clothing label gives maker as the recognised firm ' CWS ' who are known not to have dated their labels as is the case here. A full length ' DOT' zip has been applied to the front this apparently from a paratrooper oversmock with the olive green material of this garment still found in the lower fly reinforcement. It is well known that some Denisons were wartime converted to full zip by officers as well as Glider pilots however it is of course impossible to date exactly when this was done. The later addition of two press studs to hold the tail at rear are a practical solution to address their absence from first pattern issues. A very striking & rather interesting example of an early Denison airborne smock .
WW2 British First Pattern Denison Smock 1942 A first pattern Paratrooper/Airborne Troops Denison Smock dated 1942. This is the pattern of smock worn by the British paratrooper in such famous actions as North Africa , Sicily , Normandy & Arnhem. The printed camouflage of this Denison smock is still striking with a small mix of handpainted camouflage material used for three of the pocket flaps. The knitted cuffs are in excellent order with its original half zip ( Lightning ) in full working order. Web pull tab intact. Armpit vent holes & collar lining intact. Typical of most of the few examples that surface today the tail has been removed however the clothing label with clear date of 1942 & manufacturer details of \' Wareings Ltd \' remains intact. An \'N\' coded stores inspection ink stamp denotes inspection in 1943 & so this smock was in service during both the Normandy & Arnhem campaigns. With no rips or tears this is a fantastic example in a desirable large size 7.
WW2 British First Pattern Denison Smock With Original Tail & Half Zip An excellent example of the first pattern Denison smock complete with its original working half zip & tail. A very acceptable large size 7 , the smock is of the earlier & immediately distinctive handpainted camouflage. The often removed \'ape\' tail to rear is original to the smock along with its original \'Lightning\' half zip still in full working order. All of the press snaps are Newey marked to their underside with one minus from front. Clothing label is still readable as \'SMOCK DENISON (Airborne Troops)\' with sizes & showing the well known maker \' C.W.S Ltd \' . Overall a super example of this classic paratrooper smock most likely having seen service in one of the well known wartime operations of the Parachute regiment.
WW2 British Gas Mask , Haversack & Anti Gas Accessories 1940 An early war period service issue 1940 dated Mk V gas mask with its correct MkVI haversack also dated 1940. Gas mask has black rubber facepiece ( 40 dated ) with 1939 dated voicemitter . Rubber yoke to rear of headstraps is in excellent supple condition with '8/40' date. A cloth name tag is attached to the yoke. Red 4 A type filter is dated 1940. The rubber of the pipe, mask & yoke are still very supple. Haversack is of green canvas with 'MAPLE' maker marking , broad arrow & date 1940. Being of the early pattern it has two seperate pockets to the front in which it was intended to keep such anti gas equipment as wadding & ointment. Its original string is still present. Shoulder strap has a an ink marking reading 'MAPLE VI 1940 ' . Within the haversack are contained some anti gas wadding & also a 1940 dated Anti Dimming Ointment Mk V. A very nice early set.
WW2 British Generals Stiff Service Dress Cap Scarce example of a high quality WW2 British Generals cap in khaki Barathea material with Westminster, London 'Extra Quality' adorned tailors label of Army & Navy Stores Ltd present to interior. Heavy bullion embroidered Generals rank badge to red band front & stiff peak with unlined underside. There is evidence of some insect attack to rear crown area of cap & band & also some light general moth nips overall mostly in discreet areas that do not greatly detract from the caps general appearance. There is also some stitching away from front inside area of sweatband & a small portion also at the rear. General rank brass buttons to chinstrap sides with leather chinstrap good. Overall nice example of a lesser seen cap to a high ranking British officer.
WW2 British Gunnery Instructor Paybook & Paperwork Group Comprising this group is a well filled in AB64 Soldiers paybook along with a 1944 dated booklet entitled 'German for Service Personnel' of Canadian origin. There is also a well filled in war diary of this man all items being named to the same soldier. John Clemow enlisted at Clapham in April 1939 & from the period 8th Jan 1940 to 9th May 1940 was an Instructor at the 12th Div School of Artillery at Goodbridge. He was married in September 1939 & had a daughter in February 1940. Promotions are listed as of 7/10/39 onwards when he was appointed A/L/Sgt becoming an Officer Cadet in May 1940. He was a Major by 1944. Various Artillery related courses are listed as well as Drill Instructor as of 11/12/1939. His personal diary of 1944 has his details in the front with many military related names & addresses in the front few pages as well day to day handwritten entries. Accompanying the lot is a prewar postcard sent from the City of Wiesbaden evidently when he was a walking trip in the thirties. Certainly a very interesting group of documents to an early war British soldier.
WW2 British Hampshire Regiment , 43rd Infantry Division Sergeants Battledress & GS Cap A very nice battledress & GS cap from the same man being a member of the Hampshire regiment serving with the 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division . The Hampshire regiment saw much action in the Normandy campaign fighting against some of Hitlers toughest soldiers on the beaches & through to the infamous Hill 112. Battledress is ranked to a sergeant with chevrons to both sleeves & 43rd (Wessex) div patches. The twin infantry service strips beneath this denote position within the brigade & printed Hampshire shoulder titles adorn each shoulder. There are also 5 service chevrons to right sleeve denoting 5 years service & also wound stripe to left sleeve. Acquired direct from family i am informed that the titles were recently resewn to the BD having been found by them in the pockets. On close inspection the other insignia does appear to have never been off . Blue flashes to each shoulder strap. Battledress is of the 1940 pattern & dated 1943 with N prefixed WD stores code. Medal ribbons for 1939 -45 star , France & Germany star & Defence medal are sewn to left breast confirming likely service in the Normandy campaign. Condition is excellent with one 1cm hole to rear area of collar. BD is accompanied by a 1944 dated GS cap from the same man with very appealing plastic economy Hampshire cap badge on coloured backing for 43rd Division as per regulations. An overall very nice set from a British infantry sergeant.
WW2 British Hampshire Regiment Netted Camouflage - D-Day Normandy Interest Untouched MkII British helmet with original camouflage net still fitted & two colour yellow & black flash of the Hampshires to left side. Offered totally as found the net has clearly been on the helmet for a very long time . Upon initial examination it was apparent that the knot of the net underneath the rim was loose thus allowing it to be lifted to properly inspect the flash underneath . By doing so , an imprint of the net can be seen on the shell going over the flash this causing a patinated diamond effect over the shell & over the flash due the net having been in situ on it for many years . When one inspects the underside of the shell the date '1942' can be seen with this repeated on the liner cradle. The MkIII chinstrap is present. Rare helmet to a well blooded fighting unit that saw much action in Normandy & beyond. The Hampshires fought in many of the major battles including North Africa , Sicily , Normandy Landings ,Tilly sur Seulles, Caen, Hill 112, Mont Pincon, Jurques, St. Pierre La Vielle, Nederrijn, Roer, Rhineland, Goch, Rhine, North-West Europe 1940 '44-45 .
WW2 British Home Front 'Light Rescue' Helmet 1939 Recently surfaced Home Front helmet being in black factory paint with the stencilled initials 'LR' to front & back most likely denoting 'Light Rescue' for a member of one of the teams who would be assisting in the immediate aftermath of an Air Raid attack amongst the rubble & ruins of a bombed out London area. Dated 1939 to its inside liner cradle & a size 6 3/4 the overall condition is excellent with a large proportion of its black paint remaining to the outside. It is apparent that at one time a white painted band was present around the circumference of the helmet with the shadow underneath the existing letters of 'SP'. This has subsequently been painted over in black & re lettered 'LR' which is not an uncommon occurrence it appears with Home Front /Civil Defence helmets of the period the issuing of such helmets being kept to a minimum. Certainly another 'sleeper' which would benefit from a wipe over to remove the years of some accumulated dirt on the inside.
WW2 British Home Front AFS ( Auxiliary Fire Service Helmet ) 1939 Interesting Home Front helmet for a member of the Auxiliary Fire Service with white stencilled AFS markings to front & personnel number '73' to side . There is also a single red band running around the circumference of the helmet denoting a senior rank held. The AFS was formed alongside the regular fire service in 1938 under the direction of the local Chief Fire Officer tob prepare for the eventuality of war & to deal with the fires that would follow an air raid. With the onlsaught of the 'Blitz' they became public heroes The Daily Express referring to the AFS badge as 'A badge of honour' . Helmet is an early factory khaki painted MKII issue with the overpaint of rough night time black on the outside & under rim. Early oval cushion pad to crown of helmet with 'BMB' (Briggs Motor Bodies ) initials to liner cradle & date 1939. Liner is in generally good order with much suppleness remaining. Web chinstrap has an apparently old stitch repair to the middle area where rejoined together. AFS personnel were transferred into the National Fire Service as of August 1941 these early pieces of Britains wartime firefighting history becoming increasingly harder to find.
WW2 British Home Front ARP Map-Guide ( Showing ARP Posts Etc ) This is a period map designed & published by the firm County Publishing of N20 & is a fascinating insight into the workings of the ARP department during the WW2 period. On this detailed map of Hornsey are listed the street locations of all ARP related sites corresponding with the relevant symbol on the map. Sites included are Wardens Reporting Posts, First Aid Posts, Ambulance Stations, Mobile Units, Hospital for Air Raid Casualties , Police Stations ( Sub Divisional & Sectional ) , Rescue Party Depot with Cleansing Stations, Stretcher Party Depots with Cleansing Stations , Decontamination Squad Depot with Cleansing Station , Repair Depots , Road Repair Parties , Fire Stations & Public Trench Shelters. Many commercial adverts adorn the poster as well as a column from Hornsey ARP about the Civilian Respirator. Fascinating & unique Home Front item the type of which dont come up often.
WW2 British Home Front Chief Wardens Helmet 1939 A wonderful \'\'Timecapsule\' piece of London Blitz history ! This recently loft found WW2 Home Front Chief Wardens helmet has senior rank double black stripes with \'W\' to front & back. I offer this helmet completely uncleaned & as found with years of dirt & grime buildup over its white painted finish . This helmet shows heavy wear & must have seen much devastation in the aftermath of the London bombing raids. A MkII helmet it was factory painted in khaki before being overpainted in black then white probably twice with the black stripes added over the last coat due to promotion through the ranks. Underside of the helmet rim is still in its black paint with the original khaki visible to dome. One can see where the liner securing nut was once on the outside due to its white overpaint then switched to the inside mistakenly or otherwise when the helmet was overpainted again. There are faint markings with date 1939 to underside of shell & to one of the liner arms the maker \'Helmets Ltd\' with matching date of 1939. Chinstrap is original to the helmet & has a part missing from the long end. A true piece of Home Front history .
WW2 British Home Front First Aid Post / Party Helmet An untouched British Home Front helmet with the initials to front & back \'FAP\' denoting staff at either a First Aid Post or part of a First Aid Party. The white base of the helmet denotes a senior rank such as a Leading Hand or a trained nurse within a Post or Mobile Unit. The First Aid Parties were a highly mobile medically trained team who could administer essential care at incidents & First Aid Posts were well equipped areas run by a doctor & qualified nurse on a 24 hour rota providing care for patients not deemed to require hospital attention. The helmet has \'FAP\' to front & back over the initials \'BP\' which may be either a name or reference to the Post or Party. The white of the helmet has been painted over what was originally a black helmet with surface cracks visible on this untouched piece. The liner screw is undisturbed & the liner having date \'1939\' with BMB maker. Web chinstrap intact.
WW2 British Home Front Helmet 'Warden/Fire Guard' Interesting & unusual British Home Front helmet being of the standard MK II pattern overpainted for Home Defence use. Issued in the usual factory army green this piece has been overpainted in thick blue grey paint with a white rank badger stripe running across the length of the helmet from back to front normally indicating a Supervisory status. The front of the helmet has a green section left unpainted with the large initials in white of ' W/FG' most likely standing for Warden/Fire Guard. Much paint remains to the outside of the helmet with the liner cradle giving the size '7' & the date 1939. Some fraying to web chinstrap. Shell also dated 1939. Certainly one of many varying marking configurations used by the Home Front Civil Defence Services of WW2.
WW2 British Home Front Named Helmet ( CMHQ Staff ) Virtually mint condition black painted British Mk II helmet as used by British Home Front personnel of all types in WW2. This example is black painted inside & out dated 1939 being an early production piece. Interestingly on close inspection can be seen written around the inside rim the name of the person to whom the helmet was issued ' Miss Phyllis 'Rusty' Hanbury C.M.H.Q' . Upon research the initials CMHQ would appear to stand for Canadian Military Headquarters of which there was an HQ in London the wearer possibly having been an employee upon its issue. This is backed up by the outline of a Canadian mapleleaf to the front of the helmet which can be seen when examined in the correct light. The name can also be seen neatly written on the web chinstrap which retains well its elasticity. Overall condition is virtually unused indicating an indoor role rather than out at night putting out fires etc. Texture of the paint is rough which has minor wear in places.
WW2 British Home Front NFS Senior Officers Helmet , Briefcase & Manuals An interesting grouping to a senior ranking wartime NFS fireman comprising his MkII NFS two banded ( Section Leader ) named & serial numbered helmet, initialled briefcase & two Fire Training manuals one named to him with matching serial number to that of the helmet '1506' . There are also two tunic shoulder insignia titles for the ' Birmingham PFBA' ( Birmingham Professional Fire Brigade Association ). The firemans helmet here is an early production standard MkII with shell markings of 'HBH' for the firm 'Harrison Brothers, Howson .' The date 1938 is clearly visible. The liner cradle is also 1938 dated with early oval shaped dome pad to crown. It is painted in the dark brown of the National Fire Service with NFS decal to front & Birmingham area number '24' to rim. Two red bands around the circumference of the helmet denote the senior rank of Section Leader . Underside of the rim is typically well marked in case of the need for identification of the wearer , this has handpainted on it the firemans name 'LEA' & serial number '1506' . This is prefixed by what appears to be the size of the helmet '6 3/4 ' as well as another number ' 2561' & a small cloth tape to liner with ' RED LEA' still legible on it. Chinstrap lugs are 1938 dated. Webbing chinstrap is dirty & frayed. Both manuals are 1938 dated with the Auxiliary Fire Service General Training Manual having matching name to that on the helmet ' AE LEA' & also his serial number '1506' . THere are some handwritten training notes on some of the pages. The leather briefcase has matching initials 'A.E.L.' all these items being found recently within it. The pair of embroidered shoulder titles from the Birmingham Professional Fire Brigade Association predate 1949 as it was merged with the National Fire Brigade Association in that year to form the British Fire Services Association. Birmingham was an important industrial and manufacturing location in WW2 & as a result was the third most bombed City with around 1,852 tons of bombs dropped on it during the 'Birmingham Blitz' . With much wear to the helmet visible this senior fireman would have been right in the thick of it fighting fires almost on a nightly basis. A fascinating group of items from Britains turbulent wartime history.
WW2 British Home Front Rescue Party Foreman Helmet I was fortunate this week to acquire two Home Front 'Rescue' helmets direct from source one being in white for a Foreman rank, as here, & the other in black with the R lettering from front & back removed ( Listed seperately ) . This white painted helmet is a truly superb time capsule from the London bombings with much wear & use as a result of its busy war service & which would have been worn whilst rescuing civilians from collapsed buildings & such like after an air raid. Helmet has many chips & abrasions to its exterior with the white having been painted over its first black overpaint. The base colour which can still be seen on the inside under the liner is khaki as it would have been when originally produced in its MKII pattern. Black stencilled 'R' present to front & back with the black paint underneath the white showing through in areas. Interior displays black overpaint to rim underside with early oval cushion pad & liner cradle BMB marked ( Briggs Motor Bodies ) size '7' stamped & 1939 dated. Liner is good with its shoe string very much intact. Web chinstrap intact but dirty. Helmet is dirty through loft storage this being apparent mostly on the inside. This of course adds to its appeal in many ways & so i have deliberately not cleaned it & leave this decision up to the new owner.
WW2 British Home Front Rescue Supervisor Helmet 1938 A stunning hardly worn example of a home front helmet to a member of the 'Rescue' service. The white paint & double black lines denote a senior rank. It is interesting to note that this man appears to have been promoted through the ranks as the helmet was initially issued in black presumably with a white 'R' . There are then two layers of white paint , the first ( Its edges still visible at the rim ) having had a white only coat with no black stripe at junior rank. Upon his next promotion the second overpaint was applied this time with his new rank bearing two vertical black stripes going over the helmet. When one inspects the liner & dome pad of the helmet it is apparent that this whole helmet has hardly ever been worn & so it was either a spare helmet or owned by a man bound to an office position managing workloads , personnel & bureacracy ! This helmet is one of the earliest issues with 1938 dated liner cradle & oval dome pad. The first khaki paint of the factory issue is visible to the interior crown of the helmet . All early Home Front helmets were initially khaki painted from the factory before being issued to their relevant department. A very nice Home Front helmet straight out of WW2.
WW2 British Home Front Warden/Fire Guard helmet Scarce Home Front helmet to a ranking member of the Fire Guard an organisation formed in August 1941. This was as a result of a reorganisation of the AFS controlled Supplementary Fire Parties & the ARP controlled Street Fire Parties (SFP) being combined into the Fire Guard. Helmet is a standard MKII khaki issue with an overpaint of green grey on the outside & having a vertical white stripe running into the initials front & back 'W/FG' for Warden/Fire Guard. Underside of shell is in the black ARP overpaint with owners name & number clearly handpainted onto it. Exterior is in excellent order with some minor abrasions to crown & only minimal paint chipping to rear edge. Interior has early oval cushion pad with liner cradle bearing size 7, maker VERO & date 1938. Liner good. Web chinstrap is good with some wear & tear in places.
WW2 British Home Front Warden/Fire Guard Helmet Scarce Home Front helmet to a ranking member of the Fire Guard an organisation formed in August 1941. This was as a result of a reorganisation of the AFS controlled Supplementary Fire Parties & the ARP controlled Street Fire Parties (SFP) being combined into the Fire Guard. Helmet is a MKII No.2C in green grey on the outside & having a vertical white stripe running into the initials front & back 'W/FG' for Warden/Fire Guard. Underside of shell marked to the firm BMB & dated 1940. There are also the initials 'PG264' scratched into the paintwork may well be the owners name or area prefix with shoulder number so research may be possible. Interior has cushion pad with liner cradle bearing size 7, maker TTC ( Teddy Toy Company ) & date 1940. Liner good. Web chinstrap in good order. Nice helmet becoming harder to find with these markings.
WW2 British Home Front Wardens Helmet & Cloth Carrying Cover A recently surfaced Air Raid Wardens helmet with cloth cover going around the rim that has a strap attached to enable the helmet to be carried from the shoulder when not in use. Helmet is a standard early MKII issue with the early oval pad to dome & 1939 date to liner cradle. Underneath the black paint of the helmet can be seen its original khaki factory finish which has been typically overpainted in the black for ARP. The cloth cover is crudely made but undoubtedly period & was found in place on this helmet as has clearly been the case since WW2. It is of not unfamiliar very well used purple cloth with the carrying strap stitiched on. There are reinforcing strips of cloth to some of the inside edges in places. Overall a well used item of ARP head gear its charactor & condition indicative of its wartime service.
WW2 British Home Front \' Gas Identification Officer \' Helmet A very nice 100 % original British Home Front helmet with original black painted markings for a Gas Identification Officer . These officials were to do exactly what the title suggested i.e, identify the type of gas being used in the event of an attack. Around September 1941 it was directed that Gas Identification Officers should have their helmets painted yellow however before that they were painted black with white letters. These can be seen in more of an orange shade rather than yellow as is the case here . Helmet markings can be seen to the rims underside of \'BMB\' for the firm \'Briggs Motor Bodies Ltd of Dagenham\' & the date 1941. The liner cradle is a very early Mk1 with oval crash pad & \' VERO 1938 \' date to cradle. Web chinstrap intact.
WW2 British Home Front \' Raid Spotters Notebook \' & Three Aircraft Recognition Manuals An original WW2 Air Raid Spotters Note Book, covering aircraft recognition, both friendly and hostile. It would have been very useful for A.R.P. members, emergency services and military personnel. This is the 4th edition, undated, but published in 1942-3 (it includes details of the Spitfire IX, which was introduced in mid-1942). With details and illustrations of over 100 aircraft, it includes information about aircraft recognition, British, German, American, and Japanese aircraft, aerodynamics, and Jet propulsion. The book also has notes pages at the rear on which the aircraft spotter could document planes that were seen or actions that were witnessed. The notes pages include a handwritten entry describing the key features of the V1 flying bomb.
WW2 British Home Guard Berkshire Regiment Private Purchase Officer Helmet A WW2 Berkshire Home Guard officers steel helmet with leather private purchase liner by the well known firm ' Bates Hatters of Jermyn Street , London ' . Helmet has the red inverted painted triangle to its left side of the Berkshire regiment. The helmets shell is of the early rimless WW1 pattern with markings to rim of ' B 13' indicating manufacturer & the batch number of steel from which the helmet was made. This helmet has then been upgraded for second world war use with the addition of a tailor fitted high quality leather & khaki canvas handmade liner . A rough sand textured moss green camouflage finish has been applied over the original WW1 paint finish with the first world war brown paint still visible to underside of brim. The red flash of the Berkshire regiment commemorates the Battle of Brandywine in the American War of Independance ..this was worn by all regular battalions on battledress during the war & by the 11th Berkshire ( Crowthorne ) Bn below the issue numeral. The officers name of 'Pettit' appears written in pencil on the liner & certainly lending itself to further research.
WW2 British Home Guard Camouflage Helmet A former Home Guard issue MKII No2.C British steel helmet with khaki factory paint to inside & a rough army sand coloured finish to the outside . A British issue wartime camouflage net is still fitted to the helmet & has not been taken off since WW2. Faint maker mark of 'BMB' for the firm Briggs Motor Bodies Ltd , Dagenham is visible to left rim underside with 1940 date to liner cradle & maker logo 'TTC' for Teddy Toy Company Ltd , Dagenham . The MkIIc was designated as such due to its inferior quality production & identified by three holes drilled into each side of the chinstrap lugs . It is known that the MK II No.2 A & No.2. C were issued to Home Guard troops this being such an example. In overall very good condition with some minor age & good elasticity remaining to chinstrap.
WW2 British Home Guard Manuals Grouping ( Attributed ) Nice group of Home Guard training & instructional manuals all coming from the one man who was a sergeant in the 32nd Surrey Battalion , Home guard based in Croydon, Surrey. Included in the group is a wartime photograph of the soldier in Battledress with rifle, as well as the following manuals; Introduction & Battlecraft , Battle Drill , Patrolling, Regulations for the Home Guard 1942, Small Arms Training on the Sten Machine Carbine 1942, Pictorial Fieldcraft, Manual of Grenades British American & German , Know Your Weapons Tommy Gun Rifle & Bayonet , Spot Them in the Air ( Aircraft Recognition, Practical Camouflage ( specific to Home Guard ) , Home Guard Manual of Camouflage, Home Guard Profociency, Home Guard Fieldcraft Manual, Infantry Section Leading 1938. A unique collection of some quite rare Home Guard manuals all coming from the personal possesions of a former Home Guard soldier.
WW2 British India & Burma Campaign South East Command , 36th Infantry Division , 14th Army Battledress Dated 1942 A recently loft found battledress with all original insignia including South East Asia Command shoulder titles, 36th infantry Division patch to left sleeve & 14th Army to right with corporal rank chevrons to each arm. Written in old handwriting on an old piece of card found within the pocket is \' TUNIC OF BRITISH 14TH ARMY 36 DIV FOUGHT JAPS IN BURMA \' . The battledress itself is an Indian produced example with typical India marking bearing \'42\' date. All of the the metal dished buttons to front fly & cuffs are present with one of the shoulder strap buttons minus. Medal ribbons of 1939-45 Star , Burma Star & ***** are mounted to upper breast . With moth holes & tearing to the collar area this battledress no doubt was worn by a Burma combat veteran.
WW2 British Infantry N.W Europe Netted Camouflage MkII Steel Helmet With First Aid Dressing Under Net A classic North West Europe theatre British infantry helmet coming completely as found with its original string camouflage net & 1943 dated First Field Dressing still under the net. Upon examination it is evident that there is a buildup of dust & dirt from years of outhouse storage on the helmet with the web chinstrap still hooked up over the front lip as it was found. A rough khaki paint can be seen under the net to the helmets exterior with fading & weathering to the netting itself. The top screw nut is totally undisturbed with the liner showing much heavy wear. The date of \'1939\' can just about be made out to the underside of the rim on one side with 1940 date to liner cradle. Becoming very hard to find in this untouched state & a true veteran of the fighting there following the Allied invasion in June 1944.
WW2 British Infra Red Type K Monocular Device This ground breaking instrument was the WWII British Type K Monocular “TABBY” Night Vision Device, also known as the Receiver, RG (‘Red-Green’ Infrared, O.S. 960 G.A., ZA 23119). They were used by British Special Forces & would be used , for example, by Royal Marine Commando units to locate & approach a designated beach landing site marked with an infrared beacon. They were also used to pick up the infra red location signal on their mother submarine when returning to it from a reconnaissance mission inland . One of the first infra red devices these were in use during 1943 & classified as Top Secret until around March 1944. They were well in use for the 6th June D Day Landings . This rare example has survived well with all of its khaki canvas covering remaining to body & its leather carry strap intact. Leather case has only one repair to front buckle strap.
WW2 British Irish Guards MkIII \'Turtle\' Helmet 1944 - Normandy , Belgium , Holland A rare & iconic 1944 dated MkIII \'Turtle\' helmet with insignia to right side of the Irish Guards who fought heavily in Normandy , Belgium & Holland during Operation Market Garden. This early MkIII helmet is factory finished in dark brown rough granulated paint with 1944 date to cradle & the initials of the manufacturer \'TTC\' for \' Teddies Toy Company\' .To the right side is the light blue flash of the Irish Guards , this representing the light blue plume worn on their bearskins . Chinstrap is of the MkIII pattern , totally correct for this helmet. The Irish Guards landed in France on 25th June 1944 & as part of the Guards Armoured Division fought in the Normandy campaign on Operations Goodwood , Bluecoat & Mont Pincon before heading through Belgium & on to Operation Market Garden with 30 Corps commanded by Colonel Joe Vandeleur .
WW2 British Issue Jungle Green Shorts ( 1945 Clothing Label ) A very rare pair of the British issue ' Shorts, Jungle ' with broad arrow & date 1945. Most late war period jungle kit encountered today is of Indian origin it being very difficult to find surviving examples of the early British made jungle issue uniform issued only in small quantities to troops who were going overseas on tropical postings. This pair are in good used condition with buttons intact. First field dressing pocket present to front right with buckle tabs to waistband . Slash pockets to sides. Hard to find any British battledress trouser or shorts with the clothing label not removed , it is to be seen here still originally stitched to the rear waist area. A size 7 is given with broad arrow & date 1945. An overall scarce item of British jungle uniform.
WW2 British Kent Home Guard Paperwork Grouping of Defences At Tonbridge , Kent Interesting paperwork grouping from a member of the 21st ( Tonbridge ) Battalion Kent Home Guard containing , amongst other things , one wartime map of Tonbridge town with defence & other related positions in the form of Wardens Posts, Shelters & Trenches, Depots & First Aid Posts & also a map of Tonbridge which has a hand drawn & colour coded key showing such defences as Anti - Tank Ditches, Pill Boxes, Weapons Posts, Spigot Mortar positions , Road Blocks, Wire , MG Positions & Pill Boxes erected under the Medway Defence scheme. There is also a Battalion photograph of the unit & an invite from the Officer Commanding, Lieut. Colonel EKB Peck M.C , inviting the recipient to a Stand Down Parade of the Battalion on 3rd December 1944. The grouping would appear to have been kept by the original recipient of this invite until it came onto the collectors market. A fabulous Home Guard group which certainly lends itself to further research.
WW2 British Kent Home Guard Private Purchase Helmet A rare early WW2 private purchase British officers helmet of the Kent Home Guard with black & green camouflage scheme hand brushed to exterior of shell. This helmet is quite unique in its style & was made on order for the individual officer in the early WW2 period. The helmet shell very much resembles the distinctive pre 1916 WW1 rimless pattern & has had an impressive thick felt padded rubber & sponge liner system fitted for this officer. The leather chinstrap is present. Exterior of the shell is interesting with two coats of a light reed green paint & brush strokes of black applied over this. The black letters \'HG\' have been applied to the front both astride the rampant Kent horse emblem on a black circular surround. Overall surviving in excellent condition with just some dryness & wear to chinstrap. A unique one off officer piece.
WW2 British Kent Home Guard \'37 Patt Battledress & Paperwork A fantastic \' boot fair\' untouched badged British battledress blouse to a member of the 23rd ( Hawkhurst ) Battalion Kent Home Guard coming with some paperwork that was found still in one of its pockets. As is the case with most genuine Home Guard battledress this is an early pattern of battledress being of 1937 specifications with concealed brass dished buttons & pleated pockets. The vegetable ivory buttons on rotating shank are totally correct for the shoulders with P coded broad arrow inspectors stamp to interior lining for the year 1941. The early claico label is present but washed out & illegible. A further marking \' DL 7/41 AV\' ( July 1941 Anti Vessicant ) indicates that this garment had an anti gas treatment in 1941. Insignia to both arms is twin printed white on brown \'Home Guard\' shoulder titles with Kent patches & \'KT23\' battalion numbers. This man was a veteran of WW1 with War & Victory medals ribbons mounted to left breast. The paperwork relates to training subjects one being a First Aid card with \' Home Guard\' at top of it. Fresh to the collectors market , untouched & from a desirable Kent unit primes & ready for Hitlers anticipated coastal invasion.
WW2 British Labelled 1937 Pattern Battledress Trousers (1940 Dated Label Still Present) A very scarce pair of textbook 1937 pattern battledress trousers still having their external calico clothing label to rear. The clothing label is rarely found on battledress trousers today as their positioning on the outside of the garment necessitated removal in the interest of camouflage. Label reads 'Battledress,Trousers , Serge Size No.11' with very good wearable sizes & date 'March 1940. Four brass dish buttoned belt loops are present to rear with three buttons for attachment of battledress. Inside waist area has 'Q' War Department stores code for year 1940 . Bottom of trousers have strap & buttons to each leg for gathering in into the gaiters conforming with this early pre June 1941 pattern of trouser. Condition is excellent for that of an issued pair with no moth & some very light wear to nap of cloth in places. Overall a scarce labelled pair of early war trousers in a very wearable size.
WW2 British Leather Jerkin Issue Leather Jerkin used by British troops in WW2. Worn when driving, working or fighting many wartime photographs bear testament to the popularity of these jerkins used by the British 'Tommy'. This example has seen much service use evidenced by its condition today. Overall brown finish is remaining although there are dry areas of the leather on the shoulder & around the bottom edge. Also one of the top central seams running from the shoulder to the neck has come loose although is not visible when on a bust or mannequin. There are also a couple of rips & nips overall. On the right hand side at chest level is a rip of a couple of inches in length. Clothing label no longer remains but there are numerous other stampings & also the soldiers name & number scribbled in ink on the blanket lining. Not in mint condition but nevertheless an original jerkin that has seen service use.
WW2 British Leather jerkin Classic British issue leather jerkin , originating from the First World War & much seen in use by the British soldier in World War Two. Made of hard wearing brown leather with a khaki blanket lining this was a much favoured item in cold weather & is often seen being worn by laden down infantrymen on the move in the European theatre right through to the fighting in Germany in 1945. This example has certainly been used with a couple of minor 'snags' to the leather on the left side ( hardly noticeable) & some stitch reinforcement to a couple of the seams. One of the buttons is missing from the front although all the others are original to it. Fortunately the clothing label remains intact although faded denoting it to be a size 3 & made by G.Gerratt Ltd . Date & broad arrow stamp are clearly readable being 'Mar 1945' . Overall classic British item that would compliment any 'Tommy' display very nicely.
WW2 British London District Home Guard Squad Leaders Battledress & 'Respirator Training' Papers1940 A fabulous early war London Home Guard battledress from a member of 11th Middlesex ( Wealdstone ) who came under the North-West Sub-District, X Sector , London District. I have listed other items from the same grouping seperately which include his HG greatcoat & also an Auxiliary Fire Service tunic & SD cap all found together & named to the same man. Battledress is an early 1940 dated example with two internal pockets & the rare paper labelled nomenclature ' Battle Dress Blouses Serge SD ' . It has Printed Home Guard shoulder titles to each shoulder with seperate printed county & battalion badges of 'MX' & '11' . The rank of corporal ( squad leader ) is denoted by the presence of rank chevrons to each arm. On the lower left sleeve is the scarce Bomb Disposal qualification badge this being the distinct pattern for Home guard issue. Interestingly the Director of regular army bomb disposal made it clear he did not want the Home Guard to wear the same badge & thus this pattern was announced in August 1943 with an initial issue of 10,000. It was only awarded upon completion of 24 hours Bomb Disposal training. Brass dished buttons are to front fly with vegetable ivory buttons to shoulder straps. Mans name ' GE Hope ' written to inside pocket of blouse. Coming with the battledress is a Home Guard training handout ( Named to same man as battledress) found in one of the inside pockets detailing use of the service gas mask in its varying positions i.e, Alert, Slung , Wading & Carry positions. Respirator drill is also covered such as adjustment of gas mask whilst wearing helmet & carrying rifle . A very nice Home Guard BD untouched & fresh on to the collectors market.
WW2 British London Home Guard (Lambeth ) Officer Battledress Blouse 1941 A super battledress to a Home Guard Major from the 47th County of London , South-West Sub-District, London County Council (LCC) . Along with the 48th , these were formed from London council staff of Lambeth, London. Battledress is of the early style with pleated pockets & concealed buttons & has embroidered rank crowns for major to each shoulder. Each arm adorns the embroidered Home Guard shoulder titles with printed 'LON 47' under this. With early brass dished buttons its clothing label to the inside is intact with the date Jan 1941. Very faint WD stores code to be seen on inside right lining. There is some moth tracking to the battledress mainly to the front left side which I would expect to see from a loft stored item . Not detracting , this is a worn BD that has seen Home Guard service in wartime London.
WW2 British Medical Officers Personal Items Grouping A grouping of personal items having belonged to a named British officer , MIlitary Cross winner Doctor John Dickson Dow in WW2. These were a few of the remaining items to be found within his military transit trunk . Items are : 1. Issue cigarette tin 2.NAAFI Stores marked Gold Flake Cigarette tin 3.PLAYERS NAVY CUT tin marked ' For Sale Only In CS Canteens ) 4. 1942 dated bootbrush 5. Part of sewing kit a 'Barbours' thread pack. 6. French or Belgian 'Leucoplast' Tin ( Plaster ) 7. Green uniform thread ball 8. White 'Made In Great Britain' cotton thread 9. Pack od Sewing Needles By Redditch & London 10. Pair of scissors 11. A key 12. A small portable hanger 13. A waist belt buckle. 14. Another ball of thread 15. A spare SD tunic waistbelt 16. A Van Heusen detachable officers collar named to J.DOW 17. An Indian issue messtin dated 1945 18. A spare battledress waist buckle Qualifying in medicine at the start of the Second World War, he volunteered for military service and went to North Africa. In April 1943 the Army were attacking Guiriat El Atach. His CO and others were lying wounded in a minefield so he entered it in the dark to give first aid. Over the next 24 hours he repeatedly went forward under heavy mortar and machine gun fire to treat and evacuate badly wounded men. Several of his stretcher bearers were killed but many casualties were saved. He was recommended for an immediate MC. He later served in Italy and India, returning to Glasgow at the end of the War. He became a distinguished consultant at Guys Hospital later in life & died in November 2007.
WW2 British Middlesex Regiment Reichswald Forest KIA Medals & Paperwork Grouping A poignant medals & ephemera grouping to a Middlesex Regiment sergeant Frank Dollin of the 1/7th Machine Gun battalion killed by a sniper in the Reichswald forest in February 1945. This grouping comprises the following : 1. Dollins Medal group - Defence medal, War medal, France & Germany Star & 1939-45 Star. 2. Birth Certificate dated 1919. 3. Regular Forces Registration Card dated 25 Jan 1939 4. A Christmas Wishes & New Year Telegram To His Mother Mrs A.Dollin. 5. A 9th January 1947 dated letter from the War Office to Mr A.Dollin informing him of sons burial place at battlefield grave in the Reichswald , Germany 8 miles South West of Cleve. 6. A 25th July 1947 dated letter informing Mr A.Dollin that his son has now been moved from the previous temporary grave & is now buried at the permanently maintained Reichswald Forest British Cemetery . 7. A family member handwritten piece of paper with grave details . 8. Two embroidered Middlesex regiment cloth shoulder titles , one heavily moth eaten. 9. A large sized coloured photograph of him in SD uniform . 10. A postcard photograph of him in in army shirt addressed at rear to Mrs Dollin. 11. A large photograph of what appears to be a Training Course where he can be seen middle row second from right with sergeant stripes. . 12. A photograph of his grave at the Reichswald Forest cemetery . 13. A photograph of the town Roll of Honour board for Bowes & Arnos on which he appears. 14. Middlesex Regiment cap badge. Below is an account of the action in which he was killed : 9-13 February 1945 at GENNEP 9 February O5:00 hrs Massive fire opened by all arms on enemy positions included were both 1st and 1/7 Middlesex Regiment Machine Gun Battalions lined up together. Their 72 Vickers guns fired 7200,000 round of ammunition. Advancing later with 5 Black Watch there was a scene of devastation with enemy dead everywhere. After entering the REICHWALD near GRAFWEGEN a patrol of 3 Volunteers from each platoon (9 men) of \'C\' Company 1/7 Middlesex Regiment with 2 Vickers Guns in carriers turned off to recce positions for \'C\' Company to deny the enemy using the Mook-Gennep Road. Driving down a track they came under heavy enemy Spandau, mortar and anti-tank fire. Dismounting they then proceeded carrying their Vickers on their tripods. One gun firing to cover the other alternatively and in rushes of about 100 yards. At this stage help was requested from 4 tanks, these fired some Bessa and Shrapnel shells but were reluctant to enter the woods because of the panzerfaust fire and we were too few to protect them. The Vickers M.G., one manned by Sgt. Dollin and Sgt. Haward and the other, by Corporal Sleeth D.C.M. (I forget the other N.C.O) had now been halted by 4 enemy pill boxes about 200 yards in front. Sgts Dollin and Haward then got 100 yards on the flank. Sgt. Dollin was shot in the head by a sniper and fell, Sgt. Haward went to his help but found him dead. A spandau opened fire tearing through Sgt. Haward\'s jacket but somehow not wounding him, he managed to take the Vickers gun to the rear, together with his remaining men they joined a company of infantry and again attacked these enemy positions. After further casualties the infantry were called to rejoin the main attack, Major Pearson MC. \'C\' Company commander decided not to continue. This enemy strongpoint was captured that night, it had been held by 40 of the enemy. Of the nine members of 1/7 Middlesex Regiment taking part 2 had been killed and 2 had been wounded. .
WW2 British MK II Tommy Helmet , Camouflage Net & First Field Dressing Excellent example of an early war MKII British steel combat helmet with 1938 dates to chinstrap lugs, & 1939 dates to liner cradle & shell. Helmet is complete with its camouflage netting & first field dressing a configuration commonly seen in period photographs of the British soldier fighting in North West Europe. Its original smooth mid brown khaki paint is still present to the interior of the helmet with the rougher textured khaki paint to the outside. Markings to be seen on one edge of the shell are ' F&L' for the firm Fisher & Ludlow , who manufactured helmets from 1939 to 1942 , with batch number & date of manufacture 1939. Both chinstrap lugs are dated 1938 with the liner cradle being size 7 VERO marked & dated 1939. Interior is very clean with liner still supple & the early war oval dome pad as would be expected on this now scarce early helmet.
WW2 British Mk1 Dovetailed Bren Gun & Transit Box , Enfield 1938 A rare Enfield made Kings Crown 1938 dated dovetailed Mk1 Bren gun coming complete with transit box. Hard to find surviving Bren guns from the 1938 period as many were left behind on the beaches of Dunkirk in the early summer of 1940. The Mk1 Bren was only officially approved for British service in August 1938 thus this is one of the first produced. This example has matching serial numbers to top & bottom & still has all of its original features pertaining to the early Mk1 with correct hump back butt having butt strap & butt handle , Mk1 sight , dovetail bracket , telescopic legs & early fluted barrel. Clearly Enfield marked & dated with profuse British inspection markings this piece strips down & also cocks & dryfires. Comes with Home Office certificate of deactivation . UK sales only. ******** Collection or drop off to be arranged*********** Price not inclusive of delivery.
WW2 British Mk1* Helmet \'4/7th Dragoon Guards\' Involved Battle Of France June 1940 & Gold Beach D-Day on 6th June 1944 One of the rarest of the early war British WW2 helmets this is a MK1* with insignia of the 4/7th Dragoon Guards who deployed to France in 1939 with the British Expeditionary Force as a recconnaissance unit of the 2nd Inf, Division. Participating in the Battle For France they were ultimately evacuated from Dunkirk in Operation Dynamo arriving back in England 3rd June 1940 having abandoned their vehicles. Predecessor of the standard MkII helmet these were designated the MK1* ( Mark One Star ) as they were modified from the existing WW1 Mk1 pattern with the addition of the new MK1 webbing chinstrap & MKII liner. Liner cradle on this early example is dated 1937 with liner maker \' Helmets Ltd \' clearly visible. The distinctive thin gauge rectangular chinstrap loops are evident & secured by doubled over lugs. This helmet recently surfaced during a lockdown clearout & as such is offered as found uncleaned & straight from the loft ! Following evacuation from Dunkirk after the Battle For France they landed at Gold Beach on D-Day supporting the 50th ( Northumbrian ) Infantry Division. They later were involved in the Battle of the Falaise Gap & then as part of Armoured forces during Operation Market Garden .
WW2 British Mk1* Cheshire Regiment Rough Granulated Camouflage Dunkirk Period Helmet British regular troops involved in the early swift campaigns of WW2 such as the BEF at Dunkirk & the Battle for France were often equipped with these Mk1* helmets this being the standard issue before the introduction of the MkII helmet in mid 1938. Examining the underside of the fingers of the liner one can see an army number handpainted on of \' 4121624\' . According to the late Brian Davis excellent book \'British Army Uniforms & Insignia of World War Two\' this number falls within the block allocated to the Cheshire Regiment whose 2nd Battalion fought in France in 1940 with the rest of the BEF before fighting in the Battle of Dunkirk prior to their evacuation. Upon this fabulous helmet can be seen its factory issue khaki paint over which a rough granulated khaki camouflage has been applied. This finish is typical of those applied to helmets in the early 1940 period. On the side of the helmet can be seen a diamond patch where there was once a flash which has been scraped away most likely complying with later security regulations. Close examination of the remnants ascertains that the colours of this flash were buff & cherry which conforms with that used by the Cheshire regiment . It has been recorded that these colours were also used on their pugarees in the WW1 period. Distinctive with its turned up edge non magnetic stainless steel chin strap securing lug these replaced those of the MK1 chinstrap from the earlier issue helmets until replaced again in June 1937 by the MkII lug with smaller wire loops. A rare helmet & a real piece of early War British army history.
WW2 British MK1* Helmet An early war predecessor of the standard MkII helmet this is a scarce example of the earlier British MK1* steel helmet. These helmets were designated the MK1* ( Star ) as they were modified from the existing WW1 Mk1 pattern with the addition of the new MK1 webbing chinstrap & MKII liner. Both chinstrap lugs are dated 1938. Its rough light khaki paint finish is very much still present with a smoother paint finish to the shells underside. Here can be seen what appears to be the name ' FTR Bobbidge ' scratched onto the underside. as well as the original WW1 steel suppliers initials & batch number 'D/F 29 for the firm 'James Dixon & Sons' . The Brodies rim has a small section minus with some rust to one end section which is slightly displaced from the rim. Liner cradle on this early example is dated 1938. With its chinstrap intact this is a very early war helmet applicable for use by the BEF & those immediately deployed in the early stages of WW2.
WW2 British MK1* Helmet With RoughTexture Camouflage Paint & 1938 Dated ( BEF/Dunkirk Interest ) ) An early war ( Often BEF used ) predecessor of the standard MkII helmet this is a scarce example of the earlier British MK1* steel helmet that has had the thick rough texture camouflage overpaint applied to its exterior. These helmets were designated the MK1* ( Star ) as they were modified from the existing WW1 Mk1 pattern with the addition of the new MK1 webbing chinstrap & MKII liner. Both chinstrap lugs are dated 1938. The smooth khaki finish was found to be too reflective in some cases & so this rough texture green overpaint was applied from around 1939 onwards in many cases. Liner cradle on this early example is double dated 1938 with liner maker \'VERO\' clearly visible. With its chinstrap intact this is a very early war helmet applicable for use by the BEF & those immediately deployed in the early stages of WW2.
WW2 British MK1* Steel Combat Helmet An early war predecessor of the standard MkII helmet this is a scarce example of the earlier British MK1* steel helmet. These helmets were designated the MK1* ( Star ) as they were modified from the existing WW1 Mk1 pattern with the addition of the new MK1 webbing chinstrap & MKII liner. Its rough light khaki paint finish is very much still present with a smoother mid brown to the shells underside. Here can be seen the name 'WINTERS' faintly handwritten in pencil as well as the original WW1 steel suppliers initials & batch number 'BS 19 ' impressed into the metal.; This is for the firm ' W.Beardmore & Co Ltd of Glasgow' which dates the production of this shell from 1916 - 1919. Liner cradle on this early example is dated 1937. The stencilled letter 'M' in white paint is visible to the underside of the shell denoting that it was fitted with non magnetic steel chin strap lugs ( Dated 1938 ) but with magnetic steel rims. This information was relevant to troops operating certain magnetically sensitive instruments. With its chinstrap intact this is a very early war helmet applicable for use by the BEF & those immediately deployed in the early stages of WW2.
WW2 British MK1* Steel Combat Helmet An early war predecessor of the standard MkII helmet this is a scarce example of the earlier British MK1* steel helmet. These helmets were designated the MK1* ( Star ) as they were modified from the existing WW1 Mk1 pattern with the addition of the new MK1 webbing chinstrap & MKII liner. Both chinstrap lugs are dated 1938. Its rough light khaki paint finish is very much still present with a smoother paint finish to the shells underside. Here can be seen the name 'HOPEWELL' handwritten in white paint as well as the original WW1 steel suppliers initials & batch number 'D/O 13 ' impressed into the metal. Liner cradle on this early example is dated 1937. With its chinstrap intact this is a very early war helmet applicable for use by the BEF & those immediately deployed in the early stages of WW2.
WW2 British MkII Flashed \'Guards Armoured Division\' Normandy Found Helmet \' Irish Guards\' A rare British MkII steel helmet with blue inverted triangle flash of the Irish Guards. This helmet was found in the Bretteville-Sur-Odon area near Caen ,France some years ago and no doubt belonged to an Irish Guardsman fighting with the Guards Armoured Division in the Caen area in July 1944. It is a classic early issue 1939 dated MkII helmet with a rough khaki textured paint applied to the exterior over its smooth factory paint which was early on found to be too shiny for field wear. Over this on one side has been applied the blue insignia of the I.Guards with the accumulated buildup of barn stored dirt & grime left uncleaned & as found. Interior of helmet is complete with the BMB ( Briggs Motor Bodies) maker to liner & 1939 date to cradle still clear. Helmet is fitted with the early oval dome pad. The rexene liner has had a rodent chew to one side however the webbing chinstrap is intact & still hooked over the front lip as it was found. An absolutely fabulous helmet to a famous Guards unit that saw action in Normandy.
WW2 British MKII Steel Helmet With Polish Eagle A fabulously rare WW2 MkII Steel helmet used by the Polish army with Polish eagle insignia period applied. Helmet has seen some substantial war service with the eagle very visible but displaying age & wear undisputably commensurate to the overall paint finish of the helmet. Close examination establishes age crackling to the paint with wear chips & abrasions as one would expect to see. To the underside of the shell the date of 1941 can just be made out with \'VERO\' maker & 1939 date to liner cradle. Chinstrap intact. In 1940 following the German invasion of the low countries escaping Polish forces had seen some substantial action before making their way, at first , to Scotland for reorganisation. In other parts of the UK from 1940 until the spring of 1944 they were thoroughly trained & prepared for the Normandy invasion where once deployed they saw much action.
WW2 British MkIII Double Dated \'Turtle\' Helmet 1944 A one off excellent textbook example of the MkIII \'Turtle\' helmet with rare 1944 double date marking to shell & liner. In its original factory green paint this helmet bears the marking \'MKIII 1944\' stamped into the rear of the shell & \' BMB 11 1944 \' to liner cradle. With its distinctive high rivets the liner is totally original to the helmet with no disturbance to top liner screw. Webbing chinstrap is the correct later version for this helmet. These helmets were issued to assault formations of the 21st Army Group just prior to the Normandy invasion & thus seen in wear on the beaches of D Day on the 6th June 1944. It is an iconic piece of later war history this being the first version as was much seen during the fighting in NW Europe from June 1944 onwards.
WW2 British MkIII \' Timecapsule\' Camouflage Netted Turtle Helmet 1943 An excellent camouflage netted MKIII 'turtle' helmet having all the unmistakeable character of an untouched 'Normandy 1944' piece. It is quite clear that the net on this helmet has been on for a very long time with the dark green string to interior knotted round to keep the net held under the rim. The khaki factory paint of the helmet can be seen underneath the net with paint & quite alot of dirt buildup to inside. Liner displays heavy wear with cracking & tears to the rexene from years of poor storage. The 1943 date stamp to liner cradle is on the reverse side , this was already loose when I acquired it so one can see a picture of the date on the images. There is a buildup of verdigris to the chinstrap loops. The MkIII chinstrap is well used & stretched out with the remains of some sort of writing or digits to one side. A fabulous combat helmet & one of the most untouched I have seen for quite some time.
WW2 British MM Winner Battledress, 1st Corps, Artillery Recently surfaced 1943 dated '40 pattern Battledress with Military Medal ribbon to left breast & all of its original badges to a member of the 1st Corps, Artillery. Cloth badges to each arm are that of the red on blue embroidered shoulder titles with spearhead on blue & red diamond patch for the 1st Corps, Artillery. Arm of service strip below this is in the blue & red of the Royal Artillery with a trade patch on the right arm for that of a Surveyor ( Royal Artillery )Class II. Five service chevrons are also present on the lower lower right arm denoting a man of some service. Single medal ribbon to left breast without any other ribbons may denote having been awarded it early on in the war when other medal entitlements had not yet been achieved however he could equally have won it in the Normandy campaign in 1944. Found inside one of the chest pockets was a Lloyds Bank credit note dated 17th April 1945 with the name David B Rose . It is not unreasonable to assume that this was the owner of the BD & so as such it is currently ripe for research as to the circumstances of him winning the award. General condition of the Battledress is very much as it would have looked the last time it was taken off by the original owner with no unsightly moth or damage & general wear through service use overall. There is typical fading through use to the cotton collar & fly lining of the BD confirming its desirability as a piece that has been genuinely worn by the soldier as a working service/combat uniform rather than for best. One button missing from front. Calico clothing label is very legible although dirty & gives the size 9 & the maker as J Morris & Sons with the date 1943. Never offered on the collectors market before & altogether a truly 'sleepy' battledress in every sense of the word. After being disbanded in 1919 the First Corps was re-formed in the UK & went overseas to France in Sept. 1939 as part of the British Expeditionery Force (BEF). Upon return to the UK it transformed to I Corps District as part of the Home Forces.It went overseas again in June 1944 as part of the invasion forces in Normandy, taking part in the whole of the Northwest Europe campaign where it saw much action. 1st Corps was finally disbanded in Germany in 1947.
WW2 British N.Africa Veteran 'Desert Rat' Paperwork Grouping Large paperwork group to an NCO who served in North Africa , Italy & Austria with 5th Corps Signals of the 1st Army. Comprised within this group are many paperwork items relating to his military service as well as two matching pairs of 5th Corps printed patches that came with the group ( One battledress removed ). Amongst the group are various leave related passes one 1942 dated as well as one 1945 dated from Alamein Staging Camp Villach , Austria, two copies of the 1st Army wartime newsletter 'Crusade' both dated 1943, four photographs in tropical & battledress clothing, travel tickets ( one 1942 ) , pay related ephmera, Arab language propaganda leaflets picked up from the field, a pass giving permission to be absent to travel to Tunis ( signed Major R Signals No 2 Company 5th (London) Corps of Signals, a nominal roll sheet of members of 2 Company due for Inoculation & vaccination , typed syllabus for a Junior NCOs Drill & Duties course. There are also other ephemera items too numerous to list here. Corporal Davies was clearly a soldier who saw much service during the North African Campaign against Rommels much respected Afrikakorps.
WW2 British N.W Europe Interest MkII Helmet With Original Untouched Camouflage Netting & Medals Of This Man Recently acquired privately here in England this magnificent time capsule British netted camouflage combat helmet was worn in Normandy by an infantry soldier of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.The three medals of France & Germany Star , 1939-45 Star & War medal which belonged to this soldier will be included with it. Having been forgotten about in a shed until very recently it is offered exactly as I acquired it with the faded , dirty net still on it & years of dirt & dust buildup beneath it. Interesting to note the use of twine for the attachment of foliage worked into the netting of the helmet. It is an early production MkII helmet with 1939 date & maker \' JCS & W Ltd \' to liner. i can see no immediate marks to the underside of the shell as i would have to start pulling the net which may damage it. I do have the surname of this soldier who was a distant relative of the vendor & will provide this to the purchaser of the helmet.
WW2 British Named RAMC Officers SD Tunic & Sam Browne Belt A good example of the 1939 pattern British officers service dress jacket to a Captain MD Milne of the Royal Army Medical Corps . Malcolm Davenport Milne was a very well respected Professor of Medicine in the postwar years & is well documented as a google search will reveal. Born on 22nd May 1915 he was commissioned into the RAMC in 1940 & made a war service captain in 1941. Mentioned in Despatches in 1942 he became Professor of Medicine , University of London at Westminster Medical School from 1961 -1980. He died on 3rd April 1991. This pattern of tunic was approved in 1939 before being replaced by the economy pattern in 1942. Pleated patched pockets are present to breast with large bellows pockets at hips. Cuffs have the decorative inverted chevron design. Moss Bros tailor label to interior of inner pocket with owners name. Same name to inner collar area also written in same hand. Rank pips for captain to each shoulder strap with officer RAMC collar badges to each lapel. Brass regimental buttons to front & pockets. As yet i have only scant war service details as above however a medal ribbon was found in the breast pocket which would suggest his entitlement to the 1939-45 Star , Africa Star ( 8th Army clasp ) & Italy Star. There is also an MID oakleaf , all hinting at war service in the desert. Any other medal entitlement is as yet unknown for this medical officer who doubtless saved many lives during & after WW2. Very small moth track to front otherwise it is in excellent condition. Sam Browne for display only.
WW2 British Named Royal Engineers Staff Sergeant Battledress, 46th Infantry Division A very recently discovered fantastic untouched battledress blouse from a Royal Engineers staff sergeant of the 46th ( North Midland & West Riding ) Infantry Division . Battledress is of the Canadian issue , much favoured by British troops , & has embroidered titles to each shoulder with printed div patches of the 46th Infantry Division to each arm. The senior NCO Rank insignia is under this with flaming grenade of the Engineers surmounting sergeant stripes . Interestingly the battledress is named to '2159256 Sgt Richardson , RE , 46th Inf Div ' with his medal ribbons affixed to left breast showing service in Africa & Italy. This ties in with the Division being part of the 1st Army for the invasion of North Africa in Operation Torch. It subsequently fought in Italy & was one of the first ashore at Salerno on 9th September 1943. Battledress is interesting in that , although a procured Canadian issue , it has had the modification of a hook & eye collar fixing taken from a British issue BD affixed here for fastening of the collar as per British regulations. Collar & tie were not authorised for wear by other ranks until late 1944 onwards & so we can date the wearing of this battledress to before late 1944. Conditionwise it appears to have been his working field dress with wear to the liner & collar & also some wear to nap of exterior cloth. I can find only one moth hole to the front left breast pocket ( See pics ) with some very minor age to its concealed metal buttons. Overall a rare untouched originally badged battledress with the added bonus of the name of the man who wore it in WW2 .
WW2 British Net & Hessian Camouflaged Mk II Tommy Helmet 1939 Interesting MkII 'Tommy' helmet complete with camouflage hessian & scrim netting . The helmet is a classic early WW2 issue with 1939 dates to helmet shell, chinstrap lugs & liner cradle. It is finished in its original factory khaki paint with early oval dome pad to interior. The helmet has the correct WW2 British issue net placed on it over a section of hessian sacking which is tied off on the inside rim of the helmet. The netting & hessian does appear to have been on for quite a while & is correct in its configuration . There is also a fair amount of wear to the edges of the hessian & the net however i can give no guarantee as to when it was applied. The helmet shell is maker marked to ' R.O.C.O 1939 ' for the MkII helmet maker Rubery Owen & Co in Darlaston. Web chinstrap complete with a stitch repair to one section.
WW2 British Netted Camouflage MkII Steel Helmet 1939 An untouched British MkII steel helmet with camouflage scrim netting as was used by British infantry troops fighting in N.W Europe in the 1944 period onwards. Helmet has its original factory khaki paint to inside & out with the markings to front lip typical of those produced by the firm \' F & L \' ( Fisher & Ludlow ) . The date of 1939 is just about discernible. Liner cradle also has date 1939 with size 7 3/4 & maker \'BMB\' for Briggs Motor Bodies. The liner screw is totally undisturbed this being clearly apparent when viewed from the inside & out of the shell. Netting is tightly fitted to the helmet & is left as found totally uncleaned. Overall condition is dirty but very good . To clena or not to clean will be at the discretion of the new owner.
WW2 British No.2 Airborne Squadron Royal Engineers Paybook & Ephemera Group Scarce paperwork group including AB64 paybook to a Lance Corporal serving with No.2 Airborne Squadron Royal Engineers. Included in the group are ephemera items dating from WW2 as well as after being related to his Army Reserve service. Paybook has many entries & shows his enlistment on 6/12/1933 for the Territorial Army giving a physical description of him & a head & shoulders identification photograph in Battledress glued into page 3 & dated 23rd June1942. Training page 4 records his issue of the following medals Territorial Efficiency medal in August 1943 then later the Africa Star in February 1944, 1939/45 Star & Italy Star in November 1945. Many other entries record his Leave, Medicals & Next of Kin etc with kit issue on inside front cover. Also with the group is his original Territorial Army Notice To Join Call Up paper dated 26/9/1938 stating that all Coastal Defence units of the TA are to be called up him at the time being a member of the 206 Wessex Hants (Fortress) Royal Engineers. During his service in WW2 he has transferred into the Airborne Royal Engineers with some of the late 1945 dated documentation ( Leave Pass, Civilian Clothing Chit , Airborne Security Fund Membership Card ) giving his units as 249 Field Coy RE (Airborne) & his Soldiers Service & Release Book giving his Regiment as No.2 Airborne Squadron RE. Two military manuals accompany the group being handbook of Military Hygiene 1941, Royal Engineers Handbook 1940 & a Pocket Companion giving much information on science & other related subjects relevant to his Trade in the RE. Certainly worthy of more research with regard to his Airborne service this is a Paratrooper who clearly saw much action in WW2.
WW2 British No.2 Binoculars & Issue Leather Case Excellent condition example of the No.2 MkIII Prismatic binocular with graticuling & scarce original web neck strap. Broad arrow markings present to each shoulder with maker mark to Taylor & Hobson 1943. Red screw caps to bottom indicate Nitrogen filling for anti misting with optics excellent & clear graticules. Overall condition of binoculars is excellent near mint with none of usual damage to body where handled. The pair come in their brown leather 1937 dated case of sturdy manufacture with rivetting for reinforcement a carryover of World War One leather equipment items. Carrying handle to top & belt loops to rear are intact & undamaged with binocular designation & maker name & date present (TIMBERS 1937). Leather shoulder strap also present. Overall a superb & scarce set of WW2 British military binoculars.
WW2 British Normandy & Arnhem Glider Pilot Grouping A fantastic Glider Pilot Regiment Grouping to a participant of the Normandy & Arnhem campaigns . Staff Sergeant Kenneth Williamson landed his Glider in the British sector on 6th June 1944 before managing to escape ,as instructed to do so, safely back to England . After a brief period of recovery he was then involved in the Marketgarden campaign fighting as infantry after landing his Glider as part of F Squadron. After WW2 he became part of the RAF Reserve. Within the group are several of his wartime artefacts including his AB64 paybook & medals , original wartime photograph stood in front of his Horsa glider with co pilot , Glider Pilot wings & Certificates of Service & Discharge. There is also a large amount of commemoration related ephemera accumulated in more recent years when visiting the former battlefields as a Glider Pilot Regiment veteran. His own account of his service is included within the group & makes fascinating reading.
WW2 British Normandy Campaign 3rd Reconnaissance Regiment , 3rd Inf. Div. Helmet A rare Normandy found British helmet with markings of the 8th Battalion Royal Northumberland Fusiliers who joined the 3rd Infantry Division as the 3rd ( Royal Northumberland Fusiliers ) Reconnaissance Regiment from 6th June 1944 . Found in a rubbish tip just outside Caen several years ago it has been in a French collection until now. A helmet that has seen heavy service wear with the evident effects of damp storage at some point in its life it still has much if its thick grit mixed khaki camouflage paint to inside & out with the inverted \'V\' of the Northumberland Fusiliers still just about visible over the top of the helmet. The top securing nut is totally undisturbed &there are several small dents in the shell visible upon close examination. Only a small part of the webbing chinstrap remains with liner very heavily worn. Liner cradle is BMB marked & 1939 dated. This unit were in action right through the Normandy campaign & by the end of the war had lost 90 officers & other ranks killed in action.
WW2 British Normandy Campaign MM Winner, 49th Division, Duke of Wellingtons Regiment Battledress 1943 A rare originally badged 1943 dated battledress to a corporal MM winner in the Duke of Wellingtons Regiment fighting as part of the 147th Brigade , 49th Division in Normandy 1944. Members of this regiment fought heavily in hand to hand combat against the 26th SS- Panzer Grenadier Division & Panzer-Lehr at Fontenay where bitter fighting inflicted heavy losses on allied infantry. This battledress is of the 1940 pattern with 49th ( West Riding ) Division 'Polar Bear' patches to both arms & embroidered 'Duke of Wellingtons' shoulder titles. Two Brigade strips denote second Brigade within the Division. Corporal chevrons to both arms. Overseas service chevrons to right sleeve denote five years overseas. Medal entitlement is shown via ribbon bar sewn to left breast these are Military medal, 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star & Defence medal. Clothing label to inside right breast clearly shows 1943 date N coded WD broad arrow marking for same year. The 147th Brigade was transferred back to the United Kingdom until June 1944, when it invaded Normandy shortly after the initial D-Day landings on 6 June and fought in the battle for Caen in Operation Martlet ( 6th DWR suffered such severe casualties that it was disbanded). They also fought in the Second Battle of the Odon and later in the capture of Le Havre (Operation Astonia), clearing the Channel Coast, and the Battle of the Scheldt. With the rest of 49th Division, the brigade fought its last battle of the war in April 1945 in the Liberation of Arnhem and the fierce battles that led up to it. During the fighting on the Continent, the 49th Infantry Division was nicknamed the "Polar Bears" because of their divisional insignia and were christened by Lord Haw-Haw, the Nazi propaganda broadcaster, as the "Polar Bear Butchers". A superb battledress with only a few hardly noticeable repaired moth nips to back area.
WW2 British Normandy Unit 11th Armoured Division , REME Officers Battledress With Locally Made Screen Printed Div Patch & Bullion Titles A 100 % originally badged officer tailored battledress blouse for a major of the REME serving in the 11th Armoured Division . This Division were heavily involved in the North West Europe campaign in the battle For Normandy, summer of 1944 then participated actively in the advance across France , Belgium & Holland. Ranked to a Major it is interesting to note that he has applied locally made insignia to both sleeves the shoulder titles being bullion on felt & the Div patches screen printed. These would have been purchased at his preference in France or Belgium & are quite unusual to fins as battledress of the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers. The appropriate blue, yellow & red arm of service strip can be seen to both arms with blue backed worsted rank crowns to each shoulder. The blue REME backing is standard for him being attached to the 11th Armoured running the vehicle repair side of things etc a crucial role for such a heavily engaged armoured combat unit. Tailored in typical officers style with an open faced collar for wear with a tie the BD has rugby ball buttons fitted throughout. The clothing label is still present to inside of the jacket & gives the details of this being a 1940 pattern in Size 10 with size breakdown ( See Images ). The date 1944 is surmounted by the War Department broad arrow . On inspection I can find only one hardly noticeable moth hole to the back & one to the right armpit. An interesting & original battledress to a well blooded Normandy unit totally original & untouched since WW2.
WW2 British Normandy Unit Battledress -11th Armoured Division Untouched straight from the attic moth damaged British battledress of the 11th Armoured Division with Royal Artillery shoulder titles , black bull on yellow Div patches & Artillery arm of service strips. This man has the rank of Lance Corporal to both arms , overseas service chevrons to lower right sleeve & good conduct chevron to left. He has a \'Lewis Gunner\' qualification patch to right arm. Clothing label intact & giving 1943 date , Size 13 & maker Montague Burton Ltd with broad arrow mark. This battledress has had alot of moth attack as can be seen in the pictures so please view them before ordering. The 11th Armoured Division fought in Normandy landing on Juno Beach 13th June 1944. They were deployed in Operations Epsom, Goodwood & Bluecoat as well as actions around the Falaise Gap.
WW2 British Normandy Unit Originally Badged Royal Signals , 7th Armoured Division Battledress 1944 A very nice well used field worn February 1944 dated battledress with all original insignia to a Signaller attached to the 7th Armoured Division. As is well known the \' Desert Rats\' of the 7th Armoured Division saw distinguished service in the Western Desert however in June 1944 were deployed to Normandy where it then fought right through into Hamburg , Germany. The date of this battledress is February 1944 & so it is more than likely that the wearer was heavily involved with the Division in N.W Europe from that time. This battledress shows alot of sweat marks & grime to the wear areas & with its very roughly soldier applied insignia I do believe this to be his working battledress . All of the insignia is very unskilfully rough handstitched with Royal Signals shoulder titles , 7th Armoured Div patches & Signals Arm of Service strips beneath these. A canadian issue battledress these were of course preferred by British troops when they could be \'obtained\'. In overall very good used condition there are a couple of moth tracks & one or two hardly noticeable tiny holes.
WW2 British Normandy \'Beach Group\' Helmet A rare British army D-Day \'Beach Group\' helmet for those vital troops who assisted in the smooth flow of landing forces off of the beaches during the D Day landings. Coming completely as found some years ago in France this helmet still carries all of the dust & dirt accumulated from years of outbuilding storage having been left undisturbed since the Allied invasion of June 1944. A MKII helmet it has the Beach Group identifying white band going around the circumference of the helmet with a very distinct imprint of a once present camouflage net visible to its exterior. I cannot make out any markings to the shell due to the deterioration of the surface paint however the maker initial \'BMB\' for Briggs Motor Bodies & the date 1941 can be seen to the liner cradle. Web chinstrap still present however is detached at one end & minus its clip. A totally untouched time capsule of a piece & a rare piece of D Day history.
WW2 British Normandy/Arnhem 1944 Dated Paratrooper Beret A scarce 1944 dated 'been there' British Airborne/ Paratrooper beret with original parachute regiment badge affixed. This is a nicely service used example made by the maker 'Supak' & whilst the date 1944 is clear there is also an 'M' coded WD inspectors stamp for the year 1944 so well within time for one of the famous Airborne actions at Normandy or Arnhem. All of the distinct features of originality are present on this beret with the nipple to top centre , black leather tab backing to ventilation holes & correct ink marking of the manufacturers name , size & date to its interior. The silk ribbon to rear of beret is still present & tied into a knot. With a correct two rear pronged parachute regiment badge affixed to the beret the polishing to its high points by its former owner is much evident. A very decent sized 7 1/4 there is moth tracking to the wool of the beret with a very small spattering of pin prick holes from where it was loft stored for many years after WW2. There is a some hand stitched repair to the rear of the beret ( See image ) . A totally original British wartime para beret dated for the Normandy & Arnhem battles.
WW2 British Nurses Field Dress 1944 Good mint condition sealed pattern example of the 1944 revised pattern of the nurses ward dress in the traditional grey that was originally selected by Florence Nightingale for nurses uniforms in 1854. Being a far more functional version than its starched white cotton predecessor this pattern has detachable sleeves with two large pockets on each thigh & breast. A matching waistbelt with a chromed buckle is still present with rank displayed on detachable epaulettes in service colours. Label to inside collar denotes sizes ( see pictures ) & date of manufacture 1944 by Berkertex of Bond Street , London. Interestingly this is a sealed pattern example bearing a label of the Clothing Inspection Division dated 18/2/44 & has been used also postwar as an example for prospective manufacturers. Overall a good scarce piece of womens clothing in unworn condition.
WW2 British Officer '37 Pattern Equipment Set & Tropical Shirt Recently surfaced British officer set of 1937 pattern equipment & issue tropical shirt all having come together from the one man & with many of the components bearing the army serial number of the soldier & desirable early date of 1940. Comprising the webbing set are the following : * 1 x Belt * 2 x Shoulder Braces * 2 x Brace Attachments ( One clear 1940 date ) * 1 x Binocular case ( MECo 1940 ) * 1 x Compass Pouch ( MEco 1940 ) * 1 x Officers Valise Pack ( MECo 1940 ) * 1 x Holster ( 1943 ) * 1 x Waterbottle * 1 x Large Pack ( MECo 1940 ) * 2 x Left & Right Support Straps * 2 x Helmet Straps Webbing components ( Apart from 1943 holster ) are 1940 dated & all in good service used condition. Shirt is of half fly front & in good service used condition. Overall an excellent set all having belonged to the same British officer.
WW2 British Officer MC Winner Uniforms 10th Hussars. Pair of service uniforms to a British officer who won the Military Cross on 22/4/1943 then the Bar to the MC on 24/08/1944. Robert Jacob GRIFFITH was born in 1918 & in the ranks for 192 days before receiving an Emergency Commission that he held up until the 16/7/1946. During wartime he was promoted from 2nd Lieutenant through to Major finally retiring from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with the 10th Hussars in 1962. A North Africa & Italy veteran, his medal entitlement is that of the Military Cross & bar, 1939-45 Star, 1st Army Africa Star, Italy Star, Defence & War Medals. Both tunics are in excellent condition with no moth the first being his Officers Service Dress with four box non pleated pockets & all brass 10th Hussars buttons. Shoulder rank is of Lieutenant Colonel with staybrite rank pips & crowns & brass 'XRH' titles & buttons this being probably the last jacket he wore. Medal ribbons are displayed on left breast with rosette to MC ribbon signifying the award of the Bar to the MC. The other tunic is an Officers KD variant being of fine quality woollen gaberdine material with again non pleated box pockets & all brass buttons. No rank insignia to shoulder straps although there are holes only for 'XRH' titles & a crown suggesting that this was worn when a Major. Duplicate medal ribbons mounted to left breast. Thoroughly researchable uniform pair to a North Africa & Italy veteran.
WW2 British Officer Named Camouflaged Mk1* Royal Artillery Helmet A rare British officer named & camouflaged Mk1* steel helmet with blue & red flash of the Royal Artillery to left side. This early helmet has been covered in a thick granulated brown camouflage paint intended to eliminate glare from the helmets surface. The diamond flash has been painted around with its smooth khaki factory finish left untouched on the rims underside. The owners name 'Major Yates' has been handpainted under the helmets front edge with this & his service number hand painted within the shell itself. This could only have been done with the liner out & so therefore prior to the camouflage coating which totally covers the top securing bolt. These prewar helmets were designated the MK1* & were the immediate predecessor of the final MkII pattern. Modified from existing stocks of WW1 Mk1 pattern helmets they were fitted with the new MK1 webbing chinstrap & MKI liner as is the case here. The helmet shell is batch numbered & marked ' HS' for the firm Hadfield Steel Ltd of Sheffield with production date between Jan 1916-1919 . Liner cradle on this early example is dated 1938. The stencilled letter 'M' in white paint is visible to the underside of the shell denoting that it was fitted with non magnetic stainless steel chin strap lugs ( Dated 1938 ) but with a magnetic steel rim. This information was relevant to troops operating certain magnetically sensitive instruments. With its chinstrap intact this is a very early war helmet applicable for use by the BEF & those immediately deployed in the early stages of WW2.
WW2 British Officer Uniform Group, Burma Veteran. Very nice set of uniform from the one mans war service as a Captain with the Royal Engineers including his Service Dress jacket & Trousers, Khaki shirt, Greatcoat & Sam Browne belt & cross strap. Jacket is the 1942 utility Pattern without pleats on the pockets or buttons on the lower pockets & has all its correct brass buttons of the Royal Engineers. The jacket has a medal ribbon bar up showing his entitlement to the 1939-45 Star, Burma Star & War medal indicating this officer was a veteran of the Burma campaign. Trousers are still with their initialled braces. Tailor label inside the jacket pocket reads ' Stovel & Mason 32 Old Burlington Street, London W1. underneath this are the soldiers details of ' P.D. Goodall, R.E. October 1943. ' Green khaki shirt is in the typical thick KD type material with a half front , resin buttons & his name 'Goodall' on a name tag stitched into the back of it. Brown woollen greatcoat has all its brass Royal Engineers buttons & is also a quality private purchase item made by the same tailors as the jacket with the same tailor label , officers name & date of October 1943. Completing the set is the matching Sam Browne belt & cross strap in mint condition with the soldiers name 'Goodall' handwritten on the inside. Greatcoat & shirt are in excellent condition with no moth, there is some very light moth to certain parts of the SD jacket which is visible upon close inspection. Jacket comes complete with whistle lanyard & all shoulder rank insignia for Captain.
WW2 British Officers MkIII Turtle Helmet, Private Purchase Liner A British officers helmet of the mid to late war period with high quality private purchase leather & felt liner by the London maker Herbert Johnson. It was not uncommon for officers to upgrade their helmets , Herbert Johnson were a well known Bond Street tailor from whom British officers could purchase such refineries. Helmet shell is of the 1943 MkIII pattern with correct wartime high rivets & its original factory paint finish to inside & out. The Herbert Johnson silk tailor label is visible on the liner with size adjustable drawstring & rubber impact absorbers around the outside edge. A hessian camouflage cover with string netting has been fitted to the helmet this achieved by removal of the top screw & placement with liner removed. Interesting helmet & very typical of an officer upgrade.
WW2 British Officers Orilux Torch In Webbing Case / Airborne Infantry Interest A rare private purchase British officers Orilux torch in rare webbing carrying case. The Orilux torch was a carryover from WW1 avaiable for private purchase but in WW2 was supplied in a webbing case in keeping with the new Mills \'37 pattern web equipment. These are well known to have been popular with Airborne officers one particularly well known example being seen on the web equipment set used by Major John Howard at Pegasus Bridge & now in the Cafe Gondree right next to it. In exceptionally good condition the torch is easily removed from the pouch & has no decay or damage to its brown leatherette covering or indeed its glass. A specific wooden compartment in the top section of the case still contains a spare bulb ! A rare piece &
WW2 British Parachute Regiment Officers Tunic & Trousers Privately purchased No1 Dress tunic & trousers for a high ranking officer in the British Parachute Regiment.The four pocketed tunic has all brass kings crown buttons with quality bullion embroidered jump wings to the right arm. Each collar still has its silver Para wings with rank insignia to Lieutenant Colonel on shoulders. Medal ribbons are sewn onto the left breast these being the British Empire Medal, 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France & Germany Star, Defence medal, War medal, 1953 Coronation Medal & Territorial Force Efficiency medal for long service . Tailors label in the rear neck area of the tunic gives the tailor name of Meyer & Mortimer of Sackville Street, London with very faint traces of the officers name underneath which requires further research. Trousers are in matching to the tunic with maroon central strip to side. Overall condition is excellent with no moth only some very light service use. An exceptionally desirable Airborne tunic to a decorated officer of the Parachute Regiment. An Italian theatre veteran, with the appropriate research it may well transpire that he was a veteran of the Normandy or Arnhem campaigns also.
WW2 British Parachutists Oversmock 1944 1945 & postwar versions abound , this is a scarce 1944 dated example of the sleeveless green denim oversmock or Parachutists jacket as it is otherwise known. Worn over all other jump gear without the Denison or over the Denison in some cases. With its working full length zipper & two elasticated ' Grenade pockets to the front the label is intact giving the details ' Jackets Parachutists Size No.3 ' with size details , broad arrow & date of 1944 . Made by the firm ' HENRY BROWN (CLOTHIERS )LTD MIDDLESBROUGH ' . An actual issued example with unit markings painted to back of smock & the name of a soldier from ' HQ Company' to inside. There is an army number to bottom hem of smock & collar. With its brass Newey pop studded tail intact it is in good condition & very difficult to find with this D-Day & Arnhem date .
WW2 British Paratrooper Helmet ( HSAT) Mk1 1943 Dated A textbook example of the British paratrooper helmet of the Mark 1 model with correct leather straps this example being clearly dated 1943. Coming complete with correct WW2 issue camouflage net its dark khaki lightly granulated finish is clearly evident to the outside. Screws are of the correct G&S type being far rounder than their flatter BMB counterparts. Inside liner is clearly marked to G&S with the date 1943 , this firm are known to have made a limited run in this year meeting a shortfall in helmet production believed to be due to impending Airborne operations in that year ( Normandy & Arnhem ) . The rubber solution coated padding is distinctive of this maker along with the rounder outer screws in comparison to its BMB counterpart. Both straps are riveted , chamois chincup piece is minus.
WW2 British Paratrooper Helmet ( HSAT) Mk2 Model 1943 Dated An excellent & rare textbook 1943 dated example of the Mk2 British paratrooper helmet this being one of the first examples issued with the ' Third model' webbing chinstrap system. A textbook example it has its original wartime paint to shell with correct wartime camouflage net applied over the top. Paint shows heavy wear in areas with liner system still tight to interior & never having been out. Webbing straps shows the wartime stitch configuration which is explained in the superb reference by Oliver Lock ' British Airborne Headdress ' . There is , of course, heavy wear to the leather headband however the date , maker & size of ' BMB 1943 7 3/4 ' is clearly visible. Dome crash pad still present to crown & rubber cushions all intact. Rare piece now especially to find with 1943 date.
WW2 British Paratrooper Helmet ( HSAT) Mk2 Model 1944 Dated An excellent & rare textbook 1944 dated example of the Mk2 British paratrooper helmet this being one of the first examples issued with the ' Third model' webbing chinstrap system. A textbook example it has its original wartime paint to shell with correct wartime camouflage net applied over the top. Paint shows heavy wear in areas with liner system still tight to interior & never having been out. Webbing straps shows the wartime stitch configuration which is explained in the superb reference by Oliver Lock ' British Airborne Headdress ' . There is moderate wear to the leather headband however the date , maker & size of ' BMB 1944 7 1/4 ' is clearly visible. Dome crash pad still present to crown & rubber cushions all intact. Becoming harder to find now with the all important Normandy & Arnhem applicable 1944 date.
WW2 British Paratrooper Helmet ( HSAT) Mk2 Model 1944 Dated A rare textbook 1944 dated example of the Mk2 British paratrooper helmet this piece issued with the ' Third model' webbing chinstrap system. Helmet has its original wartime green factory paint to shell with correct wartime camouflage net applied over the top. Paint shows heavy wear in areas with liner system still tight to interior & never having been out. Webbing straps shows the wartime stitch configuration which is explained in the superb reference by Oliver Lock ' British Airborne Headdress ' . Chincup complete with chamois leather lining. There is moderate wear to the leather headband however the date , maker & size of ' BMB 1944 7 1/4 ' is clearly visible. Dome crash pad still present to crown & rubber cushions all intact. Becoming harder to find now with the all important Normandy & Arnhem applicable 1944 date.
WW2 British Paratrooper Helmet ( HSAT) Mk2 Model 1944 Dated A rare textbook 1944 dated example of the Mk2 British paratrooper helmet this piece issued with the \' Third model\' webbing chinstrap system. Helmet has its original wartime green factory paint to shell with correct wartime camouflage net applied over the top. Paint shows heavy wear in areas with liner system still tight to interior & never having been out. Webbing straps shows the wartime stitch configuration which is explained in the superb reference by Oliver Lock \' British Airborne Headdress \' . Chincup complete with chamois leather lining. There is moderate wear to the leather headband however the date , maker & size of \' BMB 1944 7 1/2 \' is clearly visible. Dome crash pad still present to crown & rubber cushions all intact. Becoming harder to find now with the all important Normandy & Arnhem applicable 1944 date.
WW2 British Paratrooper Helmet ( HSAT) Mk2 Model 1944 Dated A rare textbook 1944 dated example of the Mk2 British paratrooper helmet this piece issued with the \' Third model\' webbing chinstrap system. Helmet has its original wartime green factory paint to shell with correct scrim filled wartime camouflage net applied over the top. Paint shows heavy wear in areas with liner system still tight to interior & never having been out. Webbing straps show the wartime stitch configuration which is explained in the superb reference by Oliver Lock \' British Airborne Headdress \' . Chincup complete with chamois leather lining. There is moderate wear to the leather headband however the date , maker & size of \' BMB 1944 7 3/8 \' is clearly visible. Dome crash pad still present to crown & rubber cushions all intact. Becoming harder to find now with the all important Normandy & Arnhem applicable 1944 date.
WW2 British Paratrooper Helmet ( HSAT) Mk2 Model 1944 Dated A rare textbook 1944 dated example of the Mk2 British paratrooper helmet this piece issued with the \' Third model\' webbing chinstrap system. Helmet has its original wartime factory paint to shell with this showing heavy wear to exterior. Liner system still tight to interior & has never been out. Webbing straps show the wartime stitch configuration which is explained in the superb reference by Oliver Lock \' British Airborne Headdress \' . Chincup complete with chamois leather lining. There is heavy wear to the leather headband however the 1944 date , maker \'BMB\' & size is faint but visible. Dome crash pad still present to crown & rubber cushions all intact. Becoming harder to find now with the all important Normandy & Arnhem applicable 1944 date.
WW2 British Paratrooper Helmet ( HSAT) Mk2 Model 1944 Dated A rare textbook 1944 dated example of the Mk2 British paratrooper helmet this piece issued with the \' Third model\' webbing chinstrap system. Helmet has its original wartime factory paint to shell with this showing heavy wear to exterior. Liner system still tight to interior & has never been out. Webbing straps show the wartime stitch configuration which is explained in the superb reference by Oliver Lock \' British Airborne Headdress \' . Chincup complete with chamois leather lining. There is heavy wear to the leather headband however the 1944 date , maker \'BMB\' & size \'7 1/2\' is visible. Dome crash pad still present to crown & rubber cushions all intact. Becoming harder to find now with the all important Normandy & Arnhem applicable 1944 date.
WW2 British Paratrooper Helmet ( HSAT) Mk2 Model 1944 Dated A rare textbook 1944 dated example of the Mk2 British paratrooper helmet this piece issued with the \'Third model\' webbing chinstrap system. Helmet has its original wartime factory paint to shell with this showing wear to exterior. Liner system still tight to interior & has never been out. Webbing straps show the wartime stitch configuration which is explained in the superb reference by Oliver Lock \' British Airborne Headdress \' . Chincup complete with chamois leather lining. Heavily worn leather sweatband has clear 1944 date , maker \'BMB\' & size \'7 3/4\' . There is dark staining to the band with a couple of sections minus where leather has perished quite possibly due to a head wound . Dome crash pad still present to crown & rubber cushions all intact. Becoming harder to find now with the all important Normandy & Arnhem applicable 1944 date.
WW2 British Paratrooper Helmet ( HSAT) Mk2 Model 1944 Dated A very good condition 1944 dated example of the Mk2 British paratrooper helmet this piece issued with the \'Third model\' webbing chinstrap system. Helmet has its original wartime factory paint to both inner & outer shell with liner system still tight to interior having never been out. Webbing straps show the wartime stitch configuration which is explained in the superb reference by Oliver Lock \' British Airborne Headdress \' . Chincup complete with chamois leather lining. The leather sweatband is in very good hardly worn condition & has clear 1944 date , maker \'BMB\' & size \'7 5/8\' . Dome crash pad still present to crown & rubber cushions all intact showing only minor age. . There is light service wear overall with natural age patina to exterior from prolonged storage. Leather liner still supple with liner band tight to shell. Becoming harder to find now with the all important Normandy & Arnhem applicable 1944 date.
WW2 British Paratrooper Helmet ( HSAT) Mk2 Model 1944 Dated With Camouflage Net The last of a superb collection of British paratrooper helmets that we recently purchased this piece coming with its original wartime net. A rare textbook 1944 dated example of the Mk2 British paratrooper helmet this piece issued with the \'Third model\' webbing chinstrap system. Helmet has its original wartime factory paint to shell with this showing wear to exterior. Liner system still tight to interior & has never been out. Webbing straps show the wartime stitch configuration which is explained in the superb reference by Oliver Lock \' British Airborne Headdress \' . Chincup complete with chamois leather lining. Heavily worn leather sweatband has 1944 date with the important last digit \'4\' being clearly visible. Maker marked \'BMB\' but unreadable size due to wear. . Dome crash pad still present to crown & rubber cushions all intact. Named to \'TAYLOR\' on rear leather liner section. Becoming harder to find now with the all important Normandy & Arnhem applicable 1944 date.
WW2 British Paratrooper Helmet 1943 A fabulous camouflage netted textbook example of the Mark 1 Helmet , Steel Airborne Troops ( HSAT) dated 1943. This is the classic Airborne helmet as worn by British Paratroopers & Glider Troops on D-Day & at the Battle of Arnhem . Clearly dated 1943 it is not beyond the realms of impossibility that this helmet may well have been worn during one of those famous operations. A helmet that exudes history , it has a very high proportion of its original khaki granulated factory paint visible underneath the net with leather straps intact. The leather liner band is in good order with rubber covered felt & clearly displays the maker 'BMB' ( Briggs Motor Bodies ) & date 1943 as well as the size '6 7/8' . A helmet that has most likely been worn in action by an elite soldier of the British Airborne. The
WW2 British Paybook & Ephemera Group Interesting lot of paybook, medals & associated ephemera ie., Passes, Rail Warrant, Correspondence etc to a WW2 British soldier who saw service in the European Theatre of WW2. Sgt Parsons began his service as a Sapper in the Royal Engineers from 13/8/1939 to 31/7/1940 before he transferred to the Royal Artillery from 1/8/1940 to 31/12/1940. He finally ended up in the Army Catering Corps from 1/1/1943 to 17/12/1945. Called up in August 1939 to the 394th Anti Aircraft Company he served right through becoming finally a sergeant in the Catering Corps his entire service entitling him to the 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star, Defence & War medal. Three of his medals are here with the France & Germany star being minus. Paperwork within the group includes Reserve & Auxhiliary Forces Calling Out Notice dated August 1939, AB64 Paybook well used with various entries & courses, various slips of paper with names & addresses of acquaintances , War Office Rail Warrant dated 27th January 1940 , Territorial Army Badge receipt stating his receipt of the badge in 4/4/1939, two Leave Passes dated 1943 & 1944 respectively, a typed Regimental letter dated 25 July 1945 requesting Lunch & High Tea to be made for the Manchester Regiment Band from the second in command of 50 RHU. There is also a letter date 1945 giving his medal entitlement as above & his Record of Service dated 23rd october 1945 stating Regiments with which served & when as listed above. There is also his white metal cigarette case, khaki service tie, anti aircraft command printed shoulder patch & RE cloth slip on patch. All in all an interesting lot of ephemera to the one man.
WW2 British Paybook & Paperwork Grouping ( Italian Campaign Veteran ) Good used condition AB64 British paybook to a soldier serving with 42 Field Company Royal Engineers. Paybook shows enlistment in February 1940 with this book issued in February 1944. Usual entries including an ' Excavators' course in February 1944 & leave dates , inoculations etc. Found in the rear compartment of the book is also a Movement Order dated 27th February 1946 from the Staging Camp Villach in Austria , a typed extract from 'The Listener' re the aftermath of the battle for Monte cassino , a photograph in Battledress with a civilian man most likely his father & a piece of Italy Star medal ribbon. Most likely having served at Monte Cassino this soldier has clearly seen much active service in the Italian theatre of war.
WW2 British Paybook Grouping to A Jewish Soldier Very fascinating WW2 British paybook grouping to a 1604533 P/L/Cpl Michael Margolis, a Jewish member of the British armed forces. Following items included: * Record of service card: September 1940-January 1944: Royal Artillery; January 1944-March 1945: Cheshire Regiment; March 1945-August 1946: Devonshire Regiment (dated July 1946) * National Registration Identity Card dated June 1946 * War Department Driving Permit valid for 1944 stamped for the Cheshire Regiment (and signed by a Cheshire Regiment 2nd Lt) * War Office Identification Card for Mechanical Transport Drivers, valid 1943-1944; stamped 182 Field Regiment Royal Artillery. * Small 1945 dated booklet on "Discharge" - regiment marked in ink at the back. * Payment slip for his wife * Unused field service post card * Memorandum from the Infantry Records regarding his driving certificate * 1940 dated National Service (Armed Forces) Grade Card, marking him Grade 1. * Certificate of transfer to the Army Reserve dated 1946. * April 1945 dated letter/notification mentioning the fact that he is exempted from marching/guard duty/equipment/heavy lifting and is recommended for a Clerking job (signed by an RAMC officer). * Original paybook (not a copy) showing him of Jewish Religion and with alot of entries; name and service number scratched in at the front of the paybook. Overall a full group with much interesting material.
WW2 British Paybook1943 & Paybook Part II Two British wartime paybooks first being the AB64 with numerous entries to a Gunner in the Royal Artillery who was born on 9th May 1914. Enlisted in February 1937 for (4) four years service & has signed the paybook on page 2 with date 19th October 1943. Various courses listed on Pg4 with early war dates of 1938 through to 1944 showing his service on SL Emplacement No6 on october 1944 indicating a role in Anti Aircraft most likely due to his age. Many other entries present up to his discharge on 17th April 1945 due to him no longer meeting the army physical requirements. Served prior to RA in Kings Royal Rifle Corps & Royal Engineers. Used condition with one loose page. Second paybook is the Part II section with some pay entries to a different soldier attested 1940. First entry in this book is 1944, good condition.
WW2 British Photograph Group & Driving Licence , Div Patched BD Shots Nice group of British soldier photographs & a British army driving licence dated May 1st 1945. Some are studio poses & some are in situ in various locations on service. The group contains photographs in which the same man frequently appears being the original source as well as his comrades with whom he was serving . Some Div patched shots appear all relating to this mans service with the Royal Artillery. The studio shots are attributed to a studio in Ealing , London W5. Driving Licence came with the group from source & would appear to belong the main charactor who is pictured in the large studio shot as a Sergeant Major rank. Licence dated May 1945 & signed & stamped by a officer of 334 battery, 66 Anti Tank Regiment RA. 22 photographs in all.
WW2 British Physical Training Corps, 3rd Infantry Division 1940 Pattern Battledress 1944 A named 1944 dated battledress to a warrant officer of the Army Physical Training Corps attached to the 3rd Infantry Division. This rare battledress came directly from source as it is seen here some years ago & has been in a private collection ever since . BD bears hand stitch applied embroidered shoulder titles of the APTC with divisional flash of the 3rd Infantry surmounting black , red & black arm of service strip of the corps. To both sleeves are brass warrant officer rank badges with the Army Physical Training Corps crossed swords to right. Battledress is of the 1940 pattern with 1944 dated clothing label still present to interior. Owners name , number & then rank of S/Sgt are written to inside breast pocket ' 2571940 S/SGT ALLEN. R.S. A.P.T.C. ' & so there is the possibility of research into this mans service. Upon close examination it can be seen that rank striped have been removed presumably upon promotion to warrant officer. Present to left breast are medal ribbons for the 1939-45 star, France & Germany star , Defence medal & War medal . Given that the 3rd infantry division were the first formation that landed at Sword Beach, Normandy on D-Day 6th June 1944 it is almost certain that this man was involved , if not in the initial assault wave, then certainly in one of the major operations in the battle for Caen either Operation Goodwood or Charnwood.
WW2 British Pre War RASC Coloured Stiff SD Cap This a scarce stiff SD ( Service Dress ) cap of the Royal Army Service Corps dating from the period prior to WW2 when the blue serge uniform or 'simply 'blues' were worn as full dress for walking out & in many units as the 'Sunday best' uniform. Following the outbreak of war many regiments disposed of these now obsolete 'blues' hence any components are hard to find today. This cap is badged to the RASC & has has a narrow chinstrap & dual air vents on the sides above & astride the chinstrap buttons. Several other features are indicative of prewar quality the most obvious being the interior with a green skiver leather underside to its patent leather peak & padded lining & silk diamond tailor label. Both kings crown chinstrap buttons are original to the cap. With no moth at all this cap has survived remarkably well & is a typical example of the military attire still being worn by the British army in the immediate WW2 period.
WW2 British Queens Royal Regiment ( West Surrey ) Helmet 1942 A rare British army helmet of the Queens Royal Regiment ( West Surrey ) with the proud & distinctive Pascale Lamb insignia to front. This helmet is finished in the dark granulated khaki factory paint found on MkII helmets produced just before the introduction of the MkIII . When one examines the underside of the shell the date 1943 can be clearly discerned with 1942 date to liner cradle. There is some dryness & damage to the rexene of the liner however the MkIII chinstrap is intact. A very rare helmet to find with this insignia. The West Surreys were the oldest English Line Regiment in the British Army formed in 1661 & existing until 1959 when merged into the Queens Royal Surrey Regiment. Its various Battalions served all over including North Africa , Burma , France , Italy & North West Europe.
WW2 British R.A.M.C Desert Camouflage Helmet A rare standard British army MkII steel helmet in Desert camouflage with painted flash of the Royal Army Medical Corps . This helmet has received two coats of desert sand coloured paint to its exterior with the first smooth coating being visible through the damaged areas on its outer finish. The second rougher coat was applied to further it’s camouflage effect then the red, blue & yellow coloured insignia of the Royal Army Medical Corps was applied to its left side. Throughout the entirety of the helmets outer desert finish can be seen dark rust bleed ageing with this also evenly coming through the coloured insignia. Around the edges of the stainless steel rim where the paint has worn can be seen the original factory khaki paint underneath the later two overpaints. Interior of the helmet has been left in its khaki factory paint with the date 1940 & markings \' RO& CO \' for the firm Rubery Owen & Co Ltd of Darleston who made helmets from 1939-1940. The liner cradle has marking \'BMB\' ( Briggs Motor BodiesLtd , Dagenham ) size 7 1/4 & date 1939. Webbing chinstrap intact & left as it was found hooked over the front rim. A rare Desert camouflage helmet of the RAMC almost impossible to find now.
WW2 British R.A.M.C. Burma Veteran & Fathers WW1 Medals Group Medals & photographs to ' 14716672 W.O.II BUTTLE W.J ' who served with the Royal Army Medical Corps in the Far East in WW2. This Burma veteran received the awards of 1939-1945 Star , Burma Star & War medal & is proudly photographed wearing them with his R.A.M.C tie in the photograph which is included. He is also wearing the National Service medal 1939-1960 also included in the group. A small photograph taken of him & a pal in tropical dress is annotated ' RANGOON' on the back. Also within this group are his fathers WW1 medal trio to ' 43903 A-BMDR J.BUTTLE of the Royal Garrison Artillery ' . ***This veteran also brought home a Japanese NCO sword with its Army Captured War Trophy certificate which is listed seperately as Code 8480 ***
WW2 British RAC 'Tankies' Paybook With War Service Record Interesting paybook to a member of the Royal Armoured Corps who enlisted at Catterick on 5/12/40 & served for the duration of the war seeing much active service. Accompanying the book is a wartime typed record listing his service , postings , actions & dates as well as various pay entitlements & leave throughout. The record starts as of the 12/12/40 with the 51st Training Regt RAC at Catterick & goes right through covering the years & months up to the end of 1944. it is of note that in August 1941 it is recorded that he joined the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment where in Mersa Matruh he 'crossed wire & prepared petrol dumps for tanks ' . he was then seperated from his unit on 23/11/1941 & as he puts it ' machinegunned etc' . Many entries are to be found in the paybook itself with many training dates, promotions up the ranks to sergeant & next of kin etc. Medal entitlements are listed on 28th September 1945 as 1939-45 Star, Burma Star & Italy Star with authority given by the RAC depot. Overall an excellent insight into a British 'Tankies' war with the typed diary making fascinating reading.
WW2 British RAF Flight Sergeant \' Navigator \' Battledress 1941 An early war battledress to an RAF Flight Sergeant Navigator with all of its insignia originally wartime applied. This battledress is of the standard army issue it being well known that these were sometimes worn by RAF flight personnel. RAF personnel serving in the Operational Air Forces after D-Day were issued khaki battledress so that they would be less of a target to the Germans if shot down over enemy lines. Those serving in the Mediterranean also often wore them due to the shortage of uniforms & equipment. All of the insignia is correct RAF issue with the impressive embroidered Navigator qualification badge to left breast. All of its original brass dished buttons are still present to front fly & cuffs , there is a W/ID P coded inspection stamp for the year 1941 to interior. A recently loft found example there are quite a few moth holes however the originality of this mission worn piece is unquestionable.
WW2 British RAF Heavy Bomber Crew Irvine Flyng Jacket ( Formally Electrically Wired ) Classic example of the RAF Irvine flying jacket with single panelling to front & one central seam to back. This jacket has at one time been electrically wired denoting issue to heavy bomber crews the wiring being held in leather channels across the back & down each sleeve some of which have now been removed although their previous presence apparent. The leather of the piece is good & supple & although well used , in generally good order with no major rips or tears to back or shoulders. There are three very well done stitched repairs present on the arms which are old & in keeping with the charactor of the jacket. All of its thick pile fleece is present with no patches or removed areas. Rear of collar has its two metal eyes for attachment of the collar elastic ( missing ) , left side of waistbelt missing. Original DOT zip runner remains to both sides of front however the DOT puller is missing . Zips have been removed from both sleeves & replaced ( certainly a long time ago ) with brown material which is now torn & frayed. Certainly a wartime used piece & a veteran of many RAF bombing raids.
WW2 British RAF Irvine jacket 1941 A quite stunning Irvine Flying Jacket with Air Ministry label intact & bearing sizes & 1941 date. The Irvine flying jacket is an iconic piece of RAF flying kit with dated examples becoming increasingly harder to find. This particular piece bears its original factory sewn clothing label with nomenclature , sizes & clear date of 1941. The initial ' S' has been written on it by the original owner . Its half waist belt remains totally intact with the original front zip Air Ministry & DOT marked & in full working order. Both sleeves have had zips removed , whether or not for personal preference or a later adjustment we will never know. Quite remarkably there are no rips or tears anywhere on the jacket with it still being incredibly supple upon handling. The thick pile fleece is complete & undamaged. Overall a superb RAF piece from the early part of WW2 !
WW2 British RAF Irvine Trousers A nice original pair of RAF Irvin Suit flying trousers in very good condition. This pattern of trouser was introduced into service with the RAF In 1938 and intended to be worn with the matching jacket. Officially designated 'Thermally Insulated Flying Suit, Trousers' this pattern saw extensive use with Bomber Command throughout the Second World War but were also used by Fighter Command and Coastal. The trousers are made from the standard sheepskin leather which features a waterproof coating to the exterior. The original braces are still present and the chrome plated metal buckles are still bright. Two pockets are located at each thigh and fasten with their original Newey press studs. A fly can be found to the front and pocket openings are present to the hip . Full length 'Lightning' & crowned 'AM' ( Air Ministry ) marked zips run the full length of the trousers and are totally factory original to this pair. They are both fully functional. Inside the trousers the original label is still present and bears the size of 2 which is designed to fit a 30" - 32" waist and a 30" leg. When laid flat the trousers measure - Waist (top) - 18" Inside leg - 30" In excellent condition they exhibit only minimal wear but please study the pictures carefully before purchasing. The internal braces are normally secured to two points at the front & back of the inner waistband however have been cut at the back so although still present only secured to the front ( See images ) . Fantastic pair of wartime Irvin flying trousers complete with label.
WW2 British RAF Officers Peaked Cap & RAF Cravat An excellent quality RAF Officers peaked cap of the very early war period & as would have been worn by RAF pilots during the 1940 Battle of Britain period. Comes with the RAF cravat as seen with it in the website images. Cap is made from fine blue cloth with a double seamed crown thick quilted interior lining. The black patent leather chinstrap is notably thin in its construction this very typical of early war caps. The gilt & velvet officers insignia to front is in excellent order with fully lined brim to top & underside. The blue quilting to interior is typical of wartime caps with the full leather sweatband bearing the wording ' Real Roan Leather ' . Showing an appealing amount of service wear I can find only one small moth nip to the caps rear hidden under the overhanging cloth & only visible upon close inspection. The RAF cravat sets off the piece nicely this measuring an approx 71cm X 66cm.
WW2 British Rangefinder & Transit Case 1944 Fine example of the WW2 British Rangefinder made by the famous Glasgow based optical manufacturer of the period , Barr & Stroud. Used to more accurately determine the distance to a given location these were vital instruments of war when it came to ascertaining the correct shooting range required to hit the target for a machine gun or artillery position. This piece in its 1944 dated 'stowage' box is finished entirely in blue grey & is complete with both designation & maker plates to each end of the rangefinder & again the date 1944. It can be handheld using two short fold out handles & is in excellent condition with only ' shed ' age to the box due to long storage. Certainly a scarce & desirable optical instrument of the era. Delivery/pickup/collection to be negotiated.
WW2 British Rare Early War Mk1* Helmet Probably one of the rarest of the early war British WW2 helmet family this , often BEF used , predecessor of the standard MkII helmet is a scarce example of the earlier British MK1* steel helmet with factory applied rough khaki paint finish . These helmets were designated the MK1* ( Star ) as they were modified from the existing WW1 Mk1 pattern with the addition of the new MK1 webbing chinstrap & MKII liner. The letter \'M\' can be seen stencilled in white paint to the inside of the helmet this indicating that it is fitted with non magnetic steel chinstrap lugs but with a magnetic steel rim. Liner cradle on this early example is double dated 1938 with liner maker \'VERO\' clearly visible. With its chinstrap intact the large size brass wire end loops are distinctive. A name with a Ewell , Surrey address can be seen written to the underside of the rim. This is a very early war helmet applicable for use by the BEF & those immediately deployed in the early stages of WW2.
WW2 British RASC Sergeants Battledress (XXX Corps) Rare & 100% originally badged Battledress blouse to a sergeant in the Royal Army Service Corps bearing printed yellow on dark blue RASC shoulder titles , XXX Corps patches , dark blue & yellow arm of service strips, sergeant stripes & also a brass trade badge (fitter) on the right arm. On the right cuff are also 5 service chevrons representing his military service. Jacket is complete with clothing label intact showing the BD as '1940 Pattern' & made by Sunderland & Lewis of Belfast in July 1944. All buttons etc are intact & there is no moth anywhere on the jacket. I unfortunately have no other information on the soldier who wore this Battledress although it is likely he was involved in Operation Market Garden in September 1944 to which XXX Corps were heavily committed at the time. Recently having surfaced along with other uniform from the one mans service ( listed seperately) originally badged Battledress are now extremely hard if not impossible to find.
WW2 British Ration Canister Carrier 1943 Very hard to find piece of WW2 British webbing kit being the carrying pack intended for the hot food ration canister enabling it to be carried to the men in the line when transport couldnt reach them. The pack is made from sturdy webbing material being approximately 15 inches tall & 9 inches wide at the back. A red fibre stiffening pad is in place at the back of the pack as well as at the bottom to help maintain the shape of the pack & there are also two thick pads built into the back of the pack for comfort when carrying heavy canisters. An integral non removeable shoulder strap system is in place at the back which buckles together at the bottom by the use of hooks & D rings to allow fastening across the chest to prevent the shoulder straps slipping off the shoulders when loaded. A faint makers stamp is visible on one of the straps denoting manufacture & the apparent date of 1943.
WW2 British REME Eastern Command Battledress Blouse An originally badged British soldiers battledress blouse to a member of the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers attached to the Eastern Command. Battledress is that of a Canadian issue procured for British use & bears embroidered insignia of the REME & Eastern Command . REME coloured arm of service strip to each arm & tradesmans badge to right arm for that of a Saddler Harness Maker . Service chevrons to right sleeve indicate five years service. Brown GS buttons have been applied to shoulders. BD is named to inside lining with his REME unit & army service number also ' Artificer , Saddler Harness maker ' has been written in pen by the soldier. Size stamping to pocket lining Size 1 , date May 1945. Researchable with his name & number it is in all a nice BD that with the use of the smarter embroidered insignia , the addition of the brown GS buttons & a tailoring of the inner collar area he most likely kept as his best dress.
WW2 British Royal Army Medical Corps Steel Combat Helmet A wonderful recently discovered WW2 British helmet of the Royal Army Medical Corps with 1939 date to liner cradle & 1940 date to shell. This fabulous helmet has its original factory brown khaki paint to underside with a thick 1940 green overpaint to the exterior applied for better camouflage effect. The three colours of red , blue & yellow for the RAMC have been applied to the left side in a typically large flash seen used on most examples from this corps. There is overall heavy wear to the helmets exterior with well aged scuffs & chips to the paint throughout. The top securing nut is totally undisturbed with the liner being 100% original to this helmet. Liner cradle is marked \'VERO 1939\' & the faint maker & date of \'HBH40\' ( Harrison Bros ) can be seen to the underside of the rim. Chinstrap intact & overall a fabulous piece.
WW2 British Royal Artillery , 21st Army Group NCO Battledress Blouse 1943 A Canadian issue battledress blouse to a corporal of the Royal Artillery , 21st Army Group . 21st Army Group operated in Northern France , Luxembourg , Belgium , Holland & Germany from June 1944 until the end of the war in Europe in 1945 . Very commonly seen worn by British troops this Canadian battledress would have been procured from one of his Canadian counterparts due to its better comfortability when compared to the British issue. Badges to the blouse are original with printed Royal Artillery shoulder titles & printed blue on red crusader shields surmounting RA red & blue arm of service strips. Interior lining has Canadian issue broad arrow in C stamp with size details & 1943 date. A good large size with , surprisingly , no moth .
WW2 British Royal Artillery Battledress Pair (1939/40 Dates ) A pair of the scarce 1937 pattern battledress both with unlined collars & both having come from the same man. Badged to a Lieutenant from Anti Aircraft Command the first BD has its clothing label intact on which the date clearly reads 1939. Two red backed pips worsted wool pips are present on each shoulder with Royal Artillery titles to each shoulder. Arm of Service for RA also present on both arms. All of its metal dished buttons present. Second BD is similarly badged but with embroidered shoulder titles & printed Anti Aircraft Command patches . Arm of Service strips also present with pips removed from shoulder. This BD has been officer tailored so as a collar & tie can be worn with open neck. This BD has suffered the effects of long storage with severe holing to its back area & some damage to front armpit area. Clothing label is present although now illegible however WD Q stores code denotes date of 1940. First Battledress is of an acceptable standard with service wear for that of a working BD & a couple of holes to right under arm side. This piece has not been officer tailored. Overall a nice pair from the same man.
WW2 British Royal Artillery Captain '37/40 Pattern Battledress Blouse 1941 Battledress blouse to a Burma veteran Captain of the Royal Artillery with three embroidered rank pips to each shoulder & appealing embroidered & padded shoulder titles & arm of service strips to each arm. Interesting that the battledress is of the 1937 pattern in style yet 1940 pattern according to its clothing label indicating a crossover in label usage by the manufacture Fifty Shilling Tailors upon their switch from 37 to 40 pattern production. BD has its original steel shallow dished buttons present with two Canadian issue green metal period replacement metal buttons underneath its concealed front fly. Medal ribbons to left breast indicate service in Burma by this officer . Condition is superb with , suprisingly , no moth at all. See label for sizes.
WW2 British Royal Artillery Flashed Desert Camouflage MK1* Helmet An early war predecessor of the standard MkII helmet this is a scarce example of the earlier British MK1* steel helmet this example desert camouflage painted & bearing the blue & red flash of the Royal Artillery. In the immediate prewar period between 1937 & 1939 the WW1 Brodie helmets were refurbished with the updated webbing chinstrap & liners (MK2) for issue to Britains troops under the designation of the MK1* . This example has batch numbers & the initials to the shell of 'HS' for Hadfield Steel . It has had one of the first 1937 dated MKII liners made by 'Helmets Ltd' fitted with the new pattern chinstrap lug one being dated 1939. In a smooth khaki factory paint it has had a rough sand coloured camouflage paint applied to its exterior indicating its service at one of Britains early war Desert deployments. The flash on the left side is that of the Royal Artillery painted over its rough textured Desert paint. Untouched & an early war British veteran.
WW2 British Royal Artillery Uniform Grouping 1939 A uniform & ephemera grouping named to an officer in the Royal Artillery with : 1.October 1939 dated & named Service Dress tunic & trousers to his then rank of Major. 2. A pair of Officers high leg boots with his name \'Captain Yates RA\' . 3. An early issue other ranks style FS cap with his initials 4. Sam Browne belt 5. A Regimental Headquarters ( Marked in red crayon RHQ 6 ) 1940 dated vehicle mapcase named to him \' Major Yates 462 Battery R.A. \' 6. A number of manuals with some named to him & a Gun Battery photograph with names on back of all present. There is a hole to the canvas of the mapcase but overall only light wear to the tunic & trousers with some fraying to the FS cap . An early war officer that I have not researched & a fascinating grouping of items. *** Shirt & tie not included as added for photograph only ****
WW2 British Royal Artillery, Eastern Command battledress 1942 ( Named ) Totally original & as found 1942 dated battledress named to a Staff Sergeant CE Kemp of the Royal Artillery who served with the Eastern Command & was stationed with the Radar Wing at Whitsand Fort. This BD is a superb example of a service used piece having printed insignia with Royal Artillery shoulder titles, bulldog patches of the Eastern Command , padded arm of service strips with the lesser seen printed rank crown & gun of the RA. Stitch marks above the sergeant chevrons suggest previous attachment of metal crowns before the soldier has replaced them with the printed version according to his own individual preference. Service chevrons to lower right sleeve for five years . BD is of the 1937 pattern New Zealand issue with brass dished front buttons & Jan 1942 date. Inside right pocket has handwritten soldiers name & number \' 2113012 S/SGT ( T.I ) CE Kemp RA Radar Wing, Whitsand Fort. Overall a good untouched BD that would benefit from some research into this man.
WW2 British Royal Engineeers Officer Battledress Blouse & Trousers Uniform Excellent condition Officer tailored 1940 pattern battledress blouse with the preferred choice of leather button to front fly , pockets & cuffs. The collar here has been typically tailored open to be worn with a shirt & tie as British officers were permitted to do in the WW2 period. Insiginia of rank is a pip & crown denoting Lieutenant Colonel backed in dark blue for the Royal Engineers as per shoulder titles. Formation patches on each arm denote Scottish Command each machine stitched to the blouse. All insignia appears to be originally sewn on. BD is a size 12 & bears the date 1945. Medal ribbons to left breast indicate a long serving officer bearing the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star , Defence Medal , War Medal & Oakleaf ( Mentioned in Despatches ) , Territorial Efficiency Medal with two Long Service clasps & the Indian Independence Medal. Trousers are also 1940 pattern having been tailored by the officer with the waistband slightly lower according to individual preference. Overal condition excellent with no moth. Sizes as follows ; Trousers are a size 40 in waist & a 31in inside leg. From waist to hem measures 40 1/2 inches.
WW2 British Royal Engineers Battledress & Trousers 1943 Originally badged battledress blouse & trousers set from a sergeant in the Royal Engineers who served with the 8th Army in North Africa & Italy. Each shoulder of the Australian made BD has the printed black on red titles of the Royal Engineers with red & black arm of service strip beneath it. Soldiers rank is that of Staff sergeant with the flaming grenade badge of the Engineers placed between the crown & sergeant chevrons. On the lower right sleeve are five service chevrons in printed cloth, the latter two have been added as the wearers service has lengthened. His medal entitlement shows him to be a veteran of the North Africa & Italy campaign having the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star with rosette for 8th Army Clasp, Africa Star & Defence medal. Named to inside of jacket & trousers with his army number & ' M Company ' both jacket & trousers are dated 1943. BD & trousers show general service wear in places & come with a course photograph of him in service.
WW2 British Royal Engineers Mk1* Helmet A very early Mk1* helmet with insignia of the Royal Engineers & a thick khaki granulated camouflage paint applied over its earlier WW1 factory paint finish. These early productions were MK1 helmets manufactured during the first world war & converted for use with the new chinstrap & liner system before manufacture of the new MkII was fully underway. The chinstrap brackets seen here were initially applied at unit level workshops before depot conversions became the standard. There is quite alot of wear in the form of scuffs & chips to the paint so I believe an early war used helmet & most likely an early BEF issue. Liner is 1939 dated to one of its arms & untouched. Web chinstrap intact. A rare helmet & one of the earliest prewar productions on the run up to the standard MkII .
WW2 British Royal Engineers Officer Battledress 1942 Classic example of the 1940 pattern battledress tailored open at the collar for wear by an officer with shirt & tie. bearing the insignia of a Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Engineers the BD also has medal ribbons mounted to the left breast indicating the man was a holder of the George Medal & also a veteran of the First World War. Medal entitlement is the George medal, WW1 War & Victory medal, 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence medal & War medal. Interestingly the George medal , although primarily a civilian award , was also awarded to service personnel for acts of bravery not in the face of the enemy for example post Air Raid bomb disposal in WW2. Embroidered Royal Engineers blue on red shoulder titles to each arm with crown & pip rank of Lieutenant Colonel to each shoulder. Medal ribbons, titles & rank badges appear to be original on with all buttons remaining to front fly & pockets. Calico label states a size 6 & made by AG Garments Ltd 1942. Overall condition is excellent with one small hole to front at right side of pocket. Nap to cloth still good.
WW2 British Royal Engineers Sapper Paybook Group Interesting AB64 paybook & paperwork grouping to 4754395 Sapper J.T. Ansell of the Royal Engineers who served with the York & Lancs, Green Howards & Sherwood Foresters before finishing in the Engineers. Much contained within this lot pertaining to the WW2 service of this man. Includes the following : * Record of service card: June 1940-October 1940: York and Lancaster Regiment Regiment; October 1940-June 1942: Green Howards; June 1942-November 1942: Sherwood Forresters; November 1942-September 1946: Royal Engineers (card dated June 1946) * Small calender for 1944 signed by his mother * 1940 dated National Service (Armed Forces) Grade Card, marking him Grade 1 * Income tax invoice for 1939 * Notice of assessment to income tax for 1939 * National Health Service Medical Card dated 1951 * Letter from a friend A/B Ernie Chapman C/JX312036 D.E.M.S. dated March 1944 * Death card for the friend's father (I presume) dated 1942 * 3 original photographs (groups) - one of the Sherwood Forresters; one of the Royal Engineers; one unknown * Soldier's Release book stamped by the 18th Field Park Company RE drawn up in Greece in June 1946 * Paybook (certified copy of the original) with several entries giving personal particulars , courses, innoculations etc. Much content to this group , one mans service history.
WW2 British Royal Marine Officers Service Cap Rare officers service cap for the Royal Marines with browned bronze two piece cap insignia. The same as used by officers of the army these service dress caps of the Royal Marines are very hard to find as they were soon phased out in favour of the beret. A classic private purchase cap made by \'Flights Ltd\' the brown bronzed insignia is totally original to the cap with the correct distinctive side buttons for Royal Marines. Leather chinstrap intact & of the early war period. Careful lifting of the leather sweatband reveals a quality silk lining with full celluloid sweatshield covering the maker logo. There is clear natural age to the rear pins of the RM insignia giving firm evidence of the originality of this Royal Marines officer cap. In excellent condition with the hardly noticeable odd tiny pin prick hole moth hole in places. Fabulous cap.
WW2 British Royal Marine/Navy Commando Pattern Battledress Trousers A very rare pair of Admiralty Pattern battledress trousers worn by specialist Royal Marine & Navy Commandos nominally those of 30 Assault Unit whose task it was to move ahead of advancing Allied forces & capture much needed intelligence such as codes, documents , equipment or personnel before the enemy had a chance to destroy it. Famous James Bond author Ian Fleming was a key figure involved in its organisation when formed in September 1942 & initially known as the Special Intelligence Unit. These trousers have the Naval ink stamp ' INSPECTED 03 43 ' & are are in very good condition A rare pair of trousers & the only the second pair we have had the fortune to acquire. In overall excellent condition with just some grubby marks to lower front left leg. Sizes are an approx 29-30 in waist , 33in inside leg .
WW2 British Royal Marines Group Interesting grouping to a WW2 Royal Marine all having come from the same man. Included in the group is his RM Dress cap with kings crown buttons & original well polished RM cap badge bearing the issue date '6.43' for June 1943 & name & service number to inside of cap. Also here are his two dogtags with matching name & number to that of the cap. There is also a piece of cloth Navy uniform with Naval cloth badge quite likely from his previous service before RM entry. There are also a number of photographs of various Naval personnel with a wartime telegram & two small captured photographs of Japanese Marines indicating some service in the Far east. Cap in service worn condition with some dirt due to loft storage although not badly damaged. Certainly a researchable group with his name & service number known.
WW2 British Royal Naval/ Marines Commando / Naval Landing Forces Admiralty Pattern Battledress Trousers A very rare pair of Admiralty Pattern battledress trousers worn by specialist Royal Marine & Navy Commandos nominally those of 30 Assault Unit whose task it was to move ahead of advancing Allied forces & capture much needed intelligence such as codes, documents , equipment or personnel before the enemy had a chance to destroy it. Famous James Bond author Ian Fleming was a key figure involved in its organisation when formed in September 1942 & initially known as the Special Intelligence Unit. These trousers still have their J.Compton Son & Webb Ltd clothing label to rear outside waist marked ' ADMIRALTY REF 01 15/82/41 TROUSERS , BATTLE DRESS '. They are in the '40 pattern style & have an Anti gas treatment ink stamp ' 1 /DC 1/42 AV' ( Anti-Vessicant 1942 ) so production prior to this date . They are in excellent condition with no moth or damage. Waist size measures an approx 32inch with 31inch inside leg. A rare pair of trousers & the only pair we have ahd the fortune to acquire.
WW2 British Royal Navy Crew Gas Mask & Dog Tag These special respirators provided for members of the Royal Air Force & Navy were issued with double length hosepipes to accomodate their use in confined spaces where it would be impractical to wear it in the normal chest 'Ready' position. Black rubber facepiece & khaki covered pipe are in excellent order with no perishing & good elasticity to headstraps. 1941 date to facepiece with 1941 to filter. Haversack is in excellent condition with all internal dividers present. Interestingly the dogtag of the original owner is still attached to the hose/filter area stating his name ' Leonard' , service number & 'Sea' for rank of Seaman. The same name appears on the shoulder strap & as such this is a matched set never having been parted. Overall condition excellent.
WW2 British Royal Sussex Lieutenant Colonel Battledress ACF An interesting 1942 dated battledress to a Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Sussex serving with the Army Cadet Force . Immediately apparent on this battledress are the presence of an impressive array of medal ribbons denoting WW1 service & the award of the Military Cross as well as the 1914-15 Star , War medal & Victory medal ( With removed MID leaf ) . The medals beneath this are Defence , Cadet Forces medal ( For twelve years service Inst. 1951 ) & interestingly the Croix De Guerre with palm leaf denoting Mentioned In Despatches . I am at a loss to name this officer however some research may be be able to establish his identity & no doubt the very interesting service record of a then young officer who distinguished himself in WW1. Battledress itself has worsted Lt Col. rank pips to shoulder straps with \'Royal Sussex \' titles to shoulders surmounting those of the \'A.C.F. \' & also the relevant flashes. With officers tailoring to collar area allowing it to be worn open with shirt & tie the clothing label remains present reading \' Battledress Blouse 1940 Pattern Size No 9 . A WD broad arrow inspectors \'0\' code denotes 1942 date. There is a half inch hole to right breast pocket & one & a half inch hole to left arm. Also a half centimetre hole to back. An interesting battle dress which this officer most likely wore through WW2 & on into later years when serving with the Army Cadet Force.
WW2 British Royal West Kents Jungle Slouch Hat 1943 Recently surfaced & in untouched condition jungle slouch hat dated 1943 & having belonged to a member of the Royal West Kent Regiment. In good khaki felt cloth with cotton edging the hat is as found & has retained its puggaree & chinstrap which are both excellent & undamaged the brown leather chinstrap being firm & with no loose stitching or dryness. The left side of the hat has its turned up brim with brass Newey popper & stud intact & silver Royal West Kents Regiment cap badge applied . In the top of the hat are four extra vent holes ( one pair on each side ) that have been applied by the individual bearing testament to the tropical climate in which it was worn. Brown leather sweatband intact to inside with maker name ' Wilson & Stafford ' & date 1943. Overall in excellent condition with only a couple of very minor surface nips to underside. A well service used piece , i have left it currently in its dusty 'just out of the attic' condition. This hat came with the Royal West Kents decalled helmet listed seperately as item 2879 having both come from the same man.
WW2 British Service Crew Gas Mask , Haversack & Anti Gas Accessories Scarce & named early war example of the service crew gas mask worn by gun crews & members of the Royal Air Force & Navy with double length hosepipes for use in confined spaces where it may be impractical to wear them in the normal chest 'Ready 'position. This appears to be an example worn by an army gunner with a metal identity disc to a member of the R.F.A ( Royal Field Artillery ) attached to the pipe. Gas mask has khaki stockinged facepiece & hosepipe with the rare tan coloured 1938 dated filter. Haversack is maker marked ( MiIlls, Wright & Sons ) & 1938 dated . It has its three brass drains to bottom intact with all internal compartments intact. Interestingly it has the webbing gas mask waist belt attachment which was to enable secure wear without the use of other belt equipment . The set also comes with 1939 dated Anti Dimming kit for the eyepieces & a pack of the Eyeshields Anti Gas . Overall the condition is excellent with the gas mask being practically mint . There is no decay to any of the rubber with all elasticity remaining to straps & a good supple headstrap yoke. Haversack also excellent.
WW2 British Service Early MK IV Gas Mask & Haversack Excellent near mint example of the British Mk IV service respirator with early brown stockinged facepiece & hosepipe dated 1940. This pattern was introduced in 1926 & being of the first WW2 issue had initially no facility for a microphone which was a shortfall rectified by its successor. No rust anywhere on the metal fittings i.e, eyepieces & filter, all rubber is supple & in 'as new' condition. Haversack is a Mk VI example dated 1941 & made by W&G Ltd ( Waring & Gillow ) with a soldiers name & service number handwritten to inside of flap. Internal compartment dividers are all present & with its W&G marked shoulder strap & securement string intact . Both drains on the bottom of the ag are intact with one having pushed partially through its surrounding fabric. Hard to find in this condition it is an excellent example of its early war type.
WW2 British Service Early MK IV Gas Mask & Haversack & Accessories Excellent example of the British Mk IV service respirator with early brown stockinged facepiece & hosepipe dated 1940. This pattern was introduced in 1926 & being of the first WW2 issue had initially no facility for a microphone which was a shortfall rectified by its successor. No rust anywhere on the metal fittings i.e, eyepieces & filter, all rubber is still supple other than yoke which has hardened through age. Haversack is a Mk VII example dated 1942 & made by O.M.Co with a soldiers service number handwritten to inside of flap. Internal compartment dividers are all present & with its shoulder strap & securement string intact . Both drains on the bottom of the bag are intact & sound. Comes as found with 1941 dated anti dimming kit & cloth contained within its special pouch at top of haversack. Also a pack of Anti Gas Eyeshields dated 1944 are contained within. Overall a good early war example, with its Anti Gas accessories complete.
WW2 British Service Early MKIV Gas Mask & Haversack & Accessories Excellent example of the British Mk IV service respirator with early brown stockinged facepiece & hosepipe dated 1938. This pattern was introduced in 1926 & being of the first WW2 issue had initially no facility for a microphone which was a shortfall rectified by its successor. No rust anywhere on the metal fittings i.e, eyepieces & filter, all rubber is still supple including the headstrap yoke which is still supple & also dated 1938. Filter is superb with no rust & is dated 1940. Haversack is an early example with unit markings to inside of flap that match those on the facepiece both in ink. Internal compartment dividers are all present & with its shoulder strap & securement string intact . There are three brass drains on the bottom of the bag all intact & sound. Comes as found with 1938 dated anti dimming kit & also a pack of Anti Gas Eyeshields dated 1943 are contained within. Overall a good early war example, with its Anti Gas accessories complete.
WW2 British Service Early MKIV Gas Mask & MKVI Haversack, Anti Gas-Ointment, Anti Dimming & Eyeshields Excellent example of the British Mk IV service respirator with early brown stockinged facepiece & hosepipe dated 1937. This pattern was introduced in 1926 & being of the first WW2 issue had initially no facility for a microphone which was a shortfall rectified by its successor. No rust anywhere on the metal fittings i.e, eyepieces & filter, all rubber is still supple & rear yoke is good & supple with 9/37 date. Haversack is the early Mk VI example with brass fittings & early tab for Anti Dimming kit in bottom of bag. Faintly appearing to be a 1941 date the soldiers service number is ink stamped to inside of flap. Internal compartment dividers are all present & with its early hooked shoulder strap & securement string intact . The two brass drains on the bottom of the bag are intact & sound. Comes with its Anti Gas accessories being 1940 dated packet of Anti Gas Eyeshields & Anti gas Ointment No2 introduced as of 1938. All tubes are intact with some rust to inside lid. Anti dimming kit is 1940 dated & minus cleaning cloth. Overall a good complete example, as would be found to equip the early war Tommy.
WW2 British Service Gas Mask & Accessories Near mint & complete example of the WW2 British Service Gas Mask in its khaki Mk VII haversack & complete with its 1941 dated Anti-Gas Eyeshields & Ointment Anti-Gas No2 tin. Black rubber facepiece of mask is perfect with no dryness & all elasticity remaining & the date 1940. Hosepipe is of the early type with the khaki stocking material over it & filter is a type 4A dated 1942. Some of the red paint has rubbed off over time other than this it is perfect. Haversack is literally in mint condition & has the markings on the inside of the flap of the MkVII & the maker name & patent date of 'W&G LTD 1932'. Manufacture date of the bag is 1943. All fittings are intact on the bag & shoulder strap & securement string is also still present. Anti Gas accessories include one set of Eyeshields & an empty tin of the not so common No2 Anti Gas Ointment dated 1941. Overall nice complete kit as worn by the early war British 'Tommy'.
WW2 British Service Gas Mask & Anti Gas Accessories 1942 Good early to midwar example of the British service gas mask , haversack , Ointment Anti Gas No2 , cotton waste & mkVI Anti Dimming kit. Gas mask is of black rubber with 1942 dated facepiece & 1942 dated filter which is in very clean condition. Haversack is of the MK VII pattern maker marked & dated 1943. Complete with string the carrying strap is excellent. Several Anti Gas accessories accompany the set there being a near mint condition 1940 dated No.2 Ointment tin complete with contents intended to protect against liquid mustard gas & liquid lewisite. There is also a wadding of original cotton waste issued to be used as swabs to remove heavy liquid contaminatiion & anti gas ointment from ths skin. A MkVI Anti Dimming kit dated 1/41 completes the set. All in excellent condition with no perishing to rubber or rust to filter. Becoming increasingly harder to find in good complete condition.
WW2 British Service Gas Mask & Anti Gas Accessories 1942 Good early to midwar example of the British service gas mask , haversack , Ointment Anti Gas No2 , cotton waste & mkV Anti Dimming kit. Gas mask is of black rubber with 1942 dated facepiece & 1941 dated filter which is in very clean condition. Haversack is of the MK VI pattern maker marked to Waring & Gillow & dated 1942. Complete with string the carrying strap is also dated 1942. Several Anti Gas accessories accompany the set there being a NO2 Ointment tin complete with contents intended to protect against liquid mustard gas & liquid lewisite. There is also a wadding of original cotton waste issued to be used as swabs to remove heavy liquid contaminatiion & anti gas ointment from ths skin. A mkv Anti Dimming kit dated 1940 completes the set. All in excellent condition with no perishing to rubber or rust to filter.
WW2 British Service Gas Mask & Haversack , Anti Gas Accessories An early issue British service gas mask with khaki stockinged facepiece & hosepipe. This pattern was introduced in 1926 & being of the first WW2 issue had no facility for a microphone which was a shortfall rectified by its successor. Mask has 1939 date to facepiece & voicemitter with broad arrow & '39 date to head straps yoke. Broad arrow marking also to its red filter. Haversack has all its internal compartments intact. Carrying strap is complete & string still present. Both brass drains to bottom are intact. Gas mask is in excellent order with no perishing to facepiece or hosepipe. There is no rust to any of the metal fittings Yoke to headstraps has hardened. Comes complete with its 1940 dated Outfit Anti Dimming kit that is kept in its own compartment within the haversack & also a pack of Anti Gas Eyeshields .
WW2 British Service Gas Mask & Haversack With Anti Dimming Kit An early issue British service gas mask with khaki stockinged facepiece & hosepipe. This pattern was introduced in 1926 & being of the first WW2 issue had no facility for a microphone which was a shortfall rectified by its successor. Mask has 1939 date to facepiece & voicemitter with broad arrow & '39 date to head straps yoke. Broad arrow marking also to its red filter. Haversack is of the early MK V pattern dated 1938 with all internal compartments intact. Carrying strap is complete & string still present. All three brass drains to bottom are intact. Gas mask is in excellent supple order with no perishing to rubber of facepiece or hosepipe. There is no rust to any of the metal fittings Yoke to headstraps has hardened. Haversack is worn with a hole to bottom left corner of the canvas. Comes complete with its 1937 dated Outfit Anti Dimming kit that is kept in its own compartment within the haversack.
WW2 British Service Gas Mask , Haversack & Anti Dimming Outfit A fantastic example of the British service issue gas mask with black rubber facepiece dated 1941 & khaki hosepipe both in excellent condition with good supple rubber & elasticity to head straps & yoke (Broad Arrow stamped). Voicemitter is dated 1941 . 1942 date to filter which is also excellent with no rust. Khaki green canvas haversack is a MKVII midwar example made by R.M.A. & dated 1943. It is in superb condition complete with carrying strap & also has the anti dimming tin to its integral pocket on inside. String still present in side pocket. There is a small area of rust/oxidisation to one of the carrying strap rings however does not detract. Anti dimming kit contains correct instructional impregnated cloth for cleaning eyepieces & is dated 1942.
WW2 British Service Gas Mask , Haversack & Anti Gas Accessories Excellent example of the early to midwar war service respirator with black rubber facepiece & hosepipe dated 1941. it comes with the anti gas accessories that were found still inside it these being the 'Outfit Anti Dimming MkV 1940 & Ointment Anti Gas No.2 with all of its tubes intact & in good order. No rust anywhere on the metal fittings i.e, eyepieces & filter, all rubber is still supple & rear yoke is good & supple with 4/41. The front brown voicemitter is in totally mint with clear 1941 date. 1941 date also to be seen on facepiece & its brick red 4A pattern filter. Haversack is the early Mk VI example with brass fittings & early tab for Anti Dimming kit in bottom of bag. Clear date of 1941 to inside of flap with maker initials 'J &A.H.' Internal compartment dividers are all present & with its early hooked shoulder strap & securement string intact . The two brass drains on the bottom of the bag are intact & sound. 1941 date to carrying strap also. Comes with its Anti Gas accessories being 1940 dated Anti Dimming Kit complete with contetns & Anti gas Ointment No2 introduced as of 1938. All tubes are intact & in superb condition. Overall a good complete example, as would be found to equip the early war Tommy.
WW2 British Service Gas Mask ,Haversack & Anti Gas Accessories Good service used example of the British Service Respirator with black rubber facepiece & khaki covered hosepipe. All rubber is excellent with no perishing & facepiece made by AVON in 1940. Rear yoke supple with broad arrow stamp. Red filter is superb with no rust & dated 1941. Attached to the hosepipe is the soldiers red card ID Disc with the name & service number imprinted on it. Haversack is also good & made by MAPLE in 1941. Interestingly it is as was in WW2 due to it retaining in place original wartime cardboard inserts that were sometimes put in by the soldiers in order to present a squared off military appearance when on duty & the haversack was worn on the chest. The soldiers name & number is also written on the top flap as well as being imprinted onto a second red card ID disc attached to one side of the Haversack. String for fastening in the ready position in still present along with its Outfit Anti Dimming Kit dated 1938 & cleaning cloth complimented by some Anti Gas Cotton Wadding used to wipe off the ointment also carried as part of the soldiers AG kit. Overall a good complete set named to the soldier with Anti Gas kit.
WW2 British Service Gas Mask, Haversack & Anti Gas Accessories. Very good example of a WW2 British Service Gas Mask & Haversack the type issued to every British Serviceman in the most part of WW2. Gas Mask is in excellent condition with its all black rubber facepiece & hose having only very minimal age to rubber & eyepieces. All straps at the yoke of the mask have kept their elasticity & the yoke itself is dated 1942. Facepiece is dated 1941 & red filter 1942. Haversack is a Mk VII which is the later simpler design & incorporates an internal divider for mask & filter, one large pocket at the front & two divided pockets at its rear ( against chest) for other Anti gas accessories. There is also a small pocket which still contains the round tin for the Anti-Dimming Cloth with impregnated cloth still inside & dated 1941 with instructions printed on. There is some light service use to the haversack being in as found condition & having been with its gas mask since the war stored in the loft of a house. Haversack is also complete with its length of string for use when in the ready position. Also coming with the lot are a set of Anti Gas Eyeshields dated 19412 on card packet. Overall a nice complete untouched kit straight out of WW2.
WW2 British Service Gas Mask, Haversack Etc. Very good example of a WW2 British Service Gas Mask & Haversack the type issued to every British Serviceman in the most part of WW2. Gas Mask is in mint condition with its all black rubber facepiece & hose suffering no damage or aging whatsoever. All straps at the yoke of the mask have kept their elasticity & the yoke itself is still soft & mallable. Facepiece is dated 1942 & red filter 1941. Haversack is a Mk VII which is the later simpler design & incorporates an internal divider for mask & filter, one large pocket at the front & two divided pockets at its rear ( against chest) for other Anti gas accessories. There is also a small pocket which still contains the round tin for the Anti-Dimming Cloth with the cloth still inside & dated 1941. Markings on the flap of the haversack show the maker as 'W & C' & the date 1942. There is some light age speckling to the front of the haversack but other than this it is mint without any postwar conversions. Also complete with its length of string for use when in ready position. .
WW2 British Service Respirator, Haversack & ARP Tin Classic early to mid war example of the standard service respirator with black rubber facepiece & hose & 4A filter. Mask is dated 1942 & has the canvas web yoke to the back of the head straps which are now quite stretched. Size is a 'normal'. Dates on the red filter are 1941 & 42 with the black rubber of the facepiece & hose having some minor aging round its edges. Haversack is a 'MKVII' in the green shade of khaki with the date 1943 & is in overall good condition but with what appears to be dripped wax in one small area near its suspension ring. It is complete with suspension string for the ready position. . Overall nice issued example coming with an empty tin that has the remains of a label on it reading ' Air Raid Precautions Sealing tape.' which was intended to assist in making rooms airtight in the event of a gas attack.
WW2 British Snowsuit ( Smock & Trousers ) Smock With 1942 Dated Clothing Label A scarce British snow suit in heavy weight white cotton as issued to troops in winter snow terrain. These were also issued to American troops in N.W Europe during the winter of 1944 as they suffered from a severe shortage of white camouflage garments & obtained 15,000 suits from the British. These were Intended to be worn over their battledress clothing . The four pocket smock has both tightening straps to hood & bottom hem all of its brown buttons still present with clothing label bearing the nomenclature ' SMOCK,SNOW SUITS SIZE No.4 ' A large size giving a height of 6ft to 6ft 2in with Breast 42 to 44 inches. Made by Denham LTD & dated 1942 with broad arrow marking. The trousers are without pockets or label & have drawcord to waist. They are an approx 40-41 waist size with an approx 32.5 inside leg. Ideal for an Ardennes or Germany mannequin setup. These heavyweight versions are very difficult to obtain today .
WW2 British Soldiers 'Time Capsule' Uniform & Kit , 1940 Dated A recently discovered loft stored suitcase containing one mans kit from the early war period all dated 1940. The suitcase is a British forces suitcase dated 1940 with soldiers name written into one inside corner. Contained within the case are two battledress ( one denim ) & various smaller items of kit & webbing that no doubt have been tucked away since WW2. Items are as follows : 1 X '37 pattern battledress with unlined collar 1 X Denim battledress of early issue 1 X Pr prewar ammunition boots with original hobnails intact 1 X Pr Khaki woollen socks 1 X Pr Braces 1 X Rifle Pull through 1 X Leather waistbelt ( 03 Pattern ) 1916 dated 1 X Jack Knife 1940 dated 1 X Large pack 1940 dated 1 X Bayonet frog 1940 dated 1 X First Field Dressing 1940 dated 1 X Waterbottle cradle 1940 dated 1 X Smallpack L strap 1940 1 X Shoulder brace 1940 dated 1 X Boot brush 1940 dated Both of the blouses are in used condition with some moth to one arm. Traces of two rank pips to both shoulder straps. Boots are of the prewar pattern , I have made no attempt to clean them. Suitcase marked with broad arrow & dated 1940. With much potential for research & a time capsule of a piece it is sold as found with nothing added or subtracted from the group.
WW2 British Southern Railways ( Marine ) Home Front Helmet 1939 Interesting Home Front helmet from Newhaven Port authority with 'SR' denoting Southern Railway & 'M' denoting Marine. Under the Southern Railway Act of 1926, the Southern Railway Company became the Harbour Authority and produced the Harbour Bye-Laws of 1931. This helmet was most likely part of a pool issue , hence the number '1'on the back allowing each helmet to be signed out & accounted for by personnel on each shift . Air Raid precaution duties would of course have been prevalent as well as other wartime ancillary roles under the command of the Newhaven SR Port Authority in WW2. As well as the markings on the front & back of the helmet there is also a punched in 'S.R' to the rear underside as well as a serial number number stamped into the rim of the shell. This piece has BMB marked 1939 dated shell with TTC marked liner cradle ( Teddy Toy Company ) & date 1940. Web chinstrap intact & overall an interesting piece of Newhaven war history.
WW2 British Tank Corps/Flying Officers Uniform & Photograph Grouping Interesting uniform grouping to a prewar British officer commissioned into the Royal Tank Corps in 1923 then unusually going on to obtain his Pilots wings in the late 20s' before going on to rise through the ranks of the Royal Tank Corps ( Later Tank Regiment ) until his retirement as an honorary Colonel in 1953. He had already attained the rank of acting Lt-Colonel 23/4/41 & held the rank of Temporary Lt-Colonel from JUly 1941 to September 1944. According to the Army List John Napier Berkeley-Miller had a variety of roles in his service including being employed under the Air Ministry from 17/7/1926 until 25/7/1930 apparently as a Flying Officer most likely in connection with the Royal Tank Corps. He saw much war service in the Middle East having been Mentioned in Despatches & awarded, amongst others, the Africa Star. He was also posted with the Gunnery Wing of the Armoured Fighting Vehicle School & had some involvement with the experimental section of the Regiment no doubt putting his military experience to good use. The group consists of his Khaki Drill uniform ( jacket & trousers ) quality made & named to him with the tailors date of May 24 1944 . All brass buttons are RTC entitled with officers bronzed Royal Tank Corps /Regiment collar badges. Padded RAF pilots wings to left breast with medal ribbons of 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal ( Mentioned In Despatches Oak leaf) & Officer Legion Of Merit (USA). Also with the group are his dogtags showing rank of Major & a complete 24 page double sided photograph album with many early shots of RAF personnel , Tanks & Aircraft etc from his early service in the Middle East. I have carried out very minimal research on this officer with there being much more to yet be discovered. Overall condition is excellent with a couple of tiny holes here & there.
WW2 British Tank Crew Helmet ( Soldiers Army Serial Number Written Inside ) A scarce early tank crew helmet made from a cloth covered 'pulp ' construction similar to the early Despatch Riders helmet. These were issued prior to the introduction of the steel helmet for armoured crews there being two versions of this type one superceding the other. A frontal pad protects the forehead area whilst the inside has a leather drawstring lining . These helmets came in a shiny black finish however an order of 14th June 1941 ordered their overpaint in matt khaki green for reaons of camouflage. There is a WD inspectors stamp to the underside of the sweatband & also the wartime army number of the wearer ' 2585927' . An early piece , soon replaced by the RAC pattern steel helmet although still used throughout in some cases.
WW2 British Thermos Flask, 1943 Dated The WW2 British Thermos flask (2 Pints) was issued to flight crews, airborne troops whilst on aircraft & to Armoured Fighting Vehicle crews to keep warm their coffee or soup as & when required. This smaller type is often found in gliders & tanks & would have been a valued part of the crews kit. In good condition with only some minor rust to the steel handle this example is complete with its cork stopper & bears the markings on the bottom of \'THERMOS\' with the broad arrow & the date 1943. Flask has a glass lining for thermal insulation & a crinkle finish to the paint to prevent \'freeze\' burns from the cold metal at altitude. Top of flask unscrews to serve as a cup. Nice example with a good midwar date & quite a scarce thing to find in good condition these days.
WW2 British Tommy Desert Rat Reissue Combat Helmet A time capsule piece being a named & numbered Tommy helmet that has originally been used in the desert with desert camouflage paint before being repainted in a dark green overpaint. There has also been in its early life a unit flash on the left side which has at some point been removed . The age & condition of the second overpaint on the helmet gives alot of charactor to this piece this being enhanced by the soldiers number & name painted onto the rim underside . The second dark green overpaint on its outside is very thick & hand brushed there being approx three different layers of paint that are visible in varying stages on the outer shell. There is some denting to the crown with 1938 date being visible to the chinstrap lugs. Totally untouched this helmet was recently found in the dark corner of an attic inside the kitbag of a WW2 veteran.
WW2 British Tropal Coat 1941 Heavy quilted extreme cold waterproof & windproof coat issued to British forces in WW2 & much seen in use in North Africa & Norway ( & also by LRDG units ) according to photographic evidence from the period. Coat is Kapok lined, this being an insulating material otherwise known as Tropal by British manufacturers. This example is in excellent unissued condition with its heavy wool collar in good condition having only a couple of small moth nips only noticeable upon close inspection . Hook & eye fastening system in good order with one female fastener minus. Clothing label is intact denoting manufacturer as Wareings Ltd & made in August 1941. WD Ordnance stampings to inside of coat & quilted lining excellent. Excellent example of this now scarce coat , classic piece of British cold weather kit.
WW2 British Tropal Lined Coat 1941 Heavy quilted extreme cold waterproof & windproof coat issued to British forces in WW2 & much seen in use in North Africa & Norway ( & also by LRDG units ) according to photographic evidence from the period. Coat is Kapok lined, this being an insulating material otherwise known as Tropal by British manufacturers. This example is in issued used condition with its heavy wool collar having some moth visible on close inspection . All fittings are present with sprung hook & eye fastening system in good order. Clothing label is present although faded with two WD Ordnance stampings to inside of coat & the stamp 'FLAMEPROOF' to inside quilted lining. Stamped in ink on the quilted lining is another rectangular maker stamp with date 1941. Good used example of this now scarce coat , classic piece of British cold weather kit.
WW2 British Tropal Lined Coat 1941 Heavy quilted extreme cold waterproof & windproof coat issued to British forces in WW2 & much seen in use in North Africa & Norway ( & also by LRDG units ) according to photographic evidence from the period. Coat is Kapok lined, this being an insulating material otherwise known as Tropal by British manufacturers. This example is in excellent unissued condition with its heavy wool collar having no moth . All fittings are present with sprung hook & eye fastening system in good order. Clothing label is intact denoting manufacturer as Belmont & Co Ltd & made in 1941. WD Ordnance stampings to inside of coat & the stamp 'FLAMEPROOF' to inside quilted lining. Stamped in ink on the quilted lining is another maker stamp with regard to its kapok lining & the date 1941. Excellent example of this now scarce coat , classic piece of British cold weather kit.
WW2 British Unit Decalled Helmet, Royal West Kents 1939 Very nice example of an early MKII British steel helmet with unit decal to side bearing colours of the Royal West Kent Regiment & rank of sergeant. As will be known unit decals & painted flashes on British helmets were only seen in the pre & early war years in the most part & have now become extremely sought after by collectors worldwide. This piece was recently acquired with the seperately listed Royal West Kents Slouch Hat ( Item 2880 )having both belonged to the same man. Exterior of helmet is in typically khaki brown paint with the blue & buff colours of the regiment having been applied to the side. Decal is in a thick applied paint which although intact has subdued with age as has the outer finish which has mottled slightly. Interestingly the soldier has had his rank of sergeant applied according to his own & the units preference. Inside of shell has manufacturer markings with date of 1939 as has the liner cradle which is also 1939 dated. Web chinstrap intact although some age to metal surfaces. Overall a scarce helmet to an interesting regiment.
WW2 British Unlined Collar \'37 Pattern Battledress 1940 Rare unlined collar '37 pattern battledress relevant for the period of the Dunkirk campaign where the BEF were pushed back by rapidly advancing German forces. This is the early war first pattern of battledress with concealed brass dished buttons & an unlined collar. Later issues of the 37 pattern had collar linings as standard & so this is one of the earliest produced. A very good example this piece has WD inspectors stamp with calico clothing label & clear date 1940. The manufacturer is that of 'Prices Tailors Proprietors of Fifty Shilling Tailors with broad arrow marking beneath. All of its brass dished buttons are present to front fly & cuffs with two revolving vegetable ivory shank buttons to shoulder straps. I have examined this battledress but incredibly found no moth ! Rare piece , seldom found now.
WW2 British Unlined Collar \'37 Pattern Battledress Blouse Rare unlined collar \'37 pattern battledress relevant for the period of the Dunkirk campaign where the BEF were pushed back by rapidly advancing German forces. This is the early war first pattern of battledress with concealed brass dished buttons & an unlined collar. Later issues of the 37 pattern had collar linings as standard & so this is one of the earliest produced. A very good example this piece has a \'Q\' coded WD inspectors stamp for the year 1940. All of its brass dished buttons are present to front fly & cuffs with two revolving vegetable ivory shank buttons to shoulder straps.There are a couple of very small moth holes to the battledress , only noticeable upon close inspection. Traces of removed insignia still partially visible. Rare piece , seldom found now.
WW2 British WAAF Uniform Grouping Service Dress uniform grouping to a female Flight Sergeant serving with the Womens Auxiliary Air Force comprising of four pocket 1939 pattern SD tunic, blue shirt , skirt & necktie all coming from the same WAAF who served in WW2. The WAAFs were an integral part of the RAF in WW2 making a massive contribution to Britains arduous war effort. SD tunic is dated 1942 & has all of its brass kings crown buttons complete. All insignia is original to the tunic & untouched since the war their being the Albatross embroidered Air Force shoulder badges with the Auxiliary 'A' underneath which is correct for WAAF. Also present are embroidered sergeant chevrons with brass Kings crowns for rank of Flight Sergeant as well as the brass Musicians badge mounted on right arm. Service chevrons to right arm denote five years war service. Clothing label to inside of jacket denotes made by Coleman & Sons with clear date 1942. A hand stitched name label is present inside the collar with name STOKES & service number. . Skirt is matching to the tunic & blue shirt has matching name & number to that of the tunic. Interestingly the brass rank crowns are secured on inside of the arms with a dog tag as backing on each. These bear a different name to that on the rest of the uniform however may well be her first issue of dogtags. A change of name would certainly suggest that she married & was therefore issued a new set of tags rendering her first set obsolete hence them being put to good use here. Overall a very nice uniform group in excellent condition with only some very minor nips in places noticeable only on close inspection. Sizes are tunic ; Height 5'5 - 5'6 Breast 37"- 38 " Waist 29"- 30" Skirt - 26-27 inch waist.
WW2 British Womens ATS Paybook, Ephemera & Medal Group Very nice complete group to a member of the famous ATS ( Auxiliary Territorial Service ) comprised of her AB64 Paybook, two Anti Aircraft Command Divisional Patches, Medals, two badges/brooches , two military manuals one on Drill for members of the ATS & also a large wartime photograph album giving a fascinating insight into wartime Britain in WW2. Enlisting in April 1942 & Discharged in November 1944 for family reasons , Lance Sergeant Bayley ( maiden name) was evidently attached to Anti Aircraft Comnmand which is strongly evidenced by the presence of two printed Anti Aircraft Command patches with the group. Her paybook holds much information about her service including many various training entries from April 1942 up to Jan 1944 especially a 'Unit Instructors Course' entry dated 26/11/43. Also shown are two service stripes awarded on 11th May 1944 as well as leave dates, medical information ( innoculation, vaccination, classification etc ) & kit issue. Accompanying this are her two medals the Defence medal & War medal & an ATS lapel brooch with inscription to the 93rd Searchlight Regiment Royal Artillery giving a clue as to one of her units served with. A wartime photograph of several ATS members with a male soldier all in uniform was found in the back of the paybook & has on the back the names of those in the picture. The military instructional manual is on Drill for the military services including the ATS & is accompanied by an HMSO booklet entitled ' Roof Over Britain' . The large black bound photograph album has fifty pages of family photographs taken in & around England during the wartime period with family members at home , in the garden out & about etc. There are several shots of associated family members in uniform from all three services the RAF, Navy & Army including a wedding shot with an Army officer in NO 2 Dress. Giving a fascinating flashback to the wartime period there are also photographs taken of the outside front & back of the family dwelling as well as some shots of inside preserving for prosperity the decor style of the period. Overall a very nice group to one of the many women auxiliaries serving with Anti Aircraft Command in WW2.
WW2 British Womens ATS Service Dress Jacket 1941 Fine example of the Womens Auxiliary Territorial Service four pocket SD jacket in serge material of the 1941 pattern & dated December 1941. The popular ATS organisation are well remembered today as having provided a remarkable supporting role to Britains armed forces when many of the men were away fighting in WW2. This SD jacket belonged to an ATS member attached to the 1st Corps as denoted by the embroidered patches on each arm . A good conduct chevron is also present to left sleeve denoting two years for good conduct service. Brass ATS titles to each shoulder with GS buttons to front & pockets ( lower right minus ). There has been a badge at some point attached to above left breast pocket which often denoted unit with which served , i.e; Royal Signals, CMP etc. Light service use overall with very small hole to front above left breast pocket but overall good.
WW2 British \' As Found\' Netted Camouflage MKII Steel Helmet if you are looking for a \'straight out of the attic\' WW2 British fighting soldiers steel helmet with its netting nicely \'moulded\' onto the helmet & untouched since WW2 then this one could be for you. Found with the scarce WW2 US \'Resistal\' goggles listed seperately ( Code 9517 ) this helmet displays all the charactor of a true combat veteran. To the exterior of the helmet can be seen the typical age fading of its wartime issue green netting to an almost yellow colour with the rough factory khaki brown visible underneath this. There is minor rust bleed in places which can be seen in some areas of the netting. The liner screw is quite clearly undisturbed. To the underside of the helmet can be seen the unweathered green areas of the netting with its string tie still tightly knotted at the forehead area. The MkII liner cradle is very faintly stamped with the maker name \'AG & Co\' with the date 1942. There are a few liner manufacturers whose stampings can be hard to see & this is one of them however it is just about visible. The \'RO & Co\' is faintly visible to underside of the shell for the manufacturer Rubery Owen & Co Ltd of Dagenham. Chinstrap is of the MkIII pattern introduced in March 1941. A service number & initials of \' DCIJ 278/3 \' appears to one end of the chinstrap. A fantastic example untouched since WW2.
WW2 British \' B.E.F Dunkirk \' Period Aluminium Waterbottle & Carrier 1939 The scarce \' Bottle , Water , Aluminium \' which saw only limited use from 1939 until its withdrawal from service to aid the aluminium salvage drive in 1941.These never had a cover & were issued as you see it now. Very much in use by British troops of the BEF in the early war period they are very hard to find today. This well used example comes still in its original khaki factory paint finish & with the markings on the bottom of the tin \' MMS 1939 /I \' . The soldier has scratched some details into the bottle such as what appears to be a name & number which may well be dechiperable upon closer inspection .The unblancoed webbing cradle is dated 1940 & it has a helmet strap from the large pack buckled on which is as it was found. Inside the bottle is a French cork which , with the aid of a torch , I can see has written on it \'MIS EN BOUTEILLE DANS NOS CAVES \' so it would appear this was being used until it found itself trapped within the bottle! Scarce BEF period item !
WW2 British \' B.E.F Dunkirk \' Period Aluminium Waterbottle & Carrier 1939 The scarce ' Bottle , Water , Aluminium ' saw only limited use from 1939 until its withdrawal from service to aid the aluminium salvage drive in 1941. These never had a cover & were issued as you see it now. Very much in use by British troops of the BEF in the early war period they are very hard to find today. This well used example comes still in its original khaki factory paint finish & with the markings on the bottom of the tin ' MMS 1939 /I ' . The soldier has scratched some details into the bottle such as what appears to be a name & number which may well be dechiperable upon closer inspection .The unblancoed webbing cradle is dated 1940 & has a helmet strap from the large pack buckled on which is as it was found. Inside the bottle is a French cork which , with the aid of a torch , I can see has written on it 'MIS EN BOUTEILLE DANS NOS CAVES ' so it would appear this was being used as a replacement stopper at some point in its life until being trapped within the bottle for eternity ! Scarce BEF period item !
WW2 British \' D-Day\' Assault Gas Mask & Carrying Bag (All Pre D-Day Dated) This is the 1943 pattern of British gas mask issued for use in the D-Day Landings by British & Allied troops & later by the Airborne troops during the Battle of Arnhem. It is practically impossible to find these with wartime dated filters most encountered now being of postwar issue. This gas mask is 1943 dated to rear yoke & May 1944 dated to rubber facepiece with a 1/6/44 issue date stamped onto lower mask area. Dated March 1943 to carrying bag & also with the same \'3/43\' date to carrying strap it comes with a rare wartime dated filter manufacturer stamped September 1942 & with issue ink stamp date of \'12-4-44\' just predating D Day. There are also a pack of anti gas eyeshields still in the bag which came still inside it. Excelllent condition rare piece with a small dent to filter.
WW2 British \' Pixie\' Tank Suit 1944 A now very hard to find 1944 dated British army Tank Crews Suit otherwise known as the 'Pixie Suit' . This piece has its original clothing label still present to inside of cuff giving maker name & size as well as the all important date of 1944. There is also an M coded inspectors stamp to the inside lining for the year 1944. A used item I have gently tested both of the front full length zips & they still work. Also the internal harness strap system is still present as well as its waistbelt . Brass pop studs as is correct. There are general signs of wear & tear with a couple of holes & small tears in places which i have pictured. Some grubby marks through general wear & storage are also visible. These can be seen in period footage being used by tank crews & are particularly applicable to the NW Europe theatre of war. A very rare wartime suit the only ones usually seen are the almost visually identical postwar issues with non brass pop studs & 1950s dates.
WW2 British \' Time Capsule\' MKII Netted Camouflage Steel Helmet 1941 Dated A recently discovered total \'time capsule\' WW2 British infantry netted camouflage helmet with 1941 date to liner cradle. This iconic helmet is typical of those worn by the British soldier in Normandy & the rest of N.W Europe with most being seen having either the first or second model of net fitted to their helmets for camouflage. This example is finished in rough brown khaki paint to its exterior with the net placed over the top & showing matching wear & field damage overall. To the underside of the helmets rim can be seen the maker initials \'JSS \' for the firm Joseph Sankey & Sons who made helmet shells from 1938-1941. The liner cradle shows the maker \'FH\' who produced from 1940-41 with the 1941 date clearly visible. Chinstrap intact . A fabulous combat helmet perfect for Normandy British infantry display !
WW2 British \' Woodwork Find \' Netted Camouflage Helmet 1939 I was recently fortunate enough to pick up two totally untouched \' out of the woodwork \' British camouflage netted MkII helmets this being the first & the other listed seperately. In the early rough khaki brown finish issued to British combat troops in the early stages of WW2 the liner is of the Mk1 pattern with early oval crash pad soon replaced later in 1939 with the MkII liner system. The maker name of \' J.C.S & W Ltd & size 6 3/4 plus the clear date of 1939 can be seen to cradle & so this is one of the last productions before the switchover later that same year. Undisturbed & totally original to the helmet the net is securely tied to the helmet with chinstrap intact. With wear overall these untouched non messed with examples have now become extremely hard to find .
WW2 British \' Woodwork Find \' Netted Camouflage Helmet 1939 I was recently fortunate enough to pick up two totally untouched \' out of the woodwork \' British camouflage netted MkII helmets this being the first & the other listed seperately. In the early rough khaki brown finish issued to British combat troops in the early stages of WW2 the liner is of the Mk1 pattern with early oval crash pad soon replaced later in 1939 with the MkII liner system. The maker name of VERO & size 7 1/2 plus the clear date of 1939 can be seen to cradle & so one of the last productions before the switchover later that same year. Undisturbed & totally original to the helmet the net is securely tied to the helmet with chinstrap intact. A soldiers name has been written on the liner in hand which appears to be \'Candy\' or similar. With wear overall these untouched non messed with examples have now become extremely hard to find .
WW2 British \'11th Hussars\' Officers SD Cap - Normandy Interest A very nice untouched & recently surfaced field worn officers service dress cap of the 11th Hussars with its original cap badge having never been off of the cap. Very hard to find an actual field worn British officers cap this piece displays all of the attributes one would expect to see on a piece worn daily in the field with his battledress there being dirt & wear to its entirety & telltale thumbwear to the top centre of the crown where it was put on & taken off . Moth free & a fantastic timecapsule piece ! It is well known that this famous cavalry unit known as the ' Cherrypickers' fought at Tobruk , El Alamein , North Africa , Italy as well as extensively in the Normandy campaign & NW Europe 1944-45 where the following Battle Honours are remembered : Villers Bocage, Bourguébus Ridge, Mont Pinçon, Jurques, Dives Crossing, La Vie Crossing, Lisieux, Le Touques Crossing, Risle Crossing, Roer, Rhine, Ibbenburen, Aller, North-West Europe 1944–45 .
WW2 British \'37 Pattern Battledress Trousers Another rare pair of what I believe to be 1939 manufactured \'37 pattern British battledress trousers with top buttoned belt loops , stitched shut dressing pocket predating those with a button & adjustable ankle tabs. It is interesting to note that the Field Dressing is still stitched into its Dressing pocket .. the trousers came like this having been stored away in private hands for many years until recently. I have so far resisted the temptation to unstitch the pocket it most likely having been there since WW2! Trousers have all of their brass dished buttons to front fly , waist & ankles with a very early \'W/ID\' inspection stamp to internal waistband. Very early issues can be found without the date coding as here. In very good condition with some minor wear to the nap of the cloth there are three small period stitch repairs at the rear. Measuring an approx size 34 inch waist with 31inch inside leg.
WW2 British \'37 Pattern Labelled Battledress Trousers An excellent pair of 1937 pattern British battledress trousers with calico clothing label still intact & ankle tabs still present to bottoms. Many examples encountered have had the label removed from the rear waistband however here we can see from the nomenclature that they were made by the \' Hope Manufacturing Co Ltd \' of Leeds & bear the War Department broad arrow mark . The lack of a pattern date to the label is indicative of early pieces these being made before the introduction of the 1940 pattern. With correct top fastening belt loops to waist the first field dressing pocket is fastened by a vegetable ivory revolving shank button . Now scarce these are in quite superb condition with only one small matchstick sized moth hole to rear pocket area.
WW2 British \'37 Pattern Unlined Collar Battledress dRare unlined collar '37 pattern battledress relevant for the period of the Dunkirk campaign where the BEF were pushed back by rapidly advancing German forces. This is the early war first pattern of battledress with concealed brass dished buttons & an unlined collar. Later issues of the 37 pattern had collar linings as standard & so this is one of the earliest produced. All of the brass dished buttons are original to the battledress & marked 'H&H B'HAM' to their reverse. Shoulders have both vegetable ivory buttons affixed. Clothing label is too worn to be able to read anything other than ' BATTLEDRESS BLOUSE,SERGE ' . In overall very good worn condition there are a couple of small hardly noticeable moth nips to the right cuff & a button minus from the right hand breast pocket . A rare battledress , unlined collar versions do not surface often.
WW2 British \'37 Pattern Unlined Collar Battledress Blouse 1940 Rare unlined collar '37 pattern battledress blouse complete with 1940 dated label. An example that has survived in excellent condition the owner finetuned its appearance slightly by putting his own buttons on the shoulders & edging the armpit areas with material for added comfort. Clothing label to inside gives a very acceptable 'Size 10' with maker name & date ' G.Glanfield & Son Ltd 1940 ' Although one may assume this belonged to an officer a cursory inspection by my naked eye has not found evidence of officer pips having been there. One small moth hole to rear left shoulder blade area & small stitch repair to front right pocket ( See pictures ). Almost impossible to find unlined collar battledress now especially with this good clear 1940 date.
WW2 British \'37 Pattern \'BEF Dunkirk\' Period Unlined Collar Battledress 1940 Rare unlined collar \'37 pattern battledress dated March 1940 & relevant for the period of the Dunkirk campaign where the BEF were pushed back by rapidly advancing German forces. This is the early war first pattern of battledress with concealed brass dished buttons & an unlined collar. Later issues of the 37 pattern had collar linings as standard & so one of the earliest produced. All buttons are present on this example & marked to rear with maker. Shoulders have GS buttons affixed , an early carryover from the preceding \'22 pattern tunic. Broad arrow marked clothing label has the early nomenclature \' Blouse , Battledress Serge \' with maker \' I.Beenstock & Co Ltd \' . An ink stamped date reads March 1940. The Q coded War Department inspection marking denotes also the year 1940.
WW2 British \'39 Pattern Leather Officers Equipment Set A complete set of the British officers 1939 pattern leather equipment which was designed hastily over one weekend & basically mirrors that of its 1937 pattern equivalent. Designed in an attempt to meet the equipment demands of a suddenly much expanded army it was only ever produced in relatively small quantities compared to its webbing counterpart with the last recorded manufacture noted as being in 1942. It is very difficult to find markings as they were mostly ink stamped if at all & then just a broad arrow with inspection number. Shown where visible... This set comprises : 1. Waistbelt- broad arrow & number 2. Pr shoulder braces - 1941 & broad arrow 3. Pistol holster - Faint marks 4. Ammunition pouch 5. Binocular case -JBB1940 6. Compass pouch 7.Waterbottle - broad arrow All in excellent order with no rot to the leather it would be practically impossible to put together this complete set . FROM THE COLLECTION OF MAIN KARKEEWEB CONTRIBUTOR CHRIS POLLENDINE , AUTHOR OF THE SUPERB REFERENCE WORKS CAMPAIGN 1914 & CAMPAIGN 1915 BY MILITARY MODE PUBLISHING .
WW2 British \'40 Pattern Battledress Blouse 1942 A now rare unissued battledress blouse of the \'40 pattern with clothing label giving date of 1942. Blouse has all of its brown buttons to front fly , breast pockets & cuffs & its two hook & eye fastening to collar. One central button is cracked (See image ) Waist is fastened with a \' Will Not Rust \' marked buckle & slider grip. Shoulders have the textbook vegetable ivory revolving shank buttons to each side both intact. Clothing label gives a very acceptable large Size 15 with the maker CWS Ltd & date September 1942. An \'O\' coded war department inspectors stamp for the year 1942 is present to inside lining fly. There are two very small pin prick moth holes to left arm & a small nibble to one edge of the right shoulder strap however these really are hardly noticeable & do not detract from what is a difficult item to find now.
WW2 British \'40 Pattern R.E.M.E 21st Army Group/British Troops In France Battledress Blouse 1944 Dated An untouched originally badged 1940 pattern battledress to a member of the R.E.M.E serving with 21st Army Group/British Troops In France. With its very legible 1944 dated clothing label still intact to inside this is a well worn field used battledress that , according to the medal ribbons on left breast , has seen service in France & Germany . The embroidered R.E.M.E shoulder titles surmount Div patch with the dark blue , yellow & red arm of service strip beneath this on both arms. The application of these badges is typically soldier applied being crudely sewn in brown thread but executed neatly enough to satisfy his senior NCOs. Medal ribbons are 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star & Defence medal. The 'M' coded inspectors stamp is visible to inside right lining. In very good moth free condition there is dirt to the underside of the collar & cuffs & some wear to the nap of the cloth.
WW2 British \'B.E.F-Fall of France\' Period Gordon Highlanders Tam O Shanter 1940 Rare 'timecapsule' Tam O Shanter of the Gordon Highlanders with Glasgow maker & 1940 date. 1st Battalion went to France with the British Expeditionary Force in September 1939 but was mostly captured in June 1940 at Saint-Valery-en-Caux during the Battle Of France. This rare item of Scottish headdress is totally untouched with correct undisturbed tartan backing behind its badge. The maker name of 'A&J Gelfer, Glasgow' is printed within a diamond to the lining with size '7 1/4' & 1940 date with broad arrow. A patch of celluloid has been used by the soldier to stiffen the rear of the badge this being two prong mounted as it should be. When one examines the construction of this piece it is of note that tan cotton has been used for the crown with early aertex material such as found in shirts lining the sides. Tightening lace still present to rear. Named with a number to lining which lends itself to further research.
WW2 British \'B.E.F.\' Military Police Grouping With Desert Camouflaged Helmet An interesting group of items from one mans service at first with the Royal Artillery & then the Corps of Military Police. This man began his service in the early stages of WW2 with many of the items dated 1939 & 1940. The gas mask has the rare shortlived EA filter which is thought to have only been issued to certain BEF units in 1939. Many of these were left behind in France during the evacuation of Dunkirk & so it would appear that this man was a participant in the early BEF campaign. It is of particular note that the MkII helmet is Desert camouflaged on the outside & 1940 dated...an indication of later deployment in this theatre of service. Group comprises the following items - 1. MkII Desert Camouflaged Helmet ( Named ) 2. '37 Patt Large Pack With L & R Straps (1939 Dated ) 3. 4 X Helmet Straps 4. Pr .303 Cartridge Pouches 1939 Dated 5. 2 X Web Waist Belt, White blanco & Khaki ( Named ) 6. Knitted Balaclava ( Early War Chunky Knit Style ) 7. Pr Woollen Gloves 8. One Woollen Wristlet 9. Rare EA filtered Gas Mask & Haversack 1938/39 10. Pr Motorcycle Goggles 11. 4 X Stirrups 12. 2 X Brass Cleaning Sticks ( Early Pattern ) 13. 2 x Personal Kit Ditty bags 14. Two Whistles ( Some Rust ) 15. A quantity Of .303 Early War Spent Cartridge Cases With 3 x Chargers. 1940 Dates . 16. Two Artillery Fuse Cones 17. 4 X Military Police Notebooks ( 1944 Editions But With entries From 1951 ) 18. 1944 Dated KFS set ( Oxidisation ) The helmet is 1940 dated to rim underside with his name 'WATTS' scratched onto the outside edge. His Military Police Notebooks ( Army Form 466 ) are all 1944 printed with Police Duties entered between the dates November 1951 & August 1952. Interesting entries pertain to , for example , Pte Tuck of the RAOC who is noted to have had ' Greatcoat buttons undone & both hands in pockets ' . This whole group was recently shed found so there is a little bit of rust to some of the items such as the whistles & stirrups.
WW2 British \'Battle Of The Bulge\' Snow Suit ( Used By American Troops In Ardennes ) A British snow suit smock & trousers in heavy weight white cotton as issued to troops in winter snow terrain. These were also issued to American troops in N.W Europe during the winter of 1944 as they suffered from a severe shortage of white camouflage garments & obtained 15,000 suits from the British. With four buttoned pockets to the front & an integral hood there is also a drawcord to the bottom hem. Smock is dated 1942 &a very desirable large size 4. It still has its label intact reading \' Smock,Snow Suits\' & is made by Denham Ltd. TRousers have had label removed. A super condition example it is ideal for an Ardennes or Germany mannequin setup. These heavyweight versions are very difficult to obtain today .
WW2 British \'Blitz\' Air Raid Wardens Helmet With Matching 1938 Dates Throughout A fabulous example of the Air Raid Wardens helmet this being one of the earliest helmets with all components dated 1938. Interestingly the first issues of the MKII helmet did not go to the armed forces but to the Police & Fire services due to a large shortage which needed to be met. Supplies to the armed forces & Air raid Precautions began to be made in early 1939 with the various colours of each service being painted on at the time of manufacture. This helmet has the standard khaki finish to the underside of its rim with black to the exterior & a white \'W\' to the front. The date 1938 can be seen to the underside of the rim along with the scarce maker initials of \'WD\' for the firm William Dobson & Son of Birmingham who only made helmets from 1938-1940. The date 1938 can be seen to chinstrap lugs & also the liner cradle which is VERO marked & a size 7. Helmet has early oval pad.
WW2 British \'HSAT\' Fibre Rim Paratrooper/Airborne Helmet 1942 Rare example of the early fibre rim Airborne helmet or to use its official designation 'HSAT' - Helmet , Steel , Airborne Troops . This helmet was produced as of June 1942 up until October of that same year & so only had a limited production run until it was replaced by later models. Still in use right through WW2 early Airborne troops wore this model in North Africa & Italy then Normandy & Arnhem alongside later slightly remodelled examples. A helmet that could clearly tell a story this fabulous piece of Airborne history retains a high proportion of its original khaki rough textured paint to inside & out with fibre rim band still firmly in place . Interior of helmet has riveted chinstraps with yellow sorbo pads remaining in very good supple condition. The leather headband is marked 'BMB' with size 6 1/2 & date '1942' . Covered with a scrim camouflage net this has been tied around the rim & I have made no attempt to remove it .
WW2 British \'Morris Motors Fire Brigade\' Helmet 1941 From a private British helmet collection recently purchased many of which will be offered on the collectors market for the first time in the forthcoming updates. A British Home Front Zuckerman helmet with insignia to front for Morris Motors Fire Brigade. Morris Motors were a Cowley, Oxfordshire based factory which manufactured much large military equipment such as Tiger Moths, Tanks, Scout Cars , DUKWs & gun barrels. The No.1 Metal & Produce Recovery Depot run by the Civilian Repair Organisation was also based there handlling crashed or damaged aircraft as well as enemy airplane wreckage for the war effort. Finished in the standard civilian grey paint it has the red motif painted to front & displays overall quite heavy wear. Interior has intact 1941 dated liner with 1941 date to underside of shell. Interesting piece from a very old Home Front helmet collection.
WW2 British \'Oversuit , Tank Crews \' 1944 A now very hard to find 1944 dated British army Tank Crews Suit otherwise known as the \'Pixie Suit\' . This piece has its original clothing label still present to inside of cuff giving maker name & size as well as the all important date of 1944. A used item I have gently tested both of the front full length zips & they still work perfectly . Also the internal harness strap system is still present as well as its waistbelt . Brass pop studs as is correct. Some grubbiness through general wear overall so looks the part for a battle hardened British tankie ! These can be seen in period footage being used by tank crews & are particularly applicable to the NW Europe theatre of war. A very rare wartime suit the only ones usually seen are the almost visually identical postwar issues with non brass pop studs & 1950s dates.
WW2 British \'Timecapsule\' Royal Artillery Helmet A very heavily used MkII British helmet with blue & red Royal Artillery flash to left side. This helmet was a recent European purchase & displays three different layers of paint indicative to that of a well used Artillery Gunners helmet. Closely examining this fascinating piece one can see the first light khaki rough paint finish dating from the very early war period in damaged areas of its outer areas. At some point probably around 1940 the helmet received a darker brown overpaint then followed by a thick dark green overpaint later on again. When one inspects the current painted RA flash a damaged area allows us to see a previous flash which was directly applied to the earlier light khaki paint. The later coats were painted around its edges giving the whole insignia an appealing sunken into the paint look. The top tightening nut is clearly totally undisturbed . Underside of the helmet has been left in its first light khaki finish with 1939 date visible to chinstrap lugs. A faint name is visible under the front lip. Liner cradle dated 1938 with early oval dome pad. Chinstrap is frayed in one area from apparent rodent biting , this has been clipped in ad hoc on the decal side due to part of the lug being minus. A heavily worn 'been in action' British helmet & an eyewitness to the NW Europe battles.
WW2 British/US P17 Bolt Action Rifle Fine example of the WW1 US 'P17' rifle this being produced by the United States upon their entry into WW1 to meet their growing rifle demand . Basically a copy of the earlier P14 model produced for the British the P17 differed in that it was made for the 30-06 round other than that they were virtually identical. The P17 saw service with the Home Guard in WW2 along with its earlier counterpart the P14. This rifle was made by Winchester & is in overall sound condition. It has some wear & overall usage to the metal surfaces being that of a most likely Home Guard used example. The Model 1917 & Winchester receiver logo can be seen with serial number 407691 which would appear to date this example to the Sept/October 1918 period. Production of the P17 ceased in 1919. The WW1 eagles head acceptance stamp can also be seen on the left receiver rail as well as other parts of the rifle. Overall a good piece & an interesting part of Americas WW1 history. Comes with Home Office certificate of deactivation . UK sales only .
WW2 Canadian 3rd Infantry Division Royal Canadian Army Service Corps Battledress 1943 A battledress with totally original badges to the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps this man attached to the 3rd Infantry Division as is denoted by the French grey lozenge to sleeves. The 3rd Canadian Infantry division were heavily involved in the battle for Normandy fighting around Caen & Falaise against elite German combat troops. The battledress itself is in fact an American made January 1943 dated War Aid example provided under the Lend Lease agreement. Insignia comprises blue backed 'R.C.A.S.C ' shoulder titles with 'CANADA' title & divisional lozenge. The embroidered 'MT' badge to left sleeve denotes Motor Transport & one red chevron to right denotes one years service overseas. It is clear that this BD has seen much service use with its embroidered Canadian insignia all hand stitched applied. Some minor moth nips appear in places with this being the most visible to the lower edges of the chest pockets.
WW2 Canadian Air Force Patt 1919/25 Waterbottle & Carrier An interesting item of Canadian Air Force webbing equipment being the Canadian made version of the 1919 equipment adopted by them in September 1928 following their purchase of Britains latest web equipment set in 1927 to meet their increasing demand. Confusingly the Canadians had actually adopted the British made 1925 pattern web equipment but designated it themselves as the 1919 pattern this therefore being of a very early design with the securing strap pop stud still mid body reminiscent of the 1908 pattern. Two Canadian firms manufactured the British designed web equipment as of 1940 this piece having been manufactured by ZL&T ( Zephyr Loom & Textile) & dated 1943. Canadian broad arrow stamp to web cradle with some moth to felt of waterbottle. This set has come together the bottle being an early production piece & having traces of oval ink stamp to bottom.
WW2 Canadian Argyll & Sutherlanders Tam O\' Shanter & Wartime Photograph In Wear By Owner 1941 A superb 1941 dated Tam O Shanter of the Canadian Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders completely as kept by the family since the war until now & coming with a studio wartime photograph of the man wearing this very item in service . This well worn item of Canadian headdress retains its original wartime worn badge backed with the correct No1.A tartan of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. It is interesting to note that the badge was mounted with a large piece of card behind inside the cap to hold it in the correct position. Interior displays heavy dirt & sweat staining to its headband although the Scottish manufacturer mark , sizing & date of \' 7 1/8 A & J GELFER GLASGOW 1941 /I \' are clear. The photograph shows the man in \'40 pattern battledress with rank of corporal & a triangular flash to his left battledress shoulder. In excellent worn condition there is wear to the nap of the cloth but no moth whatsoever. A true piece of Canadian history. This famous unit fought in the Falaise area of Normandy in early August 1944 & on to their first major action at Hill 195 on 10 August. In the Falaise Gap, a battle group of \"B\" and \"C\" companies of the Argylls, and a squadron of South Alberta Regiment tanks captured St Lambert-sur-Dives and held it for three days against desperate counter-attacks. The action resulted in Major David Vivian Currie of the South Albertas being awarded the Victoria Cross. They then continued on in the North western Europe campaign & were known to be formidable soldiers.
WW2 Canadian Artillery Bullet Damaged Helmet With Remains Of Insignia A souvenir of the Normandy campaign this Canadian MkII helmet has remains of a red & blue flash for Artillery to left side & bullet damage to front & back. There is also a name & some initials written to underside of shell which may be dechpierbale upon closer examination. Helmet has a very typically Canadian thick dark brown handpainted overcoat to exterior with the Canadian green factory finish still visible to underside & interior. Remnants of the red & blue colours of the Artillery are just about still visible with two bullets having entered the helmet from the rear with one having travelled through & across the liner before exiting through the front . The second bullet appears to have entered at a higher trajectory so has exited down & out of the inside. Helmet has markings to its shell underside of ' GSW ' for the firm 'General Steel Wares' with date 1941. Liner is marked 'VMC' for 'Viceroy Manufacturing Company' & dated 1942 . Webbing chinstrap is a British issue but exactly how the helmet came.
WW2 Canadian Issue SD Tunic A 1940 dated SD tunic of the '22 pattern with Canadian military issue stamp . These were worn by certain units such as Military Police personnel. This early four pocket tunic has inverted sergeant striped to each arm with a partially legible clothing label to the inside breast. The designation ' JACKETS, SERVICE , DRESS' can be seen with some faint sizing and ' TAILORS' to bottom. A large but faint Canadian ( Toronto ) maker ink stamp with the legible date of 1940 can be seen to lower left breast pocket . There are further markings which I cannot quite discern. Tunic is in very good condition with some minor soldier repairs through service wear. All brass GS buttons still present. One of the shoulder buttons has been replaced with some fraying here to the shoulder strap itself. An interesting tunic , Canadian examples of these not often seen.
WW2 Canadian MKII Artillery Flashed Helmet A very rare unit flashed Canadian infantry helmet from the 3rd Canadian Infantry division who were heavily involved in the Normandy fighting from 6 June 1944 onwards. Helmet has the 71 numbered green & red flash of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps , 8th Infantry Brigade Company who were part of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. The 3rd Canadian Infantry Division were heavily involved in the Normandy campaign fighting right through Caen, Carpiquet & Falaise into the Rhineland & the occupation of Germany. Canadian versions of the MkII helmet were procured as of January 1940 a vast number being produced by the firm Canadian Lamp Company of Windsor. This example is in its correct khaki factory paint with markings C.L/C for the above firm & the date 1942. Liner is made of rubberised canvas & by the expected Canadian firm Viceroy Manufacturing Company of Toronto & has their maker mark 'V.M.C.' size ' 6 1/2' & date visible on one arm . Overall a very rare helmet & a veteran of the Normandy campaign.
WW2 Canadian MkII Helmet 1941 A rare example of the Canadian issue version of the British Mk II helmet made by the Canadian firm 'General Steel Wares ' in 1941. Only subtle material differences distinguish the two apart the most noticeable being the lighter & slightly finer weave web chinstrap. On this example it bears the Canadian issue ink marking of broad arrow within C on the underside of the strap this most often not seen due to wear. Markings on underside of shell are clearly visible 'GSW. R MK1 1941 ' . It interesting to note the Canadian lining manufacturers initial on the cradle ' VMC' for the firm Viceroy Manufacturing Co. ' with size marking ' 7 ' & date 1943. Finished in a khaki green factory paint with a darker vehicle green applied over the outside it is in very good condition with some small movement to chinstrap lugs this being a common trait on Canadian examples.
WW2 Captured German Buckle Belt (British Soldiers War Souvenir) Recently surfaced from the effects of a former WW2 British soldier is this leather waistbelt mounted with captured German belt buckles of the WW1 & WW2 period. Buckles have had the backings taken off them ( with the exception of the aluminium RAD buckle ) & then mounted onto the belt for wear as was often done in the post WW1 period with picked up military badges. These belts are commonly referred to as \' Hate belts\' & are not often seen now having mostly been split, lost or thrown in the tip. This belt has an interesting array of buckles there being two from the German post WW1 veterans organisation \'Der Stahlhelm\' (Steel helmet league) one of which is the 1929 era pattern now quite hard to find. Also present is an aluminium RAD buckle , a brass one piece SA buckle & finally a WW1 Imperial German Prussian buckle being brass with a nickle centre. This is one half of the belt i suspect the other half broke away due to the age of the leather many years ago. Novel souvenir item from a British soldier German buckle collector!
WW2 Corps of Military Police Battledress Grouping An interesting battledress grouping coming direct from a house clearance from a former member of the CMP ( Corps MIlitary Police ) . All of the items photographed ( apart from display bust ) are part of the group & were found in a suitcase named to him , in the loft of his former residence. It appears from initial examination of the group that the subject was a former Gunner of the Royal Artillery who transferred into the CMP at some point later in the war. His name ' Beard ' & service number appear on most of the uniform items including kitbag, battledress & collarless shirt. His service number also appears on the inside of his SD cap sweatband when upturned. Battledress is of the 1940 pattern with faint stores code & clothing label still present although in the main is illegible through wear. This is clearly his field worn BD quite obvious from the wear & dirt in evidence around the collar. Overall in good condition with a couple of small moth nips to be seen on close inspection. Both arms have the scarce printed vulnerable points badges which consist of red VP initials within blue diamonds . The CMP arm of service strip is below this with the printed 'CMP' initialled shoulder titles at top. It is apparent that at some point a move has been made over to the Vulnerable Points wing of the CMP where he would have been guarding installations & buildings that were seen as important vulnerable points such as ammunition dumps, petrol dumps , docks etc. The SD cap has faint stores code for the year 1941 with brass GS buttons to sides & brown leather chinstrap intact. Brass CMP cap badge to cap. A red felt cap cover adorns the cap which came in with the group. There are various training booklets & other related ephemera , some named to him , within the group as well as two issue shirts, his shaving mirror & cloth signallers badge as pictured. Suitcase , although i suspect later than the wartime items , has a nametag attached to it with matching name of 'Beard ' with a Cheshire address. More information can be provided upon request , this is completely as found & fresh to the collectors market.
WW2 Fairbairn Sykes Personalised Commando Knife & Dogtags Named Fairbairn Sykes commando knife with soldiers dogtags all from the one man. Dagger is of the third pattern with ribbed grip but with the soldiers name of \'Roland Waterhouse\' etched into one side of the hilt. Much blueing remains to the blade which has no rust & has clearly been well looked after. Brown leather sheath & its securement tabs are in excellent supple condition with no dryness but the brown elastic retaining strap is cut off at the top although the ends can still be seen confirming it to be a good wartime piece. Much blueing remains on the metal chape which is still strong & not loose being on the bottom of the sheath. Knife comes with the soldiers dogtags which are the standard issue khaki & red cardboard on their original string. Dogtags bear the name GR WATERHOUSE matching the dagger & show his religion to have been Church of England. Nice couple of items from one man in need of some research to find out what unit he served with.
WW2 French 1940 \' Battle Of France\' Prisoner of War Uniform Grouping A uniform grouping to a French soldier who was captured during the 1940 Battle for France . Instantly recognisable as having been pencilled onto the tunic are the initials \' K G \' for the German word \'Kriegsgafanen\' ( Prisoner Of War ) so that the prisoner could be recognised as such in the case of his escape. Many of the 1.8 million French prisoners captured during the Battle for France in 1940 were initially held at camps in France however due to many escapes were soon relocated into Germany as the war raged on. The \' Vareuse\' (tunic) itself is an early model of the 1920 pattern with seven buttons & leather reinforced equipment hooks to each side . These were still being worn during the Battle For France as they were on issue to all French troops with the exception of Colonials. All insignia was removed from the collar in captivity however the original buttons remain to front fly all being Paris maker marked. The pantaloons are of the standard issue 1933 model & are very well used with holes ! Completing the set is the forage cap with front section of the cloth removed most likely so it could be worn down in the cold. An interesting group & portraying the plight of most French soldiers in the turmoil of 1940.
WW2 French AFV Helmet - Battle For France 1940 A rare French M35 steel helmet specifically designed for tank crews , AFV crews & cavalry personnel. These were widely worn by French motorised troops in the run up to WW2 & certainly saw much action during the 1940 invasion of France when she fielded , as a nation, a much larger number of Armoured vehicles than the Germans . Badged to the front with the early \'15 model of infantry flaming grenade this helmet would have been used by troops such as those of the Mounted Machine Gun Squadrons & Armoured Fighting Vehicle crews that were under control of the infantry as well as motorcyle & side car personnel all under the same umbrella. Factory finished in green it has a large proportion of its original paint remaining with typical service wear to crown. The multi piece sheepskin liner system is dated 1939 to the headband & conforms to the 1937 version which was slightly improved from earlier issues. Original drawstring intact. A fantastic piece of French combat history , service used & oozing history from the early fighting of WW2.
WW2 French Armoured Vehicle Helmet Dated 1939 A rare French M35 steel helmet specifically designed for tank crews , AFV crews & cavalry personnel. These were widely worn by French motorised troops in the run up to WW2 & certainly saw much action during the 1940 invasion of France when she fielded , as a nation, a much larger number of Armoured vehicles than the Germans . Badged to the front with the 1937 roundel model of infantry flaming grenade this helmet would have been used by troops such as those of the Mounted Machine Gun Squadrons & Armoured Fighting Vehicle crews that were under control of the infantry as well as motorcyle & side car personnel all under the same umbrella. Factory finished in green it has received a hand applied overpaint of brown which was sometimes done to further maximise its camouflage effect. This totally untouched specimen is dated 1939 to the interior crown of the shell with the maker ' FRANCK' above this. The multi piece sheepskin liner system is dated 1939 to the headband & conforms to the 1937 version which was slightly improved from earlier issues. Original drawstring intact. A fantastic piece of French combat history , service used & oozing history from the early fighting of WW2.
WW2 French Artillery Helmet With Battle For France Interest Having 1st June 1940 Dated Newspaper Placed Inside Liner This French helmet can be specifically placed as worn during the Battle For France period having a piece of folded newspaper placed behind the rear portion of the liner with date 1st June 1940. The Battle For France raged from 10th May - 25th June 1940. Badged to artillery troops this is a WW1 period helmet of the M15 model hand overpainted by brush in khaki over its earlier blue & reused in the early stages of WW2 in the updated brown / green colour of the army . A careful examination of the interior crown underneath the liner gives us the manufacture name \' Jouet De Paris \' . It has a multi construction black leather liner with an impressively intact light brown chinstrap. The newspaper section has been folded & placed behind the rear of the liner to aid in its fitting or for insulation purposes . Having not removed it alot of the wording & the 1940 date can be seen by careful maneuvering of that part of the liner. With only minor loss of paint finish in places this is a true veteran from those early days of WW2.
WW2 French Artillery M26 \' Fall of France \' Adrian Helmet The second of two \' timecapsule\' French Artillery helmets that were found in the area of Chemery-Sur Bar just outside of Bulson,France the scene of a large battle against German invading forces in the Summer of 1940. This French M26 Adrian helmet for artillery troops was the standard issue French combat helmet being worn during the Battle for France in 1940. Helmet is factory finished in the standard khaki brown matching the uniform of the period with the early M15 style of crossed cannons badge for artillery. This style was not replaced until the introduction of the new roundel insignia in 1937 however both can be seen in wear during the summer of 1940. The interior retains its original black leather padded liner system with stainless steel clips & a clear oval stamp of the maker with 1936 date. Underside of shell is ink stamped with maker & date of \' DUCELLIER. PARIS 1938\' can be seen to the underside of the shell. The thick brown leather chinstrap is intact & still supple, the quality of these had improved considerably since the earlier thin M15 versions. I have made no attempt to clean this helmet leaving it just as it was found .
WW2 French Artillery M26 \'Fall Of France 1940\' Adrian A French M26 Adrian helmet for artillery troops this was the standard issue French combat helmet being worn during the Battle for France in 1940. This totally sleepy piece was found in the area of Chemery-Sur Bar just outside of Bulson,France the scene of a large battle against German invading forces in the Summer of 1940. Helmet is factory finished in the standard khaki brown matching the uniform of the period with the early M15 style of crossed cannons badge for artillery. This style was not replaced until the introduction of the new roundel insignia in 1937 however both can be seen in wear during the summer of 1940. The interior retains its original black leather padded liner system with stainless steel clips & its original tightening lace still in place. The thick brown leather chinstrap is intact & still supple, the quality of these had improved considerably since the earlier thin M15 versions. I have made no attempt to clean this helmet leaving it still dusty & dirty just as it was found .
WW2 French Camouflage Netted M35 Helmet As Worn Commandos De Choc Southern & Eastern France 1944/45 A rare French M35 steel helmet with camouflage net adaptation originally applied. These were often worn in this manner by French Expeditionary troops & Commandos de Choc who fought in operations/raids in Italy later went on to fight in areas of Southern & Eastern France such as Toulon, St.Etienne & Lyon. Specifically designed for tank crews , AFV crews & cavalry personnel, the standard M35 helmet was widely worn by French motorised troops in the run up to WW2 & certainly saw much action during the 1940 invasion of France when she fielded , as a nation, a much larger number of Armoured vehicles than the Germans . Badged to the front with the flaming grenade it has the camouflage net adeptly stitched into the front of the helmet & then securely tied to the rest of the helmet in its entirety. An early production , this indicated by the front pad not extending underneath the metal lip of the shell which was improved upon in later productions to protect the forehead area even further. The leather liner system has been better secured into place at the time with metal wire down each side holding the clips of the band more securely to prevent movement when in heavy wear. There is the soldiers name & also the largely illegible manufacturers ink stamp to underside of liner with date of what appears to be 1936. A fantastic piece of French combat history , service used & oozing history from the later fighting of Eastern & Southern France towards the end of WW2.
WW2 French DCA (Anti Aircraft Troops) Helmet A rare French helmet from the early WW2 period being the Model 36 helmet for Anti Aircraft Troops ( Casque Modele 1936 Pour Personnel Des Unites De DCA ) . These helmets , often referred to as the DCA helmet ( Defense Contre Aeronefs- Anti Aircraft ) , have a front padded brow & distinctive ear cut out to allow use of the headphones with which these units were equipped with. They were phased out by the end of WW2 & so surviving examples are rare. This piece comes complete with its Mle 37 roundel badge of the Artillery totally original to the helmet & also its intact leather chinstrap fastened , as it came , to the rear of the helmet. The leather liner to interior shows heavy wear with one side fastening clip minus its arm & the other detached from the cloth band. Although easily repairable I have left these as found due to the rarity of the helmet . Excellent piece & an important part of the history of the WW2 French helmet.
WW2 French Engineers M26 Helmet A scarce early WW2 French army helmet of the M26 pattern with original 'Engineers' troops badge to front. This pattern of helmet was in widespread use during the 1940 Battle of France campaign & is distinctive with its green paint finish & one piece construction. In very good totally untouched condition the Engineers badge affixed to the front of the helmet is totally original to it & is the blue Great war issue M15 Adrian helmet type. To the rear side of the shell can be seen its attachment pins clearly undisturbed with exact correlating age & wear to the shell. The earlier blue is visible in places underneath its later WW2 khaki paint finish. The blackened sheeps leather liner is intact with its shell attachment clips in stainless steel which is totally correct for early issues ( As of 1933 ) . Chinstrap totally intact. A scarce helmet from the 1940 Fall of France.
WW2 French Infantry M26 Adrian Helmet A standard early WW2 French infantrymans helmet as worn during the Battle for France . This French Adrian is the Model 26 which was later 1926 improved version of the earlier WW1 Model 15 Adrian. It has slight manufacturing differences the most noticeable being the main body of the shell being stamped of one piece of metal with only rivets visible to the outside for the attachment of the liner system. Affixed to the front is the standard \'RF\' ( Republique Francais \' embossed French infantry badge of flaming grenade which is totally original to the helmet & comes from an earlier blue painted helmet. It was very typical to use older badges on newer helmets then overpaint the whole helmet in green as is the case here. Helmet has its original liner with the helmet maker being stamped onto the underside of the shell \' Industrielle Marseille\' just visible under the liner fingers. The brown leather chinstrap is in vert good undamaged order these WW2 versions being much more substantial than their earlier flimsy WW1 counterparts. Both black painted buckle & liner stud at other end are original to the helmet. The owners initials of \'cc\' can be seen scratched into the paint in places. A very good example from the early war days of the French army fighting the German invasion.
WW2 French M26 Adrian Medical Troops Helmet 1938 A rare M26 French Adrian helmet to a specialist of the medical branch such as a medic or doctor. It is very hard to find untouched French M26 Adrian helmets of the specialist branches therefore one from the medical services nearly impossible. Helmet retains its original khaki green factory paint with an early M15 medical badge depicting Caduceus with the serpent of Epidaurus encircling the mirror of prudence . This is flanked by the letters 'RF' & surrounded by a laurel & oakleaves in its entirety. This insignia was adopted in August 1915 when the War Ministry recommended issuing the helmet to medics & doctors. It is clear that the badge is totally original to the helmet with its holding pins to reverse totally undisturbed. WW1 badges were used on the earlier production Adrian M26 helmets until replaced later on by the M37 roundel. Liner to interior is quite stiff from storage with chinstrap 100% original to the helmet.
WW2 French M26 Artillery Officers Adrian Helmet From 108th Heavy Artillery Regiment A WW2 French M26 Adrian helmet from an artillery officer with private purchase brown plaid leather chinstrap & regimental markings scratched to underside of front brim. A beautiful untouched piece still having its original crossed cannons badge to front & original liner. The brown leather chinstrap was not on issue to officers but could be purchased by them if so desired. This was a carryover from WW1 although slightly less common with officers in WW2. Finished in its factory green paint there are what appear to be two capital letter initials scratched into the paint under the front brim of \'BC\' with the name \'H.Milliet\' & the regimental marking \'108e RALA 3e Bt\' beneath this. This is short for \'3 Batterie, Regiment D\'Artillerie Lourde Automotive\' (108th Heavy Automotive Artillery Regiment) . A wonderful helmet no doubt having seen action in 1940.
WW2 French M26 Infantry Combat Helmet A standard early WW2 French infantrymans helmet as worn during the Battle for France . This French Adrian is the Model 26 which was the later 1926 improved version of the earlier WW1 Model 15 Adrian. It has slight manufacturing differences the most noticeable being the main body of the shell being stamped of one piece metal with only rivets visible to the outside for the attachment of the liner system. Affixed to the front is the standard \'RF\' ( Republique Francais ) embossed French infantry badge of flaming grenade which is totally original to the helmet & comes from an earlier blue painted helmet. It was very typical to use older badges on newer helmets especially on the earlier produced M26 helmets on which older components were very much still used. It has its original liner with the helmet maker being stamped onto the underside of the shell \' C.JAPY \' . The brown leather chinstrap is still present these WW2 versions being much more substantial than their earlier flimsy WW1 counterparts. A few small dents exist to the top of the helmet & one on the comb , these most likely testament to the defence of France in the final days. A very good example from the early war days of the French army fighting the German invasion.
WW2 French M26 Infantry Helmet A super \'straight out of the woodwork\' French M26 model Adrian helmet as worn by French troops during the Battle For France from May to June 1940. I have left this helmet totally uncleaned with the cobwebs & dust still in place to the interior. The khaki paint finish to the shell remains largely intact with the \'RF\' embossed \'Republique Francais\' badge of the infantry totally original to the helmet. This badge is the model carried over from the WW1 M15 helmet still used on the later Adrian until gradually replaced by the M37 roundel badge pattern. The top comb is firm with all rivets present. Leather chinstrap with its brass stud & black painted buckle is still on the helmet as it was found. By careful examination of the crown underneath the liner we can see the black ink name of the well known maker \' JAPY\' . Liner is all present & still well fixed to clip spring system utilised on these M26 models. A handwritten partially visible name in pencil of \' ANDRE \' can be seen written to the inside wall of the shell. A super time capsule helmet from France.
WW2 French M26 Medic/Stretcher Bearers Helmet French combat helmet of WW2 this being an updated model of the WW1 Adrian standardised in 1926 & thus referred to as the Model 1926. The two handpainted white lozenge backed red crosses on both sides are immediately apparent the presence of which would indicate use by a field medic or stretcher bearer quite possibly during the fall of France in the turbulent early war period. Now difficult to find & in many ways rarer than its world one predecessor this piece has all of its original WW2 issue features as well as its original 'RF' national emblem still affixed to front. Finished in the distinctive green khaki of WW2 issue it has evidence of much hard wear with some dents & dings to top portion of the crown & paint scuffs typical of a combat worn helmet. Black leather liner is of the typical pre war construction with 1938 date to underside . The three liner suspension brackets are present with one side having become detached at its weak point . The makers black ink stamp of the firm ' Industrial Marseillaise' is to be seen in the helmet shells underside. Super character piece representative of the French soldier in the early war period.
WW2 French M35 Armoured Crew Helmet With Markings Of Free French Forces A fabulous French M35 AFV crew & cavalry helmet with officer rank bar to the front & the blue, white & red colours of the Free French Forces painted to its left side. These French M35 helmets were specifically designed for tank crews , AFV crews & cavalry personnel. They were widely worn by French motorised troops in the run up to WW2 & certainly saw much action during the 1940 invasion of France when she fielded , as a nation, a much larger number of Armoured vehicles than the Germans . Badged to the front with the 1937 roundel model of infantry flaming grenade this helmet would have been used by troops such as those of the Mounted Machine Gun Squadrons & Armoured Fighting Vehicle crews that were under control of the infantry as well as motorcyle & side car personnel all under the same umbrella. Overpainted to its exterior in the olive green paint of the late thirties it bears an officers single rank bar to front in silver for the rank of 'Sous Lieutenant' ( Second Lieutenant) in the cavalry & the colours of the Free French forces to the left side. The multi construction leather sheepskin liner is dated 1939 to the headband & conforms to the 1937 version which was slightly improved from earlier issues. A fantastic piece of French combat history , service used & oozing history from the fighting of WW2. Free French troops fought Axis & Vichy regime troops initially on the North African/Middle Eastern Front however as of mid 1944 , with over 400,000 men, participated in the Normandy Landings & the invasion of Southern France before leading the drive to Paris & on into the invasion of Germany.
WW2 French M35 \' Battle For France \' Tank Crew Helmet A rare French M35 steel helmet specifically designed for tank crews , AFV crews & cavalry personnel. These were widely worn by French tank & motorised troops in the run up to WW2 & certainly saw much action during the 1940 invasion of France when she fielded , as a nation, a much larger number of Armoured vehicles than the Germans . Badged to the front with the Model 37 roundel of crossed guns & armoured head for battle tanks this helmet would have been used by those personnel. Factory finished in the dark green colour of pre WW2 issues this totally untouched specimen is marked to the interior crown of the shell with maker name \' Thibault\' . The multi piece sheepskin liner system conforms to the 1937 version which was slightly improved from earlier issues. Original drawstring intact. There is some rust to interior of the shell with some decay to the three liner mounts on which it clips . Leather brim pad with some surface cracking to leather . A fantastic piece of French combat history , service used & oozing history from the early fighting of WW2.
WW2 French M35 \' Battle For France \' Tank Crew Helmet A rare French M35 Tank helmet specifically designed for tank crews with this piece having the scarce crossed guns & armoured head roundel for battle tank personnel. This model of helmet was also worn by AFV crews & cavalry personnel & was widely worn by French tank & motorised troops in the run up to WW2 & certainly saw much action during the 1940 invasion of France when she fielded , as a nation, a much larger number of Armoured vehicles than the Germans . Badged to the front with the Model 37 roundel of crossed guns & armoured head for battle tanks this helmet would have been used by those personnel. Factory finished in the dark green colour of pre WW2 issues this totally untouched specimen is marked to the interior crown of the shell with manufacturer name \' Franck\' . The multi piece sheepskin liner system conforms to the 1937 version which was slightly improved from earlier issues. When one inspects the liner band a clear 1939 dated ink stamp for the maker \'Ets Couet In Levallois Perret \' can be seen. Original drawstring intact. Leather brim pad is excellent with no cracks to the leather. There is a small area of rodent chew to one edge of the neck strap ( See image ). A fantastic piece of French combat history , service used & oozing history from the early fighting during the Battle For France.
WW2 French M36 Anti Aircraft Troops ( DCA) Helmet A rare French helmet from the early WW2 period being the Model 36 helmet for Anti Aircraft Troops ( Casque Modele 1936 Pour Personnel Des Unites De DCA ) . These helmets , often referred to as the DCA helmet ( Defense Contre Aeronefs- Anti Aircraft ) , have a front padded brow & distinctive ear cut out to allow use of the headphones with which these units were equipped with. They were phased out by the end of WW2 & so surviving examples are rare. This piece comes complete with its Mle 37 roundel badge of the Artillery totally original to the helmet & also its intact leather chinstrap fastened , as it came , to the rear of the helmet. The leather liner to interior shows light wear. Upon the interior crown of the shell can be seen the black ink stamped maker mark with 1939 date ' L.U.M 39 ' . The soldiers name ' NANCEAU' has been written onto the reverse of the brow pad. Excellent piece & an importtant part of the history of the French Adrian helmet.
WW2 French \' 1940 Battle For France \' Period Medical M26 Adrian Helmet A rare M26 French Adrian helmet to a specialist of the medical branch such as a medic or doctor. It is very hard to find untouched French M26 Adrian helmets of the specialist branches therefore one from the medical services nearly impossible. Helmet retains its original khaki green factory paint with an early M15 medical badge depicting Caduceus with the serpent of Epidaurus encircling the mirror of prudence . This is flanked by the letters \'RF\' & surrounded by a laurel & oakleaves in its entirety. This insignia was adopted in August 1915 when the War Ministry recommended issuing the helmet to medics & doctors. It is clear that the badge is totally original to the helmet with its holding pins to reverse totally undisturbed. WW1 badges were used on the earlier production Adrian M26 helmets until replaced later on by the M37 roundel. Liner to interior is quite stiff from storage with chinstrap 100% original to the helmet.
WW2 French \' Battle For France \' Artillery M26 Combat Helmet A French M26 model helmet with crossed cannon insignia to front for Artillery. This quite immaculate looking ' Carpentier ' manufactured helmet has almost all of its original factory green paint remaining with totally original Artillery badge firmly affixed to front. The badge is of the earlier Model15 finished in an earth brown shade typical of these issues where existing stocks of earlier badges were painted or repainted seperately before being applied to the new helmet . The correlating age around the edges of the badge & an inspection of the rear pins soon confirms its originality to this helmet. The brown leather chinstrap is in excellent order with the removeable screw system for interchangeability used from '37 onwards . Overall an excellent example & a difficult one to find.
WW2 French \' Battle For France \' Colonial Infantry Officer Adrian Helmet A wonderful combat worn & untouched very large sized French M26 Adrian helmet from an officer of the Colonial Infantry. This helmet was found in the Sedan area of France near Beaumont-En-Argonne where the 3rd Colonial Infantry Regiment suffered heavy losses against German invading forces in May 1940 during the Battle For France. This early production helmet still retains the khaki paint finish found on earlier pieces with the 1915 model of Colonial Infantry insignia affixed to the front . Upon visual examination an even age patina can be seen around the badge this evidencing its clear originality to the helmet. A leather plaid chinstrap has been fitted by the officer this being a private purchase addition only . This option was very popular with the older era officers in the WW1 years & although still seen in WW2 it was not uncommon for officers to just use the ordinary issue leather chinstrap for tactical reasons as well as personal preference . Liner is in the typical prewar blackened sheeps leather with heavy wear around the edges but no damage to the interior fingers. A fabulous piece of history which has been in private hands until now .
WW2 French \' Battle For France \' M35 Motorised Troops AFV / Cavalry Helmet A rare French M35 steel helmet specifically designed for tank crews , AFV crews & cavalry personnel. These were widely worn by French motorised troops in the run up to WW2 & certainly saw much action during the 1940 invasion of France when she fielded , as a nation, a much larger number of Armoured vehicles than the Germans . Badged to the front with the 1937 roundel model of infantry flaming grenade this helmet would have been used by troops such as those of the Mounted Machine Gun Squadrons & Armoured Fighting Vehicle crews that were under control of the infantry as well as motorcyle & side car personnel all under the same umbrella. Factory finished in the \'chocolate khaki\' colour of pre WW2 issue this colour was changed to a greener finish in the late thirties. This totally untouched specimen is dated 1938 to the interior crown of the shell with the maker \' M.A.M.O.U , Marseille\' above this. The multi piece sheepskin liner system is dated 1938 to the headband & conforms to the 1937 version which was slightly improved from earlier issues. Original drawstring intact. A fantastic piece of French combat history , service used & oozing history from the early fighting of WW2.
WW2 French \' Battle For France\' Infantry Officers M26 Adrian Helmet A WW2 French M26 infantry helmet with plaid leather chinstrap indicating rank of officer. This helmet is typical of those worn during the Summer of 1940 during the Battle for France as French forces attempted to hold back advancing German troops. Finished in the typical brown factory paint of prewar issue it has also received an overbrush of a slightly later shade of brown to the exterior & has been handbrushed to the underside of the rim. Affixed to the front is the flaming grenade badge of infantry with 'RF' Republique De France' motif . Badge is totally original to the helmet with ghosting around its exact outline from weathering & wear. The plaid leather chinstrap was available for private purchase by officers although not obligatory some preferring to be less conspicuous in the field. Black leather liner is in good order with tightening string .
WW2 French \' Battle For France\' Period Electrically Heated Aircrew Suit 1940 Scarce early war French Aircrew electrically heated inner suit from the Battle For France period with paris maker label giving details & date April 1940. Made of a thick lined ribbed wool for winter wear it has connectors for the electrical heating system the wattage of \'95\' being given on the label. It has a half button frontage with long \' eclair \' zips to front legs & zip openings to sides. In very good condition overall with zips fully working. The French air force played an active role during the Battle of France in 1940 often attacking German troops as they advanced & causing considerable losses to the Germans. Casualties were high with 20 French bombers shot down in May whilst attacking the German crossings across the Meuse.
WW2 French \' Battle For France\' Period M35 Belt Equipment Set A complete \'as found\' set of the French 1935 leather belt equipment comprised of waistbelt , Trapezoid leather slip on , Y straps & cartridge pouches . This set was found together in the Cassel , Dunkirk area Northern France & I have no doubt was involved in the turbulent May/June 1940 Battle for France. The 1935 Equipment was well in use by this period being a modified version of the earlier WW1 equipment . The basic belt equipment consists of a left & right cartridge pouch , waistbelt ,Y straps for suspension & a leather trapezoid slip on tab with hooks to fasten on the Y straps , waterbottle & musette . All of the components are in matching condition , with wear & totally uncleaned. All of the cartridge pouch fastening straps are undamaged.
WW2 French \' Fall of France\' M26 Infantry Officers Helmet Very nice example of the early WW2 French infantry helmet this fine piece being having been worn by an officer with the distinction of a plaid leather chinstrap. This M26 model was the standard issue following the first M15 model of Adrian & was worn by French combat troops throughout the Battle for France as it attempted to fight off invading German forces. Finished in its original factory green paint with \'RF\' ( Republique Francais ) embossed flaming grenade infantry badge to front the helmet has its original multi piece black sheepskin liner with brass buckled plaid chinstrap worn by officers , a carryover from the First World War. A good large size this is a fabulous example of the helmet worn in the early turbulent stages of WW2 by the French combat soldier.
WW2 French \' Fall Of France\' Period Medical Officers Helmet & Greatcoat From Same Man A rare M26 model Adrian helmet for a medical officer coming together with his medical officers greatcoat both named to the same man. The Adrian helmet here is fitted with the rare M37 roundel for medical personnel & a plaid leather chinstrap which was strictly private purchase at the expense of the officer if he so desired. Good untouched combat infantry examples of the WW2 Adrian are difficult to find so the rarer specialist units such as here are near impossible . The helmet is finished in its factory khaki /brown paint & the roundel to the front totally original to it being still firmly in place & not at all interfered with. The black liner has survived in very good condition with only limited wear quite typical of a medical officer where he would most likely have been working in a field hospital for the duration of the early war period. The name is lightly written to the underside rear rim with what appear to be initials \'LYC\' in the same hand & pencil written in the crown. The greatcoat is of the officers \'Manteau Modele 1932\' with medical gold braid on a carmine velvet backing. All of the front buttons are brass & again specifically medical buttons. The turned back cuffs both have double rank bars above them signifying rank of Lieutenant. Various inspection , manufacturer & regional markings are profuse on the lining of the coat the regional acceptance date of 24/3/1937 being particularly important. The same name as that of the helmet appears on the rear coat lining . With quite a few holes to the coat from years of storage the insignia is totally original to it & the same as the day the war ended. A interesting pair to a medical officer no doubt playing an important role in those early turbulent days of the German advance.
WW2 French \'1940 Battle For France\' Artillery Officers Helmet A \'straight out of the woodwork\' large sized 1938 dated Artillery officers helmet of the M26 model this was the standard issue steel helmet used by French troops during the 1940 Battle For France. With the early first M15 pattern of crossed cannons artillery insignia to the front of the helmet it is a standard early issue but with the addition of a private purchase plaid leather chinstrap that could be worn by officers at their preference. This preference was a carryover from the First World War & is seen much less in this later period. To the inside of the helmet is the standard pre war black leather liner with maker & date ink stamp to crown of the shell \' MA M.OU , MARSEILLE 1938 \' . A classic piece which no doubt saw action during the Battle For France in the Summer of 1940.
WW2 French \'Battle For France \' 1940 Period 35th Artillery Regiment Officers Kepi In Original Paris Tailors Box An early war French army Artillery officer kepi from the 35th Artillery Regiment who lost two thirds of their total strength whilst covering the Dunkirk evacuation of Allied troops. This Modele 1935 Kepi was seen in the early WW2 period being used alongside the new 1935 issues of reformed uniform & equipment issues for the French army. In black wool with gold coloured Hungarian braid the two bands to its circumference indicate rank of Lieutenant. The regiment number is bullion embroidered to the front with a gold coloured chinstrap & brass chinstrap buttons embossed with the crossed cannons of the artillery. The private purchase quality is evident to the interior with a black leather headband & two initials on letter mounts \'JL\' . The full red satin lining encapsulates a celluloid sweat shield under which , printed on the satin is the Paris tailors name \' P.Vauclai r\'. There is very evident wear to the interior of this Kepi & so I do believe this was worn on regular service rather than once at a wedding. Coming with this impressive item of iconic French headwear is its original grey green card box bearing the same tailor logo from Vauclair. In excellent condition there is no moth! An impressive well worn item with a definate regiment connection to the 1940 Battle For France.
WW2 French \'Battle For France\' M26 Artillery Adrian Helmet A classic French M26 model army helmet with crossed cannons badge to front for artillery troops. This exact pattern of helmet is the type worn by French troops as they sought to defend France against the German invasion in the Summer of 1940. As such, this helmet is more than likely a veteran of that campaign. Finished in the earth brown khaki of early issue M26 helmets the artillery badge to front is of the early M15 model often preferred to the M37 roundel version by longer serving French soldiers. Retaining its original thick brown leather chinstrap the multi construction blackened leather liner is centrally fastened with a green string lace type tightener which apppears to be period. Careful examination of the interior crown underneath the leather tongues reveals a hand scribbled name applied by the soldier.
WW2 French \'Battle For France\' Period Medical Service Greatcoat A wonderful WW2 French officers greatcoat with all original insignia to a French Captain of the Medical Service. This private purchase piece dates just prior to 1940 & has the tailor label ' Uniformes E.Passebois Maitre Tailleur' . French pleated cuffs to sleeves. Both of the high quality bullion on crimson velvet collar patches are 100% intact with triple barred officer rank to each shoulder for Captain. All of the gilt frosted officer buttons to front are of the intertwined serpent for medical service . With a partial rayon type lining this is a well worn greatcoat clearly much used by a well fielded officer . There are four very small holes to front ( pictures ) with some light tracking in places. A wonderful item no doubt having a part to play during the 1940 Battles.
WW2 French \'Fall Of France\' Battle Damaged Infantry Helmet With Maginot Line Interest A poignant souvenir of the Battle for France being an early French M26 Adrian helmet with a bullet entry & exit from front to rear & the place name \' STENAY\' painted onto the side. Stenay refers to a place known as the Stenay Gap which was a weakpoint in the French border defences across a front which had only a small number of blockhouses. The helmet is finished in the khaki brown finish of early M26 issue , later issues were finished in green. The flaming grenade badge of the infantry is totally original to the helmet. What appears to be a rifle calibre round has entered the front right side of the helmet & exited out through the rear side with splaying of the metal upon its exit. The large lettering \'STENAY\' has been painted underneath it this surely pertaining to the area in which it was taken. There are some faint name initials & a number \'AP 2939\' scratched to the underside of the front lip with a full handwritten name one of which can be seen as \'Pierre\'. The black inkstamped makername for the company \'FRANCK\' is also present. A true piece of history from the Battle for France & found in Germany several years ago!
WW2 German ' A Frame ' Battle Pack Good original example of the German A Frame battle pack designed to carry the necessary soldiers field gear into combat by attaching onto the rear of the Y straps this being an early item brought in before the introduction of the more popular German soldier used battle rucksacks. An A Frame bag was also issued with it for carrying other small items such as rations, rifle cleaning kit etc ( Please see seperate listings ). Many good Czech made copies are seen on the market today making the originals such as this even harder to source than before. This is a textbook original piece with all fittings untampered with & stitching intact. Black leather rivetted zeltbahn straps to front are manufacturer marked as is the web frame with a typically faint oval stamp to its front lower edge. Classic reinforcing stitching to corners with grey painted metal fittings complete.
WW2 German ' J-Feder 504 ' 21 Day Demolition Time Delay Clock A very scarce & near complete German 'J Feder 504' 21 day demolition time delay clock with matching numbers to all components & contained within its original green painted box of issue. Issued to combat engineers this device was capable of time delayed settings from fifteen minutes to twenty one days & was used in conjunction with the various demolition charges, detonators & igniters all designed to aid their specially trained personnel in destroying enemy obstacles & , in this case , laying explosive devices to catch out unwary advancing troops upon a German retreat. This set is complete with intact instruction label to inside lid of box , all of its sprung wooden component mounting , the rare spanner type tool , timing device , booklet & its plunger/striking device. It is minus only the dummy/safety device which was also contained within a recess on the inside of the box. Booklet has entries with a few purple ink stamps that include eagle & swastika waffenamt , April 1944 date & three letter maker code 'cja' for the firm 'Gebruder Junghans AG' who were makers of igniters, ammunition parts & clocks . All in superb condition & a rarely encountered near complete item of specialist German engineer equipment not often coming on to the collectors market today.
WW2 German 'Hermann Goring' Cuff Title An undisputably original 'Hermann Goring' cuff title still with the thread from where it was picked off of a tunic & brought back to the UK at the end of WW2. Several variations exist this example being of the official dark blue wool. Displaying alot of field service wear the well used appearance of this title most certainly suggests that it has seen alot of action. It is interesting to note the light brown thread at each end which once held the two ends together around the sleeve as well as the now loose hem thread running along the length of the title on its top & bottom edges. Two small moth nips can be seen to one end ( pictured ) . A superb piece from this famous Luftwaffe Panzer regiment who saw action in North Africa , Sicily , Italy & the Eastern Front. They finally surrendered to the Soviet Army near Dresden in 1945.
WW2 German 10 X 50 Dienstglas With Lens Cover & Rare 1939 Dated Wetzlar Marked Button Flap A superb pair of the 10 X 50 Dienstglas by E.Leitz,Wetzlar with black leather lens cover & rare 1939 dated , E./Leitz, Wetzlar marked button flap. Lens cover has a small ink stamped Weimar style inspection marking. Looking through the optics one can see the typically high quality of Leitz binoculars with the graticuling crisply presented upon viewing. Both eyepieces still focus correctly. Some light service wear exists to the body of the binoculars overall with a small area of loose stitching to one edge of the lens cover this being very typical on a service used pair. Very hard to find a complete pair of 10 X 50 binoculars..these were recently found in France & as such come completely as taken from the battlefield.
WW2 German 10 X 80 Flak Optics In Original Transit Box A wonderful set of the desirable '10 X 80 Flak Fernrohrer' coming complete in their original three letter maker coded & 1941 dated box of issue. These were in use at German Flak batteries & positions on the coast & inland hence are very sought after today . This set is comprised of the following pieces: 1941 Dated Transit Box 10 X 80 Flak Binoculars Top Aiming Sight Mounting Cradle Mounting Turn Table Rubber DRGM Marked Eyepad Rain Shields A Non Standard Tripod Mount A near complete set it is very hard to find alot of these components individually the actual binoculars being the most available piece in todays market. The often missing aiming sight which goes on top of the binoculars is still present here this being in good condition complete with mounting rail. Binoculars are factory coded 'dkl' for the firm Josef Schneider with the designation ' D.F 10X80' & serial number ' 18231' . The first factory paint was applied in dark blue grey to all components with a later overpaint in battleship grey to everything other than the binoculars. These were overpainted in black but with the markings still left as visible. Optics are good with no cracks or chips to the lenses. Rubber facepiece is in surprisingly very good condition with the 'DRGM' marking visible to the rubber. The perspex window to mounting cradle is slightly distorted at one end ( See pictures ) . It is interesting to note that they come with a non standard tripod mount which once all setup displays very effectively indeed. **** Delivery/Dropoff options to be agreed***
WW2 German 10X80 Flak Optics A fine set of German World War Two Doppelfernrohr (double telescope) 10 x 80 German optics often used by Flak Artillery ground crews for spotting & identifying enemy aircraft & for directing the crew served Range Finders. Used in conjunction with the Flak 36 88 mm guns , They have the desirable tan paint & classic Luftwaffe blue finish to rear section. There are adjustments for eye relief, width and a selection of various tinted filters, which rotate into place using the control on the left side. The dial is labeled klar (clear), hell (light), mittel (medium), and dunkel (dark). Coming with their original 'DRGM' marked rubber pad head rest this has remained soft & supple without perishing. The right side of the binocular body is marked: D.F. 10x80, beh 48192. 'D.F.' Is the abbreviation for Doppelfernrohr (double telescope), with 10 x 80 indicating the magnification power of the optics. The German wartime three letter code 'beh' stands for 'Ernst Leitz, Weitzlar' and under that the set's serial number is given. Wartime serial numbers for this maker range from 5437 up to 82,036, indicating this is an early/mid war example. The blue 'O' appeared around 1942 & indicates a grease which could withstand cold weather . The blue triangle was applied between 1943 & 1945 (mainly 1944) & again indicates the type of cold temperature proof grease that was used. An excellent set hard to find in todays market. ***If posting abroad I cannot guarantee against damage to the glass or other component ***
WW2 German 12th SS Training Unit Wehrpass With Battle Of Arnhem/ Operation Market Garden Interest An SS Wehrpass to a member of the 12th SS ' Hitlerjugend' Training & Replacement unit based at Arnhem just prior to the Allied airborne operations in September 1944 & so most likely fought in that battle. Wehrpass is to 'Nr.9339 Gregor JAGER' who volunteered aged 17 & trained at Arnhem from 3/4/44 until 4/8/44 . There are various SS stampings from May 1943 & the signature of an Oberstleutnant on page 6. His Active Service on Page 11 is shown as ' St-Kp SS PZ.Gren A. U. E. Btl 12 Arnheim/Ndl' from 3rd April 1944. The entry on Page 12 shows his service there up until 4/8/44 & although a commencement date of 5/8/44 has been written in nothing else has been added. It is of note that no other postings or transfers have been added so he appears to have remained at Arnhem & although so far unproveable , it is likely that he took part in the defence of the town during Operation Market Garden. His training on the K98 rifle , Gasmask 30 , MG 42 & P38 are recorded on page 20. In excellent condition & a rare item with Arnhem link.
WW2 German 1st Pattern Luftwaffe dagger A first pattern luftwaffe dagger by the maker David Malsch offered completely as it came to me after years of storage. Iconic in their appearance the first pattern luftwaffe dagger continues to be sought after & commands high prices in good condition. This example would fill a gap as a worn example with age tarnishing to the silver finish of the fittings & a very old black paint finish to the scabbard. The blue leather grip covering is still very acceptable with all of its wire wrapping still intact. Both swastikas to pommel & hilt are still detailed. The David Malsch maker name appear within an oval on the centre of the blade spine with \'5\' numbered inspection stamp next to it. The number \'39\' can be seen to the underside of the hilt. Scabbard has a very old black paint finish with bottom chape missing. The crossed out number \'185\' can be seen to mouth with \'SK37\' opposite it.
WW2 German 22nd Panzer Regiment Black Wrapover Tunic A textbook German army panzer NCOs\' wrap over tunic from an Oberfahnrich ( With equivalent rank of Oberfeldwebel ) of Panzer-Regiment 22 . Tunic has pink piped silver NCO tressed removeable shoulder boards with the numerals \'22\' & double rank pips which have been in place for many years. The aluminium thread is of the style introduced in 1935 & was preferred on walking out tunics rather than the later wartime grey rayon. Tunic has the distinctive hook & eyelet provision for closing of the lapels with double buttoned cuff adjustment & a typically midwar artificial silk lining with belt hook tabs & tape adjustments still present. The double lining sewn behind the front section interior gives thickness to the cloth thus offering some protection against flame exposure ( See images ) . A very crisp dice marking to left breast gives sizing & R.B Number as well as the clear \'M43\' confirming a midwar manufacture. It is apparent from the lack of wear that this tunic would appear to have been kept for best dress & has seen minimal wear, service commitments permitting . Breast eagle is of the 1941 onwards machine embroidered mouse grey bevo with metal panzer totenkopf mounted on pink piped rhomboid collar patches. A veteran of North Africa with cuff band to right sleeve the tank destruction badge is also worn. All insignia is correct & tailor standard stitched to the tunic however due to its practically unworn condition it is impossible to definitively ascertain whether individual pieces were period or collector applied. Overall a superb panzer uniform in a condition that would be impossible to better. **Shirt not included, listed seperately code12639 **
WW2 German 25 X 105 Fortress Binoculars A recently surfaced pair of German 25 X 105 Fortress Binoculars. These were in service along the Normandy coast during WW2 & were used for aircraft identification & recognition from around the 1944 period onwards. This pair were brought back by a British serviceman during WW2 & have remained in family hands until now. Still with the rubber eyepiece intact they have a large proportion of their original tan paint remaining with handle & cradle mount to bottom still present. Manufacture plate still intact to top with designation ' Doppel Fernrohr 25 X 105 ' still visible along with the maker code of 'sqr' for 'Jos. Schneider'. It is interesting to note that the steel mount on which the rubber eyepiece sits has been distorted , this most likely being through blast due to the solidity of its construction. A cowling would have originally covered the optics however this is not present. Both turn knobs to sides are present although incomplete & with damage. The optics are cloudy & so I am unable to obtain any clear visual when observed. An interesting piece certainly with WW2 history . ***Please contact to discuss delivery/dropoff options***
WW2 German 6 X 30 Dienstglas Binoculars & Case An excellent pair of German 6 X 30 Dienstglas with waffenamt marked & 1941 dated neck strap complete with black bakelite carrying case. These Dienstglas are maker coded ' bmk' for the firm ' Srb & Stys Fabrik Praziser Messinstrumente' & made in German occupied Prague , Czechoslovakia. They also have the mark 'KF' (Kalterfest) meaning that they are cold resistant & also the 'Dienstglas 6 X 30 ' marking along with serial number '82563' & the graticule markings ' H/6400 ' . Leather strap is in good wearable order with date 1941 & waffenamt marking. Both oculars are fully adjustable as they should be & optics good. Some overall wear but a very decent pair. The black bakelite case is free from cracks or other damage & with pull tab to front totally intact . Both leather belt loops to rear are undamaged. A good set.
WW2 German 6 X 30 Dienstglas Binoculars In Black Bakelite Case With Original Carrying Strap A pair of the German 6 X 30 Dienstglas binoculars which come complete with original German carrying sling , waffenamt marked belt loops to rear & the often damaged or missing leather pull tab to front. Not often seen on the carrying sling are the waffenamt stamp & 1941 dated 'jhg' maker mark. One of the rear belt loops is also waffenamt marked making this a very nice set of Dienstglas. . Binoculars are in very good condition with maker code 'fvs' for the firm Spindler & Høyer, Göttingen . They are '40' dated & have the initials 'KF' ( Kalterfest) indicating a cold resistant lubricant. The serial number is '152633' with graticuling 'H/6400' which is very visible when viewed through. Both adjustable eyepieces focus well with right lense having slight spotting. In overall excellent condition with marked up & complete sets now very hard to find.
WW2 German 6th Artillery Regiment Officers Tunic An excellent German officers tunic of the 6th Artillery Regiment made in German occupied Holland in 1940. In the style of the M36 model with dark green collar & four pleated pockets it also has French cuffs often chosen by officers. This example displays typical Dutch manufacture attributes with the distinctive green Dutch wool cloth & grey canvas lining . There is a dagger hanger to internal lining .The dice stamped size markings include the inspection code & date of \'A40 \' for the year 1940 with the tailor name of \' KONERSMANN \' ink stamped above it. Both the red waffenfarbe bullion collar tabs & breast eagle are , in my opinion , originally applied to the tunic. EKII ribbon to button hole. Shoulder straps have two gold rank pips each denoting rank of Leutnant with the numbers \'6\' to each . Belt hooks still in place. A very nice tunic there are moth nips to the plush wool in places ( See images ).
WW2 German 6x30 Dienstglas Binoculars With Lens Cover Nice field used pair of the standard 6 x 30 Dienstglas binocular complete with neck strap & original rubber lens cover. The maker is indicated by the logo of the firm 'Busch' on the left ocular with the nomenclature of 'Dienstglas' to be faintly seen on the right. An attempt has been made to erase the German nomenclature of 'Dienstglas' with the size magnification 6x30 still being visible underneath it. These optics are graticuled with the H/6400 being visible also on the right ocular. No apparent damage to lenses being overall good & certainly useable. A serial number appears on one of the adjustment arms at the rear of the right ocular. Overall appearance is good with only light wear to its outer components . Neck strap is original & complete with its original studs. Rubber lens cover is totally original & in good order & has no markings other than what appears to be a very small '31' on its inside edge. This is a typical marking to be seen on rubber covers.
WW2 German 7 X 50 ' Kuste Flak ' Kriegsmarine Binoculars & Case A scarce pair of 7 X 50 Kriegsmarine binoculars marked ' Flak (Kuste) ' for the use of Coastal Flak personnel. Made by the firm Leitz Wetzlar they are maker coded ' beh' & also have serial number of production along with the bracketed (T) denoting coated lenses & 'KF' for cold resistant lubricant applied. The opposite shoulder has swastika surmounting ' M ' for Marine as well as the 'Flak Kuste ' designation. Optics are superb with perfectly focusing eyepieces & undamaged prisms. Leatherette covering is 100 % intact over alloy body with some minor service wear to metal surfaces. Neck strap is original . Case is of the commonly referred to 'Top hat ' pattern with ' beh' ( Leitz ) maker code & 1942 date. Swastika surmounting 'M' for Marine can still be seen impressed into lid with some age & wear to pull catch fastener. Carry strap is a replacement , right side leather keeper is away at one end. Rare set of binoculars to find with the Coastal Flak markings.& typical of those used in bunker positions defending the German held coastline.
WW2 German 7 X 50 Kriegsmarine Binoculars & Case A superb pair of the Kriegsmarine 7 X 50 binoculars by Leitz with three letter maker code 'beh' & a totally original swastika & eagle marking to right shoulder. Markings to shoulder include the production serial number ' 396721 ' as well as the large 'T' denoting coated lenses. Optically perfect , the overall condition is excellent with leatherette covering to alloy body intact. Case has hardly aged at all & is of the commonly referred to ' Top hat ' model with deep lid & ' Weitz Letzlar 1940 ' marking to neck. A very crisp eagle & swastika over 'M' is to be seen on top of the lid with hardly any age at all to its fittings. Carry strap original. An excellent clean set & the type seen in use by U Boat crews as well as other German naval vessels.
WW2 German 7 X 50 Kriegsmarine Binoculars 1941 A very fine pair of Carl Zeiss 7 X 50 Kriegsmarine binoculars complete with their weather protecting ' Benutzer' . As with all of the Zeiss binoculars of the Kriegsmarine these are profusely marked & with the serial number 2075268 giving the year of production as 1941. The Carl Zeiss logo is clear with the Marine 'M' to the left of the eagle & swastika & the acceptance office marking of 'IV/1' to the right . The 'T' surmounting Zeiss indicates coated lenses ( Transparenzbelag ) with the letter 'N' to opposite shoulder for Northern Sea Fleet ( Nord ) . The weather protecting leather 'Benutzer' is in perfect condition with all stitching intact & its leather covered sprung loaded arm perfect. With some light wear to the covering of the binoculars overall the neck strap is excellent. A small area of chipping exists to one of the bakelite eyepieces , please see pictures. The optics are , in my opinion , excellent with focussing working perfectly. **** If outside of the UK please contact me before ordering****
WW2 German 7 X 50 Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Binoculars A fine condition pair of the German Kriegsmarine 7 X 50 coastal artillery binoculars by Carl Zeiss. These were retrieved from a bunker in Normandy towards the end of WW2 by a local Frenchman & have remained in the family until now. This pair have the distinctive eagle above swastika surmounting 'M' to left shoulder with serial number '1986597' . The Artillerie lettering 'Artl' to right shoulder & ' Nr.2146 ' are clearly visible. Some perishing exists to the original rubber eyepieces & the left upper eyepiece is slightly loose however the adjustment & focus still appear to work perfectly. The leather neck strap is still present & undamaged with only the spring of the lens cover now remaining . A used pair , certainly with Normandy history.
WW2 German 7 X 56 Panzer Binoculars In Case A scarce cased pair of the 7 X 56 binoculars most often used by tank commanders & other specialist ranking personnel when they could be acquired. Very hard to find with their original black leather case this is in near perfect condition & bears the maker mark of 'bmj' for the firm Hensoldt & Sohn Wetzlar with the date 1943. A good clear waffenamt marking accompanies this. Both of the carrying strap side swivels are completely undamaged & in excellent working order with front webbing pull strap totally intact these often being missing after years of poor handling. Matching maker coded 'bmj' with designation '7 X 56 Dienstglas ' & serial number 555181 the binoculars come complete with original leather neck strap & rubber lens cover. The right ocular focusses perfectly whilst the left is slipping & not allowing focus. With some overall service use this is a quite superb pair of the less common 7 X 56 German binoculars.
WW2 German 7 X 56 Panzer Binoculars In Case A scarce cased pair of the 7 X 56 binoculars most often used by tank commanders & other specialist personnel when they could be acquired. Very hard to find with their original black leather case this is in very good condition & bears the maker mark of 'bmj' for the firm Hensoldt & Sohn Wetzlar with the date 1943. A good clear waffenamt marking accompanies this as well as to the bottom of the case. Both of the carrying strap side swivels are completely undamaged & in excellent working order with front webbing pull strap totally intact these often being missing after years of poor handling.Both spare lenses minus to case. Matching maker coded 'bmj' with designation '7 X 56 Dienstglas ' & serial number 555181 the binoculars come complete with original leather neck strap & rubber lens cover. The right ocular focusses perfectly whilst the left is slipping & not allowing focus. With some overall service use this is a quite superb pair of the less common 7 X 56 German binoculars.
WW2 German 7.65mm Mauser HSc Pistol A very nice example of the classic German Mauser , Oberndorf produced HSc pistol in 7.65mm calibre much favoured by German officers as well as permitted other ranks in the WW2 period. Marked with the correct nazi waffenamt code of WaA135 on the left trigger guard web this is an example of the last variation of HSc produced now into the 888,000 serial number range. As well as the waffenamt code to be seen on the left side an eagle with an N proof mark can also be seen on the right side trigger guard web . Wooden grips to the piece are excellent with its original untouched finish showing the later ' dusk blue ' finish to its top slide. Totally unrestored & an iconic German sidearm it is capable of being cocked, stripped & dryfired. Comes with Home Office certificate of deactivation. UK sales only.
WW2 German 7.92mm MG13 Machine Gun 1938 A stunning example of the German MG13 machine gun. The MG13 was introduced into service in 1930 & was the standard German light machine gun until superceded by the MG34 & MG42. When withdrawn from service in 1934 most MG13s were sold to Portugal & restamped with the Portuguese crest however those not sold were placed into storage & later saw use by second line German forces in WW2. This is a fantastic example coming complete with its folding butt stock & leather clamshell shoulder pads. It is clearly dated 1938 on the receiver & also on the bipod. Profusely marked in many places with the nazi waffenamt stampings it comes with a 1939 dated 25 round box magazine. Capable of being cocked & dryfired it has a Home Office certificate of deactivation . UK sales only.
WW2 German 7.92mm MG34 Machine Gun 1943 A fantastic example of the famous German MG34 with maker code 'dot' ( Waffenwerke Brunn ) & date 1943. This MG is capable of being barrel opened & stripped & also will cock & dryfire with ease. It has profuse nazi waffenamt markings with some matching numbers & is with fabulous brown & black bakelite grips that are correct wartime production & original to the gun. Bipod is waffenamt marked & 1942 dated. The finish on this desirable piece is immaculate, with apparently only a minimal amount of rounds having been through it. The 7.92mm 1941 dated ammunition tin & ammunition belt are for display only however can be purchased together at an additonal cost of £85 + p&p if bought with the gun. Comes with Home Office certificate of deactivation . UK sales only.
WW2 German 9mm MP40 Sub Machine Gun ( bnz 1942 ) An excellent combat example of the often nicknamed ' Schmeisser ' 9mm MP40 sub machine gun . Used by the German soldier throughout WW2 this is a 'bnz' coded example for the factory Steyr with year of manufacture 1942. It has its original 32 round kur 43 marked magazine with all of its bakelite furniture complete & intact. Folding stock is in excellent working order with a good tight fit of the bakelite to the metal . There are some very nice waffenamt markings to be seen on the weapon with some matching numbers & expected surface age to some of the metal . Deactivated to new specification although with moving trigger & 'ayf' mauser marked cocking piece that is capable of being adjusted to the in or out position ( a safety lock feature of the design ). This MP40 still has its piston rod visible to the inside. Deactivation certificate supplied , UK sales only.
WW2 German 9th SS Panzer Div 'Hohenstaufen' Title ( Provenanced ) Coming recently from the estate of a well documented former British army Intelligence Officer a Captain JW Steward involved in the interrogating of German POWs i am pleased to be able to offer one of his coveted wartime souvenirs being a field worn full length Bevo 'Hohenstaufen' cufftitle of the 9th Waffen SS Panzer Division. Unlike many others offered for sale, albeit down to personal preference, this piece is not mint but exudes that of being a true battle worn veteran this being evident in its overall age tone & wear. Some thread remains to the edges of the title indicative of having been removed from a service uniform this correlating with some snagging to edges where pulled from sleeve. There is also very light fading on exposed side through wear. Further details of the British officer who collected this & other pieces can be supplied upon request, his wartime grouping having been recently sold privately by his daughter following his death in 1997. Not offered for sale here but shown for information I have included in photographs three & four a picture of Captain Steward & also a photograph via his family of many of his personally captured German war souvenirs including this cuff title & others as well as some of his own effects relating to his wartime military service. As is well documented the Hohenstaufen Division were heavily involved in the ferocious 1944 inland Normandy battles as well as Arnhem, Hollands Operation Market Garden & the Battle Of The Bulge in the Belgian Ardennes. A superb piece of history more details or photographs can be supplied upon request.
WW2 German Afrikakorps Belt & Buckle 1940 A true & matching German Afrikakorps belt & buckle with its correct green webbing belt & 1940 dated Gustav Bremner made green web tabbed olive green buckle . Early first issue Afrikakorps equipment will display the distinctive green colour to its webbing as well as , in most instances , a matching green web tab to its buckle. This set has come from a house clearance & was a veteran bringback recently discovered. The web belt has leather edging reinforcement to its buckle end with stitch strengthening to its holed tongue. The metal hook of the belt is olive green & matches the colour of the buckle. Buckle itself has overall wear & some age to its edges but with a good proportion of its factory paint remaining to the centre. It is a rare early DAK 1940 dated example , the markings of which can be seen to the inside edge . Web tab has what appears to be glue to one corner which appears to be a very minor spillage of some sort. Hard to find a correct Afrikakorps matching belt & buckle from the early war period.
WW2 German Afrikakorps Bringback Diary From Tank Crewman Of 10th Panzer Division A fascinating piece of Afrikakorps history being a 1943 \'Panzerarmee Afrika\' Diary with map & 3 DAK photos captured by a British soldier from a German tank crewman of the the 10th Panzer Division. The British soldier Corporal JW Johnson of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps has glued his own AB64 paybook into the inside front cover. This fabulous piece has handwritten field entries in pencil made by the soldier which start on January 1943 & end upon his capture in July. On one of the beginning pages the soldier has written his name & unit & drawn the symbol of the 10th Panzer Division with an impressive sketch of a Panzer IV underneath it. Josef Fischer was a member of the Panzer Aufklarung Abteilung 10 ( Panzer Reconnaissance Unit 10 ) . His entries start by giving an account of preparing for action in Tunisia : 25th January - Servicing Weapons 26th January - Paint & Clean Our Tanks 27th January - Ready For Action !! They then go on to describe the Americans beginning to attack their positions : 4th February : The enemy attacks make our tanks more vulnerable... Note : We have many tanks destroyed by the enemy 9th February : Starting of the burial of bodies... The entries continue with notably : 26th February : The appearance today of two new Tiger tanks were very impressive machines ! 6th March : In the morning gun battle the men destroyed 3 American tanks with ease , one hit & it blows up heart ripped out ! 12th March : Morale is low without Rommel ! Towards the end of March the tide begins to turn & he records more opposing Allied tanks & planes with nearly all their tanks destroyed by 9th April . Josef Fischer becomes a tank rifleman ( Panzer Grenadier) on 19th April when his tank is destroyed. May 1st : WE ARE FINISHED ! May 3rd : POW . These are just a few of the entries in the Diary captured by Corporal Johnson of the KRRC who had his Next Of Kin in the Sutton area of Surrey & was in the army as early as the beginning of 1939 . Paybook records his awards of the 1939/45 Star & Africa Star With 8th Army Clasp .
WW2 German Afrikakorps Desert Camouflage Single Decal Army Helmet A quite fantastic helmet that I have recently had the good fortune to come across being a rare desert camouflage M35 single decal army helmet from Hitlers Afrikakorps. This helmet was the souvenir of a British soldier & as such travelled straight from the battlefield back to England then into private family hands until now. An M35 helmet that has clearly seen much Desert service it was brought up to M40 specifications by the covering of the national shield & the army decal to its left side being painted around. This being an \'SE\' produced helmet , the decal is most likely the same as that found on \'ET\' helmets & is typical with slightly darker detail lines compared to those found on other helmets. The inside wing detail & right talon \'dot\' are not discernible due to wear to the decal. The thick textured sand coloured paint has been applied inside & out & has had sand mixed in with it to execute its granulated effect. A close examination of the exterior textured paint finish determines the presence of fine sea shell particles within the paint & also establishes the uneven thickness where the thinner areas of the covering have been overbrushed with the sandy yellow to cover the factory green paint underneath. Areas of natural rust bleed are showing through evenly to the exterior of the helmet . All three liner pins match exactly the sand mixed paint on the rest of the helmet & are 100% undisturbed. Interior of the helmet has the same sand coloured paint applied around the rim but left smooth without the sand mixed in. Due to the overpaint it is difficult to see the shell markings however I can just see the maker & size of \'SE68\' . I can only establish the first two of the lot number as \'47\' , the rest is illegible. The left underside of the front lip displays thumb wear through the desert paint & down to the factory green from the helmet being taken on & off of the head in the heat. There is also rust bleed around the rim coming through the paint where it was once in damp conditions at some point during postwar storage. The liner band is of reinforced aluminium with a visual examination ascertaining that it is totally unmolested with a very natural buildup of dust & dirt having gathered between this & the shell. Although the liner itself is tight against the band one can still view the pins arms to see that they are perfectly unbent & undisturbed since they went in during this soldiers service. Band has a date of 1940 just about visible. The liner itself shows some wear with a handwritten name of \' M.Rebling\' & also a paper label stuck to the forehead area with the same surname being just about legible. Size of liner is 60. When one views the camouflage paint around the rim it is apparent that there are some traces of the same paint visible on the band . In certain circumstances helmets were camouflage painted in Germany before deployment so this may be the case here. The liner dispays light wear indicating that the helmet was not worn as much as his tropical cap in the heat of the sun , perhaps by an officer . Original drawstring is intact. Chinstrap is an unmarked example & is it came still on the helmet. I cannot be sure whether this helmet was taken from North Africa, however I believe we can confidently place it within the North African DAK timeframe of February 1941 - May 1943. A very rare helmet & one that would no doubt have a fascinating story to tell.
WW2 German Afrikakorps Luftwaffe Tropical Belt & Buckle 1941 Rare tropical Afrikakorps webbing belt of the Luftwaffe with superb factory painted tan Luftwaffe buckle. This belt & buckle is a recently acquired bringback set which has always been together & shows heavy combat wear. Buckle has leather tab marked \' B.HAARMANN, LUDENSCHEID \' with the desired date of 1941 exactly correct for the North African campaign & true early Afrikakorps examples. Haarmann is a recognised maker of tropical buckles.A good proportion of the original paint remains with heavy wear to its high points. Web belt has steel tabbed end with matching tan paint & leather adjustment tongue as per the earliest examples. Webbing belt is dirty through wear with some light fraying to edges but all stitching intact & firm. Their are a few non serious rust marks to the webbing . A rare piece & offered exactly as it was found .
WW2 German Afrikakorps POW Decorative Souvenir Art It is a well known fact that the resourceful German soldier could make anything out of what he had available to him at the time this being especially true of German prisoners of war who made souvenirs & mementoes to either keep or sell whilst in captivity. This piece has been crudely but innovatively made by a former member of Rommels Afrikakorps being a perspex made box with aluminium metal plating for its decoration. On the lid is a decorative diamond shaped mount with the word \' Afrika\' & the date 1946 cut into it the lettering & numbers having a red centre. On one side of the box is the famous symbol of the German Afrikakorps being a palmtree with sunburst again cut into the aluminium & backed in red representing the sun. On the other side is another Afrikakorps palm tree etched into the metal mount. Each corner has a decoratively etched mount with a flower on each of the boxes ends. It is usual that the perspex & aluminium was brought in from crashed aircraft & so the origins of the whole piece make it a fascinating item. Certainly a unique & collectable item enhanced by its link to the famous Afrikakorps.
WW2 German Army /Luftwaffe Gas Mask & Canister An early 1937 dated gas mask & canister the latter being of the first short model with spring loaded fastener. Gas mask facepiece is in the early issue rubberised fabric with 1937 date to inside edge of mask & a slightly later inspection date of 1942 next to that. The number '3' to outside mask is visible. Eyepieces dated 1941. Straps in good order. Filter is of the Fe41 type & in excellent condition. The early short canister has its reed green paint finish visible underneath with a darker grey blue then applied over this. The colour does imply luftwaffe troops with these early tins still employed by non frontline flak crews & other personnel. 1937 date to lid of spare lens compartment with owners name 'Timm' . Both long & short straps are original but well used & frayed.
WW2 German Army Anti Tank Battery Marked Belt & Buckle A very nice early war German army belt & buckle with belt & buckle unit marked \' 1/PZ.Abw.11. \' ( 1/Panzer Abwehr.11 ) for an an anti tank unit of Panzer Regiment 11 which fought as part of the 6th Panzer Division from 1939. Belt buckle is a very nice early piece in pebbled aluminium with maker mark \'RM\' to reverse for the firm \' \' . Some of its original green paint can still be seen with prong & buckle arrangement to rear fully intact. Belt leather is again an early piece with the regimental markings stamped twice at one end. A manufacture name can be seen to the tabbed end however this is now mostly illegible due to heavy wear. Measures an approx 95cm total length. The 11th Panzer regiment fought with the 6th Panzer Division in the invasion of Poland in 1939 & then in 1940 the battle For France . At the time of this belts early manufacture it is probable it was being worn here at this time. It also fought in the Battle for Belgium before being deployed to the Eastern Front in 1941.
WW2 German Army Apple Green M35 Steel Combat Helmet A WW2 German army steel combat helmet of the M35 model in apple green paint & with both decals removed as per wartime regulations. Much of its original factory apple green still remains to the helmet with all of its ' IKA39' marked & dated liner pins intact & unmolested. The outline of the national shield can be seen where it once sat to the right side , these were ordered removed in March 1940 . No trace of the army decal remains these having been ordered removed in 1942 . Interior of the helmet has the early aluminium reinforced band , this is maker marked & dated 1939. The marking 'Q64' to the rim underside denotes a Quist made size 64 . Leather liner is textbook with partially legible soldiers name handwritten to both sides. A very early apple green German combat helmet that has seen action from the early stages of WW2 . Some fine age peppering in places.
WW2 German Army Dagger , Hangers & Knot WW2 German army dagger rig Holler made a nice product and this is reflected in the quality of this dagger. Nice plated crossguard and pommel show no lifting. The mid-orange grip is perfect with no chips and is wrapped with the original bullion portapee. This shows a little wear and fraying in the swing areas, but is perfectly sound and suits the condition of the rest of the piece. The silver plated scabbard is very bright, but as it’s a steel base, moisture has affected it in a few places and bubbled the surface. Mainly to one edge and a little on the reverse. There are a very nice pair of hanging straps. Cloth and bullion facings are fine and all the clips and hooks are present and work. The blade has the Holler oval logo with thermometer in the middle on the reverse side. The stiletto blade is in mint condition with all crossgrain polish present. A nice looking dagger and priced accordingly.
WW2 German Army Dagger , Hangers & Knot - E.Pack & Sohn A very nice straight from the woodwork army officers dagger by a more unusual maker. EP&S. Ernst Pack made a variety of the daggers across the board, but their trademark on an army dagger does not appear very often. Its also the very desirable LARGER trademark with the oval center piece showing the man wielding the hammer and the \'Siegfried Waffen\' lettering above and below. Orange grip in good order with original tied knot still present showing fraying throughout. Nickel plated fittings, crossguard etc are good. Scabbard very good with no dents having a natural age patina where it has been stored in a cupboard for many years. There is a very nice set of green velvet backed hangers. These are a very nice set again showing light wear & darkened age patina. The blade is in very good condition, with crossgrain polish elsewhere discernible upon close inspection. *** Proof of age required ( Driving Licence etc ) ***
WW2 German Army Dagger With Hangers A superb example of the German army officers dagger fresh to the collectors market & in excellent condition ! Made by Carl Eickhorn of Solingen with their famous squirrel motif to ridge of blade this dagger exudes quality & has been well looked after in family hands for many years. The beautiful orange grip is totally undamaged this complimenting the high silver content of the daggers metal fittings. The usual crispness of its ornate detail does not disappoint with its clean well finished scabbard being another added bonus. Blade excellent & with its correct crossgraining. Hangers are quite excellent with all of its green velvet backing intact & only the most minimal amount of wear overall. Both DRGM marked clips & buckle are silver washed with beautiful oak leaves & acorns throughout. A fabulous example.
WW2 German Army Double Decal Helmet A souvenir of the Normandy campaign this double decal M40 army helmet was recently discovered still complete with its original liner & chinstrap. Hung up in an outside barn until now it has survived very well with some shrinkage to the liner causing the rear seam stitching to seperate. The chinstrap has at some time been cut with the two ends now held in place by use of an old split rivet. Both decals are still visible with some of the helmets original smooth dark green paint finish visible in places. Aluminium liner band is reinforced & 1940 dated. All three liner pins are unbent & undisturbed evidencing the liner having never been out. With age pitting overall , this has resulted in the maker mark etc to underside now impossible to see. A pickup piece & one that could no doubt tell a story.
WW2 German Army Dress Dagger & Hanging Straps An extremely good sleeper condition Army officers dagger. The upper portion of the dagger with its deep orange grip is totally undamaged bearing no cracks or chips & has good undamaged metal parts with an overall desirable light age tarnish overall. All of the fittings are matching in their finish it being apparent that the dagger & scabbard have always been together. Blade is unmarked & in overall good condition with some age blemishing although there is no bad pitting or damage. Dagger comes complete with its hanging straps as was found the metal parts of which are DRGM marked. Green velvet backed with some age to silver wire the metal parts are excellent with a nice age tarnishing. Overall a good untouched example of the German Army officers dagger.
WW2 German Army Eickhorn 'Derfflinger' Pattern Sword A scarce example of the Eickhorn 'Derfflinger' Pattern ' Field Marshal Sword ' which can be seen on page 82 of the Angolia sword reference book . The name is of course derived from a famous German leader & the sword commonly referred to as the Model 1735. This is an aluminium hilt example having a high proportion ( 90 -95 % ) of its original gilding still remaining . Of dove headed pattern , the backstrap is decorated with border lines & features a mainly oakleaf design that continues down to the hilt & the grip tabs. Langet displays a raised Wehrmacht eagle & swastika on its obverse side with the reverse side blank which was intended to provide an option for the use of a monogram. Grip is excellent having suffered no chips or cracks to the black celluloid . It is wrapped with tight triple aluminum wire that sets off its black background very distinctly. Blade is exceptionally clean & bright having a quite striking highly polished appearance. Scabbard has no dents & most of its black paint finish remaining with the exception of some very minor abrasions in places down towards the bottom end . A scarce pattern of sword & in very nice only lightly used condition.
WW2 German Army HBT Combat Tunic A good example of the reed green tunic that saw much use with German troops in the Normandy fighting as well as during the Russian campaign. Breast eagle is originally zig zag stitched to right breast with the midwar pattern of collar litzen also originally stitched the cotton thread matching that of the overall construction of the tunic & no previous holes being visible. Of lightweight herringbone twill construction it has four box pockets with card button adjustment to cuffs. Ink stamped dice markings are faintly visible on the interior of front fly with the typical partial rayon lining in good order. Grey painted pebbled metal buttons are all present on their detachable rings with pressed card buttons used for field dressing pocket & collar. Four small repaired holes present themselves at the right shoulder area however this tunic is ideal for a kitted out German infantry mannequin display.
WW2 German Army HBT Tunic A German army four pocket herringbone twill tunic in very good condition. This example in the typical army grey green of midwar production & have square corrnered box pockets with no pleats of the second model. All of its removeable dark grey painted pebbled buttons present. Both adjustment buttons present to cuffs & fastening button to dressing pocket. The grey bevo collar litzen is machine stitched around the edges & well seated into the collar. The Grey on green bevo breast eagle is correctly machine stitch applied with top edge folded down first then folded over & finished around the sides. I cannot guarantee when it was done however there is no evidence of any other eagle having ever bene on there either luftwaffe or army ! A good sized tunic the chest measures an approx 38 inches. Partial grey rayon lining is intact with faint RB number still partly legible to field dressing pocket. A classic German combat soldier item.
WW2 German Army Infantry NCOs M43 Field Blouse A German infantry NCOs M43 combat tunic with white piped shoulder boards & ink stamp to the uniform maker 'E.REITZ' based in German occupied Belgium. The M43 model of tunic was an economical simplification of those before it with a new six button closure required due to the lesser quality wool used in its construction. None of the pockets have central pleats with only early M43 tunics having pointed flaps as seen here. Collar litzen are of the universal pattern & are WW2 original stitched to the tunic with thread matching that of the NCO tresse so collar applied upon his promotion. Breast eagle is Bevo grey on green & although not factory machine stitched it is neatly hand applied & may well be a wartime replacement . Medal loops have been applied above the left breast pocket with loops for two combat awards on the pocket. The rayon lining is indicative of midwar manufacture with dice style size markings & the manufacturer stamp for 'E.REITZ' of Antwerp , Belgium. All three of tis pressed paper collar buttons are intact to hold the collar liner with all four of its belt hook web equipment tabs still present. In overall excellent condition & coming complete with shoulderboards there is very light hardly noticeable moth tracking & several tiny pinprick holes to lower right pocket & lower right sleeve , please see images .
WW2 German Army Late War M43 Tunic A very presentable large sized late war M43 army tunic in excellent condition. These were issued & worn right up to the end of the war to exhaust existing stocks whilst the newer style of M44 tunic was only issued in limited numbers when compared to the already well established M43 . Manufactured with a higher content of spun rayon yarn & recycled wool of the later produced M43 tunics this example has a dark grey appearance much indicative of this late war period. With an artificial silk lining there are faint RB number markings to the field dressing pocket & one belt belt support hook strap remaining to left inside waist. Breast eagle is the late war mouse grey pattern which is reapplied although totally correct for this tunic . All buttons are intact & correctly sewn with the late war period thick green cotton thread often seen on other garments of this date. Although minor on a now sought after German army tunic it is worthy of note that there are two small moth nips to the front waist under the area where the belt would sit & three small 5mm nips underneath the bottom button. An excellent example that would compliment a late war German army representation.
WW2 German Army M34 Tornister Pack , Dresden Maker 1937 This is the M34 fur tornister backpack which was standard issue to German soldiers just prior to WW2. Bottom hooks are minus on this example. Its distinctive cowdhide 'fur' front & back was a design carried over from earlier issues however this ceased as the war progressed. Pack has four leather securing tabs to front for the messtin with securing points to the sides & top on which can be strapped the greatcoat & zeltbahn. Internally buckle fastened compartments are all present with the maker name & date 'Thiele AG Dresden 1936' to rear of the pack. Both carrying straps are marked the same. These are integral to the pack with a quick release system to the bottom that has hooks on which the carry straps can be quickly slung over. Although the leather hook fittings are present in the main the hook part on each side has snapped off with strap having been wired on for visual effect on a mannequin. Apart from this it is still a very visually good Tornister for display.
WW2 German Army M35 ' Artillerie Regiment 169 ' Camouflage Netted Helmet An excellent German army M35 combat helmet which has clearly seen much war service with army decal still remaining & traces of the tricolour to other side. Examination of the outer shell shows two different overpaints in its lifetime with the first apple green factory issue colour being visible in worn areas. A milder green has been applied on top of this with the 1940 dark green overpaint applied over both of these. The existing army decal appears to have been reapplied over the reissue paint with traces of the old decal being seen through this. The dark green overpaint was applied to the inside rim however much has worn away to expose the early apple green factory finish. There are also some owners hand painted markings here with a name & 'A.R.169' visible underneath this for 'Artillery Regiment 169' which was part of the 69th Infantry Division . Some older writing apparently applied before the 1940 overpaint can be made out as ' Kan' & 'R.Stab ' which would logically be Kanonier & Regiment Staff & so this is certainly a reissue helmet or one that has seen much service with the same gunner. A size 'Q64' the lot number is not visible due to the paint . Chinstrap is a totally original 1941 dated Bielefeld made example. The net adorning the helmet , although correct allied WW2 issue , is not guaranteed as original to the helmet & may well be a later addition. It is of note that weather fading is evident to the outside of the net when compared to the fresher green seen in the underside crown of the helmet when the liner is turned up . A very nice German combat helmet & a true war veteran. In April 1940, the 69th Infantry division participated in the German invasion of Norway. The largest element of the division, some 5,000 soldiers in 250 transport planes, landed at Sola airport after it was seized by German paratroopers. The division then captured the nearby city of Stavanger. After the successful Norwegian Campaign, the 69th Infantry Division remained in occupied Norway until November 1942. In December 1942 the division was moved to the Leningrad front as part of Army Group North's 18th Army. The division remained in the area and was pushed back to the Pskov area by Soviet offensives through February 1944. In July 1944 the division was transferred south to Army Group Centre, which was reeling from repeated Soviet assaults. Falling back to Memel and then evacuated to East Prussia, by the beginning of 1945 the division was one of four defending the besieged city of Königsberg. Subjected to intense aerial bombing and artillery assault, the surviving members of the unit surrendered to the Red Army shortly after the city fell on April 9, 1945.
WW2 German Army M35 Single Decal Helmet An untouched M35 army single decal combat helmet straight out of the last war ! This large 66 sized helmet is one of the last Model 35 productions dating in at from the 1940 period with 1940 dated reinforced aluminium band & 1940 dated chinstrap. The exterior paint finish is in the 1940 rough green grey with the interior of the shell in smooth paint. Decal is age toned with some general scuffing however it is largely intact. All three liner rivets are uninterfered with & totally matching in colour. Inspection of the interior confirms that they have not been out of the helmet with all prongs unbent. The 1940 date can be seen to the double reinforced aluminium liner band. This again would have been one of the last aluminium examples produced with manufacture switching to zinc in this year. Leather liner is present with some damage to five of the four fingers however the string drawcord is still present. Chinstrap has a grey painted steel buckle with Lengefeld maker & 1940 date clear. In very nice untouched \' sleepy \'condition & no doubt a souvenir of the last war.
WW2 German Army M35 Single Decal Helmet With Belt Hanger & Inf.Regt 104 Marked Chinstrap A recently Europe found straight out of the woodwork WW2 German M35 helmet with '4/J.R.104' marked chinstrap & an improvised belt hanger affixed to rear of the liner band. Still with its early apple green paint the exterior of the helmet has army decal showing heavy wear. Helmet shell is marked SE64 for the firm 'Sachsische Emaillier - und Stanzwerke, Lauter. The non reinforced aluminium liner band to interior is early with undisturbed liner pins & an untouched liner with I have made no attempt to lift. A field made belt hanger has been fixed to the liner by the soldier , this is a field expedient not often seen but typical of such an early war helmet. The leather chinstrap is a very early maker marked & 1936 dated example. Rare regimental markings adorn the strap these read ' 4/JR104 I ' for the 4th Company, Infantry Regiment 104 . Although reading 'JR' this is likely to be for an Infantry Reg rather than a Jager Regiment as is often thought. A true sleeper of a helmet in every sense of the expression.
WW2 German Army M40 Camouflaged Helmet Interesting German M40 camouflaged helmet with army decal & original liner. An untouched piece this single decal helmet has the remains of a sprayed tan ochre & green camouflaged scheme applied to its exterior with the original factory army green still visible to its underside. Over time the paint has subdued & with the overall wear on the surface of the helmet it is clear that this helmet has seen much action. The swastika of the army decal is mostly remaining at about 98% with overall wear to the remaining bird certainly in proportion with the overall look of the entire helmet. An 'NS64' ( Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke) its lot number is '8102' . Liner is excellent & according to the unbent liner pins has never been out of the helmet. It is marked to its underside with an RB Number & date 1943. Original drawstring intact.
WW2 German Army M40 Combat Tunic A WW2 German M40 combat tunic in very good condition. The model 40 was an upgraded version of the M36 but with field grey collar instead of the dark green . Tunic has a five button front with pleated patch pockets & scalloped pocket flaps . The collar tabs are totally original machine sewn to the tunic & are of the bevo universal issue seen as of 1940 to replace the previous individually branch piped versions. Breast eagle is in green backed grey bevo again seen from 1940 & totally correct for this 1941 dated tunic. To the left sleeve is an \'Obershutze\' rank badge which was given to enlisted soldiers who had shown good aptitude & proficiency but that had had not yet qualified for Gefreiter rank. Interior of tunic has partial cotton linign with dice marked size stamps & date \'41\' Overall very nice scarce tunic in a good mannequin size & hard to find in todays market unconverted such as this.
WW2 German Army M40 Helmet With Original Chinstrap A German M40 non decalled combat helmet complete with its original chinstrap & as worn by Army or Waffen SS units from the midwar period onwards. Factory finished in a rough texture slate grey paint a high proportion of this remains with only minor chips & scuffs from combat wear. All three liner pin heads are in matching grey paint & are totally undisturbed. Interior of helmet has very faint almost illegible markings to underside of rear skirt , the size of this helmet appears to be a Quist 64 & upon careful inspection of the zinc liner band a date of 1944 can be seen. As is well recorded , Quist produced M40 helmets until very late in the war most often having , when encountered , 1944 dated liner bands as here. I have included an image of the markings on the shell . Liner is in pigskin with German soldiers initials \'KB\' . Chinstrap is totally original & marked \'ftb44\'. An excellent combat helmet.
WW2 German Army M40 Single Decal Helmet A fabulous textbook M40 single decal army helmet coming complete with its original chinstrap. This classic \'ET\' made M40 army helmet is finished in rough textured grey green factory paint as per the 1940 regulations & bears the typical smooth curved wing \'ET\' army decal associated with this maker. The decal remains impressively 95 % intact with swastika perfect. Helmet shell underside displays the manufacturer markings & size \'ET64\' for the maker \' Eisenhuttenwerken\' with the batch number \'147\' . Interior of the helmet has the expected zinc liner band dated 1941 with all pins undisturbed & this liner being 100% original to the helmet. Leather liner has all fingers intact & is complete with its original string. Chinstrap is as it came on the helmet with grey painted steel buckle & short strap securing stud. The marking \'bmd 41\' is stamped to the pointed end with an uncommonly seen waffenamt marking above this. An untouched German combat helmet that has without doubt seen action .
WW2 German Army M42 Tunic (Dark Green Collar Applied ) An M42 army tunic which has had a tailor applied dark green collar added as well as internal pockets to tunic lining. Older serving German soldiers often much preferred the look & 'old sweat' status of the early war dark green collar so when issued a replacement would often have a dark green collar applied. Common amongst NCO ranks it is of note that NCO tress seems at one time to have been on the collar & so this tunic has had a checquered history. A well worn example it has a midwar Bevo breast eagle zig zag applied with non branch piped collar litzen machine stitched to its dark green backing. Much wear is evident to the nap of the cloth with some small stitch repairs visible upon close inspection. Rear of right arm has a repair ( see picture 10 ) with backing patch applied. A well used piece & one that would visually portray a German combat soldier with full combat equipment from the 1943 period onwards.
WW2 German Army M43 Cap A rare textbook German army M43 field cap with its original factory applied trapezoid insignia. The material of this cap is of the distinctive green grey wool with lining in rayon artificial silk. It is very typically constructed with well executed machine applied chainstitching running around the circumference of the cap approx 1 inch from the bottom edge. There are matching material rayon loops to each of the lower inside skirt edges to hold the seperate ear protectors & 100% original to the cap grey painted dimpled buttons to the front. The army machine embroidered trapezoid bevo insignia is correctly applied as can be seen in the images. There is a fair amount of wear to this worn German soldiers cap with what looks like an old field repair to the top crown & sweat staining to the lining around the forehead area in particular. Very hard to find especially with its original trapezoid insignia still on it.
WW2 German Army M43 Combat Tunic A good M43 other ranks combat tunic with bevo breast eagle & universal collar litzen correct for this model of tunic. This is the model seen in common use from 1943 onwards with the simplified non pleated box pockets & matching field grey collar. The collar litzen is dark green backed this according to individual preference by the wearer or indeed what he was issued when he may have required replacements. The weathering around the edges of the patches evidences these having been worn on the tunic for a very long time . Breast eagle is the correct midwar Bevo pattern & although originally factory machine stitched straight through the rayon lining it was removed but found in the pocket of the tunic when acquired. All of the pebbled buttons are of the dark grey used from 1943 onwards with RB Nr & size markings to inside front fly. The shoulder buttons are an older style with regimental number \'7\' on each again at preference of the wearer. With no moth holes whatsoever or damage there is only light wear to the nap of the cloth . A very nice combat tunic.
WW2 German Army M43 Combat Tunic WW2 German M43 combat tunic in very good condition. This is the classic German combat tunic worn from 1943 onwards in most theatres by the German soldier with good unconverted examples very difficult to find now. Tunic has a six button front & comes with its originally stitched universal BEVO collar tabs totally correct for this period. Breast eagle is in grey on green BEVO also totally correct for this tunic. To interior is a partial grey rayon lining complete with field dressing pocket fastened by a black glass button. Fitted with four belt hooks front & back these are to support his combat belt equipment & indicative of a fighting soldier. Two award loops to left breast pocket & shoulder loops for boards still present. Faint ink markings to inside left fly . Classic German combat tunic.
WW2 German Army M43 Field Blouse A German army M43 four pocket field blouse with bevo breast eagle & Universal collar litzen correct for this tunic. Tunic has the M43 style of unpleated box pockets with three holes to each waist for belt hooks. Two equipment belt hooks are present. The collar litzen are well seated into the collar of the tunic & correctly sewn as one would expect to see with the bevo mouse grey on green breast eagle being the correct eagle for this tunic but reapplied. There is the standard partial rayon lining to interior with only faint blurred ink markings visible. There are three buttons to the interior of the tunic collar for the collar lining. There are a couple of field repairs to the cloth of the tunic making this an excellent representation of the midwar onwards service tunic ideal for portaying a German infantryman of the Normandy fighting.
WW2 German Army M43 Trousers A scarce pair of the German army issue M43 pattern of trousers worn from the midwar period onwards. Trousers have all of their waist belt loops remaining with reinforcing to seat area still intact. Size adjustment buckle tabs are still operable to sides & there are , surprisingly , only two button replacements overall. A perfect pair for mannequin display there is no moth but being a soldier used pair there are, of course .some inevitable repairs ( Pictured ) . Theses can be seen to the front crotch area & on the right ankle area underneath where the marching boots would cover. Nicely dice stamped to inside waist with a depot mark of 'st.43' denoting the year of 1943. Now hard to find in any condition this pair are a perfect representation of those as seen worn by the German soldier in the field.
WW2 German Army M43 Trousers 1944 Scarce pair of the M43 pattern of German combat trouser ( Keilhose) these were standard issue from midwar onwards & are now very hard to find . Trousers are made in grey/green wool matching that of the M43 tunic & have a good amount of their original buttons remaining . Faint ink stamps can still be seen to the waistband these being diced size markings & a depot & date \'St44\' for Stuttgart 1944. Both ankle bottoms are lined in tan & water camouflage sniper smock material this being totally period executed during their manufacture at a time when every available piece of available material was used. Ankle ties still present & original to the trousers. Well worn to the nap of the cloth & with a few small period repairs in places this pair would be perfect for a combat infantryman mannequin with M43 tunic.
WW2 German Army Medical NCOs M35 Waffenrock Stunning example of an M35 Waffenrock introduced in 1935 for wear by all ranks as their walking out , parade & ceremonial dress. This superb piece is desirable being for an NCO of medical troops as denoted by the cornflower blue piping to collar , cuff & shoulderboard edges. The two pips & silver tress to shoulderboards indicate rank of Haupteldwebel with the rank braiding to cuffs confirming same. Tunic material is of finely tailored doeskin wool with eight button frontage & machine woven silver wire breast eagle. Iron Cross & Russian Front ribbons to buttonhole as well as award loops to lower left breast. LIning is in ribbed grey rayon with horizontal slash pocket to left pocket for dress dagger . Dice markings give date of 1938 with a medical unit stamp beneath this. A very fine waffenrock & hard to find medical examples.
WW2 German Army NCOs M43 Tunic A German army NCOs M43 combat tunic with original sewn collar tabs & NCO tress to collar. This style of tunic was an economical simplification of those before it with a new six button closure required due to the lesser quality wool used in its construction. None of the pockets have central pleats with only early M43 tunics having pointed flaps as seen here. Collar litzen are of the universal pattern & are WW2 original stitched to the tunic with thread matching that of the NCO tresse so collar applied upon his promotion. Breast eagle is Bevo grey on green & although not factory machine stitched it is neatly hand applied & may well be a wartime replacement . Medal ribbons mounted above left breast pocket for Iron cross second class , West Wall medal & . The rayon lining is indicative of midwar manufacture with only very faint partial markings now visible. All three of its pressed paper collar buttons are intact to hold the collar liner with all four of its belt hook web equipment tabs still present. In overall excellent condition with some wear to nap of cloth in places .
WW2 German Army Officers Dagger , Hanger & Knot WW2 German Army Officers Dagger , Hanger & Knot A good German officers dagger complete with its original hanger & knot as brought back from WW2. A nice untouched example it has an undamaged orange celluloid grip with much of the original crisp detailing remaining to metal parts. I have left this as uncleaned so a nice silver patina remains overall. Scabbard is good with no dents. The name 'Abe' ( Former owner ) has been engraved to the rear of the crossguard. The non maker marked blade is clean & bright & in near perfect condition. The green velvet backed dagger hangers are well D.R.G.M marked with both dagger clips undamaged & in working order. Some fraying to underside where it has rubbed on the uniform during wear. The knot also has fraying & some heavy wear overall. A good untouched example. ***UK Sales Only / Proof of age required***
WW2 German Army Officers M43 Einheitsfeldmutze Rare WW2 German combat officers M43 field cap with alloy rank piping to the crown seam. A much used cap of field quality the piping has worn with an apparent attempt by the officer to keep it orderly by using binding stitches around the circumference of the cap to keep it in place. Insignia to the front is an other ranks Bevo trapezoid originally applied in the correct manner of top folded & sides down. Officer buttons to front of skirt. Lining of the cap is in cotton with leather sweatband top forehead area. The size marking of '58' is distinct. Worthy of note in the construction of the cap are the shoulder strap loops to the skirt underside & the expected seam lining material to its top edge . This cap is featured on page 49 of the Military Mode book 'Einheitsfeldmutze' by Oliver Lock having been in my own personal collection at the time.
WW2 German Army Other Ranks M41 Field Blouse 1941 A German army M41 combat tunic with its original factory sewn collar litzen still in place. The four equipment belt hooks come with the tunic. The M41 tunic was an improvement on the slightly earlier M36 tunic the most noticeable difference being the collar in grey matching the rest of the tunic. With four pleated pockets & a hook & eye fastened collar it is a classic piece of German infantryman combat uniform as worn right through WW2 in many theatres. Markings to interior lining give sizes & a Berlin Depot inspection stamp dated 1941. Both of its universal rayon collar litzen are clearly original to the tunic this being evident on a visual inspection of front & reverse. The green backed rayon breast eagle has been zig zag stitched through the inside lining & is very visually correct although in my opinion reapplied. This piece has much of its nap left to cloth with only moderate service wear . There are no rips , tears or unsightly moth holes that are immediately apparent. A very good mannequin size & just a very nice German combat tunic .
WW2 German Army Panzer NCO Wrap Over Tunic & Trousers ( Panzer Regiment 22) A textbook army panzer NCOs' wrap over tunic from an Oberfahnrich ( With equivalent rank of Oberfeldwebel ) of panzer-regiment 22 coming complete with totally correct midwar issue panzer trousers in excellent condition. Tunic has pink piped silver NCO tressed removeable shoulder boards with the numerals '22' & double rank pips which have been in place for many years. The aluminium thread is of the style introduced in 1935 & was preferred on walking out tunics rather than the later wartime grey rayon. Tunic has the distinctive hook & eyelet provision for closing of the lapels with double buttoned cuff adjustment & a typically midwar artificial silk lining with belt hook tabs & tape adjustments still present. The double lining sewn behind the front section interior gives thickness to the cloth thus offering some protection against flame exposure ( See images ) . A very crisp dice marking to left breast gives sizing & R.B Number as well as the clear 'M43' confirming a midwar manufacture. It is apparent from the lack of wear that this tunic would appear to have been kept for best dress & has seen minimal wear, service commitments permitting , if any at all. Breast eagle is of the 1941 onwards machine embroidered mouse grey bevo with metal panzer totenkopf mounted on pink piped rhomboid collar patches. A veteran of North Africa with cuff band to right sleeve the tank destruction badge is also worn as well as the Iron Cross first class & tank badge. Iron cross ribbon to buttonhole. All insignia is correct & tailor standard stitched to the tunic however due to its practically unworn condition it is impossible to definitively ascertain whether individual pieces were period or collector applied. Panzer trousers are of the classic 'ski' type cut of the period with slanted flapped hip pockets & tapered cuffs to legs. Three pronged buckle & web belt to waist in addition to its six button front fly ( Two concealed ) . Dice markings with date '44' confirm their late war manufacture. Overall a superb panzer uniform set in a condition that would be impossible to better.
WW2 German Army Reissue M35 Helmet A good combat example of an early double decal luftwaffe helmet that has at one time been an army helmet before being reissued. Traces of both the luftwaffe & army decal , one applied over the other , remain to the left side with a nice proportion of the tricolour shield being clearly visible on the right. A good proportion of the factory blue paint is to the outside & rough army green paint remains to inside rim. Shell maker stamped to ET64 ( Eisenthale , size 64 ) ) with batch number at rear of 3670 denoting shell manufactured in 1938. Leather liner is good & supple & has all of its eight fingers intact without damage. Evidence of wear through sweat mark at forehead with double banded aluminium linerband intact & dated 1939. Leather chinstrap is an original wartime example with a repair to its left side which was most likely carried out upon its refurbishment for reissue at depot level. Overall a nice used combat helmet.
WW2 German Army Single Decal M40 Helmet A WW2 German army single decal M40 army combat helmet coming with its original 1942 maker marked & dated chinstrap. Helmet is an 'SE64' & has a very high proportion of its army decal remaining with heavy service wear to the helmets exterior paint very apparent. Still in its original textured factory paint the decal is typical of those found on SE helmets these being from the same manufacturer that supplied ET. The noticeable 'dimple' in the far right talon can be seen here with the distinctive smooth wing interior to right tip noticeable when compared to the other side. All three of its liner pins are totally undisturbed this confirming that the liner has never been out of this helmet. There is heavy wear to the leather , I have not lifted the fingers to inspect the reverse. A very appealing original leather chinstrap still adorns this piece, its short end has a nicely painted grey steel buckle . Markings on the end of the long strap read' Otto Breitschuh Eisleben 1942' . Overall an excellent untouched German combat helmet from WW2. .
WW2 German Army Single Decal Netted Camouflage Helmet A rare opportunity to own a 100% untouched German netted camouflage helmet offered just as found uncleaned , dirty, dusty & with its original chinstrap still intact. This quite amazing helmet is a time capsule from the NW Europe theatre of operations & typical of those worn by German combat troops in the latter stages of WW2. It is an M42 raw edge with army decal remaining & much of its slate grey factory paint still visible underneath the thick hemp netting. Having been outhouse loft stored for many years the metal surface has some very old minor rust development from damp conditions with a very dirty & rust stained covering to the netting overall. In a typical thick hemp with much correlating wear evident throughout the netting is fitted down behind the liner band of the helmet & knotted off on the helemts underside. It is clear that this has been undisturbed for many years. Interior of the helmet has a heavily worn leather liner with its original drawstring still present . A field repair is evident to the leather of the liner on one side. I have carefully tried to see the maker & size markings on the underside of the helmet however due to the age to the metal have been unable to do so. Chinstrap is totally original to the helmet with part of the pointed end now minus. A stunning helmet & a rare opportunity to own such a fabulous piece of battlefield history.
WW2 German Army Souvenir Belt With British Cap Badges A German army belt & buckle kept by a British serviceman with cap badges mounted to the leather. The steel buckle is a \' CTD1941\' marked example for the firm CT Dicke in 1941 & still has its leather 1941 dated tab intact. The following allied badges are affixed : 1. 2 X South African technical service corps badges 2. Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire regiment plastic economy badge 3. Corps Military Police badge 4. Pioneer economy Badge 5. Canadian Infantry Corps Badge 6. Royal Engineers badge 7. 2 X Kriegsmarine stars 8. Seaforth Highlanders badge 9. Royal Army Ordnance Corps economy badge 10. Cameron Highlanders badge 11. REME economy badge 12. Rifle Brigade badge 13. Royal Armoured Corps plastic economy badge 14. RAMC badge Belt leather date can just be made out as 1942.
WW2 German Army Tropical Pith Helmet 1942 WW2 German pith helmet in excellent undamaged condition. Covered in olive drab felt the top center of the crown has a raised removable felt covered circular alloy dome with three semi-circular cut-out ventilation holes. The helmet has two stamped aluminum shields with a national eagle to the left side and a national tri-color shield to the right side. The national eagle shield features a high relief embossed Wehrmacht style eagle with down-swept wings on a slightly textured black painted background field. The national tri-color shield features three diagonally angled bars in the colors of red, white, and black on a slightly textured background field. The bottom edge of the visor brim is lined in teal green felt and the interior crown is lined in red felt. The interior of the helmet has a wide, light tan leather sweatband which is secure in place by six small extended prongs with corresponding metal cotter retaining pins. Marked \"RF\"it is dated \'1942 and size marked 56. The helmet comes complete with a gray/green leather chinstrap with sliding magnetic sheet metal length adjustment buckle, a retaining clip and a quick release hook. In late 1940, with the impending German entrance into the North African campaign, tropical uniforms, headgear and equipment were quickly developed and issued in time for DAK, Deutsches Afrika Korps, (German Africa Corps), personnel’s arrival in Tripoli in February 1941. One of the new headgear items introduced was the tropical pith helmet which was based on the design of the earlier Kriegsmarine pith helmet. On its introduction the pith helmet was constructed of a formed cork base with a cotton twill covering until a second pattern pith helmet was introduced with a formed cork base with a felt covering. The second pattern pith helmet followed the same basic design as the first pattern but was modified to ease production time and material costs. Wear of the pith helmets was extended to personnel serving in southern areas of continental Europe but the helmets proved ineffective and unpopular and manufacture was discontinued sometime in 1942.
WW2 German Artillery M34 Field Cap ( Regimentally Marked 2./A.R.59 ) A classic M34 model field cap from the early war period with early light grey bevo national emblem & dark green backed cockade. This style of early eagle was only used in 1937 for one year the dark green backed emblem more commonly seen on caps of this early era. A visual inspection of the scallops underside at front reveals traces of the once placed soutache in red for artillery troops , soutache were ordered removed in 1942. A unit ink stamp to the interior lining of the cap reads ' 2./A.R.59' for the 2nd Battery/ Artillerie Regiment 59 . The cotton twill lining is textbook for this cap with the central crown having been soldier sewn down the centre to give a more 'jaunty' look when worn. There is wear to the nap of the cloth & one of the correctly segmented grommets is minus to the left side. Two small moth nips to right side of scallop.
WW2 German Artillery Officers Visor Cap Good quality German visor cap red piped for Artillery. This cap is in excellent quality woollen doeskin material with dark green centre band & officers aluminium cap cords. This piece has the unusual combination of its national emblem in German silver & its laurel wreath & cockade in the later German alloy Leichtmetall leading me to believe the latter is a replacement on the cap. The original nickle eagle is firmly affixed & is testament to its early manufacturer Leichtmetall invariably being used from 1938 onwards. Interior is in a champagne coloured silk lining with celluloid diamond bearing the words ' Stirndruckfrei Deutsche Reichspatent' referring to the pressure relieving system being present in the forehead area. Although the cork strip is now minus, the tan leather sweatband has a patterned perforation in the forehead area to assist in the alleviation of discomfort. A Card tag with the soldiers number has been placed in the celluloid diamond reading ' 9./3477 '. A black felt lining strip has also been stitched between the sweatband & cap during its manufacture to provide more comfort to the wearers head. Two moth nips to the rear of the cap at the piping & a couple of nips also to the rear of the green band. Overall quality made cap having had only minimal wear.
WW2 German Artillery Officers Visor Cap A very good high quality officers visor cap piped in red for artillery & with celluloid diamond intact. Made of fine doeskin material it has maker logo with ' Beste Qualitat ' on the celluloid diamond. The size of this may well denote a prewar mid 1930s' cap. Later examples have a larger rhomboid celluloid sweatshield intended to provide more protection to the cap from the wearers head. The 'Deutsche Leder' logo can be seen to sweatband representing the best leather has been used. Insignia is of the earlier so called 'German silver' the eagle of which has had some affixing glue very well applied underneath its right wing . This is only discernible upon close inspection & does not detract from the overall appearance of the cap in any way. I am confident that the eagle is totally original to the cap . Overall in excellent condition with only some minor holes to leather sweatband.
WW2 German Battle Damaged M35 Double Decal Army Helmet A very striking & poignant symbol of war this M35 German army helmet has bullet & shrapnel battle damage with both decals & its original liner remaining. Helmet is marked to the shell interior with 'ET64' for the early maker ' Eisenhutten Werke , Thale' & lot number to rear of '3891'. Most of its dark green factory finish remains to the exterior with typical minor abrasions throughout. A good proportion of each decal is remaining with the originality of both being clear upon initial inspection. Interior of helmet has early 1938 dated aluminium liner band with the reinforcing present to chinstrap lug. This was an addition deemed necessary due to the large number of early bands that were simply breaking through wear at the side stress points. Owners initials 'R.H' canbe seen to liner. The helmet has suffered blast damage to its left & right side with a bullet hole to the right side. Both entry holes on the right side have clear angled entry points the shrapnel hole has ripped into the liner band & liner on the inside creating a large splintered exit hole . The bullet hole has entered the front right side in a downward trajectory cleanly passing through the liner. Both shrapnel blasts to the left side have ripped the shell this being visible on the inside to liner & band . Overall a helmet , no doubt, that would have a story to tell.
WW2 German Battle Damaged M35 Double Decal Police Combat Helmet A family purchased double decal police combat helmet in stunning condition & with both decals remaining virtually 100% intact. Exterior factory paint shows only very minor wear with its unbordered police decal displaying fine detail. Around the edges of the decal can be seen its thin lacquer coating with this being visible also on the Party shield side. Party shield is also still crisp with an indentation & resulting small split in the metal to the lower edge apparently caused by blast damage. There is also a small indentation slightly further up towards the crown. Leather liner is excellent with 1940 dated reinforced aluminium band. All three liner pins are undisturbed & original to the helmet. Black leather chinstrap remains present & has never been off the helmet since its capture. It is Berlin maker marked & 1939 dated. This helmet was brought back by an officer of the South Wales Borderers who served in NW Europe towards the end of WW2.
WW2 German Battle Damaged M42 Single Decal Army Helmet A good uncleaned example of a German M42 raw edge combat helmet with army single decal & battle damage to left & right side a bullet having passed up & into the underside of the right rim causing outward splintering in the shell. Helmet is an 'EF' produced piece (Emaillerwerke-Fulda) & displays the typical grey toned paint finish for this maker as well as crudely stamped markings as is typical for an EF helmet. 'EF66' is to be seen in the side position with the lot number '2314' to the rear . Liner is sweat stained through use & is original to the helmet with all liner pins intact & untampered with. All three washers are present & the liner band is dated 1943. Original string drawcord partially present. On the left side of the helmet are seven impact strikes with the bullet holed rim on its right side as previously described. Overall a classic combat example of the scarce original single decal M42 army helmet.
WW2 German Battle Damaged \'Rabbit Ears\' Souvenir Mounted Interesting set of WW2 German 'Rabbit ears' optics which have been battle damaged & mounted onto a plinth with a plaque that reads ' WW2 German battle damaged artillery scope ' ZF14 ZGI...G.Rodenstock Munich Germany. ' These optics have what appears to be blast damage with a small shrapnel hole to one arm & damage to the right viewing ocular area with the ocular having been blown off & shell damage visible to the strut above it ( See images ) . Believed to have originally been recovered from an Atlantic Wall bunker in France by a British soldier & brought back as a Mess souvenir . On examination the optics were originally finished in factory green with a Luftwaffe blue overpaint & green over red oxide visible underneath the damaged areas of the overpaint.
WW2 German Bringback Souvenir Kriegsmarine Belt & Buckle With Various KM Insignia To Belt Leather A stunning total one off bringback souvenir piece I was recently fortunate enough to acquire being a near mint condition Kriegsmarine belt & buckle with Kriegsmarine insignia mounted into the belt leather . This unique piece was allegedly brought back from Normandy by its original British liberator & has been in family hands ever since. The die struck buckle is in the high quality anodized gilt aluminium seen on early examples with approx 99% of its original finish still remaining. It is marked to its leather tab with the name of the well known Kriegsmarine buckle manufacturer 'R.Sieper & Sohne , Ludenscheid '. There is also the date 1938 & a Marine waffenamt stamp clearly visible. The belt leather is in fact a 1942 dated example by 'CARL HEPTING & Co , STGT FEUERBACH' with a large number of Kriegsmarine badges & insignia mounted into it . These trade badges & insignia include : Coast Artillery Carpenter Rank pips Cap cockades Signalman Bandsman Blocking Weapons Mechanic Plus more .... A one off piece with near mint Kriegsmarine buckle !
WW2 German Bullet Damaged M40 Single Decal Army Helmet An evocative piece being a bullet damaged M40 German army helmet with its original liner & chinstrap. Overall exterior of the helmet is good with a dark grey 'feldgrau' factory finish & approx 95% of its army decal remaining. Interior is excellent with maker code & size stamp of 'hkp64' . Liner good with general wear & sweatmarks. Liner & band are original to the helmet & have never been out. All three liner pins are straight & untouched with all three washers present & correct. Faint traces of owner details can be seen on the liner & there is the remnant of a postage label still present on the inside rim. Black leather chinstrap is an original early example with aluminium fittings. Bullet entry point is on the upper right side of the helmet having then gone into the shell & through the liner travelling downwards & clipping the chinstrap as it exits. Certainly a very nice souvenired German combat item.
WW2 German Bunker Telephone A rare German bunker telephone complete with original handset , cables speak mike & command post front dial. Not often coming onto the collectors market today these heavily built phones were built to withstand the rigours of bunker life especially when under enemy attack. Several versions existed although not many are seen today outside of museums on the Normandy coast & the Channel Islands. This rare example is a lesser seen Siemens made early model with the dial out facility at the head of a command communications network. These were designed in the very early war period the heavily armoured handset having the nomenclature to the side of it ' fgntph 38a' this referring to the model of 1938. The standard of its period these were used in a wide variety of installations including the Berlin subterranean shelters from this early period right through the wartime period. A brass manufacturers plate mounted to one side gives various details & has an eagle & swastika waffenamt inspection stamp on it. Much of its original black finish remains with the 'Achtung ! Feind Hort Mit '' still mounted to its top section. This was a warning to soldiers translating ' Attention ! The Enemy Is Listening ' . Original cables still present although now partially repaired with electrical tape due to the perishing in areas of the rubber. Still has its wall mount brackets & so could easily be mounted for display as part of a bunker display. ****Please contact to discuss delivery options to your location if overseas ****
WW2 German Camouflage Army/Waffen SS M42 Helmet A stunning WW2 German M42 camouflage helmet of the army /Waffen SS wiith three colour spray painted camouflage in reddish brown, tan ochre & green. This helmet has seen much combat with chips & scuffs to the paint & a very well worn leather liner. All three of the liner pins are totally undisturbed with only a small trace of the camouflage paint visible in places where worn off due to its smooth surface. Interior of helmet is maker marked ' EF 62 ' with batch number ' 2341 ' & much of its original factory dark green paint remaining . Leather chinstrap is still present this having a Loburg maker mark & date 1940. Clear tape has been collector applied to strengthen a delicate area of the leather . Excellent German camouflage combat helmet very difficult to find now.
WW2 German Camouflage Gas Mask Set A German Gas mask & canister which has been three colour camouflage overpainted typical of the NW Europe fighting. Originally issued in its factory green paint the canister has been handbrush overpainted in a matt khaki green with dabs of the typical forest green & reddish brown applied ad hoc over it. To the spare lense compartment is the maker & date \'ebu42\' with one packet of spare lenses inside. Both long & short carrying straps are totally original to the tin & were found in situ. Gas mask is of the black rubberised M38 model with \'38\' date to snout . The Fe42 filter has an intact eagle & swastika marking with \'42\' date & \'fcc\' maker code. A part of the front pull strap has come away due to age but still a rare camouflage item & 100% original from the W Europe fighting.
WW2 German Camouflage Uffz.Named Gas Mask Canister & Mask A strikingly original three colour Normandy camouflage German gas mask canister & mask complete with original long strap. The classic colours of a yellow ochre base paint with brown & green overspray can be seen here , most commonly associated with vehicle camouflage paint of the period. The age & wear on this example is totally indicative of a much battlefield used combat equipment item where the threat of dominant allied enemy air attack necessitated the expedient use of field applied camouflage. It is interesting to note that a period field modification was applied to the normally studded end of the long strap this having been permanently stitched into place where the two eyes meet. Gas mask is in excellent condition having the same number ' 45' to its snout as that seen on the neck of the tin this confirming that the two have always been together. Inside edge of facepiece is dated 1936. The spare lens compartment has the soldiers name & rank ( Unteroffizier ) painted onto it , also a feldpost number & the area Brussels . These details are repeated on the long strap of the mask with the soldiers name , number & area of posting ( Brussels ) being clear . An excellent piece & certainly worthy of further research.
WW2 German Camouflaged K98 Bayonet In Scabbard & Frog A WW2 German K98 bayonet with scabbard & frog that still has the traces of tan camouflage paint to the scabbard & leather of the frog. I believe this to be a European theatre used piece rather than that of the DAK. This bayonet is a \'42cof\' marked piece by the maker Carl Eickhorn in the year 1942 & bears the serial number \' 759 d \' . I have not taken the scabbard out of the frog as it has clearly been together since the war however I can just see the serial number of what appears to be \'3044\' . The tan paint was at one time very lightly brushed over & has now subdued with slight rust bleed coming through. There are faint markings to rear of the frog with only the makerplace of \' Bielefeld\' now being discernible. Much blueing remains to the blade with undamaged black/brown bakelite grips.
WW2 German Camouflaged MG Tin WIth Battle Damage An early three tone spray painted camouflage MG tin in aluminium with waffenamt eagle & swastika & 1938 date to lid. This tin has bullet hole battle damage which has gone right through with a clear entry point on one side & a larger exit hole on the other. There are also a couple of smaller ' dings ' to the same side lower down. The early green , ochre & brown camouflage paint is still striking with a darker green the red aluminium oxide undercoat being visible underneath in places. The carrying handle is intact with both of its original leather finger tabs still present to each side. The impact of the battle damage has slightly distorted the tin so the closure clasp will no longer engage. Clearly a piece that has been in combat & offered completely untouched & as found.
WW2 German Captured 'Radom' Pistol A fine matching numbered example of the well known 'Radom' pistol , the standard handgun of the Polish army but well used by German forces as the 9mm Pistole 35(p) after their capture of the Radom Armoury in 1939. A popular handgun these were used by German paratroopers & police with no more being produced after WW2. This is a fantastic example with early markings to the left side of 'VIS Mod .35' which is an inscription found on pistols of the first German produced series . Nazi waffenamt markings are to be seen on the left & right sides with its original untouched factory finish remaining & serial numbers to be seen on external components as well as internal. Overall it is a piece that has most definately seen service with only one chipped area to the bottom of one grip . Capable of being cocked, stripped & dryfired it comes with Home Office certificate of deactivation. UK sales only.
WW2 German Captured 7.65mm Browning 1922 Pistol & Original Luftwaffe Holster Nazi waffenamt marked 1922 model of the Browning pistol made by the Belgian FN plant & taken over by the Germans upon their invasion in 1940. These were much used by axis forces during the ensuing WW2 period & were especially popular with Luftwaffe troops fighting on the ground & in the air. Considered by FN to be more a military & police model as opposed to commercial sale this example has good quality wooden checquered grips rather than the earlier horn or plastic. This piece is in absolutely superb condition with nazi waffenamt 140 coded markings to the left frame. Cocks & dryfires easily. Comes with its totally original luftwaffe marked wartime issue brown leather holster that has black ink German pistol designation stamped to inside of flap ' Nur fur lange Browning Pistole Kal 7.65mm '. Luftwaffe acceptance markigns can be seen to edge of fastening strap as shown in pictures. Comes with Home Office certificate of deactivation . UK sales only.
WW2 German Captured Browning Hi Power ( Pistole 640(b) ) A German captured example of the Browning Hi Power pistol with adjustable tangent rear sights & waffenamt nazi markings. Produced at the famous Fabrique Nationale (FN) plant in Herstal , Belgium & taken over by German forces in the 1940 occupation . The Hi Power continued to be produced for German use under the new designation Pistole 640 (b) & was a popular weapon amongst the elite troops of the Waffen ss & Fallschirmjager. This is a very nice example made under German occupation with the correct waffenamt code of 140 for the FN plant. These German markings are to be seen on the left side of the gun , also on the muzzle end of the weapon. Capable of being cocked , stripped & dryfired , it comes with Home Office certificate of deactivation. UK sales only.
WW2 German Captured Browning Hi Power ( Pistole 640(b) ) A German captured Belgian Browning Hi-Power much seen in use by elite German combat units with adjustable tangent rear sights & waffenamt nazi markings. Produced at the famous Fabrique Nationale (FN) plant in Herstal , Belgium & taken over by German forces in the 1940 occupation . The Hi Power continued to be produced for German use under the new designation Pistole 640 (b) & was a popular weapon amongst the elite troops of the Waffen ss & Fallschirmjager. This is a very nice war used matching numbered example made under German occupation with the correct waffenamt code of 140 for the FN plant. These German markings are to be seen on the left side of the gun , also on the muzzle end of the weapon. Wood grips are undamaged with light wear & there is general age & some weathering to metal surfaces although with markings still clear. Capable of being cocked , stripped & dryfired , it comes with Home Office certificate of deactivation. UK sales only.
WW2 German Captured CZ27 Pistol Czech 7.65mm semi automatic pistol used by German forces after their occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1938 . Marked with the nazi waffenamt code number 76 the top of the pistol is marked ' Bohmische Waffen-fabrik A.G. In Prag ' which indicates manufacture when the CZ firm was under German administration during WW2. It is a wartime used piece with some age to its metal surfaces having been left untouched & in its original appearance as found. Cocks & dryfires with ease, grips good. A fine example of the well known 'Radom' pistol , the standard handgun of the Polish army but well used by German forces as the 9mm Pistole 35(p) after their capture of the Radom Armoury in 1939. A popular handgun these were used by German paratroopers & police with no more being produced after WW2. This is a fantastic example with early markings to the left side of 'VIS Mod .35' which is an inscription found on pistols of the first German produced series . Nazi waffenamt markings are to be seen on the left & right sides with its original untouched factory finish remaining. Overall it is a piece that has most definately seen service with only one chipped area to the bottom of one grip . Capable of being cocked, stripped & dryfired it comes with Home Office certificate of deactivation. UK sales only.
WW2 German Cavalry NCOs Peaked Cap A textbook example of an issue quality NCOs peaked cap with golden yellow piping for cavalry. Dating from the 1938/39 period this flat top 'Tellerform' cap is constructed in ribbed tricot wool with dark green wool band & first pattern rectangular chinstrap buckles. Insignia is the 1935 pattern 'Leichtmetall' light alloy & is tightly affixed to the cap. The interior is the classic regulation rusty brown fabric with the caps maker name appearing on the reverse side of the sweatband ' Clemens Wagner, Braunschweig 1938 ' . This cap was made under a contract given to Clemens Wagner who then , due to the large size of the order, has subcontracted the manufacture out to several smaller makers in a co-operative type arrangement. This is denoted by the 'Landes-Lief-Genossenschaft ' stamp on the sweatband with the date 1939. The size ink marked 58 1/2 is visible to crown. An overall outstanding cap with only one small surface moth nip to top of the cap.
WW2 German Combat Trousers In Italian Wool An interesting pair of late war German combat trousers made from Italian cloth but with distinctly German detailing to their construction . Italian cloth was used in the latter part of 1943 onwards. Somewhere between the style of the M43 & M44 trouser these have size adjustment & buckle tabs to rear with slanted non buttoned side pockets & one unflapped button fastened pocket to rear. All of their originally sewn front fly & waist buttons are still present. The buttonholes when examined are of the correct German stitching with fly reverse being lined in classic smooth grey cotton. Interior of waistband is lined in smooth off white ribbed cotton. One small moth hole to crotch area. With an approx 32inch waist & a 26.5inch inside leg these would suit a mannequin display with marching boots from the mid to late war period.
WW2 German DAK Belt & Buckle 1941 A matching German Afrikakorps belt & buckle with its correct green webbing belt & 1941 dated Gustav Bremner made green web tabbed olive green buckle . Early first issue Afrikakorps equipment will display the distinctive green colour to its webbing as well as , in most instances , a matching green web tab to its buckle as is the case here. This set has recently surfaced & as such I have left it uncleaned & totally as found. The web belt edging has reinforcement to its buckle end with stitch strengthening to its holed tongue. The metal hook of the belt is olive green & matches the colour of the buckle. Buckle is a rare early DAK 1941 dated example , the markings of which can be seen to the inside edge . A very high proportion of its factory green paint remains. Hard to find a correct Afrikakorps matching belt & buckle from the early war period.
WW2 German DAK Tropical Waterbottle 1942 A nice combat example of the classic \'coconut\' waterbottle originally designed for tropical use but often seen in use by German troops in European theatres also. Designed to hold exceptional thermatic properties they were manufactured in aluminium then covered with a heat process involving wood & resin . The rear of the bottle is embossed with the maker markings & date \'HRE42\' . All of the webbing straps are made of spun rayon canvas with metal tips to prevent fraying. All straps are in excellent condition with a totally intact black leather choker strap to neck holding all in place. The black bakelite cup is original & intact with bakelite marking. Some rust to metal tips of straps. Overall a good field used example of the classic tropical issue waterbottle.
WW2 German Double Decal Army Helmet A very good double decal apple green M35 army helmet coming complete with original chinstrap. This ET produced piece has a very high proportion of both decals remaining with army decal having curve detail to upper right wing specific to decals of the \'ET\' style. Tricolour shield to right side is good with the classic double edging to bottom. All three liner pins are undisturbed & having the remains of apple green paint to exterior. Underside of shell is maker & size marked \' ET62\' for the maker Eisenhutten Werke , Thale with lot number 3062 in the date production range of 1937 . This is an exact match to that found in the Brian Ice book with 1937 dated non reinforced aluminium liner band. Liner has all four fingers intact with original drawcord still present. Chinstrap is 100% original with faint markings only very partially legible to pointed end. With overall service wear to exterior paint & both decals largely intact.
WW2 German Double Decal M18 Transitional Helmet With Kriegsmarine Marked Chinstrap This time capsule of a piece is an M18 model helmet with M31 liner system installed . It has been roughly brush painted then decals applied to both sides of the exterior. Helmet shell is marked 'TJ66' for the size & manufacturer ' C. Thiel & Söhne - Lübeck ' . The national colours are still very intact with a high proportion of both decals still remaining. Close examination of the aluminium buckled chinstrap finds the rare Marine marking to its underside. This is in the format of a high eagle surmounting an 'M'. Age wear & natural oxidisation to the chinstrap studs confirm that it has been undisturbed for many years this still on the helmet when found. The question of whether or not , with an army decal , this helmet was issued to the Kriegsmarine at this early stage of the war still remains however as an army double decal transitional helmet with a Marine marked chinstrap this is still a very scarce helmet to find. Partially legible markings to pointed end of chinstrap are present. Liner band is of the earliest production being 1931 dated with split pins of the early 1930s period used before the M31 split pin became available. Liner is ink size stamped to one finger tip. A rare piece completely left as found & one that would be very hard to find again.
WW2 German Double Decal M35 Luftwaffe Helmet With Luft. \'Ausb.37\' Unit Marking To Chinstrap & Liner Interesting Luftwaffe helmet that was recently found near Paris with Luftwaffe unit marked & LBA stamped chinstrap & unit stamping of ' Flieger Ersatz Abteilung 37' to underside of liner. Still bearing its tricolour national shield the second pattern eagle is faint on the left side due to extensive wear. Its early factory painted dark blue/ grey is much evident to its entirety with minor surface chips & scuffs from heavy wear. All three of the liner pins are original & undisturbed . Underside of the helmets rim shows maker mark' NS64' with lot number 'E138' .The leather liner is totally uncleaned & left as it was found with the original drawstring allowing us to see the unit ink stamp to underside of the leather. The German Feldpost number of 'L13101' has been painted to underside of rear rim. The brown leather chinstrap is its early issue with LBA inspection mark ( Luftwaffe Bekleidungs Amt ) & the remains of a unit mark also . Buckle is of aluminium. A nice untouched helmet no doubt from a busy Luftwaffe Flak or ground unit fighting in the last days of WW2.
WW2 German Double Decal Police Combat Helmet An M35 double decal police helmet coming complete with original chinstrap & early aluminium liner band. These were issued to the infantry trained military police units of the German army at Division ,Corps & army level . A well fielded example that has seen active police service it has a very good proportion of both its unbordered police & party shield decals remaining. Service wear is evident to the exterior factory paint of the shell with some loss of paint to crown. Interior underside of rim bears the handpainted name 'WILBERT' with 'SE66' & '2983' denoting sheel size , manufacturer & lot number. All three liner pins are totally undisturbed , original drawstring remains to liner . It is interesting to note that the aluminium liner band is an early issue 1936 dated example without the slightly later reinforcement. Chinstrap is maker marked & dated to its pointed end however this is now , in the main , illegible. It also has a hardly noticeable repair & a small tear to one of the adjustment holes. Certainly a piece that has most likely seen police service in a combat zone.
WW2 German Early Tropical Afrikakorps Camouflage M18 Transitional Army Helmet A rare M18 transitional army helmet that has been painted in early tropical camouflage of the Afrikakorps. A totally untouched piece this helmet was found during a lockdown clearout here in the uk & is thought to have been a family bringback . The tan camouflage of the helmet shows a distinctly pinkish hue indicating it as being one of the earliest tropical deployments. It has a subtle fine green spray just about visible in areas. The mostly intact early army decal is that of ET with curved right wing tip , this has been lightly oversprayed with tan camouflage. All of the liner rivets have matching paint to the rest of the helmet & upon close examination can be ascertained as never disturbed with straight unbent legs to reverse. Helmet shell has \'ET64\' ( Eisnehuttenwerke ) maker mark & size to underside of rim with a further white boxed size stamp of \' 56 57 \' to rear for ease of recognition. Liner is an M31 with size stamp \'56\' & original drawstring still tied. There are traces of the pinkish tan camouflage paint on the leather of the liner. With overall chips , scuffs & heavy service wear to the paint of the helmet it is a captured souvenir that has been there. Why this soldier had not been issued with the newer M35 model will always be a matter of conjecture however the helmet speaks for itself & invites us to form our own conclusions.
WW2 German Early War Gas Mask In Canister With Original Carrying Straps & Spare Lenses An early issue German gas mask & soldier named first model of 'short' carrier with both dated 1936. Gas mask is of the M30 model with rubberised cloth facepiece & has 1936 dated lense pieces fitted. The date 1936 cane be clearly seen ink stamped to the inside edge of the mask with a Weimar waffenamt ink stamp to the opposite side. Filter is of the correct early model for this mask with 1936 date & Weimar waffenamt ink stamp. Canister is of the pre November 1941 model ( They were slightly lengthened after this date ) . The soldiers name written in ink on a label ' Kleinstoll' has been glued to the spare lense compartment. The date '1936' can be clearly seen impressed into the metal next to this. Both long & short straps are totally original with leather ends & brass fittings as were used in this very early period. The canister has practically all of its original factory reed green paint.
WW2 German Early War Luftwaffe Gas Mask Canister 1935 An early German luftwaffe gas mask canister this being one of the first Wehrmacht issues dated 1935 . This short model of canister with lever catch was used in the 1935-36 period as standard issue however although replaced by later models still saw service right through WW2. The factory green finish can still be seen to the inside with the dark blue overpaint of the Luftwaffe applied to its exterior. The gas mask number '8E' can be seen to neck & a handpainted name can still be faintly seen to the bottom of the tin. Both long & short carrying straps are 100% original to the tin all having leather keepers still present. These were dispensed with later on in the war. The short belt hook is green painted brass another sign of very early manufacture. Untouched since WW2 & a wonderful 'sleepy' piece undiscovered until now.
WW2 German EM34 Rangefinder Scarce example of the EM34 Rangefinder used by German troops in MG & Artillery positions to gauge target ranges. Overall a good display piece of German optical equipment made by ' OPW Warschau ' early war hence the maker name as opposed to a three letter code. Markings on the piece are still clear with its designation ' EM34 & number 0007 ' clearly readable. Viewfinder has still its eyepiece & protector intact with sprung hinged cover in rubber . The piece is painted in green under which can be seen previous layers of ordnance tan, light & dark grey paint indicating much usage. Overall wear & tear to the piece in all with some paint off & some surface cracking by impact to an area of the main body. Leather pads on each end are intact other than some stitching away from one pad. Comes with original web sling which is a hard part to find.
WW2 German Fatigue Dress Drill Trousers 1937 These drill trousers were part of the fatigue dress or drill uniform this pattern being introduced in 1933. They were worn for some field exercises ,drill training , work details , vehicle maintenance or any other duty that may involve damaging the service dress. The colour was changed to reed green as war progressed. Made of an off white hard wearing cotton drill material they had a herringbone weave with a high back & loosely fitting straight legs. A rear belt adjusted the waist fit & several buttons allowed the fitting of braces. Profusely ink stamp marked the maker of ' Schmitt & Kohler ' can be seen with the dice marked size stamping surmounting depot stamp & date 'E37'. Regimentally marked to 'Kav-Sch II/2' for a Cavalry School they are an approx 32-33inch waist with an approx 34 inch inside leg.
WW2 German Field Camouflaged P38 Holster Original example WW2 German hardshell leather holster for the P38 pistol with traces of camouflage paint to its exterior. It was commonplace for German troops to camouflage their helmets & gas mask canisters in the field & also their personal equipment as time & practicality permitted. Several excellent articles in the French Militaria magazine have covered this practice which is commonly seen on combat gear from tropical theatres & also from that of the Normandy campaign. This piece has had a tan camouflage overpaint traces of which now remain on the upper & lower areas of the holster. The P38 designation can clearly be seen on the reverse with the three letter maker code 'dkk' for the firm ' Friedrich Offerman & Sohne , Bensberg ' . Waffenamt marking also clearly visible. Leather is in overall good condition with left belt loop requiring repair . A scarce item to find with its camouflage paint still on & certainly a nice combat piece.
WW2 German Field Division/Paratroops Wire Hooked Netted Camouflage M40 Luftwaffe Helmet A totally fresh to the market M40 Luftwaffe netted camouflage helmet which recently surfaced at a fleamarket in France. Typical of those seen in period photographs being worn by Luftwaffe combat troops in 1944 N.W Europe it has been fitted with wire hooks to front & back then the hemp net heavily intertwined onto it . Showing heavy wear to its exterior there is much buildup of grime & dirt with some natural rust age & oxidisation to both metal hooks. Underside of shell rim is marked \'ET64\' with lot number to rear \' 1262\' . Interior liner is still present with close inspection of the uninterfered with liner pins confirming that it has never been out of the helmet. The grey painted steel buckled leather chinstrap is intact & having some rodent chew along one edge. Hard to find such an untouched timecapsule piece & typical of those worn by combat troops of the Luftwaffe field divisions & paratroopers of the 1944 period .
WW2 German Field issue \'Mein Kampf\' 1944 Field issue example of Adolf Hitlers \' Mein Kampf \' with red hardbound cover. This piece comes in its original cardboard \'Feldpost\' packaging as it would have been sent to the soldier & was evidently brought back as a souvenir by a British serviceman in WW2. Inside cover of the book itself is dated 1944 & contains the high definition photograph of Hitler on its front inside page with his facsimile signature. These Mein Kampf field issues are now very hard to find in good condition & with the box even harder. The book here is in excellent condition with only a small rodent nip to the bottom rear corner. Cardboard case is in overall good condition with the label intact & typical ageing overall. A scarce & complete issue for the Third Reich document collector.
WW2 German First Pattern AfrikaKorps Billed Cap A fabulous well worn example of the early first pattern Afrikakorps billed cap this being manufactured without sweatband before 1942. Worn during the early campaigns in North Africa & Italy the insignia on this piece was removed after capture then later reapplied as is seen now. With the classic false turn up to sides & its distinctive segmented grommets , the national emblem & cockade to front are in the correct tan backed Bevo. This is a soutache removed example as per the 1942 order with evidence of its original placement still visible. Red lining to interior is wear faded but with the size stamp '56' & maker details of 'Schlesich' just about discernable. A large letter 'H' has been inked onto the cap lining this would appear to be a wearers initial. Well worn & correct for the early Afrikakorps campaigns there are some small well aged oil/dirt type spots in places along with a spattering of small rust stains to the cap overall.
WW2 German Fliegerbluse Paratrooper/Aircrew A good early war fliegerbluse for an Obergefreiter ( Senior Corporal ) with originally sewn breast eagle & yellow collar patches denoting branch of service as paratroopers & flight crew. As worn by Luftwaffe personnel in the air & also by those in a ground combat role the fliegerbluse is a classic Luftwaffe item of uniform much representing the tough troops of the German fallschirmjager or the skilled men of their fighter & bomber air crews. This example has faint markings remaining to the inside left breast of its partial cotton lining the most notable being the inspection marking of the Luftwaffe Bekleidungs Amt with the date 1941. Award loops to outer lower left breast & equipment hooks complete. Breast eagle displays its origjnal zig zag stitching , evident on the inside & outside with the eagle well seated into the uniform cloth of the bluse. Both lower pockets retain their metal pebbled buttons with all of its five buttons present to front ( including the smaller throat closure button ) . A good used item & one that would compliment a well fielded paratrooper display of the Normandy campaign .
WW2 German Folding Entrenching Tool Scarce WW2 German folding entrenching tool with 1942 dated prestoff carrier & a fantastic condition waffenamt marked & maker coded tool. A classic item of WW2 German combat equipment the reddish brown bakelite screw nut of the shovel is in excellent working order with three letter maker code 'ekz' & a clear waffenamt mark beneath this. A good proportion of its original factory blackening remains to metal parts with wood shaft excellent. The black prestoff cover is in field used condition with well worn markings to its rear point in which the date '42' can be seen. A very well executed repair has been carried out to a stress tear in the belt loop which now enables this to be hung on from the belt with no problems. The front securing strap has started to wear at its foldover point however it is at the edges only & a reinforcing tape has been placed at the back of it. A good field used example , perfect for display & indicative of these essential kit items which were well used by combat troops in action.
WW2 German G43 ZF4 Sniper Scope A very good example of the German ZF4 sniper scope which was produced for the G43 rifle from the mid to late war period. These popular scopes were of X 4 power & proved very effective within the recognised efficiency of a 400 - 600 metre range. Scope adjustment was made using the elevation range drum , graduated from 100 to 800 metres in 50 metre increments. Both this & the windage drum are in excellent working order with the internal pointed post & horizontal sidebars being seen to rise & fall when viewed optically. This piece is marked with the maker code 'dow' for the firm Opticotechna & has the serial number 35848. Its designation is correctly stamped as ' GW ZF 4 ' all in the expected wartime German font. The elevation adjustment drum has a triangular marker to set the correct range markings. Optics are crystal clear & there are no postwar reissue markings . *** UK Sales Only ***
WW2 German Gas Mask & Canister An early production German gas mask set complete with original carrying straps & spare eye lenses. This gas mask is dated 1936 & has matching soldiers gasmask number of '7' to snout & also to canister . There is also a previous four digit number beneath this the same on both & so from this information we know that the two have always been together with the same man. The rubberised fabric of the mask is in excellent condition with both lenses 1937 dated. FIlter is an early model with waffenamt inspectors mark & date '18.9.1938' . Gas mask canister is in its original green factory paint with early ink waffenamt inspectors mark to bottom & date 1936. Both short & long straps are complete & of correct early war manufacture. Spare lenses to compartment. A very clean set, difficult to find now.
WW2 German Gas Mask & Canister With Matching Gas Mask Number To Tin & Mask A German gas mask & canister coming complete with its original carrying straps. Gas mask is of the green rubberised fabric of the early issue with dates of 1937 & 1940 to inner edge of facepiece. The earlier Weimar eagle is also visible. All headstraps are intact with gas mask number to snout matching that of the canister so these have always been together with the same soldier. Gas mask canister has an embossed 'D' ( Dicht )to bottom of tin applied after October 1941 to signify being airtight. Spare lens compartment has maker initials & date 'ago 1943 ' . There is one lense in packet also dated 1943. Both of the long & short green gas mask straps are wartime issue seen from around the midwar period onwards. A very good proportion of the original dark green factory paint remains to canister .
WW2 German Gas Mask In Canister With Long & Short Straps A WW2 German gas mask with carrying tin, spare lenses & original long & short straps. Gas mask is of the black rubberised M38 model with blue painted snout & eyepieces to show that these are made of non magnetic iron thus non disruptive to instruments. Both eyepieces are 1944 dated. The filter is of the FE41 model with clear eagle & swastika markings & maker code \'bwz\'. Carrying tin has much of its original green paint remaining with three letter code \'ebu\' & date \'44\' to spare lense compartment. Both carrying straps are 100% original & have leather reinforcement tongues to stress points. Interesting point to note is the use of a small part of a gas mask head strap stitched around the lower metal loop to prevent wear of the webbing short strap fastened over the top ( See images ) . A classic German infantry gas mask set.
WW2 German Gas Mask In Canister With Original Carrying Straps & Spare Lenses A good display example of the standard German gas mask with the earlier issue shorter model of gas mask canister replaced by a slightly longer model in November 1941. Gas mask is with the early rubberised green fabric & 1937 dated eyepiece lenses still fitted. Filter is an Fe41 . Canister still has nearly all of its original green factory paint with only wear to the high points. it is interesting to note that it appears , quite typically , to have been issued more than once with the rank & name ' Lt.Paul ' ( Leutnant Paul ) to the bottom & also previous issue numbers to the neck. Spare lense compartment contains one pair of 1943 dated lenses. Both straps are correct totally original wartime issue. The inside of the canister has some rust & corrosion to the aluminium inner sleeve although a perfect display example.
WW2 German Gas Mask In Canister With Original Carrying Straps & Spare Lenses Named to 'Obergefreiter Hartl.Josef' German M38 gas mask & canister as used by the German combat soldier in WW2. Gas mask has black rubber facepiece with blue painted metal fittings ( to indicate non magnetic metal for the benefit of those using instruments ) & FE41 filter. Interior edge of facepiece is clearly waffenamt inspection stamped in red ink . Canister has much of its green paint remaining with some light rust age in places , both long & short carrying straps are totally original wartime manufacture. Soldiers name 'Ogfr.Hartl.Josef' appears on name label to spare lens compartment .. the first part 'Ogfr' refers to his rank of Obergefreiter ( Senior Corporal) . Totally original set hard to find with original straps.
WW2 German Gas Mask Set A matching numbered & named gas mask & carrying can set with both short & long straps which are totally original wartime issue. Gas mask canister has the embossed \'D\' to bottom meaning \'Dicht\' for airtight which was added from 1941 onwards. The pull catch to lid is maker coded & dated \'frn42\' . Lid of canister has spare lense comparttment with soldiers rank & name \' Ogefr.Jacobsen\' . The rank abbreviation of \'Obergefreiter\' to \'Ogefr\' is for that of a senior corporal. A 1939 dated spare lense packet is present. The number \'78\' handpainted to the neck of the tin matches that on the snout of the mask . Gas mask is size coded \'2\' with waffenamt marking to inside edge of facepiece along with 1943 date. Lense fitted to the mask are both dated 1943. Gas mask filter is of the Fe41 pattern. Both long & short straps are correct wartime issue those often seen today being later Bundeswehr replacements.
WW2 German Gas Mask Set German WW2 gas mask set coming as found with totally original & scarce wartime issue long & short carrying straps. Gas mask facepiece is of the earlier rubberised fabric with 1937 date to one inside edge. Both eyepiece lenses are 1937 dated with no cracks or damage. The handpainted number '8' apears opn the snout. Filter is of the Fe42 model this being the midwar model which replaced many of the earlier Fe37 issues. The date 'Mai1944' appears inkstamped to the side. Carrying canister is in excellent order with a high proportion of its original factory paint remaining. The maker code & date 'JDS1938 ' appears to spare lense compartment lid with a black ink stamped waffenamt next to it. Both of its wartime carrying straps are excellent. The short strap is an early version with leather reinforcing to its eyeholed end. Many variations of wartime gas mask strap in varying combinations can be encountered... these are not to be confused with postwar Bundeswehr straps often offered as real in the modern collectors market. A very nice untouched set coming completely as found.
WW2 German Gas Mask Set WW2 German gas mask set with green factory paint , gas mask number to neck & filter & both original wartime issue long & short carrying straps. Coming with a black leather equipment strap to hold the gas cape bag still fastened to it the gas mask canister is 1940 dated & waffenamt eagle & swastika marked to the spare lense compartment with a packet of spare lenses contained within. A cleaning cloth & retaining spring are still down inside the canister which I have not removed wary of not wanting to damage the spring . The gas mask is an interesting late issue dated 1944 to eyepieces , lenses , & the blue lense retainers. Both the blue metal retainers are marked 'dot44' the maker 'dot' known to have made parts for weapons such as the MG34 as well as other related items. The Fe41 filter is still eagle & swastika stamped with the date ' Februar 1944' to side. The facepiece straps are very much of late rayon manufacture with central 'yoke' left in bare metal very much a late war feature of many German items. A red ink stamped eagle & swastika waffenamt mark can be found to inside edge of the facepiece.
WW2 German Gas Mask Set With Matching Number To Mask & Tin & Original Wartime Straps A WW2 German soldiers gas mask set coming with its original wartime long & short carrying straps with matching gas mask number to neck of carrying tin & snout of mask. Mask is of the early green rubberised fabric with eagle & swastika marking to inner edge . The size \'2\' can be seen to front in between the eyepieces. Filter is an FE41 with ink stamped eagle & swastika marking. Carrying tin has much of its original green factory paint remaining with maker code & date \' ago 1943\' to spare lense compartment of lid. Comes with a spare packet of 1940 dated lenses. The front spring loaded opening pull catch to front is working fully & marked with maker & date \'frn43\' . The \'D\' to to the bottom of the tin stands for \'Dicht\' meaning airtight & was applied to tins after October 1941. All straps are 100% original wartime production.
WW2 German Gas Mask Set With Original Straps A totally complete WW2 German gas mask set with mask , carrying tin , original long & short straps , spare lenses , cleaning cloth & retaining spring . This early war set is with the standard green rubberised fabric facepiece that has 1941 date to inside edge, three letter maker code \'flr\' & size \'2\' marking. The filter is an Fe41 with all of its original factory paint remaining. Carrying tin has a very high proportion of its green paint remaining with 100 % wartime original long & short straps. Both have leather reinforcing loops , seen only on earlier war setups. Bottom of tin has the embossed letter \'D\' for \'Dicht\' added after 1941 when the tins were made watertight. Spare lense compartment contains one pair of 1940 spare lenses & the inside of the tin has its issue cleaning cloth with retaining spring still present to hold it in place. The three letter maker code \'gbv\' & date 1941 appear on lense compartment of tin.
WW2 German Gas Mask Set With Original Straps A very nice German gas mask set coming complete with original long & short straps. This set has a high proportion of its factory green paint remaining to canister with \'43 date to spare lens compartment & 44 date to pull latch on front. Both straps are ink stamped with 1937 being visible on the long strap & its leather reinforcing tab & what appears to be a 1936 date on the short strap. The embossed \'D\' on the bottom of the tin denotes \'Dicht\' for airtight which was used as of 1941. Spare lenses to compartment. The black rubber facepiece of the M38 gas mask is red ink waffenamt stamped with blue painted eye rings & snout which indicates that these metal parts are magnetic , relevant to those using certain optical instruments with magnetic needles. Gas mask filter is profusely marked & 1940 dated.
WW2 German Gas Mask Set With Original Straps A WW2 German gas mask set as issued to the German soldiers of the Waffen SS , Army & Luftwaffe in WW2. Gas mask is of the M38 model with green rubber facepiece marked twice with a red ink & black ink waffenamt marking to inside edge. The metal snout of the mask is dated 1940 with a size mark \'2\' impressed into the rubber. The filter is an early FE37 model with black ink markings & 1940 date. All headstraps are complete. Gas mask canister has a very high percentage of its original factory green paint remaining & is an early issue predating the embossed \'D\' found on the bottom of canisters made after 1941. The soldiers name \' Thaller\' has been scratched into the lid of the tin. Both long & short carrying straps are 100% wartime original. The short strap has an early aluminium hook . Spare lens compartment to lid contains one paper packet of 1940 dated lenses. Front sprung loaded pull fastener is fully functional. In overall very good condition there is a small amount of rust to the inside of the canister only noticeable when open.
WW2 German Gas Mask Set With Soldiers Matching Gas Mask Number A German gas mask set coming with both original long & short straps , spare lenses , Fe41 filter & 1943 dated Weapons decontamination bottle. Gas mask is of the M38 black rubber facepiece model marked to the maker \'bmw\' on snout with date \'44\'. Both of the fitted eyepieces are dated 1944. A red inked eagle & swastika inspection can be seen to inside edge of facepiece. Filter is of the Fe41 type with eagle & swastika marking still present. The handpainted number \'314\' has been applied this matching a number also painted by the same hand on the top of the canister. The painted blue eyepieces & snout denote that the metal is magnetic applicable to those using certain instruments . Canister comes with cleaning cloth retaining spring & is in its original factory green paint with 1943 date & maker to spare lense compartment . Two packs of spare lenses are contained within. The sprung loaded catch of the gas mask is marked & dated \'frn1943\' . An embossed \'D\' is visible on the bottom of the tin applied to canisters after October 1941 & denoting \'Dicht\' for airtight. Both carrying straps are in excellent non frayed condition & retain a good amount of their original green colour. The orange skin decontamination bottle was found still inside the canister & so I have kept it together . It is dated 1943 to bottom.
WW2 German Gas Mask With Cleaning Cloth, Spring, Skin Decont.Lozenge & Spare Lenses German gas mask set coming complete with cleaning cloth , retaining spring & Skin decontamination lozenge. Gas mask has rubberised fabric facepiece with \'bmw\' maker & \'41\' date to snout. Filter is of the Fe41 type with \'Apr 1942\' date & faint eagle & swastika markings to face. There is also a \'Gruppe\' marking to side of filter. Inside edge of facepiece is dated 1940 . An embossed \'D\' ( Dicht -Airtight ) can be seen to bottom of canister this applied after October 1941 issues. A handpainted \'10\' has also been applied to the base with some small white ink stamped lettering which is difficult to discern. Both long & short straps are totally original to the tin with rubber reinforcement & the marking \'ebd 42 & 43\' respectively. Skin Decon lozenge dated 1942 with remains of label. Overall in excellent condition with much paint remaining to tin & only minimal wear to the mask.
WW2 German Gas Mask With Original Carrying Straps & Leather Equipment Strapped Gas Cape Bag A standard issue gas mask set as carried by the German infantryman throughout WW2 with gas cape bag strapped to the carrying canister. Gas mask is of the M38 green rubber model with three letter code & date to facepiece \' 42 fld \' . The size number \'2\' can be seen to facepiece exterior with green webbing headstraps to rear. The removeable filter is the original wartime \'Fe41\' model with waffenamt ink stamp to top face. The green carrying canister comes with cleaning cloth & retaining spring & has a high proportion of its original wartime factory paint remaining with embossed \'D\' to base for \'Dicht\' meaning airtight which was put on after 1941. The spare lense compartment to inside of lid has date of \'43\' with the remains of what was a name label now partially removed. One packet of spare lenses still present these are dated 1942. Both long & short carrying straps of the gas mask date from the midwar period ( matching the \'43 dates of the set ) & are 100% wartime original with a leather reinforcing keeper present to one end. These keepers are very much an early war feature but continued in use at the preference of the user. Both long & short straps are of the same model with the distinctively green hue & thick weave seen at this period . Many variations of straps exist with their appearance changing slightly as the war progressed. The soldiers gas mask number\'1722\' has been painted in small numbers to the neck of the canister. Coming with it & completely as it came to me the rubberised gas cape bag is held in place with an early unit marked equipment strap. This strap has been field made of two other equipment straps & has the marking \' 8.J.R.24 II \' to its underside. The gas cape bag itself has had the lettering \'EX.\' painted in yellow paint to the front the meaning of which is unknown. The date \'40\' has been inkstamped to underside of flap. One more interesting feature of this time capsule set presents itself on inspection there being what appear to be remnants of a French paper baggage label stuck to the bottom of the tin. The wording \'A COLLER SUR LE***\' \' translates to \' To be stuck onto ***\' \' presumably the baggage item so this implies some luggage transit during German occupation duties in France . A very nice set & seen completely as it would have looked being worn by the German soldier in WW2 .
WW2 German Gas Mask With Original Wartime Straps , Gas Training Manual & Spare Lenses A good original WW2 German gas mask set coming complete with long & short original wartime issue carrying straps , spare lenses & Gas training manual. Gas mask is of the M38 green rubber facepiece model with \'bmw42\' markings to date indicating maker & 1942 date. Canister has a good proportion of its original green factory paint remaining with markings to lid \'ets1943\' so a midwar manufacture. Filter is of the FE41 model . Set comes with a 1940 dated German gas training manual that has various photographs of the German soldier demonstrating use of the gas mask , its cleaning etc. On the front page of the booklet is a collector applied red ink stamped spurious Waffen SS marking which has been later added & is not original to the manual. Spare lense packet dated 1944.
WW2 German Gefreiter Named Gas Mask Set With Original Straps A good untouched named & matching German gas mask set coming in 1941 dated carrying tin with all original straps. The number \'21\' on the snout of the mask matches that on the neck of the tin so this pair have always been together. Gas mask & filter are in excellent condition having apparently hardly ever been out of their carrying tin. It is an M1938 production with 1942 dated black rubber facepiece maker coded to \' byd\' for the firm \'Draegerwerk, Hein. & Bernh. Draeger, Lubeck\' . The Fe41 filter is totally intact. The carrying tin is a 1941 onwards production & is named to the bottom of the tin with the handwritten \'Gefr. Kochmann\' . The \'D\' embossed to the base was applied as of 1941 & means \'Dicht\' for watertight. Both long & short straps are 100% original wartime production. Some general age to tin however overall excellent set.
WW2 German GM30 Gas Mask & Carrying Tin Good combat example of the standard German gas mask & carrying tin complete with its short strap for attachment to belt when worn. Gas mask is the GM30 type with rubberised fabric facepeice & eyepieces dasted 1941. With size '2' stamped to outside of mask there is also the date 1940 to snout where filter screws on & faint waffenamt ink markings to inside edge of facepiece. Filter is the early FE37 type with waffenamt stamp & date 1940. Carryin tin is in its factory painted green which has two of the soldiers gas mask number to its neck & name of the soldier on spare eye lense compartment ' Obergefreiter Werner Haake' ( Senior corporal ) . There is also the date 1939 to the compartment with an ink waffenamt stamp clearly visible. Web pullstrap to open the lid is original & intact & still has its short web strap with green painted aluminium belt hook in place. Some general age overall with a good amount of paint remaining to carrying tin as can be seen in pictures.
WW2 German GM30 Gas Mask , Carrying Canister , Straps & Spare Lenses A nice early war German gas mask set with gas mask, canister, original long & short straps , spare lenses & cleaning cloth retaining spring. Mask has green rubberised fabric facepiece with 1941 date to inside & also to snout. Filter is of the FE 42 type with ink stamped waffenamt markings to top. Green carrying canister is in its original factory paint with 1941 dated to lid. Spring loaded fastening catch is in good working order with the soldiers rank & name ' Gefr Kochmann ' painted to the bottom of tin. The embossed 'D' denotes 'Dicht' for airtight which is found on canisters made from 1941 onwards. Both long & short straps are of original ww2 manufacture. Spare lenses in original packet dated 1944 to spare lense compartment.
WW2 German GM30 Gas Mask , Carrying Canister , Straps ,Spare Lenses , Cleaning Cloth & Retainer Complete early war issue soldier named & feldpost marked gas mask set as issued to the German soldier comprising the following : GM30 rubberised fabric mask, FE 37 filter, Carrying canister, Original long & short carrying straps, Spare Lenses, Cleaning cloth, Inner spring cleaning cloth retainer Mask itself is 1937 dated with good rubber & soldiers gas mask number painted to snout. Both of its inner lenses are dated 1938 the mask being a size 2. Filter is the early war FE37 type with very crisp eagle & swastika markings , pre war date visible. Carrying canister is in its original issue dark green factory paint with number ' 2102 ' hand painted to neck . The canister has the letter 'D' embossed onto the bottom of it for 'Dicht' which denotes watertight these versions being produced by the end of 1942. Spare lense compartment contains one pack of '44 dated lenses. Name of soldier & his feldpost number are written onto a paper label on the spare lense compartment thus the feldpost number will be worthy of research to pinpoint the unit. Long & short carrying straps are green with rubber reinforcing sections to each end where they are fastened. Each rubber tab is three letter coded 'ebd' & dated '43'. All in good order & totally original. Original issue cleaning cloth remains to bottom of canister held in place by the hexagonal spring which was also a part of the gas mask set when still found. Overall in good compete condition with no perishing to rubber & some paint wear in places typical of a combat used item of German combat equipment.
WW2 German GM30 Gas Mask, Carrying Canister, Spare Lenses A very good example of the WW2 German GM30 gas mask set as issued to combat troops this being the earlier rubberised fabric face mask with wartime eagle & swastika marked filter. Interior of facepiece has ink markings with date 1937 & also 1937 dates to both fitted eyepieces. Soldiers gas mask number to snout. Faint ink markings can be seen on filter which also has an ink stamped 'Marz 1943 ' to side most likely denoting expiry date March 1943. Carrying canister has a very high proportion of its original factory green paint remaining with web sprung fastening pull to front in good working order. Spare lens compartment has 1939 date & contains one spare 1939 dated lens packet as was issued. Issue number 54 to top. No dents to canister. The lid of the spare lens compartment has soldiers name ' Gefr. Richter' ( Gefreiter - Corporal Richter ) handpainted on with his field post number which can be unit researched. With some light service wear this is a striking set & a superb shelf display example.
WW2 German GM38 Gas Mask & Canister WW2 German gas mask set with black rubber facepiece which is the variant introduced as of 1938 to replace the earlier rubberised fabric version. Straps have all of their original metal fittings with rubber in good order. Facepiece is a size 2 & has three letter maker code to interior. 1944 date to each eye piece with the maker code again being bwz. Snout is dated 1943 with green filter being of the FE41 type & complete with plug to base . Green canister is in very nice condition with much of its original dark green paint remaining . Spare lens compartment has maker date of 1941 with black ink stamped waffenamt. Metal sleeve present to inside of canister with pull fastening catch in good working order. Long & short straps are in dark green & a very late replacement to the set. Overall a good set with some age to the gas mask indicative of a well used item of combat equipment.
WW2 German Grey Blue Luftwaffe Carrying Tin & Gas Mask A fabulous luftwaffe issue blue grey gas mask carrying tin with mask coming with its original wartime long & short straps. German Luftwaffe units in WW2 were sometimes bound to strict colour coding of their equipment at unit level & so items such as this so appear still although infrequently. The tin is a standard 1938 dated factory painted grey green wehrmacht issue with luftwaffe blue grey painted over the top of it. In contrast, the inside of the tin can still be seen have its grey green paint with the markings \' F38\' to spare lense compartment indicating manufacturer & date. A packet of spare lenses is still present. Both long & short straps are totally original to the tin , both still with their leather keepers & wear in places. The number of \'36\' is painted to the neck of the tin. Gas mask is of green rubber with an early Fe37 filter & eagle & swastika markings still visible. All straps are complete. Both lenses of the mask are dated 1941. The date \'April 1942\' is ink stamped to the side of the filter , this may be an expiry date. A hard set to find!
WW2 German Hitler Youth Banner/Pennant A quite superb double sided Hitler Youth pennant with multi construction black mounted swastika in diamond HJ emblem & unit/area numbers to top corner. This triangular pennant measure 38 inches in length & just under 21 inches high at its straight end. It is of double thickness with a five piece white , black & red swastika emblem to each side. The high quality workmanship in the stitching of such a piece is immediately apparent when one examines the detail of its construction & that of the obvious durability required for heavy use during the turbulent Third Reich period. Its straight end is tubed for provision of a hanger or halyard with fraying to each corner end most likely having occurred when captured & taken from its mount by an allied soldier. Displaying service wear this is a timeless piece of history & a striking reminder of the 1933-45 era.
WW2 German Hitler Youth Knife Nice condition Hitler Youth knife acquired by a British soldier in Germany in 1945. Knife has a very good clean blade with only minor age blemishing to crossgraining. Original blade buffer is still intact. Black checquered grip is good with no chips or cracks & much nickel plating remaining to metal. HJ diamond retains its movement & is undamaged. Blade is RZM marked ' 17/72 ' which refers to the maker Karl Rob, Kaldenbach, Solingen-Grafrath. Scabbard retains approx 95% of its original black paint with its belt loop interestingly being in Prestoff & bearing a Prym 4 popper. Top half of popper is unfortunately lost to time. Reverse of scabbard has scratched into it the letters ' HK Dortmund ' by its former German Hitler Youth owner. Coming with the knife is a typed provenance signed by the former British soldier who obtained it in 1945 with details of circumstances & his service etc. Overall an interesting provenanced Hitler Youth Knife in excellent condition.
WW2 German Hitler Youth Kriessieger Badge WW2 German Hitler Youth/Deutsche Arbeits Front \'Kreissieger\' Badge 1938 A bringback 1938 Kreisseiger badge , a \'Champions\' badge for the Annual Trade Competition of the Hitler Youth. These competitions were held annually to aid German youth to develop proficient skills in manual, technical or professional trades. The badge features a multi piece, bronze washed, die struck tombac construction Kreis level badge with multi-colored enamel work. Badge has a circular base with recessed outer edge with embossed laurel leaf wreath. Wreath encompasses a white enameled central field with inlaid gold gilt, Latin script and date \'Keeissieger 1938\', (Local Victory 1938). Central white enamel field is surmounted with a bronze washed political style eagle with outstretched wings, clutching a DAF style cogged wheel with an enameled HJ diamond superimposed on top. The HJ diamond is the standard type with translucent red enamel to top and bottom tips with an underlying pebbled field and white enamel to each side with central, canted, black enamel swastika. Solid concave reverse with solid soldered hinge, broad vertical pin and heavy soldered catch all intact. Reverse is well marked with embossed manufacturers name and location, \'G. Brehmer Markneukirchen\' Badge has the top red portion minus to HJ diamond with lower part of the rear pin not present. This is typically the result of being pulled off of a uniform when souvenired so there is most likely a story here that we will never know ! Interestingly the rear of the badge has scratched onto it the following \' H.Rossen Wehrshausen \' which appears to be a name & the place he is from in Germany \'Wehrshausen\' which is in the vicinity of Marburg.
WW2 German Hitler Youth Leaders Belt & Buckle A rare untouched Hitler Youth Leaders belt & buckle introduced in November 1936 to replace the previous issue of box buckle. Die stamped & of a three piece, tombak construction the buckle has a nickel/silver plate featuring a pebble background highly embossed HJ style national eagle clutching the HJ diamond . The eagle is encompassed by a circular, ribbed background border with simulated twisted rope trim to both the inner and outer edges. The ribbed border has a highly embossed, Gothic script & HJ \'Blut und Ehre\' (Blood and Honor) motto to the top.The reverse of the buckle is a mirror image of the obverse and has a separate catch and belt retaining hook. The raised buckle catch is marked with RZM logo & \'M4/22\' code denoting manufacture by Christian Theodor Dicke , Lüdenscheid. Belt leather is matching to the buckle & has always been with it. Fine untouched Hitler Youth item.
WW2 German Hitler Youth Proficiency Badge A fine silver example of the Hitler Youth Proficiency badge with 'RZM' mark to reverse & M '1/63' maker coded to the reverse. A fair amount of its original finish remains with rear pin assembly intact. The Hitler Youth proficiency badge was instituted in 1934 by Baldur Von Schirach. The purpose of the badge was to reward Hitler Youth members who had improved their ideological and physical performance. Each member of the organization was eligible for the award. A special qualification book was created to record the individual's achievements to provide a measure to receive the badge. Awarded in three grades from Iron, to Bronze, to Silver, the Silver Grade Badge was awarded to 17 year old boys. It was also serial numbered. Through to 1943, a total of 217,093 were given.
WW2 German Hitler Youth/Deutsche Arbeits Front \'Kreissiger\' Badge 1938 A bringback 1938 Kreissiger badge , a 'Champions' badge for the Annual Trade Competition of the Hitler Youth. These competitions were held annually to aid German youth to develop proficient skills in manual, technical or professional trades. The badge features a multi piece, bronze washed, die struck tombac construction Kreis level badge with multi-colored enamel work. Badge has a circular base with recessed outer edge with embossed laurel leaf wreath. Wreath encompasses a white enameled central field with inlaid gold gilt, Latin script and date, “Keissieger 1938”, (Local Victory 1938). Central white enamel field is surmounted with a bronze washed political style eagle with outstretched wings, clutching a DAF style cogged wheel with an enameled HJ diamond superimposed on top. The HJ diamond is the standard type with translucent red enamel to top and bottom tips with an underlying pebbled field and white enamel to each side with central, canted, black enamel swastika. Solid concave reverse with solid soldered hinge, broad vertical pin and heavy soldered catch all intact. Reverse is well marked with embossed manufacturers name and location, “G. Brehmer Markneukirchen”. Badge has the top red portion minus to HJ diamond with lower part of the rear pin not present. This is typically the result of being pulled off of a uniform when souvenired so there is most likely a story here that we will never know ! Interestingly the rear of the badge has scratched onto it the following ' H.Rossen Wehrshausen ' which appears to be a name & the place he is from in Germany 'Wehrshausen' which is in the vicinity of Marburg.
WW2 German Infantry M34 Field Cap 1936 A rare originally badged M34 sidecap white piped for infantry & with 1936 date to inside lining. Unlike the few examples that do turn up today , this piece still has its originally sewn on insignia with the scarcer early white on field grey machine woven backing that predated the dark green backing most often seen. The soutache branch piping is that of infantry , this being correctly placed & totally original to the cap. Side skirts have the distinct pointed angle of the earliest of caps with the much talked about segmented ventilation grommets to either side. Faint black ink markings are still visible to inside with the '56' size marking & illegible maker details. The date '1936' is quite discernible. A worn cap with some fraying to bottom edge on one side.
WW2 German Infantry M43 Combat Field Blouse 1943 A good example of the army M43 four pocket field blouse with bevo breast eagle , collar litzen, gefreiter rank chevron to left sleeve & Iron Cross second class ribbon to buttonhole. Tunic has the M43 style of unpleated pockets with three holes to each waist for belt hooks which are present to the front. Buttons are of the midwar onwards dark grey painted pattern & are all complete. There are several award loops to left breast pocket. Bevo breast eagle does appear to be originally zig zag stitched & is totally correct for this tunic. Collar litzen are white piped for infantry & in mouse grey correct for the early to mid war period. Partial rayon lining to interior with dice stamp markings present giving sizes , acceptance marking & date 1943. In overall excellent condition with only very minor service use.
WW2 German Infantry NCO Tunic A privately tailored German infantry NCO tunic with white piped shoulder boards , dark green collar & silver wire breast eagle. This tunic started life as an other ranks M43 tunic but then has been extensively tailored by this decorated NCO back to the earlier popular appearance with dark green collar added & pleats to the box pockets. There are award loops for three awards on the left breast & one on the right. NCO tresse to collar & boards. A silver wire breast eagle has then been applied on a dark green backing this being typical of NCO quality & matching the backing of the green on grey bevo collar litzen. An RB number & dice stamp size markings are visible to the reverse of the front fly with the classic artificial silk partial lining very typical of the midwar period. In superb condition there are one or two small moth nips to the rear of the tunic.
WW2 German Infantry NCOS Cap An impressive private purchase German NCOS visor cap with white piping for infantry. A striking cap in what we would call the ' Saddle Form' due to its jaunty shape this piece has certain refinements according to the preference of its wearer. The fine quality wool construction of its upper body is distinctive with thick padding having being placed around the edges of its lining to keep its fine shape. Insignia is of 'Leichtmetall' with black chinstrap as per regulations. Interior of cap shows good quality tailoring by ' Globus' who are also marketing the ' Stirndruckfrei' concept. This was a design method incorporated in its manufacture which reduced pressure on the forehead during wear. Examining the cap there are various moth nips throughout with some professional repair having been carried out to the top of it. Still a very fine jaunty cap of the Wehrmacht that has seen service wear .
WW2 German Infantry Officers Combat Tunic A very good 1939 dated German army infantry officers field service combat tunic privately tailored from an issue M36 tunic with the addition of officers shoulder boards , silver bullion breast eagle & collar litzen , lined collar , shoulder padding, French cuffs & a full lining to interior & sleeves. German army officers in the prewar years purchased their own high quality uniforms from tailors however with the onset of war soon realised that these were simply too good to be worn in the field ! They would then purchase issue service tunics for officers tailoring at their own expense as is the case here. This is a classic well field worn infantry officers example with white piped insignia totally original to the tunic. There are award loops to the left breast. Visible to the interior right fly are the original black ink stamped markings with sizes & the inspection depot & date marking \'E.39\' . Two buttons to rear of tunic are placed to support the weight of the equipment belt this before the widespread use of Y straps. In excellent condition there is service wear to the nap of the cloth with no moth whatsoever.
WW2 German Infantry Officers Combat Tunic A very good 1939 dated German army infantry officers field service combat tunic. This tunic has been privately tailored from an issue quality other rank M36 tunic with the addition of officers shoulder boards , silver bullion breast eagle & collar litzen , lined collar , shoulder padding, French cuffs & a full lining to interior & sleeves. German army officers in the prewar years purchased their own high quality uniforms from tailors however with the onset of war soon realised that these were simply too good to be worn in the field ! They would then purchase issue service tunics for officers tailoring at their own expense as is the case here. This is a classic well field worn infantry officers example with white piped insignia totally original to the tunic. There has been an award worn on the left breast with one loop & a hole for the pin of the badge above it. Visible to the interior right fly are the original black ink stamped markings with sizes & the inspection depot & date marking 'E.39' . Two buttons to rear of tunic are placed to support the weight of the equipment belt this before the widespread use of Y straps. It is interesting to note that the rear of the collar has been stitched down & an off white strip of material applied to the underside of the collar giving the effect of a collar liner being fitted in place as was often seen worn by officers in the early period. In excellent condition there is field service wear to the nap of the cloth with no moth whatsoever.
WW2 German Infantry Officers Feldmutze A very appealing field worn German infantry officers M38 feldmutze with white soutache for infantry. This well used cap is made from quality moleskin material with a partial leather sweatband to front forehead area & rayon lining. Both the officers silver flat wired national emblem & cockade are original to the cap being quite clearly well sunken in with age & with the eagle stitched top edge down first in the typically seen style of the period. Both scallop & crown are officer silver wire piped with top side corners of the scallop stitched into place to keep their smart appearance. Both grommets are segmented as is expected on an original cap. This cap has certainly seen much field wear with some fraying to the officers piping & to the white infantry soutache. Their is wear to the nap of the cloth with some moth tracking to the sides of the cap. Outer & inner wire to cockade is now partially loose. A scarce untouched infantry officers cap now hard to find.
WW2 German Infantry Officers Field Service Tunic A good German infantry officer converted M43 field service tunic typical of the common practice of using enlisted ranks issue uniforms for field use . Officer upgrade has consisted of the earlier & more traditional dark green collar being used with officers white ' waffenfarbe ' for infantry collar litzen & hand embroidered officer quality breast eagle . Silver cord shoulder straps are white piped & with two gilt finished rank pips denoting rank of Hauptmann (Captain) . The straps are of the 'subdued' oxydised silver finish mostly found on wartime made strap braid. The tunic has its correct partial rayon lining with ink stamped dice markings & date '44' . Field dressing pocket intact. There is some moth to the collar as visible in pictures however it is possible to conclude from age & wear correlation that the patches are apparently original wartime sewn & have not been removed since the officer upgrade. Upon examination , & not surprisingly, the breast eagle does appear to have been later reapplied although totally correct for this piece. Several small moth nips to left breast pocket area although not too obvious at all. Great size for mannequin or bust display.
WW2 German Infantry Officers M38 Field Cap With White Soutache I am pleased to be able to offer here one of the best examples of an unmessed with heavily worn \' been there\' German infantry officers M38 field cap that I have had the good fortune to handle. A privately purchased piece it is constructed from high quality short napped brushed doeskin with a silk champagne lining & partial leather sweatband . An originally applied early flatwire silver on dark green backed eagle adorns the front of the cap with bullion embroidered cockade also 100% original to the cap. The white infantry soutache is correctly applied with both ends going through the lower seam & no stitching visible to the back of the cloth indicating application upon its manufacture by a highly skilled tailor. The silver wire of officer rank runs around the crown & front scallop edge with air vent grommets to each side. A cap that has seen heavy wear the doeskin cloth shows weathering to the nap from this, no doubt, well fielded officer. There are several small moth pin pricks to the entirety of the cap with a spattering to the top of the cap , please see images. Offered completely as it was found this cap was originally an American veteran bringback being purchased at a large arms fair in the US some years ago.
WW2 German Infantry Other Ranks Private Purchase Visor Cap A superb private purchase other ranks visor cap white piped for infantry & in the classic 'sattelform' ( saddle shape ) often found on caps purchased from 1935 onwards. The striking visual quality of this cap complimented the wearer with a high quality doeskin wool body & matched 'leichtmetall' insignia to front. Private purchase NCO caps still had to conform with regulations & thus similarities with their government issue counterparts will always be clear. Interior has quality rayon champagne coloured lining with maker mark on celluloid for the firm 'Christian Beder , Mainz ( Rhein ) , Schillerplatz 22 ' . The leather sweatband is of the expensive padded type with a strip of foam like material placed behind the perforations in the forehead area . This was an expensive option & the letters 'DL' can be seen embossed into the band with the words 'Deutsche Leder ' for German leather. Interestingly, the name 'ogefr.Dedter' ( Senior corporal. Dedter ) is handwritten to the inside of the band adding a nice personal touch to this quite beautiful cap. In superb condition & with no moth, this is a cap made for an NCO for whom only the best would do.
WW2 German Infantry Photograph Album, Interesting early service album to a member of a Jager Regiment ( Infantry) containing over 100 shots of him & comrades in training & recreation wearing service uniforms, headgear & equipment of the period. Front of the album bearing a service flag motif in colour is entitled ' Erinnerungen An Meine Dienstzeit' ( Memories of my service) in Gothic German script & most interestingly has the remains of two army helmet decals transferred onto the front cover of the album for visual effect. This is the first album i have encountered with helmet decals on it backing up many theories re soldiers originally applying their own decals to their helmets in the early Third Reich period. Their is also a picture of the grave of Hitlers father Alois Hitler draped with memorium swastika pennants at the back of the album evidently taken on a visit at some pre war time. Album is captioned for the most part , some card pages loose.
WW2 German Infantry Private Purchase ORs Peaked Cap Classic Tellerform example of the German NCO peaked cap white piped for infantry. Cap is of private purchase quality with a few minor quality differences above that of an issue quality cap. In tricot wool the caps body has twin ' Leichtmetall' insignia which was a German aluminium alloy combination & also the usual patent leather chinstrap & vulcanised fibre black visor with some minor age crazing. Interior of cap has rust brown lining with a good quality leather sweatband that has been decoratively perforated for ventilation in the forehead area. There is also a padded sponge strip behind this which was a method adopted by cap manufacturers to prevent forehead pressure termed 'Stirndruckfrei'. This is normally found written on the makers celluloid diamond ( as here) to advertise the fact along with maker details in this case 'Franz Weinzierl'. Overall there are three moth nips to the caps right side with some general tracking to the caps top & upper piping which is visible under scrutinisation. Sweatband is excellent with no cracks or tears to the leather & insignia is correctly firmly in place. Overall sound & original cap.
WW2 German Issue Grey Rayon M43 Shirt A very heavily worn & most likely 'lived in' example of the increasingly harder to find German shirt of the M43 model with two chest pockets & pressed card buttons. Upon examination of this wonderfully original combat piece it can soon be concluded that this shirt would serve as an ideal undergarment on a combat soldier mannequin display . Both front pockets remain intact & both with their originally sewn pressed card fastening buttons still in place. There is one pressed card button still in place to front half fly this also being originally sewn. It is interesting to note that both arms have been professionally shortened somewhat with a hem sewn in at their edge. Looking at this personalisation I am of the opinion that it is period done by the soldier perhaps for short sleeve wear or even when worn as a POW however , of course, impossible to know for certain. There are three very old patch repairs to the front of the shirt , two on the front upper chest in the same correct wartime rayon shirt material & the third lower down from a similar more wool based thick shirt type material perhaps of civilian purchase. There is one large patch repair to the rear again in the same issue shirt rayon material so this may have been an end of war repair or , again , POW applied. The inside collar has had a strip of HBT material applied . All of the patch repairs are very old & were applied to allow prolonged wear of this garment. Totally original , German combat item of clothing !
WW2 German Italian Campaign Camouflage M40 Single Decal Luftwaffe Helmet An M40 luftwaffe helmet with spray painted tan camouflage overpaint typical of those worn in the Italian theatre of operations by German combat troops. This Quist made size 64 helmet first received the blue grey textured factory paint according to 1940 specifications with the tan camouflage overspray applied upon his Mediterranean deployment. This has been evenly applied with a couple of thick runs of the paint from the spray gun visible upon close examination. The second pattern luftwaffe eagle is of the dotted wing type typical of a Quist made example. This was initially oversprayed then later very carefully exposed revealing a very high remaining percentage of it in its entirety. All three of the liner pins are with matching tan camouflage paint & undisturbed on both the exterior & interior of the shell. Helmet shell bears the maker & size markings \'Q64\' with lot number \' 1957 \' . The Brian Ice reference gives an exact matching zinc banded ( As here ) SD example . Liner band is 1940 dated. Leather liner is intact with a crossed out name handwritten to the rear . All fingers are undamaged with original drawstring intact. Chinstrap is a 100% original example which came on the helmet with aluminium buckle . Overall a fabulous camouflage piece typical of the Italian campaign.
WW2 German K98 Rifle Sling With Maker Markings & Waffenamt A very nice Berlin maker marked K98 rifle sling complete with waffenamt . Very hard to find marked K98 slings most being only buckle marked if that . Over 40 makers were contracted to make slings for the wehrmacht some only ever completing one contract & others manufacturing them over several years. Wartime examples are quite distinct this piece being a typical wartime manufactured example With the \'SC\' initials set either side of a tall arrow for the firm Schmöle & Co, Menden/Sauerland \' this mark is also seen on such equipment items as Y strap buckles. The faint part maker nomenclature of \' ROBER*\' in a half circle over a Berlin address is visible with the leather halter coded to the rear & a waffenamt marked to the front side underneath the stud. Fishscaling to outer leather still visible. A scarce marked in very good condition .
WW2 German Kriegsmarine 8 X 60 U Boat Commanders Binoculars A very good pair of the sought after Zeiss 8X60 U Boat Commanders binoculars coming as found & complete with their original Benutzer bakelite cap. Only recently surfaced & having never been in a collectors hands before the optics on these iconic U Boat glasses are quite superb . German optics have , deservedly , an excellent reputation for high quality & when looking through these it is quite understandable why. Right shoulder has the markings ' 8X60 48913 blc' this being perfectly clear & blc of course being the wartime code for Zeiss. The hinged adjustment works perfectly & it is obvious that the focus screws halfway down on the reverse side have not been interfered with for a very long time. Black bakelite Benutzer lens cap is in superb undamaged condition & still attached by its often replaced correct rubber cord. Both hinged eyecups lift well on their hinges & , as they have come , i have not replaced the missing eyepieces with modern copies preferring the originality to speak for itself. Right cup has a small crack ( as pictured ) however they are still solid. Both threads have had some displacement with time. Much original finish remains to the binoculars the factory sea green finish being very much visible under a light black covering that has been applied over the top. Leather neck strap present. Overall a superb pair & the pinnacle of any German binocular collection.
WW2 German Kriegsmarine Blanket On personal issue to all troops this is the Kriegsmarine blanket differing only from the army in the main by having ' Kriegsmarine' on each end in red bars to assist in folding for carrying around the pack in a bed roll. Towards the end of WW2 many Kriegsmarine units were engaged in heavy ground combat in the European theater having been mobilised to help plug gaps upon the arrival of Allied troops in June 1944. It is well documented that KM troops were fighting in Normandy as well as in Operation Marketgarden, Holland where, incidentally a Kriegsmarine soldiers remains have been recently unearthed in the Westerbouwing area. In good used condition with a couple of holes & repairs this example has been recently discovered now being quite a scarce item of Kriegsmarine soldiers kit.
WW2 German Kriegsmarine Camouflage Gas Mask Tin & Mask & Carrying Canister A rare German gas mask & carrying canister painted in the camouflage battleship grey of the German Navy / Kriegsmarine. The first coat of factory green paint can be seen to the underside of the lid with the noticeably grey overpaint to the exterior in comparison. Canister is of the earlier short model with 1936 date to spare lense compartment & ink inspection stamp of the Weimar. The early latch system is the earliest encountered with both long & short straps being totally original to the tin & as found with it. A small stress tear is present on the long strap . The often missing short web pull tab to front latch is intact. Gas mask has matching date of 1936 with Weimar ink stamp & the handwritten name of \' Sachsenhammer/361\' to long strap. The model Fe37 filter is 1940 dated & both are in excellent condition. A rare totally original set .
WW2 German Kriegsmarine Dagger & Knot A nice recently surfaced example of the Kriegsmarine officers dagger still with its original knot in place never having been off since its WW2 service. An Eickhorn , Solingen example it has an excellent ivory grip with all of its wire binding still intact. The crisp detailing to its pommel displays the undamaged swastika very well. Blade displays the classic anchor & serpent design with a very clean & bright appearance overall. Scabbard is extremely pleasing with a very high percentage of its original fire gilding remaining. Throat screws are present & totally untouched with no movement whatsoever to lozenge. Silver knot is correctly tied to dagger with some corresponding age & wear evidencing its time with this dagger. An excellent untouched example with only some light wear overall. UK Sales Only *** Proof of age over 18 required ***
WW2 German Kriegsmarine Dagger, Knot & Hanger I was fortunate enough recently to acquire this very 'sleepy' etched blade Kriegsmarine dagger complete with unremoved knot & its original hanger. Considering that this dagger has not seen the light of day for many years it has survived remarkably well with the etching to the blade still clear. An Eickhorn produced piece it has a good proportion of its fire gilding remaining with some loss to high points. The knot has clearly never been off of it with the natural age wear correlating exactly with the overall appearance of the dagger. The hanging knot has parted with time sadly. Both small throat screws are still present to scabbard with three small dents to body being apparent on close inspection. The black Kriegsmarine short strap remains although with some damage & crudely glue repaired at some time in its family owned history. Offered completely as found & a true British soldier bringback.
WW2 German Kriegsmarine Double Decal Named Coastal Artillery Helmet A recently acquired very rare double decal Kriegsmarine coastal artillery helmet with 'Nord' prefixed kriegsmarine name & number tag sewn to liner. Widely accepted as being rarer than the double decal SS helmet original examples do not surface often. Much of the helmets apple green paint remains to the inside & out with typical service use being visible to the helmets exterior. The Kriegsmarine gold eagle displays the instantly recognisable two layer construction unique to early Kriegsmarine decals with the typical double lower edge being clearly visible to the national shield. Of great interest is the handstitched name tag to be seen on the leather liner which is of distinct Kriegsmarine origin. Giving the mans name in period gothic script & also the number ' N.1860/39T ' we can deduce the prefix of 'N' for Nord See command . . . Acceptance stamp to dome denotes that it was applied by the procurement office number 1 in what appears to be 1938. The last digit is very faint however the aluminium liner band is dated 1938 which adds to the very early war dating of this helmet . Shell is an appealing 'ET66' with lot number 3965. It is of note that when the liner is examined there is disturbance to all three pins which would imply removal of the liner at some point in its life. All three washers are present . I am confident that this liner has always been with this helmet the case for which is strengthened by the liner nametag unique only to the Kriegsmarine. Souvenired at the end of WW2 by a British soldier it has been in family hands ever since & so although I am confident that the liner has not been replaced I cannot account for its 75 years of family ownership. The chinstrap has sadly long gone with some involvement in a school play many years ago apparently the cause! A rare helmet & one that would warrant research of it's original owner from the details evident.
WW2 German Kriegsmarine Dress Dagger With Original Knot A recently found example of the Kriegsmarine officers dagger still with its original knot in place never having been off since its WW2 service. An Eickhorn , Solingen made example with squirrel logo it has an excellent ivory grip with all of its wire binding still intact. The crisp detailing to its pommel displays the undamaged swastika very well. Blade displays the classic anchor & serpent design with a very clean & bright appearance overall. Scabbard is extremely pleasing with a very high percentage of its original fire gilding remaining. Throat screws are present & totally untouched with no movement whatsoever to lozenge. Silver knot is correctly tied to dagger with corresponding age & wear evidencing its time with this dagger. An excellent untouched example with only some light wear overall. UK Sales Only *** Proof of age over 18 required ***
WW2 German Kriegsmarine Marked \' Reichsdienstflagge \' Reich Service Flag 1935-1945 A superb example of the harder to find Reich service flag in excellent condition . This flag bears Kriegsmarine markings & is a veteran bringback from WW2. The flag still has its intact hoisting edge with black ink markings \'M\' surmounted by a swastika eagle for the German Navy as well as \' Reichsdflg.0.50 x 0.85 \' . The maker name of \' KRESS St.Tonis\' within a rectangular box is also visible. Mirror imaged on both sides the flag has no holes , rips or tears. The Reichs Service flag was used by all public administrative authorities, the German State railways, the Reichsautobahn (German Empire Highway Department) and Reichsbank (German Empire Bank) authorities. The flag had to be shown and hoisted on their administrative buildings, their service vessels on inland waterways and their service cars. Measures 32 inches X 19 inches.
WW2 German Kriegsmarine Officers Dagger With Its Original Knot A nice recently surfaced example of the Kriegsmarine officers dagger still with its original knot in place never having been off since its WW2 service. An Eickhorn example it has a perfect ivory grip with its wire binding still intact. The crisp detailing to its pommel displays the undamaged swastika very well. Blade displays the classic anchor & serpent design with a very clean & bright appearance overall. Scabbard is extremely pleasing with a very high percentage of its original fire gilding remaining. Throat screws are present & apparently untouched with no movement to lozenge. Silver knot is correctly tied to dagger with some corresponding age reaction confirming its time with this dagger. An excellent untouched example with only light wear overall.
WW2 German kriegsmarine Work/Drill Jacket White cotton Drill jacket as worn by the German Navy ( Kriegsmarine) originally as working dress but authorised for Summer Duty after 1940. It was also at this time that NCO & Junior ranks were authorised to wear insignia on their jackets such as the Kriegsmarine national emblem as seen here. The example here is a good medium to large size with two bottom pockets & a outer chest pocket on the top left. It is fronted with (5) five tan moulded glass fouled rope & anchor Kriegsmarine buttons that are all marked on the back with 'Kriegsmarine 19 JFS 40' for Josef Felix & Sohne of Gablonz. All are secured on the back in the ring & eyelet style. National emblem is of the the blue on white embroidered type. Size stampings on the jacket exist under the inside button flap. Some light age soiling overall but nevertheless a a good Kriegsmarine item of uniform.
WW2 German Late War Greatcoat With Large Collar & Attached Hood 1944 A late war field grey blanket lined greatcoat which has large collar, additional slash side pockets & an attached woollen blend hood. This was another development of German army cold weather gear & very much prevalent in the Ardennes campaign. Several variations of the German greatcoat existed by early 1945. A nicely marked example on the rayon of the inside breast pocket with sizing & depot stamp 'M' with date '44'. RB number very clearly visible beneath this. Left arm has gefreiter rank chevron with signals operator trade patch above this. This example is in well used condition with some patch repairs to front & back ( See pictures ) . Some minor nips in places noticeable on close inspection. A very good size for a mannequin & would very much compliment a 1944 German infantry soldier setup.
WW2 German Late War M43 Tunic A very presentable large sized late war M43 army tunic in excellent condition. These were issued & worn right up to the end of the war to exhaust existing stocks whilst the newer style of M44 tunic was only issued in limited numbers when compared to the already well established M43 . Manufactured with a higher content of spun rayon yarn & recycled wool of the later produced M43 tunics this example has a dark grey appearance much indicative of this late war period. With an artificial silk lining there are faint RB number markings to the field dressing pocket & one belt support hook strap remaining to left inside waist. Rear equipment hook holes were , typical of late manufacture , poorly finished. Breast eagle is a reapplied late war mouse grey pattern although totally correct for this tunic . All buttons are intact & correctly sewn with the late war period thick green cotton thread often seen on other garments of this date. Although minor on a now sought after German army tunic it is worthy of note that there are two small moth nips to the front waist under the area where the belt would sit & three small 5mm nips underneath the bottom button. An excellent example that would compliment a late war German army representation.
WW2 German Leather Flying Jacket 1944-45 A superb Luftwaffe issue electrically heated leather flying jacket of the 1944-45 period with purple velveteen collar & bullion breast eagle to right side. Jacket is interior lined in smooth dark blue cotton with working metal 'Zipp' marked 'DRP' ( Deutsche Reich Patent ) zippers to both sleeves. Sleeve cuffs are of the same material & are fastened by a glass button. An internal waistband sleeve is present although minus its drawcord adjutsment. A beautifully executed rayon lined silk buttoning fly adds to its quality interior with ink stamped sizing label to lower corner. Front of jacket has all original blue glass buttons with Stocko 6 fastened pop stud to fasten waist. The often postwar removed electrical wiring pop studs are still present to both sleeves . This enabled the jacket to be heated in the cockpit as conditions dictated. A now scarce item of Luftwaffe flying clothing in excellent condition & typical pilots attire of the 1944-45 period.
WW2 German Luftwaffe ' Handkammer HK 12.5/7x9 ' Aerial Camera A very rare Luftwaffe aerial camera this being the model referred to as the Handkammer HK 12.5/7x9 , Fritz Volk , Berlin. Original German hand held Luftwaffe cameras are seldom seen especially those that were intended for use in the air. This example has a Schneider Xenon 125mm f2 lens & is complete with its flipup top sight & data plate that confirms the Fl. number 38510. The manufacturer Aktofot G.m.b.h. PRAG appears at the bottom of the plate denoting its construction there under German occupation. Casing is of the mottled grey green Rauhlack being that found on heavy duty optics such as U Boat binoculars. Black rubber moveable handle on its right side is excellent with no perishing & the highly attractive reddish brown Bakelite hand piece on the left side has no cracks or other damage. The hinged cover for the adjustable winder on the top left of the camera is good with no damage to hinge mechanism. Part of the casing in which the lens piece was housed is minus however overall condition is excellent. A fascinating item of typical German appeal that was found in the loft of a house in Kent, England a few years ago.
WW2 German Luftwaffe 'Fliegerbluse' Tunic ( Paratrooper/Aircrew ) Worn throughout WW2 by the German Luftwaffe was the 'Fliegerbluse' literally translated meaning Flyers Blouse. These were worn in action by paratroopers , field divisions , flight crews, flak crews & all other Luftwaffe personnel in many different roles as standard service dress & are seen much in use being worn right up until the end of the war. Ongoing & increasing interest in the German Fallschirmjager (Paratroopers ) has made the fliegerbluse now a highly sought after item as recent reproductions have become close to perfect making it even harder for collectors to distnguish between real & fake. This piece is a used but clearly original example being of early manufacture with a cotton twill lining. Officers shoulder boards are in place indicating this to be the original wearers working/combat uniform upgraded to officer rank most likely upon promotion in the field on active service. One silver washed officer button is present to shoulder the other is missing. Nap of cloth is worn down through weathering & wear with three of its large fastening buttons present to front & smaller collar buttons to top & collar area. Yellow backed collar patches with one gull each are in place on the collar & breast eagle is removed as has been for some time due to the previous presence of an eagle only being visible when held up to the light. There is some general snagging on the blouse which goes with the charactor of the piece with a repaired tear to the inside left arm & right shoulder seam. Both buttons to lower slanted hip pockets appear to be original to the tunic with some original dark blue paint left on one. Both pockets to inside are intact with faint trace of size , date & LBA markings to left pocket. Overall this is a very used example with much wear & a few holes but nevertheless a true veteran original.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Assault Gunners Trousers An rare pair of the field gray Luftwaffe issue trousers , similar in style to the German paratrooper trousers , but issued to Stug assault gun troops of the Hermann Goerring Division in the mid to late war period. These are believed to have been worn with the HG M43 tunic or Stug wrapper . Interesting to note the Luftwaffe features in these trousers of grey blue cotton lining with the blue composite buttons typically seen on Luftwaffe uniform items. A faint black ink dice marking to waistband is also surmounted by the LBA inspection stamp & the date ' 3 43 ' for March 1943 which is quite an early production year for this pattern of trouser. Both front slash pockets & fob are fastened by the PRYM 6 pop stud with off tan composite buttons to rear pockets & top of fly. Tapered ankle closures have both original ties intact & further lined in grey blue cotton. Rare trousers . .
WW2 German Luftwaffe Blue Painted Gas Mask Set With Original Straps A standard midwar issue German gas mask set with the gas mask carrying canister overpainted in luftwaffe blue paint for luftwaffe troops. Dated 1943 to the spare lense compartment there is a typed paper nametag with the typed soldiers name & also \' Soldbuch No.\' & \' Erkennm No \' . Both corresponding numbers appear to have one time been written on however are no longer discernible. The date \'43\' also appear to the canister lid pull catch. Four large numbers ( Of the soldiers number ) have been painted onto the neck of the canister in black , quite typical of luftwaffe issue items where stowage of crew equipment required clear identification! The gas mask cleaning cloth retaining spring is still in situ at the bottom of the tin now stuck in place with some sort of lacquer substance which has been used also on the outside of the tin. Both long & short carrying straps are 100% original. Gas mask is a later black rubber facepiece type with 1943 dated lenses . Filter is an Fe41 with eagle & swastika marking. All of the headstraps of the mask are complete & original.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Brown Flak & LBA Marked Belt & Droop Tail Buckle Rare early Luftwaffe brown belt & first pattern drooptail buckle both LBA & flak unit marked . Belt buckle comes complete with leather tab marked to Richard Seiper & dated 1936. The Luftwaffe inspection marking ( Luftwaffe Bekleidungsamt ) & a Flak unit marking are also visible. Only the wording \' FLAK. WU\' & \' BERLIN 1936\' are visible. The maker initials \'RS&S\' are visible also to buckle edge. Belt leather is in the classic chocolate brown of the luftwaffe with \' L.B.A.B.37 \' inspection marking of the Luftwaffe ( Berlin ) . The maker & 1937 date are visible to tabbed end with unit marking to \' II/Flak rgt.13 \' also legible. Belt size with size of 90 cm that has four extra holes in the leather for a smaller belt adjustment.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Camouflage Battle Damaged Helmet Testament to the ferocity of the fighting in the Falaise area of Normandy this M40 three colour single decal Luftwaffe camouflage helmet has suffered blast damage to the front although with a high proportion of its field applied camouflage paint still strikingly visible. The typical Normandy colours of reddish brown , forest green & tan ochre are applied in a mottled effect with some areas of thickening to the colours where the paint has settled whilst drying. Luftwaffe decal has been carefully partially subdued by the camouflage paint however its existence remains clearly visible. Underside of helmet is in its luftwaffe blue factory paint there being the maker & size stamp ' EF62' for the maker Emaillierwerke A.G.Fulda . . Leather liner has never been out of the helmet with no disturbance or bending to its split pins from the inside & all with matching camouflage paint to the outside. Overall a superb & rare German camouflage combat helmet the originality of which cannot be disputed. Found on a farm in the area some years after the campaign.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Dagger & Hanging Straps If you like sleepy untouched daggers that are not mint then this one may be for you. A very nice untouched example of the second model Luftwaffe officers dagger it comes complete with its original scabbard & hanging straps . This dagger was in private hands until recently & as such has not been cleaned since the day it was brought back as a souvenir from WW2. An FW Holler made example there is still crisp detail to the oakleaf surround & swastika of the pommel with a totally free from damage wire bound orange grip. The high relief detail of the bird clutching swastika hilt is good with no loose movement to any part. Blade is good with the Holler thermometer logo , tip is very slightly bent from typical postwar mishandling! Scabbard is undented but has loss of plating...the blue luftwaffe hangers are slightly frayed but with perfectly working sprung clips. A ring is still present where it was hung on the wall after the war by its liberator ! A nice piece, brought back & untouched.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Double Decal Camouflage M35 Helmet A fantastic M35 double decal Luftwaffe helmet with green & brown brush stroke camouflage . This helmet is offered as it was found completely uncleaned & uninterfered with since the end of WW2. Both the second pattern luftwaffe decal & national shield remain in good order. The helmet has been lightly brush stroked in a green & brown camouflage over its factory blue with the rust effects of outside storage now visible over the top of it. Helmet is marked a 'Q64' with lot number 137. All three of its liner pins are undisturbed with reinforced aluminium band Berlin marked & dated 1938. Leather liner has what appear to be owner initials written onto it with a unit stamp to underside of the leather only paritally visible but , I would guess , relating to a flak unit. Original drawstring intact. Rare double decal helmet & a very early issue.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Double Decal Helmet With LBA Marked 1938 Dated Chinstrap A very good untouched Luftwaffe double decal helmet with 1938 dated & Luftwaffe LBA marked brown leather chinstrap. In the Luftwaffe blue grey of the early M35s both decals have survived very well with a high percentage of each remaining. The national shield displays only minor scuffing through service wear with typical age crazing to be seen upon close examination. The second pattern Luftwaffe eagle remains very intact with some typical age toning commensurate with the entirety of the helmet. Helmet shell has some typical scuffs & chips to the paint . All three liner rivets have correct blue grey paint & are unquestionably original to the helmet. A 1938 dated reinforced aluminium liner band is present to the inside. Leather M31 liner is undamaged & has its original drawstring still present. An SE made size 66 it has the lot number '4035' to rear underside. The helmets original long chinstrap is still present & notably of the correct early Luftwaffe issue chocolate brown colour. Maker marking & date clearly visible of ' Gebr Hast , Dresden 1938 ' . Correct aluminium buckle to short strap. Excellent textbook example double decal luftwaffe helmet .
WW2 German Luftwaffe Drill Work Uniform ( Tunic & Trousers ) A tunic & trouser set drill work uniform of Luftwaffe issue for ground personnel. These are seen being worn by Luftwaffe ground troops in bunker positions ( such as the 17th Luftwaffe Field Division at le Havre in 1944 ) as well as improvised hot weather dress in other theatres. A very nice unissued set in cotton drill material with a herringbone weave . The front of the tunic is fastened with concealed glass buttons & paper stores label is still affixed to the left sleeve. As with most luftwaffe uniforms the makers ink stamp , size markings & 1942 dated LBA inspection mark is to be seen on its inside left pocket. Trousers have metal dished buttons to slash side pockets , waist & fly with one minus to rear. Clear RB Number to inside waist with sizes & luftwaffe depot marking. These are an approx 44in waist & 32 in inside leg. Tunic is an approx 42 in chest.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Drooptail Eagle Double Decal Helmet A very good M35 Luftwaffe Double Decal helmet with early first pattern drooptail eagle. A totally untouched piece this helmet is by the maker Quist with factory blue luftwaffe paint to inside & out. The drooptail luftwaffe eagle is largely intact with natural scuffing & wear which matches the overall condition of this well fielded helmet. The tricolour national shield is also largely intact with age & wear commensurate to the rest of the helmet. All three of the early brass liner pins bear traces of the original blue luftwaffe paint & are totally original to the helmet . Leather liner is intact & when carefully lifted a unit marking of ' 2/156 ' can be seen handwritten to its reverse. It is quite typical to see unit markings on early Luftwaffe helmets although not necessarily standard. The aluminium liner band is dated 1937. The maker & size mark of ' Q64' can be seen to side for the maker Quist with lot number to rear of ' 3042'. Chinstrap is a correct Luftwaffe issue in brown leather with faded markings just about visible to underside of pointed end. A heavily used helmet there is paint loss to the exterior of the shell leaving a very natural age patina which I have left as it came . Now a very rare helmet to find with the early drooptail eagle.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Field Cap (Einheitsfeldmutze) 1944 An exceptional example of the Luftwaffe M43 field cap with its original factory applied trapezoid insignia to front & grey artificial silk ribbed lining. Very hard to find these caps with their correct trapezoid insignia many having been replaced with non contemporary two piece emblems & cockades. This trapezoid has been factory applied with the same thread used throughout the rest of the cap & is totally correct for this caps nomenclature in the 1944 period . Two blue pebbled buttons to front of cap are also original factory applied with correct stitch reinforcement to button holes. Grey lining has black ink stamped 1944 date with RF number & size 56. Shoulder strap loops to underside of side skirts are intact. Overall a superb piece of Luftwaffe ground troops headdress.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Field Division Jacket Classic Luftwaffe Ground Forces Splinter Pattern camouflage Jacket originally designed for use by the Luftwaffe Field Divisions as of 1942 & seeing service in many theatres including Russia , Italy & more popularly in Normandy, France. It was also worn by other Luftwaffe Ground Forces Units including Paratroopers & Army Officer personnel on attachment. Jacket is in the earlier & rarer cotton pattern as HBT versions replaced these from mid war onwards.Buttons are of the blue glass variety & are all complete with grey composite buttons to shoulders & pockets. Cloth retaining loop for shoulder straps still in place. Luftwaffe blue thread reinforces the buttonholes as well as blue reinforcing strips to the inner armpit areas. These classic traits of these early manufacture FD jackets. Inside pockets are in the light brown summer flight suit material . Luftwaffe other ranks breast eagle zig zag stitched & appears to have been on a very long time its detail imprinted into the jacket visible from the inside. Certainly a scarce early combat jacket much used in Normandy by Luftwaffe & paratrooper Ground Forces.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Field Division Normandy Camouflage Single Decal M40 Helmet A stunning luftwaffe single decal M40 helmet in a quite striking original Normandy colours splotch camouflage scheme . This helmet is likely to have belonged to a member of a Luftwaffe Field Division as these luftwaffe ground forces were heavily involved in the fighting of the Normandy campaign. The helmet has been heavily camouflaged with a base colour of dark forest green over the entirety of its factory blue luftwaffe finish then with large dabs of a brush the splotches of reddish brown & green have been applied over this. The brush lines can be seen on the camouflage paint & around the edges of each 'splotch' . A good proportion of its second pattern decal remains with the maker & size mark'Q64' visible to the underside of the rim. The lot number 'R058' conforms ( By ICE) with that of a single decal M40 luftwaffe helmet. Leather liner has size marking 56 & is undisturbed with all liner pins untouched & straight. Zinc liner band is 1941 dated. Leather chinstrap is original to the helmet & an unmarked example. A superb example with camouflage colours extremely typical of those seen during the Normandy campaign.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Field Division Single Decal M40 Normandy Battle Damaged Camouflage Helmet Testament to the ferocity of the fighting in the Falaise area of Normandy this M40 three colour single decal Luftwaffe camouflage helmet has suffered blast damage to the front although with a high proportion of its field applied camouflage paint still strikingly visible. The typical Normandy colours of reddish brown , forest green & tan ochre are applied in a mottled effect with some areas of thickening to the colours where the paint has settled whilst drying. Luftwaffe decal has been carefully partially subdued by the camouflage paint however its existence remains clearly visible. Underside of helmet is in its luftwaffe blue factory paint there being the maker & size stamp ' EF62' for the maker Emaillierwerke A.G.Fulda . . Leather liner has never been out of the helmet with no disturbance or bending to its split pins from the inside & all with matching camouflage paint to the outside. Overall a superb & rare German camouflage combat helmet the originality of which cannot be disputed. Found on a farm in the area some years after the campaign.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Flak Badge The Flak Artillery War Badge was introduced by Hermann Göring on January 10TH 1941, for award to air defence crews including searchlight and sound detection personnel. Originally the Flak Artillery War Badge was awarded to personnel for both aerial and ground target victories until the introduction of the Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge on March 31ST 1942, after which the Flak Artillery War Badge was only awarded for successful aerial target victories. Bestowal of the award was originally rendered on a point structure system with sixteen points required to be presented the badge, although the criteria was modified during the war. Of two piece, die struck alloy construction it has a silver wash with luftwaffe style eagle . The wreath encompasses the profile of an 88mm anti-aircraft gun with the gun barrel extending beyond the edge of the wreath. Crisp detailing to badge & an unmarked example.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Flak Gunners Four Pocket Tunic A superb example of the pre to early war Luftwaffe fpur pocket service tunic with collar tabs & shoulder boards red piped for Flak troops. Becoming increasingly difficult to find these service tunics can be seen in period photographs being worn by luftwaffe ground personnel . This luftwaffe soldier was a holder of the Iron Cross second class its ribbon mounted to front of tunic. West Wall medal ribbon to breast. Collar tabs have two gulls to each for rank of ' Gefreiter ' (Lance Corporal, these do appear to have been on for a very long time & in my opinion are totally original to the tunic. Breast eagle is zig zag stitched & I can see no evidence of any previous eagle period applied. All five of its original brown resin collar buttons are still present to underside. Some faint ink markings are still visible to inside of left breast with a Flak unit marking to right. Markings exist of the Stettin film company who stockpiled many captured German uniforms when they were in plentiful supply. Some overall wear to nap of cloth there is a small hardly noticeable cigarette burn underneath the left breast pocket. A totally original tunic, that has most certainly seen use with the luftwaffe in the wartime years.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Flak Gunners Service Tunic 1938 ( Tuchrock ) A superb example of the pre to early war Luftwaffe fservice tunic with collar tabs & shoulder boards red piped for Flak troops. Becoming increasingly difficult to find these service tunics can be seen in period photographs being used by luftwaffe ground personnel . This luftwaffe soldier was a veteran of the Eastern Front Russian campaign as denoted by the Russian front medal ribbon to front of tunic. There are also medal loops above left pocket. Collar tabs have one gull to each for rank of flieger ( private ) , these do appear to have been on for a very long time. Interestingly the tunic closes at the collar with an added hook & eye feature, indicative of a more early war piece than a prewar piece. Some faint ink markings are still visible to inside of left breast with the luftwaffe inspection marking & date 1938 also to be seen ' LBA (38) '. Some overall wear on this tunic with a couple of old repairs to lining & also a clear period repair to the right front of collar. This may well have been the result of a wound received in this area due to service in Russia. A totally original tunic, that has most certainly seen use with the luftwaffe in the wartime years.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Flak NCOs Visor Cap Nice untouched sleepy example of the Luftwaffe NCOs visor cap bright red piped for Flak. This piece surfaced in an American basement some years ago & is still totally as found. An overall charactor piece there is matching aluminium insiginia to the front with wool body & black leather chinstrap having rectangular buckles to each side. Interior is in the familiar orange brown twill with green underside to peak having leather edging. With regard to the insignia it is clear from the aged visible prongs to the reverse of the eagle that it is original to the cap & not a later postwar replacement. There is of course some age to the cap correlating to its originality & charactor the peak suffering no looseness of stitching & still firm. Externally the cap is visually excellent with several moth nips to the rear of the cap bodies underside next to the top of the cap bands piping. There is a portion of the brown leather sweatband missing with some tearing to the remainder however lining is good. Overall a good \'salty\' textbook Flak NCOs cap.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Fliegerbluse A 1940 dated German luftwaffe fliegerbluse with yellow collar tabs for paratroopers or flight crew. These were standard combat wear for ground troops of the luftwaffe worn under the paratrooper or field division smock in the field. This is the wartime issue version that lacks the branch piping around the collar & has a button flapped lower pocket to each side. The correct embroidered breast eagle is present to left side with a small patch repair in this area underneath the right wing. Two small holes can be seen to the left breast which appears to be where a badge was pinned right through the material of the tunic. There is a a moth hole to the right rear waist of the 'bluse' with a stitch repair to a 3 cm tear slightly lower down ( See pictures ) . There is some moth to the inside left fly & collar area. Clear dice marked size stampings to left internal pocket. Overall a good luftwaffe combat display fliegerbluse.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Flight/Paratroops Four Pocket Service Uniform Tunic 1939 A seldom encountered example of the Luftwaffe four pocket service uniform tunic as used by officers and men in the early war period. This is one of two forerunners of the well known \'fliegerbluse\' there being only one other earlier version which was the Tuchrock that had no facility to close at the collar. This is the enlisted man/NCO\'s tunic that was intended to replace the \'fliegerbluse\' but, of course, never did. This example is yellow piped for that of a paratrooper or flight crew with wool stitch-in shoulder boards & yellow collar patches with one seagull attached for the rank of flieger. Wool ribbed yellow branch of service piping adorns the collar with standard machine embroidered grey on Luftwaffe blue backed breast eagle. Inside of left breast is ink stamped with profuse Luftwaffe markings giving sizes & Luftwaffe clothing Depot mark of \'L.B.A (S)\' ( Luftwaffenbekleidungsamt ) with the date \'39\' for 1939. Truppenstempel ink stamped below this. On very close examination of the tunic there are three to four pin prick holes in the wool in places with a small repair on the left shoulderblade area & a couple of holes under the left collar area not visible unless lifted. Certainly a rare tunic with desirable yellow branch piping.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Gas Mask Set Named & Field Post Number To A Luftwaffe Unit An excellent German gas mask set with flyers name & Field Post number to long strap of \' Flg Gerhard \' ( Flieger Gerhard L37744 ) typed & stitched onto the masks long strap . The yellow material on which it is typed appears to be a piece of the yellow silk survival flag carried in the designated pocket of the flight trousers. Thje Field Post number comes back to \' Nachschub-Kompanie der Luftwaffe 9/1V\' which was a Luftwaffe supply column. In very good condition this complete set comes with original long & short wartime carrying straps , spare lenses , cleaning cloth & cloth retaining spring. Marked & dated \'EBU42\' for the year 1942 to spare lense compartment the same name as that on the mask appears handwritten onto here also. On the gas mask itself there are waffenamt markings to inside edge with a clear waffenamt to its Fe37 1940 dated filter. The date \'41\' can be seen to snout. In overall excellent condition with only minimal paint loss to canister .
WW2 German Luftwaffe Gas Mask With Matching Soldiers Number To Mask & Tin German standard issue infantry gas mask with a hand applied blue over paint to carrying canister denoting use by the luftwaffe. This set has always been together with both canister & snout of the gas mask having matching soldiers number. Gas mask canister is dated 1939 to spare lense compartment & has both of its original wartime grey green carrying straps including long & short strap. The whole canister has a thick luftwaffe blue overpaint with a previous issue number of \'34\' being visible underneath this on the bottom . The gas mask is of the early M31 rubberised fabric with size \'2\' mark to exterior & \'1939\' date & waffenamt ink stamp to inside edge of facepiece. Filter is an Fe41 with waffenamt ink stamp . A very nice set .
WW2 German Luftwaffe Ground Troops Gas Mask & Carrying Tin , Original Straps A nice example of the standard German gas mask in its metal carrying tin originally issued in army green but overpainted in dark blue for use by Luftwaffe ground units i.e, Field Division or Flak. Mask is in good condition in green rubber with numerous stampings including red inked waffenamt ink stamp to inside edging of facepiece. Good elasticity to straps with German soldiers name & part number to long strap. Number matches 39 dated snout where also soldier applied. FE41 filter in excellent condition with ink markings present & waffenamt visible. Carrying tin is of the second longer pattern this being dated 1943 on spare lense compartment. \'D\' for Dicht indicating airtight on bottom as found on tins made after 1941. Inside of tin is in its factory green with cleaning cloth & retaining spring still present at bottom. One spare lense packet containing two lenses dated 1943 to lid. A dark blue hand brushed overpaint has been applied to the tins outside most commonly found on Luftwaffe items . Long & short straps present both WW2 period with the short strap being of late war manufacture. Overall a nice Luftwaffe combat troops set.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Ground Troops Rucksack Large capacity rucksack in blue grey for Luftwaffe troops. Intended initially for ground troops in the North African theatre hence the blue grey web straps these are seen much in use in the European theatre i.e, Normandy by Luftwaffe ground forces such as paratroopers, field divisions, flak etc. Constructed of tough cotton material it has black leather & webbing tabs for the attachment of equipment straps to facilitate the strapping on of zeltbahns , blankets etc when required. Web strap system has a carbine hook attachment on one end & a quick release system on the other with its hooked strap removed from each side. Metal fittings are painted blue grey with a brown leather yoke piece to its top rear. On this is stamped the date 1941 & the maker 'A.JEURGENS GOCH'. There are also some owner initials above this. Inside has two compartments with a central divider. Overall used condition with a four inch rip to the bottom portion in need of repair. Nice combat battle pack ideal for Luftwaffe ground troops display.
WW2 German Luftwaffe HBT Tunic With Original Zig Zag Sewn Breast Eagle A salty untouched WW2 German Luftwaffe HBT tunic in blue with originallly applied zig zag stitched breast eagle still on & red piped shoulder boards for flak troops. As a general rule collar insignia was not worn on Luftwaffe HBT tunics however deviations from this rule can be encountered. Showing a good amount of service wear throughout this particular pattern of backed luftwaffe breast eagle is totally correct for the HBT tunic with zig zag stitching evident to its edges & clearly distinct to its rear. Worn by a soldier who saw action there are loops for wear of an award on the left breast pocket. All of its buttons are on removeable mounts. The blue partial rayon lining to inside displays faint size stampings to armpit area although now not discernible. Very nice combat piece & an approx 35 inch chest .
WW2 German Luftwaffe Issue & Named Matching Gas Mask & Blue Carrying Tin A blue Luftwaffe issue matching German gas mask set with matching number to gas mask canister & gas mask snout. Overpainted in a typical blue paint of the luftwaffe this is an early piece predating the later 'D' embossed examples seen from mid 1941 onwards. The name & Corporal rank of ' Gefreiter Martin Schnabel ' is typed onto a paper label on the spare lens compartment & the gas mask number of '311' has been handpainted in black to the neck. This is also repeated on the snout of the mask & so we can be confident that they have always been together as used by Gefreiter Martin Schnabel ! It is of note that the snout has also been overpainted in the same luftwaffe blue as the canister. The green rubberised M1930 model gas mask is dated 1936 to its inside facepiece edge with waffenamt eagle & swastika markings & 1940 date to the fitted lenses of the eyepieces. The filter is an Fe42 model with faint eagle & swastika marking ink stamp. Both long & short carrying straps are 100 % wartime original & came on the canister , these are early productions with one retaining its leather keeper . Spring retainer for cleaning cloth still inside canister. Spare lenses to compartment dated 1940.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Leather \' Channel \' Flight Jacket A Luftwaffe flying jacket in blue grey soft leather this example being the version known as the ' Channel Jacket ' . Flight jackets came in many different varieties & materials with the strain on German production due to Allied bombing of factories leading to outsourcing of uniform manufacture to small factories in German allied territories. This piece follows the typical features of a Channel type garment with natural soft leather sheepskin , front zip fastener & a blouson type waist in blue grey stretch fabric. A clothing label is still present sewn to the rear interior of the waistband although now completely washed out. There are zip fasteners to both sleeves & front fly with pop stud fasteners all having the maker logo of a non German company indicating its manufacture by a German allied country such as Bulgaria. A very nice representation this is a heavily used example in soft leather with sheepskin fur lining & collar. There are stitch repairs to the entirety of the jacket although it still displays well & would be excellent for mannequin display.
WW2 German Luftwaffe M42 Helmet With Remains Of Normandy Camouflage Interesting German M42 combat helmet with remains of a luftwaffe decal & also traces of green & tan Normandy camouflage paint that has been mostly removed . A helmet that came literally ' straight out of the woodwork ' it was at one time painted in a typically Normandy thick textured green & tan camouflage paint some of this still being visible on the helmet as can be seen in the images. This has then been roughly removed back to what is now a dark grey finish with some of the luftwaffe decal still visible. Scratches can be seen to the helmets entirety where this has been done & it is immediately apparent that it was done a very long time ago. Underside of helmet shell still shows the factory dark blue grey paint with maker mark ' NS64' to right side. Batch number to rear reads ' 2256 ' . The pigskin helmet liner is totally original to the helmet having never been interfered with as evidenced by unmolested liner pins when one examines. Original tightening cord still present.
WW2 German Luftwaffe M42 Single Decal Helmet A fantastic textbook M42 Luftwaffe helmet complete with original 1944 dated chinstrap. Helmet is factory paint finished in a medium shade rough textured luftwaffe blue grey paint & has shell size & manufacturer markings ' ET66' for the firm Eisenhutten, Thale . The 'dotted wing ' second pattern eagle which commonly appears on ET helmets up until 1943 is seen here being approximately 95% intact. All of the liner pins are undisturbed , unbent & original to the helmet with the leather size 58 marked liner having never been out. Underside of the liner bears an ink stamped RB number & the date ' 6 43' . Liner drawstring is a recent replacement. The zinc plated steel liner band is dated 1942. It is of note that the maker mark on the band is to 'B&C ( Biedermann & Czarnikow, Litzmannstadt ) . They relocated from Berlin to the City of Lodz in Poland after 1941 due to the close proximity of cheap labour provided as the result of German occupation. The city of Lodz was renamed by the Germans ' Litzmannstadt ' after the German General Karl Litzmann who captured the city during WW1. Chinstrap is a scarce RB Numbered 1944 dated example , this exact type is pictured in the reference book Germany's Combat Steel Helmets by Ken Niewiarowicz on page 437 . In overall excellent condition & a truly textbook example.
WW2 German Luftwaffe M43 Cap A textbook M43 Luftwaffe field cap worn mainly by ground troops such as field division soldiers & paratroopers. These are largely seen in wear during the Normandy campaign by paratroopers of the 6 FJR around Carentan & the St Come Du Mont area. Cap is made from the typical mid to late war scratchy blue wool with an RB numbered & size 58 marked blue grey artificial silk lining. The two blue painted pebbled buttons to front are totally correct & original to the cap with shoulder strap loops to underside of skirt matching that of lining material. Some field wear is seen on the front forehead area of the lining with dirt & wear through the lining & a couple of holes to underside & top right edge of brim. Interesting that the card stiffener can be seen beneath its wool covering also the brim reinforcement where it is stitched to the cap. There are a couple of small moth nips to rear skirt visible when pulled down. A very nice cap indicative of paratroopers or other Luftwaffe combat soldiers during the Normandy campaign.
WW2 German Luftwaffe M43 Cap A very nice large sized & apparently unissued luftwaffe M43 field cap as worn by combat & ground personnel of the Luftwaffe from 1943 onwards. In the very typical late war shoddy blue wool mix the cap still has its blue/grey artificial silk lining & also the reinforcement strips to inner edges of the front scallop as is seen on original examples. The shoulder strap loops to each side are also present. Cap insignia is a blue luftwaffe trapezoid which has been machine stitch applied & , as is common on later caps , has been sewn through the lining . I cannot see evidence of previous insignia but , as is mostly the case, I cannot guarantee that it is original sewing . Both of its pebble dished fastening buttons are still originally stitched to the cap & undisturbed. Interior lining bears the ink marked RB Number & size 58. Overall a very nice Luftwaffe M43 cap.
WW2 German Luftwaffe M43 Cap A well worn \'salty\' Luftwaffe M43 field cap as worn by Luftwaffe troops from 1943 onwards. These were much seen in wear amongst Paratroopers & Field Division troops in the NW Europe fighting , Luftwaffe ground troops playing an important role when air superiority was lost by the Luftwaffe . This nicely worn example has machine sewn trapezoid eagle & swastika to front with both original blue painted fastening buttons still present. Interior lining is in the classic rayon artificial silk with ink stamped RB/RF number & 1944 date . The size stamp \'56\' is also visible. Cap has had a repair to the front left side of the trapezoid where there was once what appears to have been a tear to the wool. The front visor is intact with the internal stiffener seperated in the middle which can be noticed when felt with the fingers . Visually it is still the same.
WW2 German Luftwaffe M43 Field Cap A very nice & originally badged Luftwaffe M43 field cap as worn by combat & ground personnel of the Luftwaffe from 1943 onwards. In the very typical late war shoddy blue wool mix the cap still has its blue/grey artificial silk lining & also the reinforcement strips to inner edges of the upper front scallop as is seen on most original examples. The rayon shoulder strap loops to each side are also present. The blue trapezoid insignia is originally applied to the cap & has never been off. As is common on later caps this has been machine stitched through the lining. A close examination of the stitching confirms no evidence of previous applications . Both of its pebble dished fastening buttons are still originally stitched to the cap & undisturbed. Interior lining bears the ink marked RB Number , size 57 & date 1944. Overall very nice Luftwaffe M43 cap.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Mapcase 1937 Early Luftwaffe issue mapcase with maker stamp & date 1937 clearly visible. Aimed at ground forces the Luftwaffe initially made their own field gear in the early war period until this was stopped & the army issue became standard to Luftwaffe troops serving in a ground role. Instantly recognisable by its chocolate brown colour the Luftwaffe field gear was used by such troops as Flak, Paratrooper & Field Division personnel & invariably will bear Luftwaffe inspection markings being in the form of LBA then the year of inspection. LBA was the standard nomenclature for the Luftwaffe Bekleidungs Amt the stamp being visible on this piece on the inside of the flap with the initials for 1936. There is also the stamp of a signals unit ( Nachr) & 'Komp 9' for 9th company clearly stamped onto the inside of the flap. In overall good condition this is a service used piece & a veteran bringback piece after having used it himself in the field. Inside the case are some items of British wartime paperwork which were found stuffed into the bottom of its pockets. Nice combat used field piece & totally untouched since the war.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Mapcase 1937 An early war luftwaffe mapcase in the correct dark brown of the luftwaffe only seen in the early war period. This is of the plain front fastening pattern with stippled leather & adjustable belt loops to the rear. Inside of front flap is named with an apparent address in handwritten ink over the official stamps of the luftwaffe the inspection stamp date being 1937. Maker name is to be seen on the front underside of the case with date 1937. The case , interestingly , has a field repair to its right edge ( clearly seen in pictures ) where a 2cm slash has been stitched with reinforcing this being a typical German military repair shop method of the period. This would appear to be indicative of its heavy field use by a ground soldier of the paratroopers or field divisions.
WW2 German Luftwaffe NCO Fliegerbluse ( Flak Troops ) German Luftwaffe sergeants fliegerbluse of the early to midwar period in overall excellent condition with red collar patches denoting that this soldier belonged to the Luftwaffe flak troops many of whom were fighting in a ground combat role by late 1944. Much of the wool nap to the cloth of the bluse remains with both metal pebbled buttons to its lower pockets intact & all of its five buttons to concealed front fly present. Silver NCO tresse to collar edge is original to the bluse with the two red collar patches appearing to be originally stitched. A nicely soldier used example that has two stitch repairs one to rear waist of approx one inch & also right arm at a right angle of approx. 3in X 3in , neither detract from the overall appearance of this ground role Luftwaffe soldiers fliegerbluse. Comes with shoulderboards as photographed. An approx 40inch chest.
WW2 German Luftwaffe NCOs Signals \'Fliegerbluse\' German Luftwaffe NCOs \'Fliegerbluse\' with brown branch piping for signals troops & rank tresse for Unteroffizier ( Sergeant ) . This is the model of \'bluse\' seen from around 1940 onwards & with its original brown collar tabs with silver tresse around collar & shoulder boards denoting NCO rank. The single gull to each tab with no rank chevron to sleeve confirms the rank of Sergeant. Each cuff has adjustment tabs this feature not seen on later produced examples. The embroidered breast eagle is zigzag stitched with an apparent old repair to one wing of the stitching which is most likely wartime executed. With a concealed fly front one of these buttons is replaced & the hook & eye collar fastening is still intact. Interior lining is in grey cotton twill with LBA inspection stamp ( Luftwaffe Bekleidungs Amt ) & dice marked sizes. An overall nice \'salty\' fliegerbluse\' from one of the lesser seen branches of service.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Officers Cap if you are looking for a 'salty' combat cap to complete your Luftwaffe paratroop officer mannequin then this piece may be for you . A WW2 German Luftwaffe officers peaked cap with bullion officers insignia to front & an excellent ground combat troops appeal by its worn appearance. The bullion insignia was much favoured by ground combat troops of the luftwaffe with many period photographs of these being worn in the field by officers of the Paratroopers , Field Divisions & ground flak units. In the distinctively popular tricot material it displays fraying to the officers bullion piping at the top point of the cap with correlating service wear to the bullion eagle & wreath. Interior of the cap has a good quality champagne silk lining with perforated head band to forehead indicative of quality. The underside of the peak is in checquered green with leather edging as is correct. A very 'salty' field worn officers cap there has at one time been a small repair to one side of the eagles wing whcih is only noticeable on close inspection.
WW2 German Luftwaffe One Piece Flying Suit ( Sommerfliegerkombi ) This is the one piece flying suit issued for summer use to luftwaffe pilots & aircrew. It saw extensive use by Luftwaffe crew during the Battle of Britain & was most commonly seen worn by bomber crew personnel although fighter pilots also but to a lesser extent. In the instantly recognisable so called 'salt & pepper' flecked material this is one of the earlier models with vertical fly zip. A quick release system can be seen to the left side of the garment whereby a long laced section could be undone with the pull of a metal ring in the event of an emergency. The Berlin maker label for 'Karl Heisler' is present to inside with faint traces of unit stampings no longer legible. Zips are all in working order & marked ' Zipp' with 'DRP' to reverse for Deutsche Reich Patent . Overall a superb Luftwaffe flying suit .
WW2 German Luftwaffe Paratrooper/Flight Fliegerbluse 1943 Worn throughout WW2 by the German Luftwaffe was the 'Fliegerbluse' literally translated meaning Flyers Blouse. These were worn in action by paratroopers , field divisions , flight crews, flak crews & all other Luftwaffe personnel in many different roles as standard service dress & are seen much in use being worn right up until the end of the war. Ongoing & increasing interest in the German Fallschirmjager (Paratroopers ) has made the fliegerbluse now a highly sought after item as recent reproductions have become close to perfect making it even harder for collectors to distinguish between real & fake. This piece is a used but clearly original example being of midwar manufacture with an artificial silk lining. Other ranks yellow piped shoulder boards are in place these being hard to find in themselves. Nap of cloth is worn down through weathering & wear with all of its five black buttons present to front. Yellow collar patches with two gulls each are in place on the collar & embroidered breast eagle is present albeit replaced as most are. There is some general repair to front fly on the blouse which goes with the charactor of the piece ( See photos ) with also two period done award loops to left breast in correct position. Both pebbled buttons to lower slanted hip pockets are original with much dark blue paint still present . Both pockets to inside are intact with faint size & LBA markings still clearly visible to left pocket. LBA , being the inspection stamp of the Luftwaffe Bekleidungsamt, is dated 1943 thus indicating date of manufacture. Original buttons remain to left inside breast pocket & field dressing pocket to lower right. Overall this is a very used example with much wear & a few holes but nevertheless a true veteran original.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Paratrooper/Flight Fliegerbluse 1943 A superb midwar Luftwaffe 'fliegerbluse' with yellow collar tabs for paratroopers & flight personnel. Blouse is in overall very good condition with all of its blue grey composite buttons still to front & also remaining intact the small metal dished buttons to inside of collar for attachment of collar liner. Partial lining is typical of the midwar period in artificial silk. Very nice original dice size stamping & RB number to inside left breast with LBA inspection marking giving date 1943. Rank of Obergefreiter ( senior corporal ) is denoted by corporal stripes to left arm with three gulls to each collar tab. Tabs do appear nicely stitched on to collar although it is difficult to know exactly when applied as is the case with its correctly zig zag stitched breast eagle. Award loops to front left . Two correct Luftwaffe belt hooks are present to rear waist for carriage of the combat belt equipment set. Overall excellent condition with some expected surface tracking to nap of cloth in places & one matchstick sized moth hole to left collar tab underneath gull.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Pilots Private Purchase Flying Jacket A totally original example of a private purchase Luftwaffe pilots jacket in the often referred to 'Hartmann' style after the famous fighter pilot Erich Hartmann who sported such a style of jacket. A near identical example can be seen on pages 268/269 of Angolias superb work Uniforms & Traditions of the Luftwaffe Volume 3. Many Luftwaffe pilots purchased commercially made jackets from occupied countries in which they were serving i.e France or Belgium as well as from home there being many different styles evidenced in period photographs. They would then have their own modifications applied such as breast eagles & shoulder board loops as well as awards & decorations as was deemed appropriate by the wearer at the time. This very well made brown leather jacket with typical short waist & horizontal two pocket flap & zip fastened front is of French manufacture with the addition of an officers bullion breast eagle as well as loops for the addition of shoulder boards. Its originality as a wartime Luftwaffe used jacket is clearly evidenced by the fresh leather shadow outline left by the removal of its once present breast eagle. Compared with the wear & weathering to the rest of the jacket it is clear that the breast eagle was on it whilst worn in service from the early part of WW2 . It is interesting to note the other tell tale signs of German military use with an instantly recognisable black German fliegerbluse button having been utilised as a replacement on the left sleeve as well as another style of typically seen German button on the lower left flap fastened pocket. Lined in camel coloured fleece the sleeves are lined in brown & off white striped cotton , the striping is very typical of the period . The leather is still very supple with some surface cracks & heavy wear in places. All zips are present with lower waist fastening buckle minus from right side . The front zip does not fasten correctly. Side adjustment D rings & tabs are both present. Shoulder boards are for that of a Leutnant. A very scarce item & one that we can attribute beyond all reasonable doubt as Luftwaffe pilot worn. Approximate sizes for mannequin display are armpit to armpit : 50cm across on the outside ( thickness of the lining on the inside to be accounted for ) Armpit Cuff length 45 cm & base of Neck to lower edge of jacket 53.5 cm. These sizes are not guaranteed to be exact .
WW2 German Luftwaffe Rucksack Large capacity rucksack in blue grey for Luftwaffe troops. Intended initially for ground troops in the North African theatre hence the blue grey web straps these are seen much in use in the European theatre i.e, Normandy by Luftwaffe ground forces such as paratroopers, field divisions, flak etc. Constructed of tough cotton material it has black leather & blue webbing tabs for the attachment of equipment straps to facilitate the strapping on of zeltbahns , blankets etc when required. Web strap system has a carbine hook attachment on one end & a quick release system on the other with its hooked strap removed from each side often a modification carrid out by ground forces who were already wearing Y straps with their personal equipment . Metal fittings are painted blue grey with a brown leather yoke piece to its top rear. On this is stamped the date 1942 & the manufacturer name of R.EHRHARDT POESSNECK . Inside has two compartments with a central divider. Overall used condition with a four inch rip to the bottom portion in need of repair & some rust to metal fittings. Nice combat battle pack ideal for Luftwaffe ground troops display.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Second Pattern Dagger With Hangers A very nice untouched example of the second model Luftwaffe officers dagger it comes complete with its original scabbard & hanging straps. There is still crisp detail to the oakleaf surround & swastika of the pommel with a wire bound orange grip. Two very hardly noticeable small chips to grip ( See images ). The high relief detail of the bird clutching swastika hilt is good with no loose movement to any part. Blade is unmarked & excellent. Scabbard is undented with excellent plating still remaining overall. The blue luftwaffe hangers are of the deluxe type with with blue/silver fronts & blue velvet backings. Its sprung clips are in perfect working order. DRGM marking to rear. A super example ! *** Proof of age over 18 will be required ***
WW2 German Luftwaffe Single Button Field Cap A Luftwaffe field cap with the earlier single button fastening to front. This style of cap was adopted from the earlier Luftwaffe Bergmutze & issued to ground troops such as Field Divisions & Paratroopers as of the 1942/43 period. There is also much evidence of ths single button version being worn by flight crews also however it was standardised with a two button closure later on in 1943. Of blue wool construction it has a front fastening single buttoned scallop which on this cap has been stitched down along its lower edge. This was individually done by the wearer to keep it in place perhaps for wear in high windy altitudes. There are the usual rayon shoulder strap loops on the the lower edge under each side. The two piece insignia to front is correct for this cap & has certainly been on for a long time although I cannot guarantee it's wartime placement. Interior has a very heavily worn purple rayon lining with faint traces of an RB Number & 57 size stamp . The first two digits of the date can just about be seen however the rest is now illegible. In overall nice used condition there are some small holes to its left side ( See images ).
WW2 German Luftwaffe Single Decal Helmet WW2 German M42 Luftwaffe single decal helmet with original chinstrap a very high proportion of the decal remaining. These were worn in combat by Luftwaffe ground troops such as Flak crews, Paratroopers , Field Division & other Luftwaffe infantry on all fronts. In a classic rough textured blue finish it has signs of heavy combat wear with chips & scuffs to the exterior paint. All three liner pins are undisturbed & original to the helmet . Underside of flared rim has a very poorly stamped manufacturer & size , this is typical of some M42 helmets with only the size of '66' discernible. Sheepskin leather liner is in very good order with original tightening drawstring intact. I have not attempted to lift the leather to inspect for markings. Finally m the black leather chinstrap is 100% original to the helmet with a grey painted steel buckle. With German combat helmets becoming increasingly more difficult to source this is an excellent textbook example of the Luftwaffe M42 raw edge helmet.
WW2 German Luftwaffe Tropical High Boots A scarce matched pair of the Luftwaffe tropical high boots in brown leather & olive coloured canvas. A classic tropical item of uniform they are very sturdily constructed the boots having leather stacked heels & soles with iron horse shoes & toe taps . The markings ' 27 1/2' & '6' appear to soles. The red brown leather of the lowers is in the unmistakeable quality of that found on these boots with a reinforcing rear spine running up the length of the canvas calf uppers. A leather buckle strap secures the wrapover canvas at its top end with a hook & tongue arrangement to the lower. The inner side of the canvas is lined in off white drillich with the markings ' 27 1/2 6 41 35 ' & ' 43375 9 27 1/2 ' . Some minor wear is apparent to the soles of the boots however overall they have seen only very limited service.
WW2 German M17 Helmet With Dotted Camouflage Scheme A large sized German M17 helmet with a unique three colour camouflage scheme that has had large black dots worked into each segment. Painted in the classic Western Front tan ochre & brown the apple green factory paint of the helmet has been incorporated into the scheme with tick black dividing lines carefully applied around each segment. This helmet has seen much trench wear with chips & scuffs to the paint scheme of the outer shell & sweat staining to inner pad holders. Still in its original green factory paint to interior the size stamp \'68\' can be seen to the metal M17 liner band. Chromed off white leather pad holders are intact & all with cushions still inside. All three liner pins undisturbed. Finally the black leather steel buckled chinstrap completes the helmet & has survived in very good condition.
WW2 German M1930 Gas mask & Carrying Tin Excellent condition leather & rubberised fabric M30 gas mask complete with its green painted carrying tin being the early short model. The hinged lid on the tin has a latch type closing device with a web pull strap & is an early variation although these still saw service right through WW2 with various units of the German armed forces. Spare lens compartment is maker stamped & dated on the lid '1936' & also bears an early inspection stamp of the Weimar with one packet of spare lenses contained within. Both long & short straps are present & are original WW2 period. Mask itself is sizemarked '2' & is stamped with the date 1938 & the eagle & swastika stamp of the waffenampt on the inside of the facepiece. Eyepiece lenses fitted to the mask are both dated 1938 & there are original black painted unit markings on the snout of '2./312' . Filter is an FE37 type & has many stampings with some rust to the body. Overall a good complete example of this early variant.
WW2 German M24 Stick Grenade 1943 A scarce original example of the WW2 German stick grenade with all correct components & fully deactivated rendering it inert. Of the high explosive type this piece has its green painted sheet metal head with markings of \' bdp43\' . Wood shaft is maker marked \'43 FCC\' denoting date 1943. Screw cap present to end is waffenamt marked with porcelain bead on pull cord present to inside. All internal components have been removed from the grenade with the head totally empty & detonator parts removed. Overall condition is excellent with screw cap end & cap being superb. Head is good with one area having been cleaned down to the metal where most likely decay was setting in. Markings to head are clear & good. Wooden shaft is excellent with no woodworm. Certainly an extremely scarce item to find today with many fakes abound. UK Sale only.
WW2 German M34 Field Cap ( Pioneers Soutache ) A very good M34 field cap the standard field service cap worn by the German army soldier in the early war period. Of a classic early green wool cloth construction the front insignia is in rayon with black soutache for Pioneer troops ( Engineers ) . With textbook segmented air grommets to either side of the cap the sharp corners of the side skirt denote an early manufacture . Branch of service black soutache is totally original to the cap , this is evidenced by the stitching at its reverse where only a very minimal amount of the black braid protrudes through. Faint ink markings can be seen to the interior cotton lining with a size stamp '52' . A very nice early cap with a good overall wear to the nap of the cloth denoting service use by a soldier of the German army in WW2.
WW2 German M35 Apple Green Army Helmet A WW2 German army steel combat helmet of the M35 model in apple green paint & with both decals removed as per wartime regulations. Much of its original factory apple green still remains to the helmet with all of its ' IKA39' marked & dated liner pins intact & unmolested. The outline of the national shield can be seen where it once sat to the right side , these were ordered removed in March 1940 . No trace of the army decal remains these having been ordered removed in 1942 . Interior of the helmet has the early aluminium reinforced band , this is maker marked & dated 1939. The marking 'Q64' to the rim underside denotes a Quist made size 64 . Leather liner is textbook with partially legible soldiers name handwritten to both sides. A very early apple green German combat helmet that has seen action from the early stages of WW2 . Some fine age peppering in places.
WW2 German M35 Army Camouflage Helmet An excellent three colour camouflage helmet in the classic tan ochre , purple brown & green colours over its early apple green factory finish. The helmets camouflage finish is spray paint applied this often being attributed to that used on vehicles in the mid to late war period. Much evidence of combat use can be seen to the exterior of the helmet with chipping & hard wear to the crown where little paint remains. The helmet appears to have had a 1940 reissue with the entire underside having been hand brushed in a thick dark field grey . Over this has been handpainted the rank & name ' Okan Gontarek' ( Oberkanonier ) indicating that this helmet belonged to an senior artillery gunner . The helmet has had its aluminium band replaced with that of a steel 1940 dated example . Some slight distortion is noticeable in places & the apparent replaced liner coupled with the reissue paint to its entire underside points towards a depot refurbishment or reissue . All liner pins appear to be undisturbed . Due to the reissue paint I am unable to ascertain the lot number of this helmet. An undisputably real camouflage helmet not often seen today.
WW2 German M35 Army Camouflage Helmet A superb early war M35 double decal army helmet with thick \'dunkelgrau\' camouflage paint & its original chinstrap still present. Sand & grit was often mixed with wet paint to create a rough non reflective paste type surface as is the case here. The very effective \'dunkelgrau\' finish has here been achieved by the application of a thick coating over the entire helmet through which the previous two earlier coatings can still be seen in places. The early apple green & then the later M40 dark green overpaint is apparent with this last thick overpaint being its final finish. On close examination both decals can be seen to still exist underneath the paint this having been applied straight over the top of both. All three liner pins are original to the helmet the rear being a well bedded in & long since unmolested early period replacement. This was clearly a well used combat helmet & so such small differences are not uncommon. A dark green overpaint has been applied to the helmets apple green underside this most likely from the M40 period reissue. Leather M31 liner is undisturbed & original with drawstring still in place. There has been some stress to the leather over the years due to prolonged loft type storage .. as a result the original 1939 dated \'LARSEN,BERLIN\' marked chinstrap is slightly dry. An excellent time capsule camouflage helmet straight from the woodwork of battle !
WW2 German M35 Army Helmet With Rough Green Overpaint Excellent well field worn German M35 combat helmet coming recently from Europe & having had a rough green overpaint applied to its smooth factory green finish as per the order of 1940. This helmet has clearly seen much wartime service with the German army displaying chips & scuffs to the paint throughout . The earlier smooth factory paint is visible in places where the later finish has chipped away , traces of an army decal can be seen to the helmets left side. Interior shows manufacturer mark of 'NS' for the maker ' Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke, AG. Schwerte ' . The size is a '64'. The numbers ' 1938' are handpainted to the rear skirt these a partial part of the soldiers number. The helmets original liner is still in place with a couple of tongues damaged . Overall excellent combat helmet , totally untouched & fresh to the market.
WW2 German M35 Army/Waffen SS Helmet With Original Chinstrap A textbook untouched M35 Army / Waffen SS combat helmet with much of its original slate grey factory paint still remaining. This helmet shows signs of heavy service use however a high proportion of its original factory paint still remains in the colour used by both army & Waffen SS troops. The helmet does not appear to have had any decals & so is a midwar production M40 , one of a few sometimes encountered . Although the outside of the shell has only had the one rough textured factory paint finish their is evidence of a brush applied overpaint to the helmets rim underside & so the maker & size markings are no longer legible. It is however apparent that the helmet is a size 64. All three of the liner pins are original & untouched with matching paint to the rest of the shell on all three heads. An inspection of the liner clearly confirms that it has never been out of the shell with the rear of all pins totally undisturbed. The owners intials of what appear to be \'HH\' appear written on the rear of the liner. The leather chinstrap came with the helmet & has a grey painted steel buckle & RB Number to pointed end of long strap. A superb helmet as worn by combat troops without decals from the midwar period onwards.
WW2 German M35 Battle Damaged Normandy Luftwaffe Helmet An M40 battle damaged Luftwaffe helmet with three colour camouflage scheme most typical of the Normandy campaign. Many Luftwaffe troops were deployed on the ground during the Normandy fighting most notably those of the Fallschirmjager & the Luftwaffe Field Divisions. This helmet has been involved in some very heavy fighting with a blast fracture to the front right lip . The spray camouflage paint is that of tan ochre as a base then the typically seen classic purple brown & pea green applied over the top . It is interesting to see the uneven thickness in some areas of the spray application especially on the left side where the luftwaffe decal has been partially covered with brown then a very thick layer of green over the whole area. All liner pins are undisturbed & original to the helmet with wear to the leather liner which is overall intact & complete with original draw string. A rim marked 'EF62' with lot number ' 31468 ' . An untouched Luftwaffe ground troops camouflage helmet one that is testament to the fierce Normandy fighting.
WW2 German M35 Camouflage Combat Helmet Fine example of an M35 helmet with classic European/Normandy theatre handpainted camouflage scheme in tan ochre, green & dark brown colours. Faintly visible on the right hand side are traces of the national shield under the camouflage paint where painted over , no traces of the army eagle are visible on the left hand side. Inside of helmet has its untouched factory applied army green paint with a name handpainted to the neck skirt of 'Bohni' . Leather liner is original to the helmet with four of its eight tongue ends detached but still held by the adjustment string which is an original part of the helmet. Chinstrap is made from a gas mask strap which has been apparently field made this not being an unlikely scenario in combat conditions where the soldier on the move would have to make do with the materials he had available.
WW2 German M35 Double Decal Army Helmet A large sized excellent example of the army double decal apple green army helmet complete with untouched liner & original leather chinstrap. Much of the original early war apple green factory paint remains to the helmet with only a few minor abrasions from service wear visible. Both decals remain with scuffing & service wear indicative of a combat worn helmet . Close examination of the eagle & swastika decal would lead me to believe that it is that of a Huber, Jordan & Koerner of Nurnberg production , typically found on an M35 EF produced helmet. Shell size & lot number is 'E.F.66 ' 3324' ( Emaillerwerke A.G.Fulda ) . Inside the liner is in very good order complete with original drawstring & a size stamp '59'. The 1937 dated non reinforced aluminium liner band has not been out of the helmet with liner pins straight & unmolested. Overall a very nice original double decal army helmet .
WW2 German M35 Double Decal Army Helmet An army M35 double decal helmet with original smooth apple green factory paint & both decals remaining largely intact. Overall the helmets condition is very good with the army decal an impressive 95% intact . This decal is totally correct for an ET helmet with the distinctive smooth inner right wing. National shield is also largely intact with only light scuffing. Helmet shell shows good service wear with early liner pins original to the helmet. Underside of shell gives maker & size of 'ET60' with batch number '4624' . The reinforced aluminium band is 1940 dated. Leather of the liner has darkened with heavy sweat wear & age , underside of the leather shows its original factory colour ( See image). Original tightening cord still present. Finally the chinstrap has a grey painted steel buckle & is maker marked & 1941 dated. Overall a good early combat helmet with natural age patina. There are some small off white splashes ( non paint ) of some sort from years of storage.
WW2 German M35 Double Decal Kriegsmarine helmet Very rare example of the Kriegsmarine double decal M35 helmet in apple green paint with good crisp KM decal that is easily discernable as such & having had some of its central portion removed the reasons for which are unknown. National tricolour shield is high in proportion appearing to of been partially rubbed with some general abrasion to its edges quite possibly the result of an early attempt to remove it. Helmet shell is a scarce size 60 being made by ET with a name to rear rim partially remaining. Aluminium liner band is dated 1939 with correct double thickness to stress points at chinstrap lugs as per revised regulations re weaknesses found in these early aluminium patterns. Brown leather liner is in good order with no rot or dryness there being two different names present on the leather. Overall a hard to find & unquestionably original Kriegsmarine decalled combat helmet its scarcity enhanced by being a not often encountered scarce size 60.
WW2 German M35 Double Decal Luftwaffe Helmet A classic example of the M35 luftwaffe helmet with double decals & original & correct early war luftwaffe chinstrap. Shell is in the blue grey factory paint of the luftwaffe with only minor abrasions indicative of service use. Both decals are excellent with minor wear to eagle & tricolour also. Double edging to bottom edge of national shield. Eagle has triangular lacquering with light lacquer to national shield. Interior of shell is marked 'Q64' for the maker Quist being a desirable size 64. Aluminium liner band is 1939 dated with reinforcing to the side stress points. Dome stamp clearly visible with 1939 date. Leather liner has two names of issue one having been partially erased but still visible on the inside. Both the names are prefixed with the rank of jager which would indicate use by a luftwaffe infantry unit. Drawstring complete. Chinstrap is the correct early brown leather luftwaffe issue with 'LBA' luftwaffe inspection marking on underside for 'Luftwaffe bekleidungsamt' . An overall superb textbook example of this early luftwaffe M35 helmet .
WW2 German M35 Double Decal Luftwaffe Helmet An untouched early war Luftwaffe M35 double decal helmet with first pattern Luftwaffe drooptail ' snakeleg' eagle . In the distinctive blue of the Luftwaffe the shell displays overall service wear with some age. The national shield remains very intact with the droop tail eagle having curved leg hence the term ' snake leg' this being one of the two known patterns encountered. It is interesting to note that the swastika has been removed , quite unusually for a British soldier bringback as is the case here. Leather liner is original to the helmet & in excellent condition with its issue drawstring intact. The aluminium reinforced liner band is dated 1938 matching that of the brown leather aluminium buckled chinstrap which is Berlin maker marked & also 1938 dated. All three liner pins are undisturbed & totally original to the helmet. Shell markings to underside of rim are 'ET64 3659' denoting Eisenhutten-Thale maker & a size 64. A superb helmet completely as brought back from WW2.
WW2 German M35 Double Decal Luftwaffe Helmet A good field worn & untouched M35 double decal Luftwaffe helmet coming complete with its original chinstrap. This helmet is a well used combat example but still retains a high proportion of its smooth factory blue Luftwaffe paint to inside & out. The national tricolour shield is largely intact with a scuff to the top left hand corner allowing us to see the depth of its construction. The standard second pattern Luftwaffe eagle remains present with scuff to one wing from field use. Shell bears the markings \'Q64\' for the firm Quist & the lot number \' 4730 \' . All three of the liner pins are undisturbed & the early aluminium liner band is unreinforced & 1938 dated. Original tightening cord present to leather tongues of the leather & all are undamaged apart from a mousehole to the rear . Chinstrap is 100% original & has a very nice grey painted buckle.
WW2 German M35 Double Decal Luftwaffe Helmet 1938 An M35 Luftwaffe double decal helmet coming complete with chinstrap. This textbook early war piece is an SE produced example with liner band date of 1939. A very good proportion of the early blue grey factory paint of the luftwaffe is distinct with second model eagle being of the \'dotted wing\' type commonly found on SE produced shells. Eagle is an approximate 85% intact. National shield to the other side is excellent with only a few spattered scuffs from service wear. All three of the liner pins are undisturbed. Underside rim of the shell has very legible manufacturer & size mark \'SE64\' with lot number \' 3771\' to rear skirt. \'SE\' is the firm \' Sächsische Emailler - und Stanzewerke\'. Leather liner is in very good order with all eight of its fingers undamaged & drawcord intact. Liner band is of reinforced aluminium & dated 1938. Chinstrap is in the correct brown leather of the luftwaffe with aluminium buckle & faint markings to underside of pointed end which I cannot read. A helmet that has certainly been in the war with some scuffs & chips to surface paint & overall a good textbook example of the Luftwaffe double decal.
WW2 German M35 Double Decal Luftwaffe Helmet With Cut Chinstrap A recently surfaced double decal Luftwaffe helmet coming straight from an attic in Europe. Helmet is a model 35 with second pattern eagle & tricolour shield to right side. Shell is finished in the classic blue of the Luftwaffe this having darkened slightly with age . All of the three liner pins retain their original blue colour & are totally undisturbed. Luftwaffe eagle shows some age tone with tricolour shield having some scuffing but overall still very visible. Leather liner is very good & intact & complete with its original drawstring , I have made no attempt to lift it. Maker mark & size to shell \'Q64\' with batch number to rear rim appearing to be \' 694\' . Finally , the chinstrap is in the early brown leather of the luftwaffe with Luftwaffe inspection mark \'LBA\' to underside. This has been cut at the centre & quite possibly the result of having been removed from an injured soldiers head or belt kit .
WW2 German M35 Double Decal Luftwaffe Helmet With LBA Marked Chinstrap A fantastic untouched M35 double decal luftwaffe helmet still with its 100 % correct L.B.A marked brown leather chinstrap. These helmets were issued to Flak crews , aircrews & ground combat units of the luftwaffe & so quite often still display the combat wear found on those of their army counterparts. These can also be seen in use by paratroopers later on in the war quite often by those who had transferred in from other units . With the distinctive second pattern luftwaffe decal remaining largely intact on its left side & the national shield to its right the helmets original factory luftwaffe blue paint can be seen with some wear to the surface through heavy use. All three of the liner rivets are totally undisturbed with the reinforced aluminium band Berlin maker marked & 1939 dated. Helmet shell is \'SE64\' marked for the firm Sachsische Emailler with a batch number of 4284. The leather liner is undamaged with drawcord & LBA inspection mark clearly visible to the underside of its original chinstrap. The \' L.B.A. \' marking is an abbreviation for \'Luftwaffe Bekleidungsamt \' . Overall a fantastic untouched textbook DD luftwaffe helmet.
WW2 German M35 Double Decal Named & Regimentally Marked Luftwaffe helmet A very nice untouched Luftwaffe double decal helmet with soldiers painted name to underside of rim & also handwritten regimental markings to a signaller of I./Lg.Nachr. Rgt .11 . In the Luftwaffe blue grey of the early M35s both decals have survived very well with a high percentage of each remaining. The national shield displays only minor scuffing through service wear with typical age crazing to be seen upon close examination. The second pattern Luftwaffe eagle remains very intact with some typical age toning commensurate with the entirety of the helmet. Helmet shell has some typical scuffs & chips to the paint , typical of a well service used example. All three liner rivets have correct blue grey paint & are unquestionably original to the helmet. A 1938 dated reinforced aluminium liner band is present to the inside with all three of the liner rivets dated '38' & totally straight & undisturbed. Leather M31 liner is undamaged & has its original drawstring still present. A Quist made size 64 it has the lot number '759' to rear underside. The helmets original long chinstrap is still present & notably of the correct early Luftwaffe issue chocolate brown colour. Faint markings are just visible to underside . The short buckle strap has sadly been lost with time . A superb textbook example regimentally marked , soldier named & from the early war period .
WW2 German M35 Helmet With Thick Textured Camouflage WW2 German M35 combat helmet with remains of army decal & original chinstrap intact. This helmet has received two coats of dark green paint to its shell the latter coat being a rough textured green applied for camouflage purposes to dullen the glare of the earlier shiny finish. Liner band is in reinforced aluminium & dated 1943. Two different manufacturers produced the reinforced aluminum band with dates 1941 & 1943. Chinstrap present & with correct aluminium buckle & securing stud. A very faint maker marking to underside of rim can be discerned as \'EF\' ( Fulda) with lot number at rear of helmet. Coming from Europe , at some point in previous years the liner & chinstrap have received a coating of oil preservation which has darkened the leather somewhat.
WW2 German M35 Kriegsmarine Decal Removed Helmet Straight out of a house since brought back from WW2 this time capsule German helmet is a true 'sleeper' in every sense of the word. An M35 model it is still complete with its totally intact M31 liner & original drawstring as well as its 'R.Ehrhardt Poessneck' marked chinstrap. Helmet has factory dark green paint finish to its interior with , a rough slate grey finish to the outside according to the 1940 specification. Decal has been removed as per 1942 regulations however the black outline ,in the most part , remains. I am strongly of the opinion that this is a Kriegsmarine helmet for the following two reasons . The maker , size & lot number of 'SE64 4841' cross referenced with surviving examples ( Brian ice ) lands in the middle of it being either a Kriegsmarine or army the closest SE64 lot numbers being 4839 for a SD army & 4843 for a SD KM. Close examination of the area of the decal then reveals to the naked eye several gold coloured specs which would support their having been a 'gold' KM decal once in place here . Although not irrefutable proof , the balance of probability swings in favour of the German Navy especially when its careful part removal would suggest a non frontline soldier such as those serving on a coastal battery . I have made no attempt to clean this helmet so the years of dust & cobwebs remain !
WW2 German M35 Luftwaffe Camouflage Helmet A fabulous M35 Luftwaffe three colour rough textured camouflage helmet with traces of decals underneath the paint. Immediately apparent on this helmet is the removal of the thick rubber band around its circumference which was initially camouflaged over in situ with the rest of the helmet then later removed revealing the blue Luftwaffe paint underneath. Camouflage paint consists of the classic reddish brown , light forest green & tan ochre applied with sand or sawdust mixed into it to give it a rough chunky texture. All three liner pins are totally undisturbed & original to the helmet. There are the remains of a name painted into the rear underside of the helmet skirt & also an ink stamped number \' 137 \'to lining either from a unit or his roll number. Chinstrap is a typical early war luftwaffe issue in brown with maker & date \'1939\' to pointed end . Shell marked SE62 , lot number 3238.
WW2 German M35 Luftwaffe Double Decal Helmet An M35 Luftwaffe double decal helmet coming complete with brown leather Luftwaffe 'LBA' marked & 1938 dated chinstrap. This early war piece is an SE produced example with liner band date of 1938. A high proportion of the luftwaffe blue factory paint is intact with second pattern eagle being of the 'dotted wing' type commonly found on SE produced shells. Eagle is largely intact. National tricolour shield to the other side is good with scuffs & service wear. Helmet exterior has at one point been damp from loft storage leaving a slightly speckled patina to the factory paint. All three of the liner pins are undisturbed. Underside rim of the shell has very legible manufacturer & size mark 'SE64' with lot number ' 4031' to rear skirt. 'SE' is the firm ' Sächsische Emailler - und Stanzewerke'. Leather liner is in good order with one of its fingers torn through . Original drawcord intact. Liner band is of reinforced aluminium & dated 1938. Chinstrap is in the brown leather of the luftwaffe & bears the early luftwaffe inspection depot mark of 'LBA' for ' Luftwaffe Bekliedungsamt ' . With aluminium buckle there is a legible date to pointed end of 1938.
WW2 German M35 Luftwaffe Double Decal Helmet With Brushed Over Eagle A German double decal Luftwaffe M35 combat helmet with 1940 dated chinstrap. This helmet has much of its original factory blue paint remaining to inside & out with a very high proportion of the factory tricolour still intact. The second pattern eagle has been subdued with an overbrush of tan paint leaving the swastika mostly visible & covering most of the rest of it. All three liner pins are undisturbed & original to the helmet with straight arms visible when inspected from the inside. Shell is maker & size marked 'Q66' ( Quist ) with lot number ' 4519 ' to rear. At interior the aluminium band is reinforced with a date of 1939 to left side. The leather liner shows heavy wear but apart from some minor fraying is largely intact. Chinstrap has a very visible date of 1940 with faint maker & has a small stress tear to side of the strap where it meets the securing stud on one side ( See image ). Hard to find good combat helmets now this one recently from Europe.
WW2 German M35 Luftwaffe Double Decal Helmet With \'LBA\' Marked Chinstrap A large sized M35 double decal Luftwaffe helmet with early brown leather \'LBA\' marked chinstrap. A good proportion of its original blue factory paint remains to outer shell with all three liner pins totally original to the helmet. Luftwaffe eagle is of the second pattern with this and tricolour shield both showing wear but overall good. Helmet maker & size mark is \'Q66\' for the firm Quist with lot number 3590 When one refers to the \'Ice\' guide an exact match to these details is referenced as having been recorded with either a reinforced aluminium band or zinc plated metal band. The date of 1940 can be seen upon close examination. Brown leather chinstrap is Luftwaffe inspection \'LBA\' marked (Luftwaffe Bekleidungs Amt ). Overall very good untouched piece in a desirable large size.
WW2 German M35 Luftwaffe Ground Troops Flak \'Kanonier\' Three Tone Normandy Camouflage Helmet A Luftwaffe unit marked M35 helmet with three tone camouflage paint in classic Normandy colours coming complete with chinstrap & soldiers name to flared rim. . This untouched piece has received a fine camouflage overspray typical of vehicle paint of the 1944 period with the forest green, tan ochre & reddish brown applied ad hoc to its entirety some over each other but with the ochre & reddish brown being very distinct to the front & rear especially. Upon close examination a first pattern drooptail eagle is visible under the paint on the left side with the outline of a national shield to the right . All three liner pins are of the early brass type all matching in age & clearly undisturbed . Interior of helmet has factory luftwaffe blue remaining to underside with the handpainted rank & name \' Kan. Allons Frey \' ( Kanonier - Gunner ) . Maker , size & lot number are \' ET64 3664\' ( Eisenhutten werke Size 64 ) . Aluminium liner band is reinforced & dated 1938 , the liner itself is heavily worn although intact & with no damage to any of the fingers. A luftwaffe unit ink stamp can be seen when the liner is lifted. Chinstrap came on the helmet when found & is a Wilhelm Ellers , Beilefeld made example dated 1941. The reference book \'Germany\'s Combat Helmets 1933-45\' by Ken Niewiarowicz gives an exact example of this chinstrap stating they are commonly found on Luftwaffe helmets. A superb helmet from a Luftwaffe ground crew combat soldier & perfect for a Field Division smock mannequin display in the Normandy summer of 1944.
WW2 German M35 Luftwaffe Helmet With 1940 Reissue OverPaint A WW2 German Luftwaffe unit/depot marked large 'SE68' sized M35 helmet that started life from the factory as a double decal . This helmet was later oversprayed to its entirety with an M40 specification rough textured blue grey paint with a reissue eagle & with traces of the previous underlying decals visible through the overpaint . Some of the red & white of the national shield can be seen in places with some white of the previous luftwaffe eagle visible through the 'mud cracking' of the blue grey overpaint & to the edges of the second eagle. This helmet was repainted to inside & out which would have required its disassembly via removal of the whole liner system. Very faint maker mark & size of 'SE68' can be seen on the rims underside with a partial lot number of ' 30*6 ' . The aluminium liner band is unreinforced with all three of the liner pins having unbent arms & never disturbed since its modification. The leather liner retains its original tightening cord & also has a circular 1935-36 stamp imprinted into the leather for the liner firm Schuberth. When one carefully lifts the leather some ink stamped Luftwaffe unit/depot marks can be seen ( See images ). The chinstrap is maker marked & 1940 dated with aluminium fastening buckle & studs. Overall a scarce early production Luftwaffe combat helmet.
WW2 German M35 Luftwaffe Single Decal Helmet An early M35 steel helmet in the blue grey of the Luftwaffe & having second pattern decal to left side. In the textbook factory paint blue grey of this early war period the shell is maker & size stamped ' Q64' from the firm Quist. Lot number 2708 to skirt. Aluminium 1939 dated liner band is reinforced as per orders of 1937 with a good crisp 1939 dated dome stamp still visible. Leather liner is in excellent order & complete with its correct string for size adjustment. It is quite apparent from inspection of the liner rivets that this helmet is untouched with its original issue liner that has never been out of the helmet. Chinstrap is partially remaining although delicate in one place. The one time present national shield has been removed from the helmet as per orders of 1940 & at a later date the swastika has been removed from the eagle. A striking helmet untouched & fresh to the market.
WW2 German M35 Luftwaffe Single Decal Helmet ( Large Size 68 By Quist ) A very good M35 luftwaffe single decal helmet with an approx 95% intact second pattern decal. This is a scarce size 68 Quist produced example with lot number '21608' to rear underside. Produced around the 1940 period its exterior is factory painted in a rough blue grey finish . The decal is the non dot type , commonly found on Quist helmets of the 1939 or 40 period. All of the three maker marked & '40' dated split rivet pins are original to the helmet with no disturbance & it being clear that the liner has never been out of it. Aluminium helmet band is reinforced with 1939 manufacture date visible upon close inspection. Leather lining is totally intact with no damage to fingers & its original tightening cord still present. Overall an excellent condition piece with some scuffs & general service wear to the outside of the helmet .
WW2 German M35 Luftwaffe Single Decal Helmet Named & With Fieldpost Number A WW2 German M35 single decal luftwaffe helmet with Luftwaffe LBA marked chinstrap & soldiers name & Field Post number painted to underside of rim. A good proportion of the factory paint remains to helmet with a darker blue having been applied later on as per the M40 spec. On the left side one can see small traces of the national tricolour shield underneath the M40 overpaint, a part of this may have been removed before it was overpainted. Underside of rim gives us the maker & size 'SE66' with batch number to rear of '4283' . The handpainted name & field post number of ' UFFZ Frerichs L.32077 ' has been applied to the rear & will enable further research of the owner of this helmet. Chinstrap is of brown leather & has the luftwaffe inspection marking found on only the earliest of helmets of 'LBA' ( Luftwaffe Bekleidungsamt' . Leatherwork received a collector applied coating of oil some years ago when these helmets were not as rare as they are now .
WW2 German M35 Luftwaffe Wire Camouflage Helmet A rare luftwaffe spray painted camouflage helmet being in the so called 'baling wire' form over a three tone reddish brown, green & ochre camouflage scheme. The colours are very typical of a Normandy scheme the reddish brown being particularly identifiable as that found on spray painted vehicle camouflage. Underneath the camouflage paint can be seen the grey blue factory paint of the luftwaffe this helmet being an M35 model with maker mark & size markings to shell of 'NS62'. Lot number 'D.10' to rear skirt. Baling wire has been affixed to the helmet with a noticeable difference in colour shade & visible wear to the paint under the wired areas. Traces of the luftwaffe eagle can be seen under the paint on the left side with traces also of the national shield under the paint on the right. Interior of helmet shows early aluminium liner band with the reinforcing to chinstrap lug area all in undamaged condition. Leather chinstrap is correct Luftwaffe issue with Luftwaffe inspection stamp 'LBA' marking & date 1937 with manufacturer name stamped into the leather. A hairline crack to the shell running along part of the right side of the helmet indicates heavy combat use with disturbance to the camouflage paint at its edges being evident.
WW2 German M35 Lufwaffe Double Decal Helmet With Name , Flak Battery Markings & Crew Number A textbook Flak gunners German M35 double decal Luftwaffe helmet with soldiers name & unit painted to underside of rim ' Altmann 12 Batt ' referring to '12 Batterie' of an Anti Aircraft Flak unit. There are also crew markings faintly visible to the leather liner ' 12/057' which again refers to his '12 Battery' & the last three digits of his service number. A Quist made size 64 helmet (Q64) with lot number 759 it has been factory finished in smooth blue paint with second pattern Luftwaffe decal & tricolour shield both in excellent order. Interior liner band is of reinforced aluminium & Berlin maker marked with 1938 date. All three liner pins are original to the helmet. Leather liner is size marked '56' with original tightening cord. The brown Luftwaffe issue chinstrap is beautifully 'Walsrode' maker marked & 1938 dated with aluminium buckle . An early war helmet which may well have seen action at the helm of an 88mm Flak gun , many Luftwaffe flak troops were transferred into ground fighting units as the war went on.
WW2 German M35 Named Luftwaffe Camouflage Helmet A classic example of an M35 luftwaffe combat helmet overpainted in a thick blue grey camouflage paint as used on luftwaffe vehicles & ground equipment . This particular type of heavy thick granulated camouflage was achieved by mixing sand, grit & even woodchip in with the wet paint to create its rough non reflective surface typical of luftwaffe troops in North West Europe in the mid to latter stages of WW2. Underneath the damaged areas of the camouflage can be seen its smooth factory blue paint with heavy wear to the helmet throughout. All three liner pins & the liner are totally original to the helmet again with heavy wear evident to the leather . The handpainted name of \'Thaler\' can be seen to the rear underside of the flared rim. A fabulous original camouflage helmet !
WW2 German M35 Reissue Combat Helmet An M35 double decal combat helmet repainted in 1940 specification rough textured paint over both decals & with its original chinstrap still fitted. Another helmet that recently manifested itself after years of forgotten storage it is offered as it came to me uncleaned & uninterfered with straight from the war. It would appear that it was refinished fairly late in the war or after the end of decal usage in 1943 as both decals are painted over . The underside of the helmet shell remains in its original M35 smooth paint. There is some age to the helmets underside & a small part of the leather liner which is dark stained & decayed. Chinstrap remains intact & interesting to note that the soldier has trimmed it slightly on its long section & shortened the pointed end to suit his own fit . This is not uncommon & totally period done as can be seen from a minimal inspection. Overall a sleepy untouched combat helmet typical of the NW Europe fighting.
WW2 German M35 Reissued Double Decal Luftwaffe Helmet A totally 'as found' M35 double decal Lufwaffe helmet which has been reissued midwar with both decals overpainted & a zinc 1943 dated liner fitted. When one examines this helmet it is quite clear that it has not been touched since WW2 with all pins undisturbed & rust age & dirt buildup to their reverse. The helmet has received its first blue luftwaffe smooth paint upon issue with a later rough textured blue grey upon reissue in the midwar period. A small part of the luftwaffe eagle wing is still visible on the left side with the outline of the tricolour shield under the paint on the right . The 'ET' mark to the underside of the flared rim denotes the manufacturer Eisenhutten Werke with the size being illegible due to the thickness of the overpaint. A lot number at the rear appears to be '363'. The leather liner is complete with its tightening cord & has some dark staining in places . There is fraying to the front forehead area with size mark '58' . Leather chinstrap totally original & with aluminium buckle.
WW2 German M35 Single Decal Army Helmet Original & untouched example of the M35 army helmet with early single decal , original M31 leather liner & original chinstrap. Helmet shell is in its original dark green factory paint with typical abrasions to its surfaces through use & also a good Heer decal that correlates well in comparison. Maker & size stamp of 'NS64' to inside rim. M31 Liner is overall good & totally original to the helmet with reinforced early aluminium band ( See Ludwig Baers' superb work History of the German Steel Helmet) & date 1939. Size of band is 57. Also complete is its original chinstrap with aluminium buckle & rivets as is totally correct for the M35 helmet. Original chinstraps are now extremely hard to find now the chinstrap here having clearly been on this helmet for many years. Overall a genuinely honest helmet that has been left as found & not even cleaned as the cobwebs & accumulated dirt will testify.
WW2 German M35 Single Decal Army Helmet Nice early example of the WW2 German M35 combat steel helmet with single army decal & original 1938 dated chinstrap. Rough green 1940 overpaint has been hand brush applied to the exterior & underside of rim with its early apple green factory finish clearly still visible in places. A good proportion of the army decal still remains as can be seen from the images . Black leather chinstrap is in very good order still supple & with clear maker & date 1938 to pointed end. Both buckle & studs are of the correct early aluminium construction. M31 liner is in a very reasonable condition still being supple & with typical sweat wear as is expected on a used combat helmet. Aluminium liner band is reinforced at the chinstrap lugs as per orders issued after the first bands were introduced & found to be too weak , shell markings are very faint & unfortunately not legible due to the rough overpaint . The liner does not appear to have been out of the helmet & so overall a fair example of an M35 from the early war period.
WW2 German M35 Single Decal Army Helmet An M35 single decal army steel combat helmet in a rough texture slate grey of 1940 specifications. The army decal remains very much present with only some minor surface wear evident. The liner pins are unbent & undisturbed this confirming that they are totally original to the first assembly of the helmet . It is of note that they bear apple green paint differing to that of the helmet shell. This was a common occurence with pins being provided by sub contractors & most likely painted before they arrived at the helmet factory. Maker , size & lot numbers read ' EF 66 21530 ' . Leather liner is in very good order with original tightening string still present. Helmet is fitted with a 1940 dated steel liner band .Chinstrap is an apparently unmarked example. Overall a very nice example of the single decal army helmet.
WW2 German M35 Single Decal Reissue Army Helmet An excellent M35 army helmet that has been reissued according to 1940 specifications . This helmet by the maker \'NS\' started life as a double decal before the application of rough textured grey paint according to 1940 specifications. Upon close inspection one can see small traces of the national shield under the paint on its right side . To the left side is an excellent army decal which is largely intact & showing service wear commensurate with the whole helmet . It is well documented that \'NS\' made helmets almost exclusively used decals by the firm CA Pocher this appearing to be such an example. Underside of shell displays the faint markings \'NS64\' with lot number to rear present but difficult to read. Helmet has a reinforced aluminium liner band with all three of its pins undisturbed. Tightenting cord intact to liner with no damage tongues. Chinstrap intact.
WW2 German M35 Three Colour Woodchip \'Bocage\' Normandy Camouflage Helmet A stunning army M35 three colour woodchip camouflage helmet in typical colours of the Normandy campaign & the tense fighting in the hedgerows of the 'bocage'. Tan ochre , green & brown have been thickly applied throughout with the merging of the colours applied when wet creating a very effective mix of summer colours. There is rust bleed coming through from underneath in the damaged areas of the paint & chips & scuffs evident to the helmets surface throughout. All three liner pins are undisturbed & original to the helmet with some of the camouflage paint adhering to all of them. An interior inspection confirms that the whole piece is untouched with age to the metal surface & the soldiers name ' Foller ' to rear skirt. The factory paint of the helmet can just about be seen to be green. Maker code & size is 'NS64' with rear lot number ' F113 ' . Liner showing heavy wear with original drawcord. Chinstrap is 100% original to the helmet with aluminium buckle & securing stud. Pointed end with maker markings. Stunning named camouflage helmet & a classic NW Europe piece.
WW2 German M35 Three Tone Normandy Camouflage Army Helmet A striking Normandy camouflage helmet in spray painted three tone camouflage consisting of brown, green & tan ochre. The colours on this helmet are the very familiar dark reddish brown & dark forest green painted over a base colour of tan ochre. Its original factory apple green paint is evident underneath the camouflage scheme in places with traces of an army single decal on left side under paint. All three split rivets are original to the helmet this being clearly evident by their matching exterior paint. They have never been out of the helmet displaying unbent pins to the interior. Apple green paint is visible to the interior helmet dome with the rim underside having been given a dark rough green overpaint most likely in accordance with the 1940 regulations. Shell is marked 'ET62' however lot number not visible due to the overpaint & also the soldiers name 'ROSNER' having been handwritten over it. Leather liner has all of its fingers with signs of heavy use & some darkening to leather in places.
WW2 German M35 Three Tone Normandy Camouflage Helmet A superb WW2 German M35 combat helmet with three tone camouflage as is typically seen from the European / Normandy campaign of the 1944 era. Camouflage colours are in tan ochre , dark brown & green the tan being used , as is typical , as the base colour with the green & dark brown sprayed over this to make what is an indisputably effective camouflage scheme. This was of course extremely pertinent in the Normandy campaign where the threat of attack by allied rocket fighters was ever present. All three liner split pins are original to the helmet with the liner having never been out of the shell. Aluminium liner band has reinforced strips at the stress points with early rectangular chinstrap lugs as is correct for an early issue. Leather liner has all eight of its fingers present with correct original drawstring still intact. There is some age in places & darkening to parts of the leather which may indicate head trauma from its former owner. Helmet shell is an 'ET62' with the lot number appearing to be '306' however this is difficult to see as the inner neck area has a dark green overpaint with the soldiers name 'ROSNER' overpainted in white over that. The dark green paint on the inside neck has been applied over the apple green which can still be seen under the liner in the bowl of the helmet. This was commonly done to take away the slight gloss of the early apple green finish as per the 1940 order. Chinstrap has aluminium buckle & stud & is devoid of markings. Overall a scarce original camouflage helmet & one for which the expression 'one looker' would certainly be applicable here.
WW2 German M36 Army Signals NCO Tunic ( Unteroffizier ) A superb early example of an M36 German army tunic for an Unteroffizier of Signals this being his walking out tunic having been tailored by the soldier to a high standard. Tunic has early scalloped pockets & dark green badge clothed pointed NCOs collar. Litzen are early cloth backed with lemon yellow waffenfarbe for signals. The high quality tailoring is much evident on this tunic with French cuffs having been added & a full cotton lining to the interior with dice markings still clearly visible. Army NCO silver wire breast eagle & Iron Cross second class & Russian Front medal ribbons are professionally handstitched in place with award & medal loops to left breast pocket. Shoulderboards are in dark green badge cloth with lemon yellow piping & NCO tress. Also included is a WW1 medal ribbon bar which i have added to the medal loops for visual effect . A superb condition example of a privately tailored tunic.
WW2 German M36 Artillery Combat Tunic 1940 A German army M36 combat tunic from the early war period with its distinct dark green collar & four scalloped pocket front. Of standard issue well into WW2 this tunic is well marked to the interior with size marking dice stamp & date of 1940 . Breast eagle with dark green backing is totally correct for this period however was found in the lining of the tunic & has been reapplied with the indisputably correct red piped collar litzen . Iron cross second class ribbon to buttonhole which does appear to be original to the tunic. Cotton lining is intact with original button to dressing pocket. Wear to nap of cloth is visible in places on the exterior of the tunic with a few scattered stitch repairs to lower front & lower left sleeve . Please see pictures for closeup images. A totally original combat tunic the M36 now becoming harder to find.
WW2 German M36 Combat Tunic A German infantry M36 tunic in excellent condition coming complete with its correct early infantry white piped shoulderboards. Becoming very hard to find now the M36 was the first pattern of German soldiers tunic worn at the beginning of WW2 & in some cases right through until the end. This 1941 depot stamped example is in excellent condition & of a very good mannequin size. The machine stitched collar litzen are original period sewn to the tunic & directly sewn to the collar . Upon close examination of the front & reverse of the collar there is clear evidence of this being the only ever applied pair. They have the universal all branch dark green stripes used from around the 1941 period onwards. Breast eagle is wartime period applied on a dark green backing & has been professionally hand sewn directly to the tunic & not through the lining. The dark green felt backing is most likely tailor applied & with the addition of a leather dagger port to the interior of the tunic this would suggest it was worn at a best dress occasion such as a wedding. Partially lined to interior in cotton twill the depot inspectors mark & date of 'E.41' are ink stamped to the right interior breast fly. The leather dagger port is well executed to lower left pocket interior , this was not standard as issued so would have been added by a tailor at the preference of the owner. Shoulder boards are of the correct dark green M36 slip on type with white piping & a small moth nip to one edge. Both boards are matching with one having slightly faded out due to sunlight. One small moth hole to rear right elbow area. Overall an excellent moth free tunic & one of the last of the M36 patterns to be made.
WW2 German M36 Field Tunic A very good example of the German M36 four pocket tunic with dark green collar & yellow piped collar litzen for signals troops. Coming complete with its correct M36 pattern dark green shoulderboards these are also piped in yellow matching the collar litzen . The superior quality of these earlier issue other ranks tunics is apparent with its high wool content & scalloped box pleated pockets. Lining is of the standard cotton drill with this example still having its support hook tabs at the rear of the tunic. It was not uncommon for the front tabs to be removed when tailored as is the case here. This tunic has an RB Number stamped to the side of the dressing pocket suggesting its alterations as post 1942. Remarkably moth free & in a good size this is a superb example the M36 now having become very hard to find.
WW2 German M36 Gebirgsjager Tunic A very hard to find combat worn German M36 tunic complete with shoulder boards & with light green branch piping of the Mountain Troops ( Gebirgsjager). This tunic is of the textbook early but of the M36 style with dark green collar , five button front & four pleated pockets . Both dark green backed collar litzen are piped in light green for gebirgsjager with both slip on shoulder boards being original to the tunic & also with matching light green piping for the mountain troops. Breast eagle is the correct grey on dark green bevo professionally applied & not stitched through the lining on the reverse side. Iron cross second class ribbon to buttonhole indicating action in combat with an embroidered mountain troops badge to right sleeve. To interior is a partial cotton lining with the manufacturer name & details of ' Oskar Tevote ' with dice marked size stampings. Firts field dressing pocket intact with original horn button . When the tunic is studied it is interesting to note the professional tailoring that has been period carried out at the back , this is typical of the time & fashionable to shorten the skirt slightly. There is considerable service wear overall with a couple of period applied patches to the interior side where service wear has been addressed by a unit tailor or mobile repairer.
WW2 German M36 Infantry Feldwebel NCOs Tunic A quite stunning German infantry NCOs M36 tunic made in the Dutch town of 'Haarlem' under German occupation. This tunic has been made using the distinctive green Dutch material often from reworked Dutch uniforms or their suppliers thereof. With dark green collar it has white piped collar litzen & NCO tresse with one pipped NCO boards for rank of Feldwebel ( Sergeant ) . All three of its collar liner buttons are present to reverse of collar. Its five buttoned front has scallop flapped pleated box pockets with reinforced belt hook holes to each side. The rear of the tunic repeats these with pebbled button supports fitted. War Merit Cross to second buttonhole & award loops to pleat of left breast pocket. The interior is blue cotton lined with dice stamped size markings & Amsterdam depot & date mark 'A40'. The Dutch manufacturer & town are ink stamped onto the tunic ' Ten Berge's Confectie Industrie Haarlem'. Allowance for the dress dagger to be worn has been made with a leather reinforced slash opening to the left lower pocket. A fantastic tunic with only a couple of very small surface moth pricks in places.
WW2 German M36 Infantry Feldwebel NCOs Tunic A quite stunning German infantry NCOs M36 tunic made in the Dutch town of 'Haarlem' under German occupation. This tunic has been made using the distinctive green Dutch material often from reworked Dutch uniforms or their suppliers thereof. With dark green collar it has white piped collar litzen & NCO tresse with one pipped NCO boards for rank of Feldwebel ( Sergeant ) . All three of its collar liner buttons are present to reverse of collar. Its five buttoned front has scallop flapped pleated box pockets with reinforced belt hook holes to each side. The rear of the tunic repeats these with pebbled button supports fitted. War Merit Cross to second buttonhole & award loops to pleat of left breast pocket. The interior is blue cotton lined with dice stamped size markings & Amsterdam depot & date mark 'A40'. The Dutch manufacturer & town are ink stamped onto the tunic ' Ten Berge's Confectie Industrie Haarlem'. Allowance for the dress dagger to be worn has been made with a leather reinforced slash opening to the left lower pocket. A fantastic tunic with only a couple of very small surface moth pricks in places.
WW2 German M36 Infantry NCO Tunic If a 'salty' non mint field worn German NCOs service tunic may appeal to you then this example may be one for your collection. . Many M36 tunics offered today have survived due to them being 'best dress' examples probably worn once at a wedding however , in my opinion , although fabulous textbook examples they lack the character that one finds in a well worn soldiers service dress example such as here. This M36 tunic with dark green collar has all of its original NCOs tresse to collar as well as originally sewn 1938 standard pattern collar litzen. All three of the horn collar liner buttons remain originally sewn in place. The green hue of the tunic wool is typical of this pattern with four scallop flapped box pleated pockets . The breast eagle is the early pattern machine woven white on a dark green background & was found in the pocket by its previous owner when acquired some years ago. Both white wool piped infantry detachable 'Unteroffizier' shoulderboards are correct with sunlight fading to their exterior side. What I believe makes this an interesting working dress example is that it has belt equipment hook support straps stitched into the lining of the field blouse to support the belt equipment .; This method was used prior to the widespread use of the Y straps & so it would seem that this soldier may well have used both or was not issued with Y straps! Dice stamped size markings with '41' depot date clear. A well used example there is much wear to the nap of the cloth with an apparent period soldier stitch repair to a tear in the lower left corner of the left lower pocket . A dark brown stain can be seen to the right upper pocket corner as well as a couple of apparent marks to the rear of the right arm & upper back. This does start to come off with gentle brushing so could be greatly improved with care. There are three small holes to the lower right skirt of the tunic & then two or three again only small holes in other places. We can be in no doubt that this well used field worn example of the desirable M36 tunic saw much service with the German infantry in WW2.
WW2 German M36 Infantry Tunic A German infantry M36 tunic in excellent condition coming complete with its correct early infantry white piped shoulderboards. Becoming very hard to find now the M36 was the first pattern of German soldiers tunic worn at the beginning of WW2 & in some cases right through until the end. This 1941 made example is in excellent moth free condition & of a very good mannequin size. The machine stitched collar litzen are sewn directly to the collar & display the universal all branch dark green stripes used from around the 1941 period onwards. Correct Machine woven breast eagle with dark green backing to right breast. Partially lined to interior in cotton twill the depot inspectors mark & date of 'P.41' are ink stamped to the field dressing pocket on the bottom right hand corner of tunic lining. The marking ' Transferstelle Warschau' surmounts this. Shoulder boards are of the correct dark green M36 slip on type with white piping & both in excellent moth free condition. Overall an excellent tunic & one of the last of the M36 patterns to be made.
WW2 German M36 Straight Leg Combat Trousers A good used pair of the scarce WW2 German soldiers M36 straight leg trouser which was the first pattern of field service trouser issued for wear with the marching boot. In the typical field grey wool of the early war period they have slanted button fastened pockets & a mix of aluminium & zinc buttons to waistband. A white cotton lining is to be seen on the interior waist , fly & pockets with the manufacturer ink mark in old style German gothic script again indicative of the early war period. These attractively well sized trousers have an approx 32in waist with an approx 27.5inch inside leg. A stitch repair has been very well applied to a right angled tear in the lower left leg with some stitch reinforcement carried out to both knees. There are a couple of similar repairs to the seat of the trousers at rear. Even with repairs , the M36 trouser is very hard to find this pair well suiting a combat infantryman of the early to midwar period.
WW2 German M36 Straight Leg Combat Trousers 1940 A scarce pair of the WW2 German other ranks field service trousers of the M36 pattern with slanted front pockets fastened by dished metal buttons. The original black ink dice stamp remains to inside of waistband with the date '40' being clearly visible. In a good mannequin sized 33inch waist with 27 inch inside leg these are perfect for an early war German soldier with jackboots & field tunic. They have original buttons to front pockets with replacements to inside waistband. As with alot of German uniforms they have been adapted slightly according to the wearers preference having had belt loops fitted for summer wear or practicality. In excellent condition there is no moth & no rips or tears with only a very small 3cm area of seam underneath the crotch having loose stitching.
WW2 German M36 Straight Leg Trousers 1938 A scarce pair of German M36 straight leg trousers in the stone grey colour seen worn by the German army in the very early war period. The first I have had for quite some time now these still have all of their original grey horn buttons to front fly & metal dished buttons to waist to hold the braces. Buttonholes reinforced in the typical orange thread seen on many German garments & in equipment manufacture. Ink stamped size markings to inner waistband with faint manufacturer name & 'B38' inspection stamp. An approx 38inch waist at their smallest enlarging more if the rear adjustment strap is loosened. Measure just under a 29 inch inside leg. Some overall slight wear to the nap but only a a couple of very small hardly noticeable moth nips to crotch area.
WW2 German M36 \' Machinegun Troops\' Infantry Tunic With \'M\' Cyphered Shoulderboards WW2 German M36 infantry tunic with NCO tress around collar & original \'Machinegun\' cyphered shoulderboards. A visually stunning piece the breast eagle is of the early 1935 white on dark green background with green backed collar litzen totally correct for this period. Upon close examination I believe the collar tabs & tresse to be totally wartime original sewn to the tunic with breast eagle neatly machine sewn applied. Both shoulder boards are white piped for infantry with \'M\' cypher & one pip per board for rank of Unteroffizier. An NCO that would have seen combat there is an Iron Cross second class ribbon to buttonhole with award bar above left breast pocket. Award loops to left breast pocket . The interior twill lining is intact with ink stamped markings showing the manufacturer \'E.Reitz\' & Dice markings for sizes. In excellent condition I can find only one or two tiny pin prick sized moth holes .
WW2 German M38 Gas Mask Set With Original 1943 Dated Carrying Straps WW2 German gas mask set as issued to German soldiers of the Army , SS & Luftwaffe. Gas mask is of the M38 type with black rubber facepiece & dates from the midwar period with \'bmw 43\' maker & date to snout & both fitted eye lenses maker marked & dated \' bwz1943\' . Filter is of the FE41 model with eagle & swastika inspection stamp . Gas mask tin is of model manufactured after October 1941 having embossed \'D\' to bottom for \'Dicht\' meaning airtight. The majority of its factory dark green paint remains to tin overall with expected service wear . Green webbing pull tab to front is intact with maker mark \'frn43\' to pull lozenge. The maker mark & date \'mkq42\' appears to spare lens compartment with one pack of 1940 dated lenses within packet . Neck strap of facepiece minus. Both long & short carrying straps are 100% wartime original both with rubber loops marked \'ebd43\' .
WW2 German M38 Midwar Non Decalled Paratrooper Helmet An excellent untouched example of the iconic German M38 paratrooper helmet which was found in Holland some years ago & has since been in a private collection until now. This is a typical wartime produced piece , with many of the attributes that one would expect to see clearly in evidence here. Helmet shell is in its textured \'feldgrau\' combat finish & has approx 95% of its paint remaining with only a few typical abrasions from use present. Linerband is produced in zinc & is tightly affixed to the shell via four ventilated slotted aluminium bolts. All seven of its charcoal neoprene buffer pads are present & in good order. At the rear of the shell is the \'ckl\' (ET) maker marking which was used by the firm of Eisenhuttenwerke in Thale from 1943 onwards. All paratrooper helmets were made by this firm. The size is 68, a good medium size. Lot number \' 4235\' is also to be found at the rear of the helmet whuch according to recent published sources would date this helmet to an early 1944 produced piece. The straps are good & supple & in varying shades of brown with a good intact wartime buckle& pop stud which is the expected dark green to the outside & having the recognised petal pattern to the other. Liner is generally good i.e, not dry & with faint traces of RB Number to be seen on one half. Centre stitching is the expected railtrack style & is intact. Two mouse holes are present to one side of liner , this does not detract from what is a good combat example of the Fallschirmjager helmet. A scarce piece & a true slice of history.
WW2 German M38 Single Decal Obergefreiter Named Paratrooper Helmet A textbook totally original single decal M38 German paratrooper helmet named on liner to its original Fallschirmjager owner Obergefreiter Knapp. Helmet has all the features of an early to midwar manufacture with M40 specified rough textured 'feldgrau' factory paint & early style vented spanner bolts. The Luftwaffe decal is in superb condition with all of its detail still crisp & natural age corresponding with the combat wear of the entire helmet. It is clear upon close inspection that there is no disturbance to any of the spanner bolts inside or out & so 'totally untouched ' is corroborated. Liner is in excellent order with no damage & displays the Berlin 'Karl Heisler' maker marking along with framed size stamps. Pads are of the early war 'natural rubber' in a dirty dark beige colour , these followed the prewar yellow/white pads seen on the very early helmets & are tight to the helmet & undisturbed. Band is of aluminium. The handwritten 'Obgr Knapp' appears on the liner being rank of senior corporal ( Obergefreiter ) . Chinstrap still has chamois leather lining complete & has been slightly shortened with a cut to the under chin section most likely to remove from the wearer in situ when captured. The right side stitched join where rear strap meets long strap has also been apparently casualty cut at some point with old black stitches , roughly executed , then used to reaffix. A helmet from the elite German Fallschirmjager that has clearly seen fierce combat before its capture , the fate of Obergefreiter Knapp is unfortunately not known. Please contact direct .
WW2 German M38 Single Decal Paratrooper Helmet A single decal recently acquired M38 paratrooper helmet in excellent condition with much of its original blue grey paint & luftwaffe decal still remaining . This helmet was bought directly from the grandson of the British veteran who allegedly souvenired it from a prisoner & as such it is untouched since he inherited it some years ago. This helmet displays well to its exterior service the M40 specified textured factory 'feldgrau' paint with early style vented spanner bolts. A large size, the maker mark 'ET68' & lot number 4961 are clearly visible to the inside rim. It is well known that the 'ET' ( Eisenhutten ) plant at Thale was the sole producer of the German airborne helmet. The very much intact second pattern luftwaffe decal is of the 'dotless wing' type , most often encountered on paratrooper helmets. It displays only minor wear indicative of its war service with the detail still very much evident. Leather liner displays wear however is in excellent condition having suffered no damage. The black ink stamp shows a liner size of 57 with shell size 68 matching that of the rim marking. The maker 'Karl Heisler' with his Berlin address is still clear. The long chinstrap is in quite excellent condition with its long strap end tucked down inside the lining of the opposite side. There is one small tear at the edge of one part which looks to be the result of action. It is of note that the buckle side is minus & according to the family , has never ever been present on the helmet since they have known it. Undoubtedly a true combat veteran which could most certainly tell a story.
WW2 German M38 Single Decal Paratrooper Helmet A stunning textbook example of a wartime produced single decal M38 Luftwaffe paratrooper helmet completely untouched & in such excellent condition that we can see how it would looked when it left the factory. The shell of this fabulous & iconic piece is finished in a textured 'feldgrau' with the second pattern luftwaffe decal displaying the 'dotted wing' feature well recorded as being particular to helmets of ET manufacture. All liner bolts are of the non vented slot type which began to be seen in the midwar period onwards. Helmet shell has the maker & size markings 'ET66' for the firm Eisenhutten Thale & the lot number ' 5058' to rear. The aluminium banded liner is tight to the helmet & presents all of its black pads intact . The liner is ink stamped with the 'Heisler, Berlin C.2' maker mark as well as Kopfweite & Stahlhelm size markings. A feature of the Heisler maker is the blue cloth band running around the underside top edge of the leather visible upon careful inspection ( See image ). The formed & pressed horsehair band is also present . Leather wartime straps are immaculate & 100% complete with patterned pop stud. When checked against known Brian Ice recorded examples of the M38 paratrooper helmet with the 'ET66 5058' nomenclature there is an exact match listed for this piece on Pg 77 of Revision 4. A superb piece with only a minor leather split to dry area at front forehead edge of leather ( See image ).
WW2 German M40 Army Combat Tunic (Feldbluse) A German army M40 combat tunic in excellent condition & dated 1940. This tunic is almost identical to the slightly earlier M36 model but with the difference of a grey collar. Adorned with the 1940 pattern of universal collar tabs & grey on green breast eagle it has three buttonholes to waist front & back & both shoulder board loops to each side. Originally a five button fronted tunic the collar appears to have been worn open on a regular basis as the very top button is minus with no evidence of it having been there for a very long time. There is a second class iron cross ribbon to second buttonhole. The interior lining is nicely dice marked with inspection depot & date mark \'H40\' . Field dressing pocket is intact with button & has the remains of whats appears to be a now washed out name label to bottom edge. In overall excellent service worn condition there are a couple of small repairs in places & wear to nap of the cloth. Difficult to find good combat tunics now.
WW2 German M40 Army Helmet German army M40 steel helmet which left the factory in its dark green army paint with single decal however was later given a Luftwaffe blue overpaint with army decal removed. Helmet shell is a size 66 with maker mark 'ET' for the firm Eisenhüttenwerke, Lot number is 1285. The army dark green paint can still be seen to the helmets underside along with dome stamp. Leather liner is good & supple with string intact. It is clear that it has never been out of the helmet as all three pins have matching paint to the rest of the outside of shell & have unbent inside arms. Chinstrap does appear to be of the period with correct & original short steel buckled strap . The long strap is slightly wider than the standard issue & is most likely a contemporary replacement. An interesting helmet that may well have belonged to a former flak crew member or that of a fighting field division.
WW2 German M40 Army Single Decal Camouflage Helmet With Battle Damage A stunning M40 army single decal helmet that at one time had a rubber band around it over which was applied a tan ochre & green camouflage scheme. Showing much heavy wear & a dent to the front left most likely caused during battle this helmet received a tan overpaint on which short green swirls were applied over the top with a brush & the decal slightly subdued with the same green. It is evident that a rubber foliage band was in situ when camouflaged this later removed leaving the shadow around the circumference of the helmet & to the lower part of the decal it was covering. There are many chips & scuffs to the helmet with darkened age patination to the tan paint. Natural rust age bleeding is evident throughout. All three of the liner pins bear matching camouflage paint & are undisturbed. Helmet shell is marked \'Q62\' for the firm Quist . Soldiers name of \'W.Wulff \' to rear rim. Liner band is zinc with a heavily worn leather liner that displays some tears to one area of the leather. Only a small part of the chinstrap remains. Overall a fabulous camouflage helmet with decal .
WW2 German M40 Army Single Decal Helmet A good untouched M40 army helmet with original chinstrap & a high proportion of its original decal remaining. Helmet is offered uncleaned & as recently found with dark grey factory paint showing general service wear to exterior . Decal is largely intact with much of its detail still remaining. All three of the original liner pins are undisturbed with liner totally original to the helmet. Underside of skirt bears maker & size 'Q62' with lot number 'DN169' legible. Liner has one finger displaced with a tear to one part of the leather edging which is stable ( See image ). Chinstrap has grey painted steel buckle with 'P.Reichel' marking to pointed end. There appears to be a date of 1940 incorporated into this stamping although faint. Overall an excellent combat helmet becoming very difficult to find now.
WW2 German M40 Camouflage Helmet An untouched M40 German helmet that has had a rough sawdust mixed grey paint applied to exterior & traces of a previously existing brown & tan camouflage before this. As per the 1940 regulations smooth paint was overpainted in a rough textured grey with some later schemes applied over the top as the war progressed. At some point this helmet had what appears to have been a three colour overpaint applied sparingly in places which either wore off or was simply removed when reposted to a different area. All three of the liner pins are original to the helmet & undisturbed with leather liner having never been out of the helmet. Drawstring intact. Examining the shell for markings one can see it is faintly \'Q\' (Quist ) marked to the rear in a size \'64\' . The short buckle section of the chinstrap remains exactly as it came.
WW2 German M40 Field Service Tunic German infantry tunic of the m40 model coming complete with white piped infantry shoulder boards & regimental slides for the 64th Infantry Regiment. A very nice combat soldier example it has the earlier dark green backed breast eagle & senior gefreiter rank chevron to left arm. The interior cotton lining of the blouse shows faint ink stamp with maker name to 'Gebr.Hoffman' & inspection date of 1941. Not a tunic kept for best dress it has a good amount of service wear with some field repairs visible in places notably on image 9 at the rear of cuff opening. Collar litzen & breast eagle are totally correct for this tunic however difficult to determine when applied. Apparent Russian film company markings to inside lining. Hard to find with original matched pair of infantry shoulder boards & classic representation of a German soldier at the front.
WW2 German M40 Infantry Combat Tunic An M40 German infantry combat tunic corporal rank insignia to left arm & 1941 date to interior lining. . This is the classic M40 feldbluse with five button front & four scalloped & pleated pockets . Totally correct for this period are the machine stitched universal collar tabs & grey on green bevo breast eagle sewn above the right breast pocket. To the left arm is a rank chevron for Gefreiter ( Corporal ) with four belt hooks in total front & back to hold the mans combat equipment. Interior lining shows dice stamped size markings with depot date stamp \'B.41\' for Berlin 1941. Traces of a uniform manufacturer can be seen to the field dressing pocket on bottom right hand corner. Very nice to still see are the four pressed card buttons to inner collar area for collar liner , these are often missing. Double button fastening to each cuff with all original buttons present. In overall very good condition with only a couple of very minor surface nips to nap of wool only seen when examined closely.
WW2 German M40 Kriegsmarine Single Decal Helmet A textbook rare example of the M40 single decal German Kriegsmarine helmet complete with original chinstrap. With much of its factory slate grey paint remaining to exterior the quite superb gold toned decal is approx 95% intact with crisp detailing very much in evidence. Underside of helmet shell bears the manufacturer & size stamp 'ET62' for Eisenhutten , Thale with the lot number '1251' . Liner band is zinc plated steel with liner pins undisturbed evidencing that the liner has never been out of the helmet. Chinstrap is a now scarcely encountered original example maker marked & 1941 dated. In overall excellent untouched condition there is a small subtle area of what appears to be light grey paint spray to the crown apparently from its postwar
WW2 German M40 Luftwaffe Camouflage Helmet An M40 single decal Luftwaffe three tone camouflage helmet in uncleaned , untouched condition. A helmet that has clearly seen combat use by one of the many Luftwaffe ground units , such as those of the Field Divisions or fallschirmjager , it has had the three colours of tan ochre, green & brown spray paint applied with the tan first applied as a base over its factory Luftwaffe blue. The brown is only minimally visible to the rear left side of the helmet with all three liner pins undisturbed & having the same matching paint. As is typical of a naturally aged helmet there is weathering to the outer rivets with paint worn away in places. The Luftwaffe decal displays the dotted right wing & is typical of that found on helmets made by ET & also Q . Shell markings of 'ET66' denote manufacturer 'Eisenhutte Werke' & size 66 with lot number to rear of helmet ' 222 '. Interior of helmet has a very intact size 59 leather liner with original drawstring still present. Its steel band is dated 1941 . The name ' M.Becker' is handwritten to upper edge left side of the liner. The well worn brown leather chinstrap completes this time capsule of a helmet very nicely . A fantastic Luftwaffe helmet which demonstrates well the popular practice of personal camouflage by the German soldier in WW2.
WW2 German M40 Luftwaffe Combat Helmet A very nice & untouched M40 luftwaffe helmet with single decal under the paint , leather liner & 1941 dated chinstrap . Very nice to secure a helmet that is a ' sleeper' in every sense this piece is in a rough paint luftwaffe blue which appears to be its second coat applied over the luftwaffe decal on the left side. This said It would appear to originally be an early M40 issue with a smooth factory finish & single decal applied to the left side. The second application ( as per regulations ) was the aluminium oxide mixed paint which took away the smooth finish & with that also the risk of reflection from the sun. It has all of its original three split pins in place , unbent & totally undisturbed. It is quite clear that the liner has never been out. Inside of the shell , the shell size & 'Sachsische Emailler' maker markings of 'SE66' are visible with the lot number apearing to be 4970 although one digit is slightly unclear. Leather liner is size marked '59' with soldiers name handwritten to right side. The long section of chinstrap remains with markings to end of ' R.EHRHARDT POESSNECK 1941 ' . Overall it has some very 'dusty' light surface rust in places but no pitting or decay to the metal . Liner has some damage in places with one tear to named area so considering it having not seen the light of day for many years i think it to be a very appealing example of a classic war souvenired item.
WW2 German M40 Luftwaffe Ex Netted Three Colour Camouflage Helmet A fabulous M40 camouflage helmet with a spray painted three colour scheme that was originally applied over a net with imprint left on the exterior & remnants of the net still tied to the band inside. A camouflage scheme that could be applicable to quite a few different theatres the tan base was applied over factory blue luftwaffe paint also to the underside of the rim. This has then been oversprayed with brown & green the previous existence of a wide gauge net having left an imprint of where it was sprayed over in situ. All three of its liner pins are totally original to the helmet & undisturbed to the inside. Interestingly the tan paint has been painted to the underside of the rim where again can be seen the clear imprint of a net once having been in place. Still tied to the liner band is some of the net left from where it was cut off. Leather liner is in good order with original drawstring & only a small remnant of the chinstrap on one side. Maker is an SE64 with lot number 175. Fabulous helmet !
WW2 German M40 Luftwaffe Field Division Camouflage Helmet A WW2 German Luftwaffe camouflage helmet having received a dark green overpaint to the Luftwaffe blue with tan ochre & light green brush strokes applied \'ad hoc\' to the exterior. A helmet that has seen heavy wear its original blue factory paint can still be seen to interior dome. This type of camouflage scheme is indicative of a ground combat Luftwaffe soldier fighting in a Field Division /Paratrooper unit or ground combat gun crew. All three liner pins are undisturbed & have not been out of the helmet. Made by Quist , the marking \'Q64\' is visible to underside of shell although lot number illegible. Leather liner is very heavily worn & shows age , please see images. Remains of chinstrap to each side. Interesting helmet with a less commonly encountered camouflage scheme.
WW2 German M40 Luftwaffe Single Decal Helmet A totally original bringback German M40 Luftwaffe helmet which has been in private hands ever since the end of WW2. An M40 single decal this helmet still has its original chinstrap & unmolested liner firmly in place. The luftwaffe 'dotted wing' decal is the distinctive 'EF' decal recorded as only being found on this manufacturer . Its distinctions , compared to decals on other helmets, are the downward turned eyebrow & flatter chest ( See Pg 94 Helmet Decals of the Third Reich By Ken Niewiarowicz ) . Marked to the shell rim as an 'EF64' for the firm ' A.G.Fulda ' with a batch number of 22776 this conforms exactly with that recorded in the Brian ICE reference as a single decal luftwaffe helmet produced between the 190 & 1942 period. They are known for having the least clear markings as is the case here. Condition wise this helmet has been in the shed for many years however is in surprisingly excellent condition. The decal is nearly 100% intact & the factory blue grey paint of the outer shell shows only minor rust age upon close examination. All three liner pins retain their blue factory paint these again being nearly 100% intact. The underside of the helmet rim was cleaned by the previous owner with a minor abrasive & the fresh rust of the chinstrap fittings given a wipe over. The chinstrap has never been off of the helmet & is maker marked to the firm Hermann & Sohne . It is dated however it has been stamped off centre so only the top part of the date can be seen. There is a small tear to one edge of the long strap & I am unable to unbuckle it due to it having been in this position for many years & now stiff with the ageing of the metal. Certainly a time capsule of a piece & most likely one of the last surviving 'bringback' pieces .
WW2 German M40 Luftwaffe Single Decal Helmet Nice example of the WW2 German M40 single decal Luftwaffe helmet complete with original chinstrap. This helmet has a very good proportion of its original rough textured blue paint finish still to its exterior with second pattern Luftwaffe decal largely intact. All three of the liner pins are in smooth luftwaffe blue paint , this common in the earlier M40 issues when stocks of existing parts were being used up. Helmet shell markings are \'HKP64\' which was formerly the \'SE\' maker before it switched to this marking in around October 1941. Lot number \' 12230\' . Zinc liner band is firm with all pins undisturbed. Leather liner is good with quite heavy wear resulting in some peeling around the edges . Black leather chinstrap is RF number marked with unpainted steel buckle .
WW2 German M40 Luftwaffe Single Decal Helmet From Bomber Wing \'II Gruppe Kampf Geschwader 101\' An M40 single decal luftwaffe helmet named to a feldfwebel & with Feldpost number from the JU88 equipped bomber wing \' II Gruppe Kampf Geschwader 101 \' who were based in the Mecklenburg area & involved in the defence against the allied landings in Northern France. This helmet is factory finished in the rough granulated luftwaffe blue as per the 1940 order & has partial luftwaffe decal still present with wings & swastika more prominent. There is service wear to the exterior crown paint with some chips & scuffs as would be expected of a service used helmet. The liner has never been out of the helmet with all three of its liner rivets unmolested & unbent when inspected from the inside. Original drawstring still present. The name of \' Vogler Fw \' has been handwritten onto the liner the initials \'Fw\' are his rank \'Feldwebel\' which is equivalent to sergeant. On the underside of the flared rim next to this can be seen where the owner has painted his name again (in the same hand) but with the slightly elevated rank of \'Ofw\' for \'Oberfeldwebel\' - senior sergeant & also the feldpost number L 52664 which was allocated to the luftwaffe bomber wing as stated above. Certainly a name worthy of further research. Brown luftwaffe chinstrap with some faint markings to pointed end & grey painted steel buckle.
WW2 German M40 Midwar Quist Produced \'Decal Drop\' Army Helmet A Quist produced midwar M40 army helmet produced with no decal as per the August 1943 order when helmet factories were instructed to cease the application of Heer , KM & Luftwaffe decals. Finished in a factory painted textured grey it is of note that the finish is of a poor standard compared to earlier productions this being typical of late war Quist helmets with paint runs & poorly stamped rim markings. This helmet has all of its original & undisturbed liner pins with a pigskin liner & zinc band. Markings to inside rim ' Q 64 DN 519' . On careful examination the date 1943 can be seen to the band with a '44 date to reverse side of the pigskin liner ( See image ). Chinstrap has RB Number to pointed end & unpainted steel buckle. There is the beginning of a very small tear to one side.
WW2 German M40 Shrapnel Damaged Luftwaffe Helmet With Camouflage Net A classic German combat steel helmet of the luftwaffe with single decal & a small shrapnel hole to the front lip. Helmet also has a string net crudely applied to its exterior. The second pattern luftwaffe eagle decal is mostly intact & applied over the helmets wartime textured blue grey paint. On close internal inspection it is clearly apparent that the three liner pins are original to the helmet & have never been out of it. Age to the inside prongs is immediately apparent with no bends or repositioning. Interior of the helmet has the smoother blue paint with liner intact & drawstring present. A 'Q64' ( Quist size 64 ) the batch number is latin prefixed ( see image ) . This is clearly a helmet that has seen action with a small jagged shrapnel hole to the lip that has penetrated from its underside. The visible wear of military service is evident to the inside & out. A string net is present to the helmet & although of the correct gauge in the most part its age & time of application cannot be guaranteed.
WW2 German M40 Single Decal Army Camouflage Helmet A German M40 single decal army steel combat helmet with subdued camouflage paint scheme still visible. Finished in the typical factory dark green paint of the M40 helmet this has then been later overpainted with a brown spray paint camouflage which has subdued in contrast with the dark green to create a mottled camouflage effect over the entire helmet. There is extensive wear to the top of the helmet with even combat wear around the rest of the dome. A good proportion of the army decal remains intact with the swastika mostly remaining. Marked to the inside shell\' NS64\' with lot number \'8102\' the midwar sheepskin liner is marked to its underside with \'43\' date & an RB number. Certainly a well worn combat helmet with an undisputably real camouflage paint scheme.
WW2 German M40 Single Decal Army Combat Helmet An M40 single decal army helmet in excellent untouched condition with intact leather liner & textbook ' Heer' decal. Helmet is an appealing size 64 with 'Q' maker mark for the firm ' Quist ' . It is factory finished in a rough slate grey paint with all three liner pins original to the helmet. Decal is the classic 'Bigfoot' design which refers to the distinctively larger size of the talons on the left side only seen on Quist produced helmets. The size & lot codes of 'Q64' & 'DN 140' confirm its configuration ( ICE ) as a single decal army helmet with zinc liner band & sheepskin liner. Liner displays much sweat wear & evidences this being a very field worn German combat helmet. There are soldiers initials faintly scratched into the rear rim of the helmet. Long part of the original chinstrap remains with pointed end now minus. There is a small hardly visible repair to the underside of one liner finger. Nice combat example.
WW2 German M40 Single Decal Army Helmet Fresh to the collectors market this single decal Model 40 army helmet still with its '41 dated chinstrap is a textbook example completely untouched since being brought back to the UK as a souvenir in WW2. It is finished in the standard factory slate grey textured paint of the Model 40 helmet & displays the maker code marking to shell for 'ET' & shell size 66. ET were of course the firm Eisenhuttenwerke in Thale. Lot number is '316' which would date the helmet to that of a 1941 manufacture. Helmet decal is instantly recognisable as that found on ET helmets & is strikingly present with only some very minor wear overall. Helmet liner is complete with drawstring although does have some sweat dryness resulting in forehead area seperation of the leather exterior. All liner pins are present & are totally undisturbed. Chinstrap is blackened leather with three letter maker code & date ' dld 41' . The leather of the strap is actually very good & supple with no damage at all . Overall the helmet exudes charactor having not seen the light of day for many years.
WW2 German M40 Single Decal Army Helmet A stunning nearly 100 % decal remaining example of the M40 German army combat helmet in its distinctive field grey factory paint finish & a totally undisturbed liner that has never been out of the helmet. A classic 'Q64' ( Quist size 64 ) helmet it is a souvenired example with the faint remains of a small swastika hand drawn onto the front. Batch number to rear skirt appears to be 'DN91' . A typed label from the son of the British officer who captured the helmet states it was obtained by him from a German machine gun position outside of Brussels that had been captured & from which casualties were in the process of being buried. The son also alludes to their having originally been a net on the helmet which has , sadly , long since departed. Leather liner is in generally good order with original drawstring complete. Just one finger pulled through at drawstring hole. Chinstrap is a British web chinstrap that has been on the helmet for many years & still secured at one end to chinstrap lug. Stitching away at right side. Overall a superb piece with an impressively high percentage of its army decal remaining .
WW2 German M40 Single Decal Army Helmet An untouched fresh to the market German army single decal M40 helmet complete with original chinstrap still in situ. Recently discovered amongst the effects of a former WW2 British soldier this helmet is a true bringback example & as such has survived very well having been loft stored for many years . Much of the original army decal still remains with liner pins never having been disturbed. Chinstrap is still hooked up around the front rim with aluminium buckle & visible three letter maker code & date 'dlc40' to its end. Interior shell markings are for that of a 'Vereinigte Deutsche Nikelwerke' manufacture being 'NS62' with the lot number 'D106' . I have made no attempt to lift the liner as this is totally undisturbed with original drawstring intact. Leather still supple. In very good condition with a very thin film of light surface rust to exterior . No pitting & never been cleaned.
WW2 German M40 Single Decal Army Helmet An M40 single decal army helmet in excellent near unissued condition with intact leather liner , chinstrap & undamaged decal. Helmet is an appealing size 66 with 'SE' maker mark for the firm ' Sachsische Emailler und Stanzwerke A.G. ' . This firm were the second manufacturer to receive contracts to produce the M35 helmet & remained a supplier until the end of production ( Code changed to hkp in 1943 ) . The lot number of '22011' confirms its configuration as a single decal army helmet with zinc liner band ( Dated 1940 ) & sheepskin liner. Liner has never been out of the helmet , this evidenced by the unbent liner pins visible upon close inspection. Its matt finish & factory textured paint are clearly evident. Chinstrap is present & in apparent unissued condition with aluminium buckle , an unmarked example. Following the study of decals made over the preceding few years & the correlation between which type used by which manufacturer it can be seen that the army decal here is that of an 'ET' type recognisable by the visible dot in the far right claw . It is well recorded that 'SE' helmets utilised the decals of 'ET' ( as well as 'NS' ) & so its correct presence here is corroborated.
WW2 German M40 Single Decal Army Helmet A superb textbook example M40 single decal army helmet complete with its original chinstrap & untouched liner. Factory finished in matt grey textured paint there is only minor service wear to the exterior with the markings \'SE62\' for the firm \' Sachsische Emailler und Stanzwerke A.G. This main supplier from Lauter in Saxony made the M18 helmet in WW1 & was only the second manufacturer to receive contracts to produce the M35 helmet. Its code changed to \'hkp\' in 1943. The partially legible batch number shows this helmet in the \'98\' range & so is confirmed correctly (according to \'ICE\' research) as a single decal army batch . Following the study of decals made over the preceding few years & the correlation between which type used by which manufacturer it can be seen that the army decal here is that of an \'ET\' type recognisable by the visible dot in the far right claw & the distinctive curved wing. It is well recorded that \'SE\' helmets utilised the decals of \'ET\' ( as well as \'NS\' ) & so its correct presence here is corroborated. Inspection of the helmets whole interior quickly ascertains that it is totally untouched , the liner & its zinc band have never been out of the helmet , this evidenced by the unbent liner pins visible upon close inspection as well as the natural age visible in light behind the band. Original liner drawstring intact. Chinstrap is present & totally original to the helmet, the buckle is in grey painted steel & it is on this short strap that we find the chinstrap markings \' G-GEN,H-GEBIII 41 \' Helmet is named with what appears to read \'V.Schwab ,Borburg\' on the liner. A textbook example of the M40 army helmet.
WW2 German M40 Single Decal Army Helmet A textbook M40 single decal army combat helmet coming complete with its original chinstrap & in the large shell size 66. Becoming increasingly more difficult to find good German helmets this fabulous example has a very high proportion of its army decal remaining & has not been cleaned since it surfaced several years ago. This classic \'ET\' made M40 army helmet is finished in the dark green factory paint as per the 1940 regulations & bears the typical smooth curved wing \'ET\' army decal associated with this maker. The decal remains impressively 95 % intact with swastika perfect. Helmet shell underside displays the manufacturer markings & size \'ET66\' for the maker \' Eisenhuttenwerken\' with the batch number \'4972\' . Interior of the helmet has zinc liner band dated 1940 with all pins \'40 dated & undisturbed confirming the liner to be 100% original to the helmet. Leather liner has all fingers intact & is complete with its original drawstring. Chinstrap has grey painted steel buckle with partially legible maker mark to pointed end of strap . An untouched German combat helmet that has without doubt seen action .
WW2 German M40 Single Decal Army Helmet With Chinstrap A textbook M40 single decal army combat helmet coming complete with its original chinstrap & in the large shell size 66. Becoming increasingly more difficult to find good German helmets this fabulous example has a very high proportion of its army decal remaining & has not been cleaned since it surfaced several years ago. This classic \'ET\' made M40 army helmet is finished in the dark green factory paint as per the 1940 regulations & bears the typical smooth curved wing \'ET\' army decal associated with this maker. The decal remains impressively 95 % intact with swastika perfect. Helmet shell underside displays the manufacturer markings & size \'ET66\' for the maker \' Eisenhuttenwerken\' with the batch number \'4972\' . Interior of the helmet has zinc liner band dated 1940 with all pins \'40 dated & undisturbed confirming the liner to be 100% original to the helmet. Leather liner has all fingers intact & is complete with its original drawstring. Chinstrap has grey painted steel buckle with partially legible maker mark to pointed end of strap . An untouched German combat helmet that has without doubt seen action .
WW2 German M40 Single Decal Army Striped Camouflage Helmet A very striking German M40 single decal army helmet with four colour striped camouflage scheme typical of that seen during the Italian campaign. The very effectively painted camouflage stripes are each two colour there being a light brown stripe within the tan & a lighter apple green within the dark green . Having survived very well there are certainly signs of some very heavy use with the usual scuffs & combat wear to the exterior of the helmet as well as to the leather liner . The army decal is approx 95% intact with some of the tan camouflage paint lapping around its lower edges. All three pins are original & paint matching to the helmet , to the inside they are straight & unbent so the liner is certainly original to this helmet. An ET made shell (size 66) there is some trauma to two rear fingers of its liner with some dark staining . There is a tear here where the effected fingers were once detached from the body of the helmet. These are now held in place by an adhesive strip so they are not hanging loose inside the helmet. The hand written initials 'H.B,' appear to one side . Original chinstrap present , this appears to have been cut at one time up at the left side however it is now crudely glue repaired and holding well on the helmet. A rare helmet with a quite striking not often seen striped camouflage scheme.
WW2 German M40 Single Decal Kriegsmarine Helmet A scarce German M40 Kriegsmarine single decal helmet in excellent condition. This helmet is an ET produced example & as such has the factory specific two layer decal distinctive only to the Kriegsmarine. Upon close inspection the construction of the golden eagle with swastika applied onto its black sheet background can be discerned. The decal remains intact at around 95%. Helmet shell shows maker & size 'ET62' with lot number '1251' . The rough textured grey paint has evidence of service wear with some minor abrasions & a few very small drops of battleship grey paint to be seen in places the cause of which being unknown! All liner pins are totally original to the helmet & undisturbed with the liner having never been out . Original drawstring present. Chinstrap is original with grey painted steel buckle & the date 1941. A partial maker name is visible. A very clean example .
WW2 German M40 Single Decal Luftwaffe Helmet A fine example of an early production M40 luftwaffe single decal helmet complete with original chinstrap. This Quist ( Q ) produced helmet is factory finished in the textbook rough blue grey of 1940 specification & according to the lot number of 'DN137' is a 1941 production. It is interesting to note that the liner pins are still in the earlier smooth blue grey paint , existing stocks from the M35 models were still being used up on these early M40 runs. Its second pattern luftwaffe decal with dotless wing is typical of an early M40 made by Quist , these are also found on late production M35 helmets. Interior shows a zinc banded undisturbed liner still with its original drawstring . The name or initials ' LUX' are handwritten to one side. Complete with its original chinstrap this has an aluminium buckle & studs & is RF numbered to end. An excellent luftwaffe combat helmet hard to find with original chinstrap.
WW2 German M40 Single Decal Luftwaffe Helmet A scarce large size 68 M40 luftwaffe single decal helmet coming complete with chinstrap . This striking helmet is a very nice example with a high proportion of its original rough textured blue factory paint still present. The second pattern decal is largely intact & displays the characteristics one would expect to see on an original when viewed under a high power loup. Its lacquer outline can also be seen around the edges when viewed closely. The swastika is 100% intact with only minor scuffs to the bird itself making this a very nice piece to be viewed. All of the three liner rivets have matching smooth blue paint & 100% undisturbed & original to the helmet. All are matching maker marked & \'40 dated . Underside of the flared rim gives us the manufacturer & size markings \'ET68\' for the firm Eisenhutten, Thale with the batch number 4997 to the rear. Liner shows splattered staining to forehead area which I cannot ascertain as being sweat & may be the result of a head wound. Original drawstring intact. Chinstrap is quite late with a maker code of \'tb\' which is most likely to be a faintly stamped \'tbh\' & the number \'4\' which normally implies the year. The pointed end of the strap has a very good stitched repair to join the two ends of a once detached strap back together. An overall very good large sized helmet with a very nice decal.
WW2 German M40 Single Decal Luftwaffe Helmet In Unissued Condition A fabulous M40 single decal luftwaffe helmet in near mint non issued condition. This wonderful luftwaffe blue grey helmet has the rough textured paint finish as per the 1940 specification & a second pattern \'dotted wing\' eagle which is 95% intact. Lacquering to the decal is evident. Underside of the flared rim has size & markings \'Q66\' for the firm Quist with lot number \'11409\' . The reinforced aluminium band is dated 1941 & all of the liner pins undisturbed evidencing that the liner has never been out. Leather liner is undamaged with a size marking \'58\' & the drawcord still present. The black leather chinstrap has a grey painted steel buckle with RB number to underside . There are some light storage scuffs & a couple of chips to outside paint but overall a rare non issued luftwaffe helmet & of textbook wartime specification .
WW2 German M40 Single Decal Waffen SS Helmet An M40 single decal SS helmet of the distinctive Quist manufacture in rough texture ' Schiefergrau' medium grey factory paint. Recently coming from France & I suspect for reasons of postwar distaste the SS decal has been partially rubbed off leaving much of the underlying granulated pulver now visible. The lower right hand corner still displays a part of its original appearance & there is enough of the decal visible to determine the correct factory Q pattern runes. A size 64 shell the initials 'T.A.' have been scratched into the underside of the rim with this appearing to be repeated in brush applied tan paint to the rear area. Leather liner has never been out of the helmet with all pins unbent & firm. Looking down inside the shell sides the date 1940 can be seen on the liner band. The buckle side of the chinstrap remains present.
WW2 German M40 SS Single Decal Helmet A totally original M40 single decal SS helmet made by Quist. This helmet very clearly displays the factory runes which are specific to this maker applied over its rough aluminium oxide grey finish to the exterior. Much of the original grey paint remains with it having a very typically smooth finish to the underside of the rim. The size 59 marked pigskin liner still has its correct drawstring & is totally original to the helmet having never been out. All three liner pins are unbent & undisturbed. The maker & size marking of 'Q66' can be seen with the lot number partially obscured but appearing to be D*257 ( See images ) . According to the work of Ice this lot number is an exact match as single decal SS issue. Being a combat used battlefield helmet it was only discovered some years after the war & as a result of this some very light surface pitting can be seen in places this being quite evident on the left side. It is also apparent that the liner was leather treated many years ago however in my opinion this does not detract from what is a non disputable original SS combat helmet.
WW2 German M40 String Camouflage Helmet An M40 army combat helmet that was found in Holland still having its original string attached to hold foliage. The string appears to be an M31 leather liner drawcord that has been used by the soldier here. This was another form of camouflage adaptation used by German soldiers & is often seen in period photographs. At one time on this helmet the string would appear to of gone over the top of the helmet in several places as there are five knotted strands branching off of it. The string is original period attached to the helmet , this can be seen by the natural ageing of the paintwork around the string in comparison to the rest of the helmet where there is age from damp outside storage for a considerable period of time. Helmet is a Quist produced piece with maker code 'Q' to be found at rear of helmet with size '66' . Underneath this is the latin letter prefixed lot number of '3440'. ( Quite difficult to date due to the complicated method of lot numbering used by Quist ). Partial areas of factory dark green paint remain also a small part of its black leather chinstrap on the left side. Metal liner band has rusted although leather liner is supple having been oiled. In all an original untouched example of an 'in the field' combat helmet & a veteran of the fighting in Holland in the 1944 period.
WW2 German M40 Untouched Bringback Luftwaffe Helmet A totally original bringback German M40 Luftwaffe helmet which has been in private hands ever since the end of WW2. In the classic wartime textured blue grey paint of the luftwaffe the decal is nearly 100% intact & is of the 'dotless wing' variation often found on later produced helmets of the M40 model. An excellent large size the shell bears the maker mark & size 'Q66' with a lot number of 'DN 226' . This would place the helmets manufacture as 1942. Condition wise this helmet has been in the shed for many years however is in surprisingly excellent condition with the factory blue grey paint of the outer shell still being quite strikingly intact & impressively better than most . All three liner pins retain their blue factory paint these again being 100% intact & totally matching in paint to the rest of the helmet. An examination of the liner band ascertains its still tight fit to the helmet with age buildup behind it & some light rust visible on the straight arms of the pins. The leather liner is well used with some dark stains evident. The leather is supple with a small area to the rear minus. Showing some evidence of its shed storage there is some light rust in places however it is as it came to me totally as found ! Certainly a time capsule of a piece & most likely one of the last surviving 'bringback' pieces .
WW2 German M40 Untouched Bringback Luftwaffe Helmet A totally original bringback German M40 Luftwaffe helmet which has been in private hands ever since the end of WW2. In the classic wartime textured blue grey paint of the luftwaffe the decal is nearly 100% intact & is of the 'dotless wing' variation often found on later produced helmets of the M40 model. An excellent large size the shell bears the maker mark & size 'Q66' with a lot number of 'DN 226' . This would place the helmets manufacture as 1942. Condition wise this helmet has been in the shed for many years however is in surprisingly excellent condition with the factory blue grey paint of the outer shell still being quite strikingly intact & impressively better than most . All three liner pins retain their blue factory paint these again being 100% intact & totally matching in paint to the rest of the helmet. An examination of the liner band ascertains its still tight fit to the helmet with age buildup behind it & some light rust visible on the straight arms of the pins. The leather liner is well used with some dark stains evident. The leather is supple with a small area to the rear minus. Showing some evidence of its shed storage there is some light rust in places however it is as it came to me totally as found ! Certainly a time capsule of a piece & most likely one of the last surviving 'bringback' pieces .
WW2 German M40 Wire Camouflage \'Tunisia\' Helmet Named To A Waffenmeister A stunning WW2 German army helmet from the Tunisian campaign with tropical tan camouflage & baling wire applied to its exterior. Recently acquired from a long standing helmet collection that we purchased this piece was originally a British soldier bring back from the Tunisian campaign of 1942/43 which surfaced some years ago. The tan yellow overpaint has darkened with age upon the helmet however a part of it can still be seen on the leather chinstrap from when it was first applied. Baling wire has been interlocked around the circumference of the helmet & over the top leaving correlating witness marks in the camouflage paint beneath it. All three liner pins are original to the helmet with matching paint & are totally undisturbed. Interior of helmet still bears its factory green paint. Marked to the underside of its flared rim with rank initials \'WM\' for Waffenmeister\' (Armourer ) & name \' Wiedemann\' . The maker mark & size of \' ET64 \' is visible. Liner in excellent complete order with original drawstring & chinstrap intact with maker name & date 1941. Rare wire camouflage helmet not often seen on todays collectors market.
WW2 German M40 \'Soldier Art\' Luftwaffe Helmet A fabulous one off timecapsule German M40 Luftwaffe 'Soldier Art' helmet captured by an allied soldier & decorated with the place names of places served. Helmet is a 'Q64' ( Quist ) & has a very good luftwaffe decal remaining to left side with traces of impact battle damage running down to the lower edge ending in a 'nick' to the rim of the helmet. A helmet that becomes more fascinating the longer one examines it the following placenames can be discerned : NORMANDIE BEACH HEAD INVASION OF FRANCE BATTLE OF THE BULGE HOLLAND ENGLAND BELGIUM ( Spelt Belguim ) The paint has faded with age commensurate to the rest of the helmet with rust age coming through the brush applied writing from underneath ( See images ) . This is especially prominent to the crown area. A very appealing naturally aged patina has developed on the helmet over time making this a truly unique piece of war history. Liner removed .
WW2 German M40 \'Tortoise Shell\' Camouflage Helmet Interesting ' barnfind' M40 camouflage helmet with three colour tortoise shell effect swirled camouflage scheme. As is typical , the entirety of the helmet has received a tan base colour overpaint with large forest green oval segments applied over the top & bordered with a lighter almost lime green edging. There is very old rust bleed to the entirety of the exterior but with the camouflage still prominent. All three liner pins are undisturbed , the one on the front right has lost its outer cap & is totally original to the helmet. The leather liner has remains of soldiers name & number written in pencil onto it , there is what appears to be a mouse chew to its front edge at forehead area & also to one of the fingers. Drawcord present. Leather chinstrap intact.
WW2 German M42 Battle Damaged Combat Helmet Interesting German M42 combat helmet with battle damage to left side. Helmet has had three impacts to the left side caused by seperate hits coming up from the inside & passing through the liner . These have hit the shell & been stopped causing the outward indentations as can be seen. When one pulls back the liner the band is exposed showing the damage caused by the hit & a foreign object of some sort still embedded which may be the remains of a round. Liner shows heavy wear with darkened areas on the leather. There is also a slightly larger dent on the top of the helmet. Helmet maker is 'hkp66' ( Sächsische Emailler - und Stanzewerke, Lauter ) & there is a handwritten soldiers name to rear rim. All three liner pins are original to the helmet & undisturbed.
WW2 German M42 Battle Damaged Steel Combat Helmet A battle damaged German soldiers helmet & one of a small collection of such helmets that came from a farm in the Falaise area of Normandy some years ago . This helmet is testament to the ferocious fighting in the Falaise area of Normandy with five entry & exit holes to the rear of the helmet. One is a shrapnel burst entering from the rear causing a one & a half inch gash with , next to that , exit damage from shrapnel that has come from inside the helmet causing splaying as it rips through the right side . The other three are shrapnel entries from the outside of the helmet. An M42 helmet with no decal its original factory green paint is still mostly visible with a light film of surface rust from outdoor storage. Zinc liner band still present to the inside with damage to this correlating with that of the shell . One rear slit pin ( original to the helmet ) remains holding the liner band in place. Part of the liner system still remains however only the metal band & the underside hair padding . Traces of leather on the hair would indicate that it was congealed & then hardened for reasons unknown , this explaining its removal. An interesting piece & indicative of the heavy fighting in that area in 1944.
WW2 German M42 Bullet Holed Camouflage Combat Helmet A German M42 camouflage helmet that has had two rounds go through it with close proximity bullet entry & exit holes to opposite side. From a longstanding German helmet collection recently purchased this piece was reputedly brought back from Operation Marketgarden, Holland by a British Armoured crew officer. Factory finished in dark grey green it has had patches of reddish brown camouflage paint painted to its exterior with a faint lighter green spray evident in places. Bullet entry & exit holes are evident with correlating puncture holes to leather liner where bullets have passed through , there is loss of paint around each hole . Some dark staining is evident to liner in places . Drawcord intact & chinstrap original with three letter code \'ftb\' & date \'43\' . Helmet shell marked \'ckl64\' , lot number \' 4732\' .
WW2 German M42 Combat Helmet A textbook straight from the woodwork non decalled M42 raw edge helmet complete with original uninterfered with liner & RB Numbered chinstrap. This helmet is finished in its rough textured original factory grey finish with all three liner pins undisturbed. Underside of rear rim shows faint lot number & manufacturer markings with only the size of '64' just about legible. As with most M42 helmets the markings are poorly stamped & can be difficult to see. Interior leather liner is of midwar issue in pigskin with tightening cord still present. It is still relatively supple although I have made no attempt to lift it & inspect the reverse. Chinstrap is a very nice example with grey painted steel buckle & 'RB NR' markings to pointed end. Textbook German combat helmet from the mid to late war period uncleaned & straight from the NW Europe fighting.
WW2 German M42 Field Cap 1942 Excellent example of the German M42 feldmutze. This was the field cap of the German army that was issued in 1942 to replace the M34 however was superceded by the more popular einheitsfeldmutze in 1943 . Only made for this brief period of time they are now quite scarce & an important part of the history of the German WW2 field cap. This example has two piece bevo insignia to front with two factory painted stippled buttons to facilitate taking down of the side skirts in cold weather. Ventilation grommets present to either side of the cap with rayon lining to interior which has ink stamped maker mark & date 1942. Size is a 56. B.II.42 marking denotes clothing depot grade & date 1942. There is some wear & tear overall with a 1cm moth nip to left side. There are two holes to the front of the cap one through the edge of the cockade going through to the lining. A smaller hole underneath is obscured by the front buttoned section of the skirt . Nap of cloth good .
WW2 German M42 Four Pocket Combat Tunic A very good example of the German army M42 combat tunic complete with iron cross second class ribbon to buttonholes & two belt equipment support hooks to front. Complete with light green waffenwarbe shoulder boards for panzergrenadier. The M42 was a modification of the M40 tunic with simpler non pleated pockets however it is distinctive with its scalloped front pocket flaps that were simplified again to straight flaps with the introduction of the M43 a year later. The mouse grey collar tabs are correct for this period with bevo breast eagle very professionally applied. There is evidence of a previous factory eagle having been applied however this may well have been period replaced as did happen die to preference of the soldier. Iron Cross ribbon is handstitched to buttonholes with three pressed card collar lining buttons present to inside of collar. Inside lining is that of artificial silk with size stamps & RB number to lower field dressing pocket. The often removed belt hook support tabs are still present. Overall condition of this combat tunic is very good indeed with hardly noticeable surface only tracking on left arm when examined closely.
WW2 German M42 Netted Sawdust Camouflage Helmet An M42 netted steel combat helmet which has received a rough sawdust mixed grey overpaint typical of that being used during the Normandy campaign of the mid 1944 period. Upon close inspection , the mix of the woodchip sawdust in the overpaint is very evident with this type of camouflage being found in a wide variety of colours & schemes applied over its dark green factory finish. An untouched & recently surfaced helmet , the leather liner is totally original to it with all three pins undisturbed & an exact colour match to the rest of the helmet from inside & out. It is interesting to note that the thin issue drawstring of the tongues has been period replaced with a now dirty & well worn strip of blue & white torn cloth threaded through the eyelets , no doubt a field replacement using materials that the soldier had available to him in the field & quite possibly from a cartridge ammunition carton. The short grey painted buckle end of the chinstrap remains & the poorly stamped markings to the shell read 'kl64 2567' . (CKL2567) . The net is as found with the helmet & is a British WW2 issue typically used by German combat troops when acquired as period photographs will testify. Found still in place tucked inside the liner I have kept them together as the condition of it would suggest that they have both been in action together before captured. A superb combat helmet & one indicative of the German combat soldier in 1944.
WW2 German M42 Non Decalled Combat Helmet A good large sized non decalled slate grey M42 helmet complete with original chinstrap . These helmets were issued with no decals as of August 1943 & became general issue to all branches of the Wehrmacht & Waffen SS after that date. This combat example bears maker , size & lot numbers \' NS66 6801\' to the rear underside of the rim denoting the maker \'Nickelwerk Schwerte\' . This helmets manufacture dates from the 1943 period with the zinc liner band being 1943 dated & a pigskin liner installed that has never been out of the helmet. The liner shows typical service wear overall this being evidenced more so at the forehead area. One of the liner pins is a period replacement this not being uncommon amongst combat worn helmets. The chinstrap is 100% original & marked to one end \'ftl44\' for the year 1944. Perfect for combat display & not commonly available today.
WW2 German M42 Normandy Woodchip Camouflage Helmet A fabulous German M42 helmet from Normandy with green & tan woodchip mixed camouflage paint to exterior. Identical to the camouflage found on helmets of the 6th Fallschirmjager Regiment in Normandy , this army M42 has a tan & green spray painted scheme with woodchip mixed into the paint ( See closeup images ) . A heavily worn combat piece of the Normandy campaign , this helmets original factory green paint can be seen through the damaged areas of the camouflage with army decal lightly sprayed over to left side. All three of the liner pins are totally original to the helmet & undisturbed. Interior is complete with liner & chinstrap , both display the effects of prolonged storage with rust to chinstrap buckle that has delicate leather in places . The end of the strap is damaged although present. I am unable to discern the maker due to rust age around the underside of the rim. Upon close examination some letters of what appear to be the name 'SHAY' can be faintly seen in the camouflage paint , perhaps an American GI name or place name . A classic Normandy camouflage helmet , not often seen on todays market.
WW2 German M42 Raw Edge Combat Helmet A no decal large sized M42 raw edge helmet with all the charactor that one would expect to see from a well battle use pickup helmet. In the typical slate grey of the mid to late war period this helmet has its original liner which one can see has never been out of the helmet. All of the liner pins match the colour & patina of the rest of the helmet perfectly. The interior liner is very well worn with a gash straight through one of the fingers. Its original string drawcord is still present. Batch number to rear of helmet is \' NS66 6776\' .The original chinstrap is still with the helmet there are some faint markings visible which are pictured in the images. The short strap is only partially present & detached however displays well inside the liner band. A well used piece which has seen the rigours of heavy fighting !
WW2 German M42 Raw Edge Helmet ( Untouched Souvenir Bringback ) If you like untouched , uncleaned battlefield bringback helmets that have just surfaced from the loft then this stunning time capsule of a piece may be for you. An M42 raw edge with original liner & chinstrap this helmet exudes history being offered as recently found in its uncleaned state. On the exterior of the helmet can be seen the remains of its factory finished grey matt finish with this being carried through to its underside. The unstable atmospheric conditions in which this helmet has lain for many years have left a very fine film of age rusting throughout which , in my opinion , really makes the helmet. The size & maker code of \'ckl64\' can be seen on the rear of the flared rim , \'ckl\' was the midwar code used by the firm Eisenhutten-Thale from 1943 onwards. The partially legible batch number is prefixed with \'31\' dating this helmets production between February 7 & August 1943 . A very faint dome stamp can sill be seen upon close inspection. The totally undisturbed zinc liner band has the date 1943 with liner retaining its original drawstring. All of the liner pins match the age & wear of the helmet with unbent arms evidencing that the liner has never been out . Chinstrap is in very good order & is as it came still on the helmet. There is an RB number to the underside of its pointed end & no damage , age cracking to the leather. A fantastic one off helmet , clearly original & untouched since it was brought home from WW2 .
WW2 German M42 Single Decal Army Helmet If you like minty condition German helmets look no further! This German M42 single decal army helmet comes completely as recently \'attic\' found totally uncleaned & still with its original chinstrap. Made by the firm \' Sachsiche Emailler und Stanzwerke A.G. \' ( HKP) it displays the rough texture grey paint typical of this maker . The army decal is the same as that supplied to the firm \'ET\' with the distinctive inner smooth curve line to the right wing different from that on the left. There is also a noticeable dimple to the right talon again textbook to this decal. The underside of the helmets rear rim is marked \' hkp66\' with batch number \' 4278\' dating this as from around the August 1942 period. An exact match in the \'ICE\' reference refers to other known examples. The whole interior of the helmet has a fantastic \'untouched\' sleeper look about it with the liner being of pigskin & the zinc band being dated 1940. All of the liner pins are totally undisturbed & original to the helmet with totally matching paint & age to the exterior heads & interior pins behind the band. Liner still has its original drawstring & dust & dirt accumulated to its surface over the years. Chinstrap is interesting & quite clearly 100% original to the helmet. Matching in age to the entire helmet the slightly non standard metal fittings of the strap & buckle end are identical. This is most likely a mobile field repair shop reparation with the smooth underside of the long strap being face inwards for comfort & practicality. A stitch repair has been applied to the short buckle end . A slight film of non deep old dry storage rust can be seen to the shell , I have made no attempt to clean it . Decal is excellent with one chip to left wing. Coming with the helmet will be a piece of paper written by the vendor stating the name of the village near Falaise, Normandy where it was found.
WW2 German M42 Single Decal Army Helmet An M42 raw edge single decal army helmet with markings & size mark \'CKL64\'. Having a good proportion of its original dark grey paint remaining the decal to left side is good & around 75% intact with lal three liner pins undisturbed & never having been out of the helmet. The maker marking , size & lot number are stamped into the rear reading \' CKL64 \' with lot number only partially legible. CKL is a later maker code for the well known firm \'ET\' which they switched to in the mid to late war period. Liner is good & totally original to the helmet with the last three digits of the soldiers number handwritten onto the underside of one of the tongues & a ink stamped size mark of \'57\' . Overall there is some natural age patina to the helmets entirety .
WW2 German M42 Single Decal Luftwaffe Helmet A fabulous \'straight out of the woodwork\' large sized M42 single decal Luftwaffe steel combat helmet complete with its original chinstrap . In a very typical rough finish Luftwaffe blue grey paint on the outside of the helmet this \'ET66\' made example ( Eisenhuttenwerke ,Thale ) has a superb second pattern decal of which a very high percentage ( Approx 95%) remains intact. The decal is of the \'dotted wing\' type commonly found on helmets made by \'ET\'. All of the liner pins match the rest of the helmet in age & paint & an inspection of them inside & out enables us to conclude that they are totally unmolested & original to the helmet. The date 1943 can be seen to the liner band with not too much difficulty. The liner itself shows wear but no damage with all of the fingers untorn & with original drawstring still in place. The name \' R.Boulter\' can be seen written on the forehead area of the liner this being British sounding & most likely the name of the soldier who captured it. The batch number \' 1831\' is visible to rear skirt of the helmet. Chinstrap is a scarcer pigskin produced example with steel buckle. Pigskin chinstraps can be seen on M42 helmets typical of later expedients. This fabulous piece bears all the charactor of a combat used example worn by a Luftwaffe infantry soldier of the paratroopers or field division or a gunner from the growing number of flak crews constantly deployed as the allied division rolled onwards.
WW2 German M42 SS Grenadier Named Helmet A WW2 German non decalled M42 helmet with the names of two different Waffen SS Grenadiers written onto the liner suggesting two different wearers in its service. Helmet is in its original factory grey paint with original untouched liner pins that have never been disturbed. Both handwritten names begin with ' SS Gren ' one with a crossed out surname ending in 'sch' & the other reading ' SS Gren Beck ' . There is much wear to the liner this most likely being reissued to another soldier after the first wearer was wounded. The style of the writing is definately how one would expect to see it of that period & the age & wear commensurate to the helmet having been worn on a head with sweat causing natural fading to the ink. Chinstrap is original with grey painted steel buckle & only faint traces of markings to the pointed end.
WW2 German M42 Three Tone Normandy Camouflage Combat Helmet A three tone brush stroked M42 Normandy camouflage helmet complete with liner. Helmet has been thickly brush painted in classic vehicle camouflage colours there being dark green , dark brown & tan ochre to the helmets exterior. At one point in its history the helmet has had thick baling or telephone wire to its top & sides which has been removed leaving clear indentations to the camouflage scheme. All three of its original split rivets remain with liner still present to inside. The fingers of the liner are now mostly minus there being traces of heavy staining to the lower edges which appears to have splashed onto some upper areas of the leather. This is, therefore , most likely a casualties helmet & testimony to the harsh reality of combat. An ET62 marked helmet with factory dark green paint to the inside & lot number to rear skirt.
WW2 German M42 \'Sicily\' Campaign Souvenir Helmet An interesting German M42 helmet from the Sicily campaign with an Italian gas mask strap utilised by the German soldier on the helmet. This untouched German helmet is a classic example of soldier art with the name \'SICILY\' handpainted by the soldier across the front of the helmet. A classic raw edged M42 it has had its decal removed from the left side as per the 1943 regulation. An \'EF62\' marked helmet for the firm \' Emaillerwerke A.G./Fulda \' its liner is totally undisturbed with all three liner pins matching in paint & unmolested. The original drawcord is still intact. A very faint oval dome stamp can just be seen to crown. An interesting note about the use of an Italian gas mask strap is that all sorts of ad hoc replacements can be found on German helmets either out of necessity or individual preference. In the heat of Sicily it makes perfect sense that a webbing version would be preferred over that of the issue German leather strap. Interesting helmet recently found in America & no doubt a bringback souvenir of an American GI .
WW2 German M43 Army Field Cap ( Einheitsfeldmutze ) If you are looking for a mint example German M43 cap please read no further ! If an original object from the German occupation of France & the 1944 Battle for Normandy fires interest within you then this M43 Einheitsfeldmutze recently found in the Cherbourg ( Cotentin Peninsular ) area of Normandy may be one for your display case. Still with its original Bevo trapezoid insignia to the front of the cap & both original buttons there is also a leather sweatband machine stitched to its interior lining this at the preference of of the wearer. This is still supple & remains undamaged . As can be seen from the images there is moth to the exterior of the cap exposing the lining beneath it in places. A few holes to the underside of the brim show the card stiffener used in its construction. Fresh to the market & straight out of a Norman loft !
WW2 German M43 Army NCO Service Tunic A superb example of the German midwar M43 pattern field blouse complete with bevo breast eagle & collar litzen correct for the midwar period . Partially rayon lined it has very nice clear ink size 'dice ' markings to interior with RB Number quite prominently placed alongside this. Field dressing pocket intact with belt hook support straps removed . Upon close inspection, the breast eagle does appear to be the only eagle ever to have been on & is pleasingly correctly applied with understitching to top edge & the remainder to its surrounding outer edges. Collar litzen the same with no other signs of previous application underneath . Of a good mannequin size it has no unsightly moth & displays only service wear to the nap of the cloth. All buttons complete.
WW2 German M43 Four Pocket Combat Tunic ( With Shoulderboards ) A good example of the army M43 four pocket field blouse with bevo breast eagle , collar litzen & Iron Cross second class ribbon to buttonhole. Tunic has the M43 style of unpleated pockets with three holes to each waist for belt hooks. Buttons are of the midwar onwards dark grey painted pattern & are all complete. There are several award loops to left breast above pocket & two to left breast pocket. Bevo breast eagle does appear to be originally stitched & is in the correct top edge stitched first configuration sewn through the lining as is seen. Partial rayon lining to interior with dice stamp markings present ( blurred ink ) . White piped shoulder boards for infantry complete. In overall excellent condition with only very minor service wear & tear.
WW2 German M43 Infantry Combat Tunic A good example of the army M43 four pocket field blouse with bevo breast eagle & Universal collar litzen correct for this tunic. Tunic has the M43 style of unpleated pockets with three holes to each waist for belt hooks. Buttons are of the midwar onwards dark grey painted pattern & are all complete. One pair of award loops to left breast pocket. The collar litzen are well seated into the collar of the tunic & correctly sewn as one would expect to see with the bevo mouse grey on green breast eagle being the original eagle for this tunic but reapplied due to being found in the pocket. There is the standard partial rayon lining to interior with dice stamp markings present ( blurred ink ) . A very good condition example of this midwar onwards service tunic ideal for portaying a German soldier of the Normandy fighting.
WW2 German M43 Luftwaffe Field Cap A textbook late war M43 Luftwaffe field cap worn mainly by ground troops such as field division soldiers & paratroopers. Cap is made from the typical late war scratchy blue wool with an RB numbered & size marked blue grey artificial silk lining. The two blue painted pebbled buttons to front are totally correct & original to the cap with shoulder strap loops to underside of skirt matching that of lining material. Some field wear is seen on the front forehead area of the lining with dirt & wear through the lining & a couple of holes to underside & top right edge of brim. Interesting that the card stiffener can be seen beneath its wool covering also the brim reinforcement where it is stitched to the cap. There are a couple of small moth nips to rear skirt visible when pulled down. A very nice cap indicative of a Luftwaffe ground troops soldier .
WW2 German M43 Officers Einheitsfeldmutze Typical issue quality M43 officers cap with OR bevo trapezoid to front & aluminium rank piping to crown. Of typical field grey wool construction the cap has overall service use throughout with a couple of holes to the wool & much of the aluminium to the rank piping having worn down but being visible at the seams when inspected closely. Trapezoid patch to front has been correctly applied ( top to sides) being of OR issue quality but with officer quality silver washed buttons fitted to front. Inside of cap has typical cotton lining with only size stamp '58' & partial leather sweatband to front. Securement loops present to inside of cap skirt as well as reinforcing to inside of front flap seams. Overall superb untouched example of the issue quality Officers M43 , fakes & postwar adaptations being plentiful.
WW2 German M44 Combat Trousers ( Feldhose ) A rare pair of the German M44 trousers the final model of trouser issued to German soldiers in the closing stages of WW2. Constructed in grey wool this model have a straight cut with two pointed flap pockets to front & stitched in belt loops to waist. The rear of the trousers have two button up flap pockets to compensate for the two lower pockets not present on the new M44 Field Blouse. The waistband is lined with white cotton & the underside of the pocket flaps are reinforced with blue artificial silk, very typical of late war construction. Materials used in the construction of this late model varied considerably from a grey to brown wool mix with existing stocks of whatever was available being used up to feed demand. The material used here is of the same grey wool mix seen on the M43 tunic thus most likely dating these to the late 1944 period. Dice stamped size markings are clearly visible with RB number ink stamped below this. Ankle cords present to bottoms. A very good pair these are field used with wear to the nap of the cloth & only a couple of minor field repairs noticeable upon close inspection. Waist size is an approx 32 in with inside leg an approx 28.5 inches.
WW2 German M44 Trousers A rare pair of the German M44 trousers the final model of trouser issued to German soldiers in the closing stages of WW2. Constructed in grey wool this model have a straight cut with two pointed flap pockets to front & stitched in belt loops to waist. The rear of the trousers have two button up flap pockets to compensate for the two lower pockets not present on the new M44 Field Blouse. The waistband is lined with white cotton & the underside of the pocket flaps are reinforced with blue artificial silk, very typical of late war construction. Materials used in the construction of this late model varied considerably from a grey to brown wool mix with existing stocks of whatever was available being used up to feed demand. The material used here is of the same grey wool mix seen on the M43 tunic thus most likely dating these to the late 1944 period. Dice stamped size markings are clearly visible with RB number ink stamped below this. Ankle cords present to bottoms. A very good pair these are field used with wear to the nap of the cloth & only a couple of minor field repairs noticeable upon close inspection. Waist size is an approx 32 in with inside leg an approx 28.5 inches.
WW2 German Marching/ Jackboots A well worn pair of the iconic German jackboots as worn by all personnel of the Wehrmacht & Waffen SS. An early issue pair of boots these were worn right through until the end of the war alongside the later shortened marching boot & issue ankle boot . In black leather & still in supple condition some of the original studs remain to soles. In the early issue full length these are minus there inner canvas pulls with one boot having some minor warping to the leather between the soles & the uppers. There is also a period German repair to the right boot , evidence of the desirability to keep hold of their original issue marching boots . Still perfect for mannequin display & a textbook pair of German soldiers marching boots . Height of boot from bottom of heel to top is approx 33cm. Length of heel to toe from the underside is just under 30cm.
WW2 German Marching/Jack Boots An original pair of WW2 German marching boots or 'jackboots' as they are commonly known. These are standard German military issue & were used by the Army , Waffen SS & Luftwaffe right through WW2. The markings ' 28 6 40 50 ' appear to the inside upper edge of the boots apparently denoting the size '28' & year of manufacture 1940. Well service worn boots they retain a large number of their hobnail studs to soles . German soldiers were invariably only issued one pair of boots in their whole service & so field repairs by the local civilian cobbler or military repairer are common. This pair have survived in remarkably good condition with some worm attack to left boot & a couple of holes to shaft in places. Perfect for mannequin display this is an original pair worn by a German soldier throughout WW2.
WW2 German Matching Gas Mask Numbers Complete With Cleaning Cloth , Spring & Spare Lenses- Named Uffz Lemke A complete gas mask set named to an Unteroffizier & with cleaning cloth , spring & spare lenses. This is the earlier slightly shorter tin which was lengthened in around 1940. Much of its original factory green paint remains with both long & short straps totally wartime period. The Fe41 filter has black ink stamped eagle & swastika with date November 1944 . two dates can be seen to gas mask inner edge , one of 1939 & one of 1944 indicating a reissue later in the war. The 1944 date is also repeated on the bottom of the tin plus there are two names one of the Uffz Lemke as reads on the spare lense compartment & also the name of \' Gerne\' on one of the head straps. A very good clean set with both gas mask numbers matching to tin & mask.
WW2 German Matching Named Mess Tin, Breadbag & Waterbottle Set A German soldiers kit set comprising mess tin, breadbag & waterbottle. The kit has come from the same man the mess tin & breadbag bearing his name of \'Dietz\'. Mess tin is in aluminium & has the name scratched onto top & bottom. It also his unit \'6. sektion 11 komp\' scratched onto the main body . There also are the letters \'ltn\' before the name most likely denoting rank of Leutnant. It appears he was captured & the places of his captivity also scratched on these being Champagne & Mulsanne with the dates 1945/46/47. Mess tin strap dated 1942. Breadbag is an early to midwar example with his name & unti repeated on the belt hook strap. Waterbottle is also an early example with black aluminium cup dated 1939. Aluminium screw cap & bottle are marked & dated O.H.W 36. (1936). Overall a good complete set from a German combat soldier.
WW2 German Matching Number Gas Mask & Canister With Original Carrying Straps A very good German gas mask set with matching number to snout of mask & neck of canister. Gas mask is of the M38 black rubber facepiece model with \'bwz\' maker code to underside of rubber. All of the green canvas straps are still present & undamaged & the date \'42 appears to snout along with gas mask number \'71\' handpainted on by soldier. Filter is of the FE41 model with black ink stamped waffenamt marking & \'43 date. The fluted green steel carrying canister is in very good condiiton with most of its factory green paint still present. The matching gas mask number \'71\' appears to neck & the embossed \'D\' is on the bottom of the tin for \'Dicht\' denoting air tight & seen on tins produced from October \'41 onwards. The spare lense compartment is three letter coded & dated \'ets43\' with a pair of spare lenses contained within. The sprung pull catch works perfectly is maker marked & dated \' frn43\' . Both long & short gas mask straps are 100% wartime produced original , not postwar Bundeswehr as is often seen.
WW2 German Matching Numbered & Leutnant Named Luftwaffe Ground Combat Troops Gas Mask Set A very nice gas mask set that has been used by Luftwaffe ground combat troops still in its factory green paint but with luftwaffe blue painted to the bottom of the tin & to the spare lense compartment which has also the name & rank \' WENTZLOFF Ltn\' ( Leutnant ) painted over the top of it. This name also appears on the long neck strap of the gas mask. The gas mask number \'252\' is painted onto the neck of the canister & to the snout of the gas mask. The date \'44\' & three letter maker code is visible to the snout also with \'42 date to canister pulltab. There is a waffenamt marking ink stamped to the inner edge of the gas mask facepiece. Filter is a model Fe37. Both long & short straps are 100% original wartime manufacture & have always been with it.
WW2 German Matching Numbered Gas Mask & Canister With Cleaning Cloth , Spring & Spare Lenses Straight from Normandy a recently surfaced German gas mask & canister complete with matching soldiers number to canister & mask , both long & short carrying straps , cleaning cloth , retaining spring & 1940 dated spare antimisting lenses for eyepieces. The number ' 4545 ' refers to the soldiers gas mask number which would have been entered into his soldbuch , it is uncommon to find both still together as they were carried by the soldier in WW2. Gas mask filter is the Fe42 type with ink stamped eagle & swastika marking & '43 date . The rubberised gas mask facepiece of the M30 model is dated 1940 to inside edge with maker 'AEG' maker to lense rims & date 1940. Gas mask canister retains a good proportion of its original green factory paint & is dated 1938 to spare lens compartment. Both long & short straps are totally oriignal to the set & display some fraying in places from heavy wear. Cleaning cloth still in place with retaining spring also present. Hard to find in such a complete state , I have left completely as it came to me .
WW2 German Matching Numbered K98 Bayonet & Frog 1938 ( Marine ) Veteran bringback K98 bayonet complete with scabbard & frog liberated from the Le Havre area of Normandy by a former British soldier. Bayonet is marked to FW Holler with the date 1938 to spine of blade which has a good portion of its original blueing remaining. Serial number on blade matches that of scabbard which is also maker marked to FW HOLLER & dated 1938. Black leather frog is in good supple condition with aluminium studs typical of an early war piece. Maker markings to leather are partially visible with waffenamt above an 'M' signifying a Kriegsmarine issue piece. Retaining strap to frog present again typical of an early war piece. Overall some age with profuse waffenamt markings throughout. Good untouched veteran bringback piece & one of a pair the other also listed .
WW2 German Matching Numbered K98 Bayonet Still In Brown Luftwaffe LBA Marked Frog An untouched matching numbered 1940 dated K98 bayonet in its original brown leather luftwaffe marked bayonet frog. This bayonet was found several years ago in a house in the Argentan area of Normandy near to the Trun-Chambois Gap area of the Falaise Pocket. I have left it completely as it came to me uncleaned & as originally discovered. Maker coded to blade \'ffc\' for the rare maker Friedrich Abr. Herder Und Sohn , Solingen \' with the date 1940 to back of blade. The matching serial number of \'8823\' is clearly visible . Both black bakelite grips are in very good undamaged condition & waffenamt markings are present to pommel & tip of scabbard. The brown leather scabbard is classic luftwaffe isssue with the Luftwaffe Bekleidungs markings \' LBA (S) \' visible to the reverse. Interesting time capsule piece & an artefact of the Normandy fighting.
WW2 German Matching Numbers Luftwaffe Gas Mask , Canister , Spare Lense , Spring & Cleaning Cloth An untouched & complete matching numbered WW2 German gas mask in its carrying tin which has been overpainted in blue for Luftwaffe troops. Also present is the cleaning cloth & spring as well as a packet of 1943 dated spare lenses. Originally in its green factory paint this can be seen in places under the luftwaffe blue overpaint. When one examines the tin it is apparent that the blue luftwaffe paint has been applied to the inside of the lid & spare lense compartment as well as the upper portion of the interior of the body .The front fastening catch has the maker code & date \'43\' with remnants of a paper name label to the spare lense compartment. Both cleaning cloth & retaining spring are still present to bottom of the tin. The rubberised fabric gas mask facepiece has the size number \'2\' with maker code & \'43\' date to snout. The soldiers number of \'658D\' matches that of the tin. The eagle & swastika & 1943 date are stamped to the inside edge of the facepiece . Fitted with an FE37 filter which has the date 1940 & eagle & swastika mark remaining. The red letters \'UB\' are marked to its face. Both long & short carrying straps are totally original to the set . Overall condition excellent with some general age rust to lid & body. Difficult to find Luftwaffe issue examples especially when as complete as this.
WW2 German Matching Numbers Officer Named Early Gas Mask & Canister 1936 Early WW2 German gas mask with matching numbered canister & original carrying straps. This mask is of the early GM30 model with rubberised fabric facepiece dated 1938 . One of its long straps has the ink written rank & name \'Ltn.Feik\' (Ltn -Leutnant). Filter is 1937 dated with eagle & swastika marking still clearly visible. Gas mask canister is of the early short model with 1936 date to spare lense compartment. First model of fastening latch to canister lid . Both carrying straps are original to the tin with a repair to one side of the long strap ( See pictures ) . The soldiers number appears to the neck of the canister this also repeated on the snout of the mask so we know this set has always been together. There is rust age to canister as can be seen in pictures .
WW2 German Matching Soldier Numbered Gas Mask & Canister A true 'sleeper' in every sense of the word this gas mask , carrying tin & all of its webbing straps have always been together from the one soldier with matching three digit number of '908' to neck of the tin & snout of the mask. Still bearing rust , dust & natural age it is being offered to you totally as it came to me straight from the loft. The mask is the early issue rubberised canvas model with all of its straps complete & intact .To inside edge of the facepiece are several waffenamt markings with the date '43'. This appears to be a reissue date as the earlier date of '1937' can be seen to the opposite side. Filter is of the Fe41 model with its eagle & swastika inspection marking unobliterated & clearly visible. Both eyepieces are undamaged & have lenses fitted that are 1944 dated. The carrying tin is the longer model but predating 1941 with no 'D' yet on the bottom of the tin. Matching totally in wear & age all of the gas mask straps & fittings are WW2 original issue & have never been off of this tin. The spare lense compartment has had a paper name label removed & comes complete with 1944 dated spare lenses within. In fear of repetition & with a brief search of my limited vocabulary i can think of nothing more appropriate than the dealer cliche ' time capsule piece ' !
WW2 German Medical Kit MG Tin A German MG tin used as a medical kit with a red cross roundel painted to front & a \'WH\' prefixed serial number painted in red above it along the length of the tin. It was quite common for German Mg tins to be used in roles other than for carrying ammunition their use for carrying medical supplies not being uncommon. Directly onto the factory blue grey paint of the tin their has been an entire overpaint in a similar dark green grey colour then a red cross painted over a white roundel to one side. A previous weapon number can just about be seen under the paint at the top of the tin where the handle is. A waffenamt marking can also be seen. There is weathering & age discolouration to the red cross roundel & also the WH number which may well refer to an inventory . Both leather tabs are still in place to the handle & carrying brackets on each end. Nice original piece & a classic Wehrmacht medical item.
WW2 German Medical Officers HBT Tunic A totally untouched WW2 German HBT tunic that has been worn by a medical officer with the addition of sewn in cornflower blue piped officers shoulder boards , cornflower piped officers silver bullion collar patches & officers silver bullion breast eagle. I have examined this tunic & am of the opinion that it is originally wartime tailor applied insignia . The tunic would have been purchased from stores by the officer , the factory sewn machine stitched breast eagle & collar patches removed & then the current insignia mounted by a tailor which was a common practice amongst officers. When one examines the weathering around the edges of the larger collar patches there is very clear age shadowing evidencing its time & service wear on this collar. There is evidence of what may be moth nibbling to the green wool backing of each patch & also wear to the rear of the collar. The HBT tunic itself is a second model dating from around the 1942/43 period with all three of its pressed paper collar liner buttons to rear of collar. All of its removeable buttons are present & there are white ink stamped markings to the reverse of front fly. Nice item , untouched & a good mannequin size.
WW2 German MG13 Machine Gun 1938 A stunning example of the German MG13 machine gun. The MG13 was introduced into service in 1930 & was the standard German light machine gun until superceded by the MG34 & MG42. When withdrawn from service in 1934 most MG13s were sold to Portugal & restamped with the Portuguese crest however those not sold were placed into storage & later saw use by second line German forces in WW2. This is a fantastic example coming complete with its folding butt stock & leather clamshell shoulder pads. It is clearly dated 1938 on the receiver & also on the bipod. Profusely marked in many places with the nazi waffenamt stampings it comes with a 1938 dated 25 round box magazine. Capable of being cocked & dryfired it has a Home Office certificate of deactivation . UK sales only.
WW2 German MG34 7.92mm Machine Gun 1940 An early war MG34 7.92mm machine gun with 1940 date surmounted by maker code '936' the code for BSW of that year. Waffenamt markings on receiver 'WaA4' for BSW with mostly matching numbers. Profuse German eagle & swastika markings to be seen throughout the weapon with bipod also nicely waffenamt marked to top & each leg. It is of note that the bipod is also marked 'SWITZ' with date 38 which was the German firm 'Siemens Elektrowärmer G.m.b.H. Werk Sörnewitz' Their number code was '993' & they produced various MG34 components as well as the lafette in the early war period. They went on to produce other items for the German military as the war went on. Barrel opening still functions & gun is capable of being , cocked , striped & dryfired. Comes with Home Office certificate of deactivation. UK sales only.
WW2 German MG42 Machine Gun A very nice example of the German MG42 machine gun with all wartime parts & brown bakelite grips. MG42 designation having \'ar\' maker code (Mauser-Werke AG, Werk Borsigwalde) with clear waffenamt stamp visible. Top cover also double waffenamt stamped with \'cof\' code for Carl Eickhorn, Solingen who made weapons parts as well as edged weapons. Trigger guard again profusely waffenamt stamped with no damage to grips. \'bpr\' code to cocking handle & \'ehs\' code to adjustable backsight. Barrel removal catch is fully openable having not been welded shut. Waffenamt stamp to backsight. Bipod profusely marked with waffenamt stamps & three letter \'dfb\' maker code ( Gustloff-Werke ,Waffenwerk Suhl ) & dated 1943. Overall a very good all wartime parts MG42 in excellent condition with much blueing remaining. Home Office certificate of deactivation supplied.
WW2 German MG42 Machine Gun An immaculate condition MG42 with wartime maker code of 'ar' for the firm Mauser Werke Borsigwalde . Many nazi waffenamt markings visible with superb reddish brown bakelite grips , wooden butt & wartime waffenamt marked bipod. A wartime produced MG42 it has remained in German service after WW2 & interestingly has both nazi waffenamt markings & those of the Bundeswehr who used these weapons in 7.62mm calibre. Feeder tray is that of 7.92mm being able to take a belt of 7.92mm rounds if required for display purposes. This MG is capable of being impressively cocked & dryfired , coming with Home Office certificate of deactivation. UK sales only. The 7.92mm 1941 dated ammunition tin & display ammunition belt are not included however can be purchased together at an additional cost of £85 + P&P if bought with the gun. Home Office certificate of deactivation supplied. UK sales only.
WW2 German Model 1942 Plane Tree SS Camouflage Smock A superb & original combat example of the rare model 1942 SS camouflage smock in plane tree camouflage. It is a near unbeatable example , totally unmodified & although some wear is evident there are no field repairs. This is the so called 'Type 2' smock that has slanted pockets ( differing from the earlier straight ) in use from the latter half of 1943. All foliage loops are intact & original with no unsightly rips or tears to the armpit vents. Both bottom pockets are in their typical configuration with metal dished buttons to both sides & tan pocket bags. Both camouflage sides are strong in colour with some elasticity remaining to waistband. The camouflage application on to the textile in its manufacture also displays the traits that one would expect to see on an original SS camouflage smock i have photographed these as well as details of one inner sleeve. There is some light wear to the front of the smock with some minor fraying to one of the lower edge areas. Overall an excellent original example & typical of that much worn by the Waffen SS in the 1944 Normandy campaign & onwards. The colours on this piece are still vibrant
WW2 German Motorcyclists Coat (Kradmantel) Unit Marked & 1937 Dated A superb 1937 dated example of the German motorcyclists protective coat in field grey rubberised fabric with dark green collar & unit marking to inside lining. The iconic \'Kradmantel\' was originally introduced for use by motorcycle mounted personnel such as Despatch Riders , Motorcycle troops & Feldgendarmerie however was so popular that it was often worn by non motorcyclists of all ranks & arms of service whenever they could obtain them. This early war example has ink stamped markings to interior \' 15./Sch P . 4 \' which appear to be for a Panzer regiment or school. The inspection stamp of \' E37\' dates to 1937 & most likely refers to the Erfurt depot. This is an early issue piece with rubberised underside dark green cloth collar used from around the 1937 period until May 1940 when the dark green was changed to grey. The collar could be buttoned up in the closed position with a rubberised button tab & the lower rear skirt opened & closed with three small horn buttons , all still present & original to the coat. All of its pebbled buttons are present with no moth at all to the wool collar. The rubber of the coat is excellent with only light wear. Both stitched tabs & buttons are present to shoulders for insertion of shoulder boards.
WW2 German Mountain Troop Trousers ( Berghose ) A hard to find pair of private purchase German Berghose in excellent condition. Several different versions of these now scarce trousers existed with this pair being in the typical field grey wool of the early to midwar period. Trousers have the typically seen two flap fastened pockets to hips with fob pocket & one flap fastened pocket to rear. Stitched seam lines run the whole length of the trouser leg front & rear. All buttons are present to fly with a non standard hook & eye closure to waist. Rear seat is reinforced. As is typical of Berghose there have at one time been straps at the ankles that ran under the foot however these are no longer present. Size adjustment straps with 'Prym' marked clamp buckles can be seen to waist & the interior is lined with off white smooth cotton. A scarce pair of trousers there have been some moth nips to the front crotch & to the sides of it which have had some repair. I have shown these in the pictures provided. A well service used pair , the waist measures an approx 30-31 inches with a 29 inch inside leg.
WW2 German Mountain Troopers (Gebirgsjager) Ice Axe Good Gebirgsjager example of the Mountain troopers ice axe with metal Edelweiss badge period mounted onto handle. Measuring 35 inches in length the handle is made of hickory wood ( lightly varnished to prevent blistering ) as was the standard for most German wooden handled tools such as the entrenching tool, spade etc. Metal shows some ageing & still has its metal suspension loop on the main portion of the shaft. Traces of maker mark to pick head. Interestingly the original owner has attached his Edelweiss badge to the lower shaft which has clearly been in situation for some considerable time with age patina & wear correlation to the edges of the wood underneath it. The badge is a correct Gebirgsjager issue ( authorised in May 1939) white metal construction with a gilt centre & is the type as would be worn on the left side of the Berg or Schirmmutze. Overall scarce piece of Gebirgsjager equipment.
WW2 German Mountain Troopers/Medics Waterbottle Large capacity waterbottle originally intended for Gebirgsjager or Medical personnel Recently found in the Falaise area of Normandy, France scene of much fighting in 1944 i am of the opinion this would have been used by a field medic due to the troops in the area at the time. Bottle is in its usual brown felt cover with black strapped cradle & buckles on the side for a carrying strap which is minus. Steel enamelled cup is maker marked 'ESB' & dated 1943 & in its original olive green paint. Overall the condition is not bad although there is rust ageing to the metalwork & the straps are in need of some leather food. I havent taken off the cup as the strap needs to be fed before this is attempted so there may be a name etc to yet be found. Nice original field piece with an interesting battlefield history.
WW2 German MP40 Magazine Pouch 1942 A very good 1942 dated MP40 magazine pouch in thick green canvas & with brown leather fittings. This pouch is a classic example with both of its original belt loops to rear marked with the first having waffenamt stamp , maker code 'jsd' & date '1942' . The second loop has the weapon designation 'MP38 U 40' . Its thick heavy gauge stitching is distinct with 'nippled' pocket fastening studs to front. Stitching to loading tool pouch is intact. The D ring side strap for fastening of the equipment straps is in the smooth rayon type weave this being totally original to the manufacture of the pouch. As the war went on different materials were often utilised to make combat equipment the emphasis being on necessity rather than uniformity. A fantastic item & nice to see dated & well marked.
WW2 German MP40 Sub Machine Gun ( 1943 bnz ) A superb example of the MP40 sub machine gun with 1943 date & 'bnz' maker code for the firm ' Steyr Daimler-Puch '. Much of the guns original blueing remains to this piece with excellent black finish to bakelite furniture which is undamaged & tight fitting to the rest of the gun. Profusely waffenamt marked with many matching numbers the visual appearance of this iconic German weapon is impressive. Magazine is an original 'bte 42' marked example for the firm Frankische Eisenwerke AG with 1942 date. Waffenamt stampings also visible. Original black leather two holed MP40 sling can be purchased for this gun for £50 if bought together.( Listed seperately item number 4567 ) . Overall a superb piece with moving trigger coming with certificate of deactivation . UK sales only.
WW2 German MP44 Assault Rifle 1945 The iconic image of the late war German soldier fighting in the Ardennes 44/45 or the ruins of Berlin would undoubtedly depict him armed with the almost mythical Sturmgewehr 44 or otherwise known MP44 . This assault rifle was developed by Germany during WW2 & is considered by most to be the very first modern assault rifle. This fantastic rare example is in superb condition with MP44 designation to left side & serial number with 1945 date. Metalwork of the gun is excellent with no pitting , dents or damage. Wood butt & grips are undamaged & excellent. Magazine is the correct 'stg44' example with 'qlx' maker code to base. Sight is adjustable with fire selector switch also moveable. A new specification deactivation coming with deactivation certificate. UK sales only. See Deactivated German Weapons for full details.
WW2 German MP44 Assault Rifle 1945 The iconic image of the late war German soldier fighting in the Ardennes 44/45 or the ruins of Berlin would undoubtedly depict him armed with the almost mythical Sturmgewehr 44 or otherwise known MP44 . This assault rifle was developed by Germany during WW2 & is considered by most to be the very first modern assault rifle. This fantastic rare example is in superb condition with MP44 designation to left side & serial number with 1945 date. Metalwork of the gun is excellent with no pitting , dents or damage. Wood butt & grips are undamaged & excellent. Magazine is the correct 'stg44' example with 'qlx' maker code to base. Sight is adjustable with fire selector switch also moveable. A new specification deactivation coming with deactivation certificate. UK sales only.
WW2 German MP44 Old Spec Assault Rifle 1944 The iconic image of the late war German soldier fighting in the Ardennes 44/45 or the ruins of Berlin would undoubtedly depict him armed with the almost mythical Sturmgewehr 44 or otherwise known MP44 . This assault rifle was developed by Germany during WW2 & is considered by most to be the very first modern assault rifle. This fantastic rare example is in superb condition with MP44 designation to left side & serial number with 1944 date. Metalwork of the gun is excellent with no pitting , dents or damage. Wood butt & grips are undamaged & excellent. Magazine is a correct 'MP44' marked example . Sight is adjustable with fire selector switch also moveable. An old specification deactivation it is capable of being cocked , stripped & dryfired . Comes with deactivation certificate. UK sales only.
WW2 German Named & Matching Numbers Kriegsmarine Gas Mask & Canister Scarce M30 Kriegsmarine gas mask with matching soldiers number to facepiece & neck of canister. This gas mask is immediately identiable as KM issue with the attachment on the side for connection of communications equipment as found in Kriegsmarine coastal batteries & bunkers. It is marked with an 'M' mounted eagle & swastika to inside of facepiece denoting 'Marine' issue & the date 1939. All headstraps are intact with the apparent name of ' Kratochvil' in red on a white tag to long strap. This red stitched label is of very typical Kriegsmarine style often used by gun crews etc. The grey painted gas mask canister is classic Naval/coastal artillery issue with both long & short straps intact . Spare lens compartment is marked & dated 'EBD43' & containe a packet of spare lenses.
WW2 German Named Berlin Flak Unit Matching & Complete Gas Mask & Canister This named & unit labelled gas mask set is totally as it was used in WW2 by a member of the Flak troops with the Gas mask number of \'127\' being found on both canister & mask. Gas mask canister has a high proportion of its original factory green paint finish to exterior with both short & long carrying straps 100% original & as came with the set. The name \'Ahnert\' sppears handwritten onto the long neck strap. The lid of the spare lense compartment has a handwritten paper label by the soldier himself with , amongst other things, his name & feldpost number & also his \' Er.M\' meaning Erkennungsmark or identity tag number. This appears on the label as \' A127\' with this number also appearing on the snout of the gas mask so they have always been together. There are a pair of 1940 dated spare lenses inside the compartment & in the bottom of the canister the often missing cleaning cloth is present & its retaining spring still holding it in place. The green M38 model mask itself has a waffenamt mark to inside edge with a 1940 dated waffenamt marked Fe37 filter. A very nice complete set in very good non rusty condition. The feldpost number refers to the \'2. Batterie Reserve-Flakscheinwerfer-Abteilung 339\' who were initially stationed in Calais & Ostende in 1939/40 then were moved to Brest in July 1941. They finally became part of the Berlin Flak defences as part of the 1st Flak Division until the end of the war.
WW2 German Named Gas Mask Set A WW2 German gas mask set with both original wartime long & short straps . Gas mask is of the classic early green rubberised fabric with 1936 date to inside edge of facepiece. The handwritten nametag & unit mark of ' H.Dorr E.Z.II' is stitched to the long strap .Filter is of the FE41 type with proof mark inkstamped ' Gepruft 1943' to side. It is three letter maker coded fnr . Gas mask canister has much of its original green paint remaining with embossed 'D' to bottom signifying ' Dicht' for airtight. Spare lense compartment is intact with spare lenses present. Both of the straps , long & short are correct wartime issue , not the similar Bundeswehr replacements often offered as original. There two of the leather reinforcing strengthening tabs still present both date 1939 & very worn . Overall an excellent example of the standard issue German gas mask.
WW2 German Named M35 Luftwaffe Double Decal Helmet An M35 luftwaffe double decal combat helmet coming complete with its original chinstrap. Factory painted in luftwaffe blue smooth paint of this early period both decals are still very much present with wear overall to the entirety of the exterior. Underside rim bears the size & maker of \'Q66\' for the the firm Quist & the batch number 664. The original soldiers name of what appears to be \' Kerschbaum\' is handwritten to the rear . This can also be faintly see on the leather liner & with this & the undisturbed liner pins taken into account we can be sure that this liner has never been out of the helmet. Liner complete with original tightening string. The reinforced aluminium liner band is dated 1939. The brown leather chinstrap bears a maker name to its tip , please see picture. Overall good combat example with original chinstrap.
WW2 German Netted Camouflage Army M42 Single Decal Helmet A rare opportunity to own a 100% untouched German netted camouflage helmet offered just as found uncleaned , dirty, dusty & with its original chinstrap still intact. This quite amazing helmet is a time capsule from the NW Europe theatre of operations & typical of those worn by German combat troops in the latter stages of WW2. It is an M42 raw edge with partial army decal remaining & much of its slate grey factory paint still visible underneath the thick hemp netting. Having been outhouse loft stored for many years the metal surface has some minor rust development from damp conditions with a very grimy covering overall. The netting is in typical thick hemp with much correlating wear evident throughout. Interior of the helmet has an intact leather liner with original drawstring still present . The maker & size of \'ET66\' is visible to underside of rim. An old piece of soldier applied paper is visible down the back of the helmet between the liner & the band most likely to make a snugger fit or even for insulation . Chinstrap is very good & with grey painted steel buckle is marked to an \'Engefeld\' maker at pointed end. A stunning helmet & a rare opportunity to own such a fabulous piece of battlefield history.
WW2 German Normandy Camouflage Beaded Double Decal Combat Police Helmet A very interesting double decal beaded police helmet that has been painted in a classic three colour Normandy camouflage scheme . Spray painted to the entire helmet it is typical of that used on German vehicles being of the forest green , red brown & tan now widely referred to as ' Normandy colours '. The bead seen around the circumference of the helmet was added to show that it was not to be delivered as part of a military contract due it not passing the quality control standards which every helmet was subjected to. This being the case it would have been relegated for non frontline use & sold to a private company that provided helmets for the civilian market such as civil police or civil air defense ( Luftschutz ) . This helmet has been fitted with a civilian type liner upon its 'rejection' & then provided to the civil police who may have acted as an auxiliary unit somewhere near the front in the 1944 period. Outline of both decals can be seen underneath the paint with some red of the party shield showing through on the right side. Leather liner is a size 58 & helmet has the typical civilian chinstrap fitted. An 'NS66' with batch number 'DN98' it shows much field wear to its outside although leather parts still good.
WW2 German Normandy Camouflage Gas Mask A two tone spray camouflage gas mask set in colours that would typically have been seen used by German combat troops during the Normandy campaign. A base of tan ochre has been sprayed to the entirety of the helmet over its factory dark green paint with a light green thin spray sporadically applied throughout. Interestingly the spare lense compartment still contains a piece of paper that has on it a name & feldpost number of the soldier. Rank appears to be'Fu' for 'Funker' (signaller) . Both long & short straps are totally original to the helmet with three letter maker code & date '42' to short strap. Gas mask is 1940 dated to facepiece with an Fe41 filter. A classic combat soldiers item from the Normandy/European campaign. A two tone spray camouflage gas mask set in colours that would typically have been seen used by German combat troops during the Normandy campaign. A base of tan ochre has been sprayed to the entirety of the helmet over its factory dark green paint with a light green thin spray sporadically applied throughout. Interestingly the spare lense compartment still contains a piece of paper that has on it a name & feldpost number of the soldier. Rank appears to be'Fu' for 'Funker' (signaller) . Both long & short straps are totally original to the helmet with three letter maker code & date '42' to short strap. Gas mask is 1940 dated to facepiece with an Fe41 filter. A classic combat soldiers item from the Normandy/European campaign.
WW2 German Normandy Camouflage Gas Mask Canister A German three colour camouflage gas mask tin oversprayed in tan ochre, light green & brown as per those often referred to as in the Normandy camouflage scheme. Although not necessarily confined to Normandy these colours are quite typical of those that have been encountered coming from the Normandy 1944 fighting with the three colours being in particular contrast on the bottom of the tin. As is common, the tan ochre has been used largely as a base on which the green has been oversprayed ad hoc with the brown applied in the same way. Heavy wear is obvious with loss of paint in places although both top & bottom are largely unworn with three digits of the soldiers gas mask number \'112\' visible faintly on the top of the tin & also to the neck. Apparently French farmer used after the war as a practical storage container the lid of the lense compartment is minus as is the inner sleeve .
WW2 German Normandy Camouflage Gas Mask Set Rare German three tone camouflage gas mask carrying tin complete with its original issue mask & carrying straps. In a tan , brown & green spray paint camouflage scheme the tin has the tan as its base colour with an overspray of light green in places & minor patches of brown applied sporadically. The partial gas mask number applied to the neck of the tin matches that found on the mask which appeals in that the two have always been together. The web pull tab to its sprung loaded catch is still present with original wartime straps still attached. It is interesting to note that there is only one top strap loop , much testament to the use it would have seen in the field. Inside of tin is dated 1942 to spare gas mask lens compartment with very clear eagle & swastika waffenamt marking. Gas mask facepiece itself is dated 1940 with fe42 filter . Cleaning cloth spring still present to inside of tin. Very nice combat piece!
WW2 German Normandy Camouflage Gas Mask Tin & Mask A German gas mask & carrying tin in classic two tone Normandy tan ochre & forest green camouflage complete with its original wartime long & short carrying straps. This combat soldier has had the tan camouflage base spray paint applied onto the tin with a subtle green stripe going down the middle section & various smaller areas applied ad hoc to the rest of it. Underside of tin lid has the date 1939 with a faint name label on which the rank of an Obergefreiter can be discerned. Spare lenses to compartment. Both long & short straps are present both heavily worn. Gas mask is of the GM38 green rubber facepiece with nametag for \'Woller\' stitched onto long strap & gas mask number on snout. TheFe 42 filter bears ink stamped eagle & swastika markings. Untouched piece , typical of the German combat soldier in Normandy.
WW2 German Normandy Camouflage Gas Mask Tin & Mask A two tone spray camouflage gas mask set in colours that would typically have been seen used by German combat troops during the Normandy campaign. A base of tan ochre has been sprayed to the entirety of the canister over its factory dark green paint with a light green thin spray sporadically applied throughout. On the base of the tin can be seen the classic reddish brown camouflage paint often found on Normandy provenanced items. The spare lens compartment to inside of lid has the three letter maker code 'ebu' with date '42' The short strap still remains & is totally original correct wartime issue. Gas mask is 1939 dated to snout with an Fe41 filter having black ink eagle & swastika inspection stamp. A classic combat soldiers item from the Normandy/European campaign.
WW2 German Normandy Camouflage Helmet Classic M40 Luftwaffe camouflage helmet in typical Normandy colours & indicative of the spray paint camouflage seen on vehicles used by the SS & Wehrmacht during the Normandy campaign. Helmet exterior has much of its original camouflage paint remaining in green, tan & brown with a couple of damaged areas where the paint shows through to its Luftwaffe blue paint. Inside of helmet has a mid to late war replacement liner being of the thinner leather type which shows overall service wear & is undamaged. Factory Luftwaffe blue paint remains to inside with shell markings NS64 . Chinstrap is an early chocolate brown Luftwaffe issue with correct aluminium buckle & 1939 date. Overall scarce Normandy camouflage helmet as used by Field Divisions, Paratroopers & other Luftwaffe ground forces.
WW2 German Normandy Camouflage Wirecutters Case A rare German 1940 dated long wirecutters case with Normandy camouflage scheme spraypainted to its front. The thick spraypainted camouflage is typical of those that do turn up from time to time in Normandy with a green & brown over the typical tan base such as seen on items from the 6th Fallschirmjager regiment. It is impossible for me to definatively give you a unit from which this item came however the colours are distinctly exact for those used by certain combat troops involved in the 1944 Normandy fighting. Examination of the paint observes fine surface age cracking to its finish with the same being seen on the fastening strap caused by fastening & unfastening of the buckle. The rear of the case has been left in its issue black with matching age to the leather & perfectly intact stitching to belt loops. Although in my opinion insignificant there is a small area of loose stitching to the top of one side , please see picture. The top line of the maker stamping is difficult to see however \'KOLN 1940\' can still be seen. A rare original piece from the ferocious Normandy \' Bocage\' fighting of Summer 1944.
WW2 German Normandy Camouflaged Gas Mask & Tin German M38 gas mask with a light green & reddish brown camouflage overspray to canister & both of its original long & short straps with matching green paint to buckles. Typical of the some of the camouflage schemes found on Normandy related items the light green spray has been applied sparingly to the outside of the canister with the reddish brown colour very typical of the Summer of '44. The long & short carrying straps are totally original to it with matching light green paint to metal fittings of both. Inside of canister has spare lens compartment with maker & date of 1938 , a packet of 1944 dated spare lenses are inside. Gas mask is the M38 with full rubber facepiece there are two eagle & swastika markings stamped to the reverse of the facepiece. Filter is interestingly 'Tr' marked denoting suitable for Tropical use . This is also eagle & swastika marked. The gas mask number can still be seen painted to snout of the mask. This was most likely painted over on the canister when it was camouflaged . Overall nice set & would compliment a Normandy soldier mannequin display perfectly.
WW2 German Normandy Three Colour Camouflage Gas Mask Tin A stunning three colour camouflage gas mask canister straight out of the Normandy campaign & with battle/blast damage evident to its pull catch & body. Now an exceptionally hard to find item with original camouflage paint it is well known that German troops regularly camouflaged their equipment with vehicle paint as is the case here. The three classic colours of tan ochre , forest green & brown have been spray paint applied throughout this being more evident in the areas where , such as the top , it has gathered quite thickly. An examination of the camouflage paint finish establishes multiple crazing with natural now dark rust bleed evident in places. An examination of the bottom of the tin discovers the three numbers \' 053\' scratched into the tan paint by the soldier. Clearly a piece that has seen action there is blast distortion to the upper section of the front pull tab with some denting to one edge of the lid & to one side of the tin. The spare lense compartment inside the lid of the tin gives three letter maker code of \'ebu\' with date \'42\'. There is rust to the interior with what appears to be an allen key type tool wedged into the bottom of the tin. A classic farmer used piece this is most likely straight out of a shed or barn where it was used for storage of such items in the postwar years.
WW2 German Normandy Three Tone Camouflage Gas Mask A three tone Normandy camouflage gas mask canister with mask coming complete with both original carrying straps. Canister has been painted in the classic green , tan ochre & brown Normandy colours with brush strokes visible in the paint & tan ochre being the base colour . Green & brown splotches have been applied over this with the gas mask number to neck painted around so it is still visible. Canister is an early pre 1941 manufacture lacking the embossed 'D' which was applied as of around October 1941 for 'Dicht' . One pack of spare lenses to lense compartment. Both long & short carrying straps are original with green painted aluminium buckles. Pull tab to front intact. Gas mask is of the early M30 rubberised fabric with ink stamp to inside edge bearing date '1938' . To the snout is the date '38' with manufacturer logo. Remnants of hand painted gas mask number just about visible. Comes with Fe37 filter still retaining eagle & swastika marking. Canister has good colours with old darkened rust age patina in places , it retains its internal sleeve.
WW2 German Normandy Three Tone Camouflage Gas Mask Canister & Mask A totally original three colour spray paint camouflage gas mask tin in the typical tan ochre , forest green & dark brown of the Normandy campaign. As is typically seen a base of tan ochre has been applied to the tin with green & brown sprayed over the top of this. The camouflage paint has also been applied to the base of the tin where the prominence of the dark brown over the tan & green is apparent. Long strap remains although it has been cut most likely upon removal. Short strap is intact & both straps are left as they were found still on the tin . Spare lens compartment of the tin is maker marked & dated 1942. Spare lenses remain. Gas mask is of the green rubberised version with waffenamt markings to facepieces & fe41 1942 dated filter. A rare item of Normandy camouflage completely as picked up from the battlefield.
WW2 German Occupied France Made Kriegsmarine Field Cap A German Kriegsmarine field grey field cap for wear by coastal units . This is a French made example made under German occupation in Paris by the firm Chapeliere who are a known maker of caps for the German forces whilst under German occupation . One will observe the enlargening of the cap at its rear this reputedly as a result of workers at the factory making the caps too small as an act of defiance towards their German occupiers. When the Germans received the caps they were sent to be retailored to acceptable sizes presumably at Clemens Wagner whose maker stamp also appears on the lining of the cap ( See pg 214 Headgear of Hitlers Germany Vol.1 ) . The stamp of Chapeliere , Paris with a size stamp of '58' appears on the twill lining of the cap along with a second stamp from Clemens Wagner with a date appearing to be 4 August 1940 . With gold KM Bevo cap eagle & dark green backed Bevo cockade both originally sewn to the cap there is light wear with weathering observed to exposed areas when side skirts lifted. Some wear to nap of cloth & there are rust marks to top of cap.
WW2 German Officers Panzer M38 Cap A fabulous private purchase panzer officers M38 side cap with all original insignia & pink piping to front for Armoured units. Made of fine quality wool it has officers silver bullion wire to crown & scallop edge with pink soutache to front of cap. When one examines the application of the insignia it is quite apparent that it is originally applied with all being well seated with age into the wool. The soutache displays professional application with reverse of each end to the inside of the scallop being visible ( See image ) & bartacking to the front point. Interior has partial leather sweatband to forehead area with faint embossed ' Qualiitats Marke' . Overall in excellent condition with no unsightly moth & weathering visible when one pulls down the scallop sides . Fabulous cap.
WW2 German One Piece Luftschutze \'Gladiator\' Helmet 1939 An excellent example of the difficult to find one piece construction M38 Luftschutz helmet . In the so called 'Gladiator' style these can be found in one , two or three piece construction this being of one piece with embossed bead to circumference of helmet. With almost all of its satin dark blue finish to inside & out the Luftschutz decal is immaculate with all three liner pins original & totally undisturbed. Interior of helmet has original brown leather chinstrap with a typical low quality vinyl type liner. The price/property information label to underside of neck guard is intact these being items available for private purchase by individuals or groups. The maker & date code of '39 is stamped here also. Another variation from the Luftschutze helmet range these were only made until late 1940 when production was terminated due to steel shortages with the need for M35/40 combat helmets for the armed forces taking precedence.
WW2 German P08 9mm Luger Pistol 1941 ( Matching Numbers ) A superb 1941 dated matching numbered example of the iconic German luger produced in 9mm calibre & a favoured souvenir item of allied forces. This piece has three letter code 'byf' for Mauser on its toggle action & has the date '41' also. Profuse Nazi waffenamt & proof markings adorn this piece which has checquered wood grips & original Nazi waffenamt marked magazine ( non matching ) . There is some very light pin prick surface age in places however overall it is very good with much of its original wartime blueing remaining . Capable of being cocked, stripped & dryfired this is a very striking example of this classic German military sidearm. Deactivated according to Home Office guidelines & supplied with Home Office certificate of deactivation. UK sales only.
WW2 German P38 Pistol ( byf 43) A stunning 'byf 43' ( Mauser ) matching numbered & mint example of the German P38 pistol with dark brown bakelite grips & profuse waffenamt markings throughout. Used by many German troops from all branches of the Wehrmacht in WW2 these are much seen in action in all theatres of war being the follow on from the Luger & becoming the standard service pistol for German forces in WW2. Capable of being field stripped , cocked & dryfired this is a superb mint example of this symbolic WW2 weapon. Many waffenamt markings adorn this excellent example with some of the smaller internal parts being eagle & swastika marked to be seen when the gun is field stripped. Deactivated to Home Office specification with Home Office certificate of deactivation supplied. UK sales only.
WW2 German Panzer Grenadier Gefreiter M43 HBT Tunic A German M43 HBT tunic in quite excellent condition with shoulderboards & rank insignia for a Gefreiter in the Panzer Grenadiers. The cut of this piece is in the M43 style with four non pleated box pockets . All of the dark blue/grey painted pebbled metal fly & pocket buttons are removeable with S clips to reverse. An examination of its construction reveals the off white reinforcement edging to seam of front fly , selvedge edging to central interior seam of the back & within the distinctive weave itself a fabric composition of irregular thin & fat strands correct for wartime manufacture methods ( See images ) . It is interesting to note the two different non matching sections of HBT material used to line the underside of the collar one being distinctively greener than the other . The Interior is lined in grey rayon seen in use on garments from around the 1942 period onwards & the reverse top inside edge of the lower pockets is lined in blue rayon , a feature often seen on late war garments. Coming with two belt hooks in place I am confident to say that the midwar universal collar litzen are original machine stitched on with there being no evidence of any previous application. They are well seated to the fabric with their method of application as I would expect to see on original stitching. Bevo breast eagle intact. Rank badge to arm of Gefreiter machine stitched in place. Above this is the signallers badge in the green branch of service for Panzer Grenadiers. Boards are of a late issue with brown rayon backing & rayon piping. There are \'115\' unit slip ons to each. A stunning tunic.
WW2 German Panzer Officers Cap A fabulous panzer officers side cap with all original insignia & pink piping to front for Armoured units. This cap is a 1942 dated other ranks issue sidecap which has been upgraded to officer rank with officers silver bullion wire to crown & scallop edge & silver bullion insignia professionally tailor applied to front . This cap would have been one of the last M34 caps to be manufactured with production of the new two buttoned M42 cap starting in the same year. It was not uncommon for officers to purchase issue caps from stores then have them tailor upgraded to save on expense. When one examines the application of the insignia it is quite apparent that it is originally applied with all being well seated with age into the wool. The soutache displays professional application with reverse of each end to the inside of the scallop being visible ( See image ) . Overall in excellent condition with one small moth nip to side ( See image ). Fabulous cap.
WW2 German Panzer Regt.3 Photograph Album ( 2nd Panzer Division ) A fascinating Panzer photograph album to a mans service with 1.Kompanie , Panzer-Regiment 3 This album is packed with photographs of panzer crewmen wearing early black tank wrapovers & panzer berets as well as tanks & some bunker positions. At the front of the album is a postcard sized photograph of the Panzer soldier in black wrapper uniform & the famous panzer beret. To this postcard is the wording in German gothic script \' Zur Erinnerung An Meine Militardienstzeit \' ( A Reminder Of My Military service ) . The very front page is entitled \'Weinachten 1937\' \' Gewidmet Von Der Kompanie \' & signed by the \' Hauptmann und Kompaniechef \' ( Captain ) . All in excellent condition. Panzer Regiment 3 was part of the 2nd Panzer Division who fought in such famous engagements as the invasion of Poland , Battle of France , Battle of Greece, Operation Barbarossa , Battle of Kursk , Invasion of Normandy & the Battle of the Bulge. It suffered heavy losses in central Poland & after heavy losses on the Eastern Front was sent to France for rehabilitation in 1944. Almost completely destroyed in the Falaise Pocket it was once more rebuilt & fought in the Ardennes in 1944 through to the Rhine in 1945 before surrendering to US forces at the wars end.
WW2 German Paratrooper / Flight Crew NCO Fliegerbluse With All Original Wartime Applied Insignia One of the best examples of a midwar issue Luftwaffe fliegerbluse that I have had the fortune to own for many years. With branch of service in yellow for paratroops or flight crew this senior NCO rank example has NCO tresse & three gulled yellow collar tabs for a Feldwebel ( Sergeant ) . Both shoulder boards are present & have NCO tresse & one rank pip for a sergeant. Examining the collar tabs they are totally original to the piece being machine stitched around & well sunk into the cloth of the collar. Inspection of the reverse side evidences no trace of any previous stitch holes with the arms of the gulls very professionally fitted. Leading on to the embroidered breast eagle this is well sunk in & correctly zig zag stitched to the right breast. Again I can see no evidence of any previous holes whatsoever. This is more easily observed on the interior side where the wool is smoother & part of the stitching passes over the rayon reinforcing of the armpit allowing better examination. Lined in blue rayon it has an internal field dressing pocket , two breast pockets & rayon internal belt hook hangers. All have their small black glass fastening buttons. Dice stamped size markings are surmounted by an RB Number with what would have been the LBA inspection marking which smudged & is illegible. Front of the blouse has four blue glass buttons with a metal dished top button concealed under the lapel for collar closure. Each cuff has its black glass button for size adjustment. Internal cuff has a small buttoned tab which passes through a slit in the cuff to the outside for tightening if required. Very typical detail to all of the machine stitching with much all buttons to cuff & front fly totally 100% wartime original to the tunic. There is no moth at all! A most beautiful fliegerblouse & a fabulous example of luftwaffe uniform manufacture at its best.
WW2 German Paratrooper Fliegerbluse 1943 A German Paratroopers 'Fliegerbluse' dated 1943 & coming with original Paratrooper qualification badge, yellow flight section collar tabs & yellow piped shoulderboards. This blouse displays all of the attributes that one would expect to see on an untouched piece with original zigzag stitching to the embroidered breast eagle there being no evidence of any other stitching to its underside. The yellow one gulled collar tabs are padded & have been directly machine sewn to the collar with an inspection of their underside also concluding their original wartime placement with undisturbed stitching. The Paratrooper badge is neatly handsewn in the correct lower left position with commensurate wear seen on the rest of the tunic also matching that of the badge. Both shoulderboards still present. The inside rayon lining of the Blouse shows heavy wear with RB number & dice size marking , the LBA (S) stamp gives an inspection date of 1943. All of the fly hidden grey fastening buttons are original to it with one having suffered a breakage. Overall the condition of this fabulous untouched item is excellent albeit with some moth holes spattered around it & particularly visible to the front left lower section & to the centre of the back where there is one approx 3cm hole.
WW2 German Paratrooper Jump Smock In Splinter Camouflage A stunning German paratrooper jump smock in splinter camouflage being one of the rarer variants with the splinter camouflage overprinted onto the older flecked green cotton of earlier issues sometimes being referred to as 'Splinter-On Olive'. In Luftwaffe splinter pattern B this 1943 dated piece falls into the category of the third model with concealed five button front open construction. The rear of the smock is totally complete with its entrenching tool handle retaining loop & flare pistol holster all completely intact. Both flare pistol holster buttons are totally original to the smock. Side waist adjustment is fastened by Prym 6 buttons on either side, when opened the impressive detail of the armpit vents can be inspected. Pocket linings to interior are intact & undamaged with waist adjustment tape & armpits lined with rayon. Internal sleeve gussets have been removed at wearers preference. Good clear markings give an RB number with date '8 43' & sizes. Four of the blue glass buttons to front fly are original , the bottom one is a replacement. All zips are 'Elite' & complete with leather pull tabs & all are fully operational. Fastening snaps to cuffs are Prym 6 & intact. Breast eagle is period removed. An absolutely magnificent smock , the textbook splinter camouflage as worn by the Fallschirmjager in Normandy as well as other battles before & after.
WW2 German Pink Soutache Panzer Cap With All Originally Applied Insignia A superb not often seen panzer side cap retaining all of its originally applied insignia including pink soutache. Constructed in a mix of lightweight ribbed cotton twill & high grade wool at the undersides the grey on black Bevo cap eagle is beautifully machine stitched to the cap along with its matching Bevo cockade. A visual inspection of the pink soutache can very clearly deduce its total originality with its correct thickness , construction & application to the cap totally faultless. This is also evidenced by the turn up of the soutache at its lower corners when the scallop of the cap is lifted. Interior lining is of classic cotton twill with two slightly differing colour sections having been used in its construction. A quality piece most likely worn by an NCO & not often seen on the market today.
WW2 German Police Holster With Matching Marked Stripping Tool & Police \'K\' Coded Luger Magazine A rare German police holster of the Weimar/early Third Reich period in the distinctive police brown leather finish with Robert Larsen , Berlin maker & Police unit markings ( L.D.206 ) to rear. Robert Larsen are well documented to have made holsters for the police. Coming with the holster is its original stripping tool with matching unit mark of \'206\' & also the spare luger magazine with starburst \'k\' mark for police issue. Typical of police holsters the brass studded fastening strap works upwards with a leather keeper tab to keep the strap in place. Other than this it does not differ in construction to other 4\" barrel luger holsters having spare magazine pouch to side & two belt loops to rear. All stitching to the holster is original. A true German police issue set both the magazine & tool came with the holster back from WW2 & so I offer the set as it came to me complete but without the pistol itself!
WW2 German Private Purchase 'Old Style' Infantry NCO Tunic An early war high quality NCO tunic for an Oberfeldwebel in quality tricot wool being very much in the style of those found in the later Reichswehr years. It has scalloped pointed pockets with French turnback style cuffs , six buttons to front & two buttons to lower waist rear. Interior full lining is of green artificial silk with cream full lining to inside of arms. Other refinements , typical of that found on private purchase items, include interior fitted waistbelt with dagger slash to left lower pocket. National emblem to breast is in embroidered silver bullion on green backing with NCO tress to dark green collar & sewn in shoulder straps with tresse & two pips for rank of feldwebel. Collar tabs are of the 1935 pattern with white litzen for infantry. All of the awards on the tunic are included in the price these are the marksmanship lanyard with the original 1936 style of plaque. Whistle is the NCO type in black bakelite. Medal ribbon to left breast with black wound badge to lower loops. An overall excellent tunic with only a couple of very small holes & some light wear in places. Belt & infantry NCO cap are for display only but can be purchased seperately or with the tunic as a package. Bust for display only.
WW2 German Private Purchase \'Old Style\' Infantry NCO Tunic An early war high quality NCO tunic for an Oberfeldwebel in quality tricot wool being very much in the style of those found in the later Reichswehr years. It has scalloped pointed pockets with French turnback style cuffs , six buttons to front & two buttons to lower waist rear. Interior full lining is of green artificial silk with cream full lining to inside of arms. Other refinements , typical of that found on private purchase items, include interior fitted waistbelt with dagger slash to left lower pocket. National emblem to the breast is original to the tunic & in embroidered silver bullion on green backing with NCO tress to dark green collar & sewn in shoulder straps with tresse. Two pips denote rank of feldwebel. Collar tabs are of the 1935 pattern with white litzen for infantry. Medal ribbon to left breast with award loops present. An overall excellent tunic with only a couple of very small holes & some light wear in places.
WW2 German Rare First Pattern Right Facing Variant Army Parade Belt & Buckle A rare , never before in collectors hands , early right facing first pattern eagle variant of the two piece German army aluminium parade buckle with its original green felt lined patent leather belt . This whole set was recently purchased untouched & as found & is a souvenir from the German occupation of Europe. These lightweight two piece aluminium buckles were made in several variants this being the version having a non pebbled area behind the faceplate of the eagle & swastika. Reserved for parade use & walking out dress these models were not considered substantial enough for combat wear. The right facing eagle of the first pattern buckle matched that of the Weimar eagle however this was soon changed to the wearers left & remained as such until the end of the war. Belt leather has the belt hook type commonly seen on early parade leathers , this pattern was offered in the Assman catalogue of 1936 & is in the form of a folded stainless sheet steel hook attached to the belt leather by two small rivets. Reverse of the leather has green felt lining with some old moth nips & tracking only enhancing its originality. The brown leather tongue has size marking \'85\' (85cm) stamped into its end. A fantastic untouched set which has survived in quite superb condition.
WW2 German Reconnaissance Officers Schirmmutze A very nice & original worn army officers visor cap ( Schirmmutze) with golden yellow piping for a Reconnaissance unit. Having a distinctively jaunty look about it the cap has a well padded high front achieved by the use of horsehair padding fitted behind this area. This is visible from the inside beneath damaged areas of the lining. The bullion eagle & cockade are professionally tailor stitch applied with the wreath of the cockade fitted perfectly within the top & bottom of the dark green cap band. Visor is firm to cap with silver imprint from prolonged seating of the chincords upon it. Interior has champagne lining with underside of visor showing checquering & of matching colour. Hat on & off thumb print visible to left side. Some holes to lining in places through wear. A well worn cap with some sporadic moth holes as can be seen on images.
WW2 German Red Cross Marked \'Verbandkasten\' MG Tin A superb MG34/42 ammunition tin with medical markings showing use as a ' Verbandkasten' ( First aid box ) . This steel tin was factory painted in a mid to late war ordnance grey colour before then having a further slate grey hand overpaint to its exterior . The red on white medical roundel was then painted to one end of the lid for quick recognition. The word 'Verbandkasten' has been stencilled onto the side . All of the medical insignia displays natural age with what appears to be a previous marking underneath the existing roundel & rust bleed coming through the wording. I am unable to see the waffenamt marking & date on the lid due to the thick dark grey overpaint however its impression is visible on its underside. Both leather tabs are still present to the handle as well as to both load carrying brackets on each side. A rare piece that would compliment any German combat troops display.
WW2 German Reissue Luftwaffe Single Decal Helmet A Luftwaffe reissue M42 single decal helmet in quite excellent condition & coming complete with its original chinstrap. This helmet started life as an army M42 with the distinctive army green factory paint still being visible to the interior . Reissued to the Luftwaffe this helmet then had a thick textured luftwaffe blue paint finish applied with luftwaffe decal. It is interesting to note that the decal displays attributes typical of a reissue this being seen in jaw & feather line detailing. All of the All of the three liner pins are totally undisturbed with matching blue paint on each. Pigskin liner is in excellent order with original drawcord intact. Zinc liner band dated 1943. Chinstrap is original to the helmet with blue grey painted steel buckle & securing studs. Helmet is a size 64 & made by \'ckl\' as per the rear skirt markings. A super looking luftwaffe M42 combat helmet that has survived in fabulous condition.
WW2 German Rubberised Motorcyclists Coat - Worn By POW A WW2 German motorcyclists rubberised coat with \'PG\' painted in yellow behind one of its lapels for the French wording \' Prisonnier De Guerre \' ( Prisoner of War ) denoting captivity in France as a POW. These were often worn by other German personnel such as officers due to its hard wearing durability in inclement conditions. In rubberised fabric it has a green wool collar with hook & eye throat closure. There are tabs for the fitment of shoulder straps. There are two slash pockets to front & a large chest pocket intended for a map. Interior has faint ink stamp of manufacturer \'Georg Schimdt ,Freiburg. Heavily worn it does has some rips & tears which have been, to some extent, collector repaired with green patches or tape. Evidently worn by a soldier who was captured he was then allowed to keep the coat but with the adornment of the \'PG\' lettering which can only be seen when the lapel is lifted if the coat is worn open. Please see photos for condition as it is perfectly adequate for a well worn field item however with rips & tears in places so please study.
WW2 German S Mine Fuse Box In Ordnance Tan A WW2 German S mine fuse box still complete with its wooden dividers inside & painted in an ordnance tan paint. Box has black stencilled markings to lid 'ZUNDMITTEL FUR JE 9 s mI 35' with paper contents label to side & maker of box three letter code stamped 'LXO' with waffenamt to side. Label indicated contents as : '9 S.MI.Z 35' which is the main fuze for this type of mine . It is the 3 prong fuze & 9 is the quantity. '10 z.z. 42 is another type of fuze used with this mine. 1 gluhzunderstuck 28 is an electronicaly controlled fuze used with this mine. 30 sprengkapseln nr 8 is the standard German WW2 blasting cap used in a wide rande of explosives. 5 zwischenstucke is a cast iron 3 way adapter that was used to hold fuses so that you could employ all 3 types of fuze on 1 mine. Web carrying handle intact.
WW2 German SA Dagger & Hanger Very good example of an RZM bladed SA Model 1933 dagger. The blade is marked ‘RZM M.7/68 1941 denoting the manufacturer to be ' Tigerwerke, Lauterjung & Co , Solingen. ’ This veteran bringback recently surfaced from the effects of a former British officer & having been tucked away for many years is in considerably good condition & strill complete with its profusely marked brown leather hanger. Much of its original cross grain finish remains to blade with some very light age spotting towards the hilt but other than that the blade is good. Enamel SA inset is in excellent unchipped condition with a high quality national eagle that has suffered no age. An excellent smooth fit into its brown scabbard this is excellent with most of its paint intact & only minimal age to metal surfaces of plating. There is no damage to the lower ball & all screws are present. Brown leather hanger is excellent with DRGM M5/8 marked clip & profuse markings to leather which is 1940 dated. Overall a very nice example of the German SA dagger.
WW2 German Second Pattern Tropical Tunic 1942 A Good clean example of the second pattern German tropical tunic complete with its original factory applied grey & tan backed machine woven tropical collar litzen & breast eagle. With simplified non pleated pockets it still has scalloped flaps from the earlier sotyle of tunic & double button adjustment to cuffs. Interior of tunic has the expected partial lining with reinforcing tabs for belt hooks & three holes to waist. All of its pebbled metal buttons are in the correct olive green colour matching the rest of the tunic & are removeable to reverse. Dressing pocket has pressed card button closure. Black ink size markings are still visible with 'F42' depot stamp for the year 1942. The previous presence of a cuff title is evident to right sleeve however other than that it appears to have little evidence of much wear at all.
WW2 German Signals Officer Tropical Tunic A very nice worn German tropical combat tunic typical of those worn during the fighting in Italy from 1943 onwards. Insignia is from a signals officer who has also been awarded the Iron Cross second class. Styled after the regular service tunic but with an open collar the tunic is manufactured from olive cotton twill & has non pleated four pockets with straight flaps this style dating from around the early 1943 period onwards . An early pattern officers silver wire on dark green breast eagle has been applied to the right breast with bullion yellow piped collar litzen professionally machine stitched to collar. Yellow backed removeable officers shoulder straps bear one pip each denoting rank of Oberleutnant . Iron cross ribbon to buttonhole. All insignia is aged to the tunic & professionally applied & in my opinion is original to the tunic , applied by the officer who wore it. Size coded to interior with RB number visible this is a very nice tropical combat tunic ideal for mannequin display.
WW2 German Single Decal Army M42 Combat Helmet With Battle Damage To Lip A very good untouched M42 single decal army combat helmet that has clearly seen action with a small shrapnel strike to front rim . Helmet still has a very good amount of its rough textured grey paint remaining with maker & size 'NS64' to inside rim ( Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke, Schwerte ) . 'Ice ' shows this to be recorded as a single decal army helmet as here. A very good proportion of the army decal is still present. All three of the helmets liner pins are original to the helmet & undisturbed with some natural paint loss through wear. Helmet shows batch number ' 866' to rear rim. Leather liner is excellent with ringed size stamp visible & soldiers name 'STILLER' handwritten on one side. Faint remains of dome stamp visible. Chinstrap is textbook with grey painted steel buckle & 'C.Otto Gehrckens ,Pinneberg' maker mark to pointed end. A very nice textbook piece with evidence of combat use.
WW2 German Single Decal Luftwaffe M40 Helmet A totally untouched & as found German M40 Luftwaffe helmet with second pattern luftwaffe decal. Very hard to find unmessed with German helmets now & although there is a certain amount of old rust age this helmet has an appealing amount of its original luftwaffe blue factory paint still present which gives the helmet its very natural patina. The luftwaffe decal is largely intact on its left side with a large proportion of this side of the helmet having been exposed to the elements with the paint worn away. Moving to the crown area & right side a good visible amount of its blue paint still remains . All of the three liner pins are intact , undisturbed & totally original to the helmet. The maker & size 'E 64' is visible. Liner shows heavy wear with much sweat staining , original drawstring intact. I have not attempted to lift the liner . Chinstrap is original with a now oxidised aluminium buckle . Interestingly the chinstrap stud on the left side is a very contemporary non standard replacement with it missing altogether on the other side. I have made no attempt to replace it as this is how it was found.
WW2 German Single Decal Luftwaffe M42 Helmet Complete With Chinstrap A superb untouched Luftwaffe single decal M42 raw edge helmet with original chinstrap & dome stamped shell. This M42 helmet is finished in its factory blue luftwaffe paint inside & out with matching paint to liner rivet heads. Shell bears the maker mark & size \' NS66\' to rear skirt . The approx 95% intact Luftwaffe decal is specific to this NS maker with the toe of the talon intruding less into the border line of the swastika. Interior of helmet is totally undisturbed with a very nice dome stamp visible to crown. The leather liner bears the size mark \'59\' & retains its original drawstring. Careful examination of the liner pins establishes that they are undisturbed & have never been out of the helmet since fitment at the factory. I am just able to see the date \'1943\' to liner band. Leather chinstrap is 100% original to the helmet & has a grey painted steel buckle. It is well field worn with some stitching away at one short end & a split to the pointed end although this is still intact. It is as came with the helmet & after 76 years I have no intention of removing it ! In overall very good condition there is some general wear overall with some very small pin prick dinks no doubt from combat wear.
WW2 German Single Decal Named Army Helmet With Thick Grey Woodchip Overpaint A classic German M35 army single decal combat helmet with a thick woodchip mixed dark grey overpaint. It is well recorded that M35 helmets received a textured finish to dullen down the earlier smooth factory finish in 1940 however this is alot thicker with woodchip having been mixed into the paint to create a heavily granulated effect . All of the three liner pins are original to the helmet & undisturbed. Interior is is still in its smooth paint with the name & rank 'Gefr.Gotz' ( Gefreiter - Corporal ) to rear underside of rim. Helmet maker & size of 'ET64' denotes the firm Eisenhutten,Thale with batch number to rear '21781'. The zinc banded pigskin liner is intact with original tightening cord. Chinstrap is as it came with the helmet having maker & 1940 date. There is much wear to the leather with a small stress tear to one part which requires care. Overall there is evidence of heavy use to this untouched helmet with some scuffing to exterior & a quite indistinct rust patch to front left side.
WW2 German Snow Camouflage M42 Helmet Scarce example of the universal whitewash camouflage as used in the Russian & Norwegian theatres by the deployed German forces of the period. Whitewash was commonly preferred over paint due to its versatility in that it could be applied then easily taken off when the snow terrain or soldiers position changed. This example has traces of an army decal to the left side with signs of much use & discoloration to its whitewashed exterior. There is general rust bleeding coming through the whitewash with its factory paint finish being visible in areas. Heavy use in the field is apparent this being evidenced by battle damage in the form of a hairline crack to the shell on the crown of the helmet caused by a heavy blow or blast. Inside has leather liner with age to inside rim of helmet. This has most likely been replaced at some time. Some rust & flaking paint to the surface of the helmet testifying to the overall originality of the piece. There is a small hole to the right side of the helmet which is most likely a result of its combat service & some decay. Liner is in supple condition with original drawstring present & zinc liner band.
WW2 German Souvenir Bringback Matching K98 Bayonet & Scabbard & Frog 1940 Matching numbered K98 bayonet , scabbard & original frog . Bayonet is by the maker 'Elite Diamant' & is dated '40' to the back of the blade. Waffenamt markings to pommel. Serial number of 7366 appears to ricasso & also to scabbard. The Elite Diamant maker appears on bayonet ricasso & also throat of scabbard with date '40' underneath. Condition is overall good with no damage to black bakelite grips . Approx 95% blueing remains to blade with some general wear to pommel & hilt . Scabbard has matching waffenamt (218) also to tip with wear to metal surfaces. Frog is of brown leather indicating early luftwaffe issue with its wear correlating to that of the whole set. This whole set recently a loft find from the effects of a WW2 Royal Engineers veteran.
WW2 German Souvenired Swastika Flag Classic souvenired German item from WW2 being a drape type flag in red cloth with a central black swastika on white background. Along one top edge of the flag there are seven pairs of ties with which to hang it in the desired position. Overall their is fraying to its edges & also a certain amount of mouse damage ,two holes having been made in the white swastika background, along with some minor age staining owing to its storage in a loft for a considerable period of time. Often these flags are offered in mint crisp condition however this piece is not having very slight fading to the red of the cloth indicating much usage by the Reich. The feel of the piece through its wear & tear is very nice with a certain 'bringback' appeal testifying to its total originality & Third Reich history.
WW2 German Splinter Camouflage \'43 Pattern Winter Parka A fabulous example of the non reversible German winter parka 'Wintertarnzug 43' in splinter camouflage. These popular winter parkas underwent several changes throughout the war the '43 pattern having a strip of camouflage material along its inner left front edge for reinforcement of the buttonholes & also extra camouflage effect when the parka was open. It also had , in most cases as here , the waist ties fitted to the inside only . Very typically constructed from several different pieces of splinter camouflage material the colours are still very strong. Button covering flap has the Roman Numerals size mark of ' II ' with number '67' being a manufacturers code. Front of parka has all large dished dark blue grey metal buttons with two black glass buttons to each sleeve for the identification armband. Size adjustment buttoning tabs to each cuff. Original double waist tie is present to interior waist openings with hood having original tightening cord . There is a black tightening cord to the bottom edge hem of the parka . Rayon lining in very good condition having no rips or tears. Front button is minus from the bottom & there are a couple of small holes in places. An overall excellent condition example now very hard to find .
WW2 German SS Named Gas Mask Tin From Falaise Pocket A German gas mask canister found in Normandy with a partially remaining paper name label on inside lid to an 'SS-Mann Reil' . This was found in the Falaise Pocket area of Normandy some years ago & has been in a collection ever since. . A short model type of gas mask canister these were issued in the early war period suggesting a longer serving Waffen SS soldier who ended up involved in the heavy Normandy fighting. The rank & name of the man can still be seen on the glue stuck label however it appears that he has ripped off the bottom part where , logically , his unit would have been written. This was most likely due to security or simply having changed units however it is apparent from the discolouration of the paper & overall age that this was done many years ago. All of the original straps with leather tabs are present & I have left it completely as it was found with nothing added or removed. The cleaning cloth & spring can still be seen to inside of tin.
WW2 German Stick Grenade Carrying Box With Excellent Markings A very nicely marked WW2 German Mod.24 stick grenade carrying box for the carriage of 15 in total together with their fuses. Box still has most of its original green factory paint remaining with white stencilled 1937 date & double 'R' marking for the firm ' Richard Rinker GmbH, Neubrandenburg in Mecklenburg' . There is also the early Weimar style inspection marking stamped in white as well as this & the double R mark for Rinker stamped into the metal itself on the handle bracket. The paper 1938 dated fuse label is still intact .Wood handle is undamaged & free from woodworm & the locking mechanism is still fully functionable. Interior of box retains some of its stencilled markings. Becoming hard to find these boxes with good markings & in good condition.
WW2 German Straight Shovel & Leather Carrier A good early WW2 straight entrenching tool/shovel in its original leather carrier. This set came together as found & is an iconic item carried by the German WW2 infantry soldier. The leather carrier is in good used condition with no damage & there are the very faint remains of a waffenamt marking to the inside of the leather. Shovel still retains its original finish to the wood handle which left the factory with a slight varnish to prevent blistering when in prolonged use. Many examples offered today were painted green when used postwar by the Norwegians however this piece is untouched from the end of WW2. Some general age & wear to the metal adds to its originality & there is no damage to the wood or head . A combat piece & perfect to complete your mannequin !
WW2 German String Netted Flak Regiment Marked Luftwaffe Camouflage Helmet A rare opportunity to own a 100% untouched German netted camouflage helmet offered just as it was found. This quite amazing helmet is a time capsule from the NW Europe theatre of operations & typical of those worn by German combat troops in the latter stages of WW2. It is an M40 with age darkened factory blue paint still visible underneath the thick hemp netting. Decal has been removed as per regulations of the period. Having been outhouse loft stored for many years the metal surface has some very old minor rust development from damp conditions with a very dirty & rust stained covering to the netting overall. In a typical thick hemp with much correlating wear evident throughout the netting is tied under the helmet with one very old oxidised fastening hook passing from the outside of the helmet down under the liner band. It is clear that this has been undisturbed for many years. Interior of the helmet has a heavily worn leather liner with ink stamped regimental marking of a flak unit & the name 'Muller' on a clothing tag . The ink mark ' 2 Batt.' ( 2nd Batterie ) within a rectangle is also visible. As personnel moved around alot during the war or were infilling as replacements in other units as the war went on it is impossible to deduce which unit the wearer of this helmet ended up serving in .The maker initials of 'hkp62' are visible to the shells underside . A stunning helmet & a rare opportunity to own such a fabulous piece of battlefield history.
WW2 German Tan & Water Camouflage Smock A German tan & water camouflage smock as worn by sharpshooters & some other ground infantry combat soldiers such as troops of the 21st Panzer Grenadier Division. With very good strong camouflage colours of the 'Sumpfmuster-43' pattern it is complete with its original rayon waist & neck ties & totally intact cuff adjustment tabs with pressed card buttons. There are reinforced side vents to armpit area . Both pocket flaps are intact with one marked to reverse with an RB Number , size & 'ML' which may be a manufacturers reference. This is the second model factory made without a hood , when one inspects the stitching around the collar area running down to the upper seam of the shoulders it is immediately apparent that all thread matches & has been applied at the time of its construction rather than during a later alteration. An undoubtedly used smock there is a repair to the upper left shoulder area front & back where something has gone straight through & also a small repair to the right collar edge .
WW2 German Tan & Water Camouflage Winter Parka A well used non reversible German tan & water ( Zumpf ) camouflage winter parka from the mid to late war period. Ideal for a representation of the Ardennes German soldier or the fighting for Germany in 1945 it has repairs to the front & back some of which have used brown corduroy material such as is seen in some German uniform items of the first world war. Parka still has full artificial silk lining with adjustable tabs to cuffs with left sleeve only still having button. Front fly has only two buttons remaining with one button remaining to right side pocket closure. Wind flap has been removed. it is interesting to note that the hood has also been removed & does appear to be a period alteration due to the stitched reinforcement that has been applied to the remaining edges. A 'Zumpf' camouflage parka with alot of character & waiting to complete a field combat soldier set up.
WW2 German Tan & Water Reversible To White Camouflage Winter Parka The ever popular German reversible tan & water pattern camouflage winter parka is well represented here with colours of the ' Marsh 43 ' pattern still being strikingly vibrant . This parka has all of its buttons & still has its original green to white tightening waistbelt. Both cuffs have their tightening tabs & buttons still present. White camouflage side shows typical service wear & is dirty with a mix of large dished buttons & thos eof the pebbled variety. As with some parkas encountered this example has had its hood removed & the collar area finished with material that matches the rest of the garment. When one inspects the collar area & stitching it is apparent that this has been done a very long time ago so may well be a wartime conversion. It is known that hoods were sometimes removed due to the white interior compromising camouflage at the rear or it may have been removed due to damage or just at preference of the wearer . Either way it has been done very well with commensurate service wear. Classic combat parka !
WW2 German Three Tone Brush Stroked Normandy Camouflage M35 Helmet A very striking M35 Normandy camouflage helmet with three colour handpainted brush stroke camouflage heavily applied to exterior. The classic dark brown & forest green colours have been applied in differing lengths over a tan base both separately & together so in some places there are three colours applied one top of each other to very great effect. All three of the helmets liner pins are unmessed with & original to the helmet the thick camouflage paint having adhered to the pins very well. To the underside of the green factory painted helmets rim are the maker , size & lot number \' Q64 3042\' for the maker Quist . Liner is in excellent condition complete with drawstring & with 1940 dated band. It is clear from careful inspection of the arms that the liner pins are undisturbed . The aluminium buckled chinstrap is of black leather with faint markings to pointed end now undiscernible . With overall combat wear to the camouflage paint of the helmet & also wear to the liner & chinstrap it is clear that this helmet saw much action .
WW2 German Three Tone Thick Handpaint Camouflage 2cm Flak Ammunition Box A German 2cm cannon ammunition box hand overpainted in the field with a thick three tone camouflage rough finish. This style of box was intended to hold magazines for the 2cm Flak cannon , a weapon which was much used in a ground role during the Normandy campaign. This box started life with a grey green factory finish & has then had thick tan, green & brown rough brush strokes hastily applied in the field. As is typical the tan has served as a base colour with the green & brown daubed over the top of this. The thickness of the brush applied layers is very apparent the whole piece portraying the urgent necessity for camouflage in the mid 1944 period. To the interior of the tin can be seen the red aluminium oxide paint used as an undercoat on such pieces. Fabulous piece recently purchased in Normandy.
WW2 German Transitional Single Decal Army Helmet A very nice example of the so called ' Transitional ' helmet being a helmet of M18 WW1 origin that has been refinished according to 1940 specifications with the application of textured field grey paint tp its exterior & a single army decal having been applied to the left side. Helmet shell has the markings 'Si66' with a stamped '64' very close to it which may be a later size reference when reissued in 1940. The decal is a 'Q' type decal with smooth curved inner right wing , it has been applied at a less than perfect angle this not being uncommon with reissues of this period. Chinstrap is an original example & dated 1943. Leather liner is marked '56' with a tear to one of the fingers & another with tip present but detached. Nice clean example .
WW2 German Tropical Waterbottle With 1942 Dated Bakelite Cup A nice combat example of the classic \'coconut\' waterbottle originally designed for tropical use but often seen in use by German troops in European theatres also. Designed to hold exceptional thermatic properties they were manufactured in aluminium then covered with a heat process involving wood & resin . This can also be seen on the screw cap with the epoxy resin applied over the aluminium screw cap. The rear of the bottle is embossed with the maker markings & date \'HRE43\' . All of the webbing straps are made of spun rayon canvas with manufacturers mark to metal end \'SHB\'. All straps are in excellent undamaged condition with a totally intact black leather choker strap to neck holding all in place. The black bakelite cup is maker marked \'gfc\' & dated 1942 with bakelite marking. Overall a good field used example of the classic tropical issue waterbottle.
WW2 German Tunis Bringback Souvenir M35 Tropical Camouflage Helmet Interesting North African campaign souvenir bringback helmet that has the crude inscription on the underside of the rim ' To Peter From Tunis ' . No doubt a gift to a friend from the Tunis battles this campaign went on in the November '42 / May '43 period. An early M35 helmet it has had a rough sand mixed tan camouflage paint applied over its exterior with the original apple green factory paint still visible to its underside. A helmet that shows heavy wear throughout there are chips & scuffs to the sand finish with some of the factory apple green showing through in the damaged areas. All three liner pins are original to the helmet & undisturbed. Interior of helmet has maker marking & size code 'SE62' with what appears to be a lot number of ' 3480 ' . Most of the long strap remains with the tip minus .
WW2 German Unteroffizier M36 Tunic ( 19th Infantry Regiment ) Very nice early war M36 tunic of text book prewar issue with prewar chain stitch embroidered pointed shoulder straps. Tunic has rank braid that of an Unteroffizier with braid to its dark green collar also shoulder straps. National emblem is of the early 1935 white on dark green background with backed litzen totally correct for this period. The pointed shoulder straps date from the period 1936-38 having the number 19 in white for the 19th Infantry Regiment. Camouflaging of numbers was ordered in the early war mobilisation period hence the stitched on cloth tabs. Many period photographs taken during the campaigns of 1939-49 evidence the use of camouflaging of numbers. Interior lining is all present with one tear to left side waist area. Two pairs of three buttonholes to waist front & back . Beilefeld maker to right side. Award loops are present to left breast pocket & medal ribbon above it , the actions of the 19th Infantry Regiment are well recorded.
WW2 German Unteroffizier Named M35 Single Decal Army Helmet An apple green M35 single decal army helmet offered completely as it came to me with undisturbed original to the helmet liner which has matching soldiers name ' UFFZ Beistle ' also appearing on the rear rim of the shell. An early M35 issue it has had its national shield removed as per the 1940 order. The apple green factory paint is also apparent to all three of its early brass liner pins. There is rust to the exterior from years of poor storage however a good proportion of the Quist specific 'big foot' army decal still remains . Underside of rim is marked 'Q64' for the maker Quist with lot number 549 to rear dating this helmet to around the 1938 period. The soldiers name of 'Beistle' is handwritten to the rear of the rim with this & his 'UFFZ' rank & number also written on the rear of the liner providing an excellent research opportunity. Liner is intact & original drawcord still present.
WW2 German Untouched Time Capsule Gas Mask Set A WW2 German gas mask & canister left totally untouched & as recently found with original long & short straps & 1940 dated spare lenses still in the lid of the tin. The 1937 dated gas mask canister is the early short model with 'PRESTAG 1937' & a black ink stamped eagle & swastika waffenamt to spare lense compartment. Its sprung webbing pull tab is intact to the lid with faint traces of number to its outside neck. The short strap has an interesting totally period soldier modification/repair with a tunic belt hook having been fitted in place of the normal factory flat hook which it would have originally come with. No doubt a field repair & a classic example of German soldiers making use of what was available to them at the time. The long strap is also totally wartime original with its leather keepers still in place. The long strap has a knot in the middle of it so this may have been done to shorten it at the wearers preference or to repair it . It is a very old knot & as it came so I have made no attempt to undo it. Gas mask is of the earlier rubberised green fabric with what appears to be the same number as on the canister to its snout. Inside of facepiece is waffenamt marked with 1938 date. Filter is the Fe42 type & in very good condition. Overall lovely combat set.
WW2 German Volksturmm 'Gladiator' Combat Helmet Good combat painted example of the 'Gladiator' style helmet so called due to its ancient warrior appearance these being originally used by The German Air raid Civil Defence services. Towards the end of WW2 as the Soviets closed in many of these such helmets were used in a ground combat role by Auxiliary units such as the Volksturmm ( German Home Guard ) pushed into the last defence of Berlin & its accompanying areas. Sometimes found in late paint schemes more suited to their combat roles this piece has been factory painted in army green & is an example of such a helmet issued in this colour in readiness for the oncoming final battles where all men were fielded. Overall condition is good with much paint remaining & light use to inside liner. Some abrasions & age to outside shell through use. Black leather chinstrap is dry & has broken in middle however buckle present.
WW2 German Waffen SS Planetree No.5 Zeltbahn A very good Waffen SS camouflage zeltbahn of the midwar period in No.5 Planetree camouflage. This example displays classic midwar period construction attributes with the No.5 only appearing on the both sides of one segment & a combination of screen print & machine roller having been used in its manufacture. The practice of aligning a left & a right side planetree \'5\' together had already given way to mass production by the time this zelt was produced & so we can date this example from the 1943-44 period. This is an excellent Waffen SS field used example with all of the metal grommets intact & all but one of its original metal dished buttons remaining. There are some stitch repairs to each corner & a couple of small holes to the material in places ( Please see images ) . Overall a fabulous original example of this desirable camouflage SS zeltbahn.
WW2 German Webbing Y Straps A pair of the scarce webbing Y straps initially issued for tropical use however also in the North West Europe theatre by various German troops as the war progressed. A well used pair that would be ideal for a combat mannequin display they have all of their original fittings still present including front supporting hooks & rear pack loops. The often missing back strap is totally original & also with its grey painted steel support hook. Leather yoke intact. At the front of the straps there is one inner reinforcement repair where the outside webbing has frayed , only noticeable on close inspection & certainly would not be visible on a mannequin setup. All of the metal fittings are correct & original. Seen much in use by SS troops of the Hitlerjugend in the Normandy fighting these will look fantastic on a used dot suit display.
WW2 German Wehrmacht Gas Mask Maker marked & 1942 dated dark green all rubber facepiece which is the version produced as of 1938 to replace the earlier rubberised fabric M31 variant. Maker codes on facepiece are 'bwz 42' & the size '3' with waffenampt inspection markings to the inner seal. Snout marked 'btc 42' & FE41 filter also well marked with waffenampt stampings & the date 'Oktober 1943' around its side. There is a good amount of original green paint on the carrying tin with a 'D' on the bottom indicating watertight which was introduced by late 1942. Spare lenses are present in their compartment the lid of which is dated 1943 & has the soldiers name written on it. Both long & short straps are present the short strap is marked 'ebd 43' & is original WW2 marked whereas the long strap is a postwar replacement but goes well with the whole set. Both mask & tin are marked with the end part of the soldiers number being '354' around the neck of the tin & also on the snout of the gas mask indicating they have both stayed together as issued. Overall good condition with some general wear & tear through service use & age.
WW2 German Wehrmacht Tan & Water Camouflage Smock ( Heerestarnjacke ) Good combat example of the German Wehrmacht camouflage smock in tan & water camouflage . This pattern of tan & water is known as the Marsh ( Zumpf ) 43 with the rain strokes of the pattern running horizontally . There are two vertical openings at the sides in order to reach the pockets of the combat tunic with ventilation openings to each armpit. Unprinted on the reverse side of the smock & sometimes worn outwards. Grey cotton drawstrings to neck opening & waist are original to the smock with white cardboard buttons complete to adjustable cuffs. Ink markings are to be seen on the right inside of pocket flap giving date 1943, production code 'ML' & also RB Number & size. This is an example of the mid to late war smock made without hood & is indicative of the German combat soldier during that peirod. There is a patch repair to the front & rear left shoulder area to cover a mouse hole. Smaller patch repair to right side of neck but overall only light service wear & a good mannequin size.
WW2 German Wehrmacht Troops Billet Sign From Occupied Normandy,France Recently found in an old administrative building in the Cotentin Peninsular , Cherbourg area of France this undisputably original German military sign from the occupation gives orders to German troops relating to temporary billets at their disposal & most likely relates to staff of a \'Kommandantur\' or related German Administrative HQ in a town or village. Impressively handpainted onto board with a distinctive grey border & the unmistakingly uniform lettering of the Wehrmacht the natural age of the whole piece can be ascertained without too close an inspection. Practically impossible to find original signs from the German occupation this is a one off museum piece that would compliment any early war German display or diorama. Below is the wording as it appears in German then translated : Zur Beachtung! 1.Es durfen nur die Zimmer belegt werden die vom Quartieramt zugewiesen sind. 2. Verlangerungen der Quartiere mussen bis 9uhr des Ablauftages beimQuartieramt beantragt werden. 3. Vorzeitige Aufgabe von Quartieren muss bis 12 Uhr des betreffenden Tages beim Quartieramt gemelde werden. Please note! 1.It is only allowed to occupy the rooms assigned by the district office. 2. Extension of the lodgings must be requested by 9am of the expiry day at the district office. 3. Premature abandonment of accommodation must be reported to the district office by 12 noon on the day in question. Fantastic German occupation display piece measuring an impressive 70cm X 51cm .
WW2 German Wehrmacht Troops Billet Sign From Occupied Normandy,France Recently found in an old administrative building in the Cotentin Peninsular , Cherbourg area of France this undisputably original German military sign from the occupation gives orders to German troops relating to temporary billets at their disposal & most likely relates to staff of a \'Kommandantur\' or related German Administrative HQ in a town or village. Impressively handpainted onto board with a distinctive grey border & the unmistakingly uniform lettering of the Wehrmacht the natural age of the whole piece can be ascertained without too close an inspection. Practically impossible to find original signs from the German occupation this is a one off museum piece that would compliment any early war German display or diorama. Below is the wording as it appears in German then translated : Zur Beachtung! 1.Es durfen nur die Zimmer belegt werden die vom Quartieramt zugewiesen sind. 2. Verlangerungen der Quartiere mussen bis 9uhr des Ablauftages beimQuartieramt beantragt werden. 3. Vorzeitige Aufgabe von Quartieren muss bis 12 Uhr des betreffenden Tages beim Quartieramt gemelde werden. Please note! 1.It is only allowed to occupy the rooms assigned by the district office. 2. Extension of the lodgings must be requested by 9am of the expiry day at the district office. 3. Premature abandonment of accommodation must be reported to the district office by 12 noon on the day in question. Fantastic German occupation display piece measuring an impressive 70cm X 51cm .
WW2 German Winter Trousers ( Mouse Grey Reversible To White ) A scarce pair of the German padded winter trousers this pair being in the first pattern of mouse grey & reversible to white. In very used condition these were developed for the winter fighting of 1942-43 after the bitter experiences during the first winter of the Russian campaign. They were subsequently worn right through & also seen in use during the cold winter fighting in Germany & the Ardennes in the 1944 & 1945 campaigns. The front of the trousers has a trapezoidal fly secured with four large dished zinc buttons & also two flapped pockets also buttoned with two smaller dished buttons. Waist has two large dished buttons on front of grey side for attachment of the braces with two buttonholes on reverse for same. Bottoms of the trousers are large enough to allow wear with the felt & leather winter boots. White side has all of its original buttons complete to fly & pockets. Overall the trousers are dirty & well used with repairs as can be seen in the pictures. These consist of period patches that have utilised German uniform material as backing & also stitch repairs which appear to be contemporary. Certainly a good lived in pair straight from the front.
WW2 German Working \'Drill\' Tunic ( Drillichjacke ) 1940 An excellent 1940 dated example of the German drill uniform jacket in off white linen material. These were worn by German troops as working dress & only displayed rank insignia if any at all. Much worn by German troops they were manufactured in olive green from February 1940 onwards due to camouflage considerations. It was this early pattern of tunic that lead to the later introduction of the summer HBT combat tunic from 1942 onwards. Much seen in wear by troops manning bunker positions these are a classic part of the German soldiers uniform worn also as a winter camouflage garment over the combat jacket in some instances. Marked in red ink with the maker 'Zyrardowen Manufakturen' with dice stamped size markings & inspection depot initial & date 'H40'. All of its removeable grey pebbled buttons are present with hook & eye to collar. All five of its pressed card collar liner buttons are still present to rear of collar .
WW2 German ZF41 Sharp Shooter Scope & Carrying Case A totally original ZF41 sharpshooter scope complete with its totally original carrying tin . After the early war experiences in France & Poland it was realised that there was a need to increase the efficiency of those soldiers who were skilled enough to be classed as sharpshooters without any actual specialist sniper training. These 1.5 X power scopes met that shortfall & were side mounted onto the K98 rifle. Two types of scope were produced with the latter , as seen here , being termed as the ZF41/1 having a simplified internal lense system. In excellent condition it is maker marked 'fzg' which is the manufacturer code for Feinmechanik G.m.b.H., Kassel . Complete with its rainshield. Scope mounts are maker marked 'duv' with the correct '214' numbered waffenamt beneath this. Coming in its original green paint the red oxide undercoat from the factory can be seen underneath this. With perfectly working sprung loaded catch to hinged lid , the maker code 'jvb' can be clearly seen with waffenamt stamp next to this. Web pull minus as was often the case through use .This was rectified in late war productions by the use of a metal ringpull. Excellent example.
WW2 German \' Scherenfernrohr S.F.14.Z.Gi \' Scissor Optics A fabulous set of the famous \'Scherenfernrohr S.F.14.Z.Gi\' scissor optics found in Normandy several years ago & a veteran of the 1944 battles there. These were employed in various roles such as infantry & artillery observation & were also standard equipment in many German armoured fighting vehicles such as the StuG III, Jagdpanzer IV, Panther and King Tiger. These come completely as found in their ordnance blue/grey paint finish with the red oxide undercoating visible underneath this in places. Graticuling is still visible in the optics when viewed . Marked \'eso\' for the maker \'G. RODENSTOCK MUNICH, GERMANY\' & also with the optical marking \'H/6400\' denoting the graticule distancing. Optics are still viewable although spotted & focussing is operational. There is overall age through years of loft storage however a fabulous piece of Normandy history !
WW2 German \' Barnfind\' Infantry Grenadier Named Matching Gas Mask Set A WW2 German gas mask with matching numbers to mask & carrying tin. I have left this set completely as recently found in France , it is clear from the condition that it has been shed or loft stored for many years . To the neck of the carrying tin is the number 59-A with the number \'59\' matching that found on the snout of the gas mask. The carrying tin is dated 1943 to the spare lense compartment there is also a name & rank label the first part of which is legible as \' Gren\' ( Grenadier ) translating to Infantry private. There is also a paper label with some illegible handwriting apparently relating to details of the soldier but also an ink stamped Field Post \' Einheit F.P. Nr 56783D\' . There are two \'43 dated spare lense packets. Gas mask facepiece is waffenamt marked & \'43 dated with an Fe41 eagle & swastika marked filter. The carrying straps are totally original to the tin although the long strap is seperated in two . There is rust to the whole piece which I have made no attempt to clean . Comes with cleaning cloth retaining spring.
WW2 German \' Bringback \' First Pattern Luftwaffe Dagger A first pattern luftwaffe dagger by the maker David Malsch offered completely as it came to me after years of storage since being souvenired in WW2. Iconic in its appearance the first pattern luftwaffe dagger continues to be sought after & commands high prices in good condition. This example would fill a gap as a worn example with much age tarnishing to the silver finish of the fittings & a very old black paint finish to the scabbard. The blue leather grip covering is still very acceptable with all of its wire wrapping still intact. Both swastikas to pommel & hilt are still detailed. The David Malsch maker name appear within an oval on the centre of the blade spine with '5' numbered inspection stamp next to it. Blade very slightly blunted. The number '39' can be seen to the underside of the hilt. Scabbard has a very old black paint finish with bottom chape missing. The crossed out number '185' can be seen to mouth with 'SK37' opposite it.
WW2 German \' Hrantschnig \' Luftwaffe Combat Group Sign From 16th Luftwaffe Field Division, Normandy Campaign A German combat group sign from the Normandy campaign referring to the Battle group \' Hrantschnig \' who was a Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion , Luftwaffe Jager Regiment 32 which was part of the 16th Luftwaffe Field Division fighting on the outskirts of Caen in the Summer of 1944. This wooden sign shows much age to the wood with now vacated woodworm being much evident throughout. No doubt cut from a larger mounting it was in outbuilding storage until finding its way into a French collection until now. Every Battalion Commander of this Division was killed in the bombardment or fighting & internet research reveals that Hrantshnig was replaced by an Oberleutnant Koschwitz killed on 18th August 1944. Measures just under 22 in length & 6 1/2 in width .
WW2 German \' Kustenartillerie \' Kriegsmarine Unteroffizier Cap WW2 German 'Kustenartillerie' field cap of a Kriegsmarine Unteroffizier with gold rank piping to scallop & gold on green bevo other ranks Kriegsmarine insignia to front. This private purchase cap is constructed in a high grade wool of green/grey shade this colour varying quite substantially when one compares the myriad of KM uniforms that were privately purchased & issued. The gold rank piping is flatter than most of the army versions this being quite typical of the Naval style. Insignia is professionally hand applied to the front & being in the bevo other ranks pattern indicates that this is a cap worn by an Unteroffizier such as equivalent to a warrant officer. Interior is in grey rayon , unmarked & with signs of moderate wear.
WW2 German \'99th Gebirgsjager Regt, 1st Mountain Division\' NCOs Tunic & Shoulderboards A WW2 German NCOs tunic of the 99th Gebirgsjager Regt complete with green piped shoulder boards for Mountain troops & dark green collar added. Most likely a tunic kept for \'Best Dress\' by the NCO it has a smartly tailor applied silver wired NCOs breast eagle with edelweiss mountain troops badge to right arm. This tunic is of the M43 pattern to which the soldier has added a dark green collar much signifying his \' veteran \' status & time served in the early war campaigns when the dark green collared M36 tunic was general issue . It was often the case that when a longer serving soldier came to replace his worn out tunic all stocks of the earlier issues had been used up & so they had to alter what they were given, at their cost, to satisfy personal preference & \'veteran\' status. Marked to the interior breast with dice stamped sizes & a depot date of \'7 43\' ( July 1943 ) there is also an RB number to dressing pocket & a partially legible handwritten rank & name \' Uffz Gro* \' ( Unteroffizier ) . Tunic is lined with grey rayon typical of the M43 issue & interestingly has a piece of rayon NCO tress sewn in by the tailor for the hanging loop at back of the neck. A document pocket has also been added in blue material important for the NCO who most likely carried a report/notebook of some sort. Shoulderboards are of the earlier pointed issue probably from his previous tunic with NCO tress & the numerals \'99\' . The single rank pip denotes Feldwebel ( Sergeant ) . Four belt hooks to waist . In excellent condition & a couple of very minor moth nips discoverable only upon very close inspection. Outstanding tunic.
WW2 German \'A Frame\' ( Gefechtsgepack ) 1941 This rare piece of German combat equipment was designed as part of the combat pack for infantry to be used in conjunction with the Y straps & attached to the rear D rings with the zeltbahn , greatcoat , messtin & other personal equipment strapped upon it. This webbed \'A frame\' has black leather straps & is maker stamped to a Bielefeld company with 1941 date. Many variations exist however this piece is of the classic textbook standard. Internal cowhide stiffeners visible. The leather is overall good however one of the strap keepers has opened at one end & the leather has weakened near to the buckle end on one side. Still perfectly fine for strapping in a zeltbahn etc & for mannequin display. These were not incredibly popular with the troops giving away to more practical equipment such as the Battle rucksack later in the war.
WW2 German \'Bringback\' Model 33 SA Dagger & Hanger I was recently fortunate enough to purchase this dagger with some other items that were one British soldiers souvenir grouping kept by his family until now. A classic dagger of the SA it has never been taken apart & is left uncleaned & \'as found \' straight out of the woodwork. Dagger bears the \' squirrel \' maker logo & name of \'Eickhorn, Solingen \' to ricasso & has a good crisp & intact \' Alles Fur Deutschland \' inscription still to blade. Both eagle & swastika emblem & SA badge are firm to grip with no damage. Blade is in a very acceptable condition being still bright & with much of its original crossgrain finish remaining . Sheath has some light rusting to surface which could certainly be improved upon, I will leave this decision up to the new owner. Bottom ball has a small split at the seam ( see pictures ). An added bonus to this dagger is it having its \'always been together\' double leather hanger which matches totally in patina to the rest of the dagger. Again I have left this totally untouched. Nice bringback set !
WW2 German \'Double Erel\' Administration Officers Cap A high quality German officers \' Double Erel\' visor cap with dark green piping for Administration troops. A private purchase cap from the prestigious \'Erel\' trademark of Robert Lubstein & a top of the range \'Sonderklasse Extra\' as shown to its celluloid diamond. Supplied by the \' Offizier Kleiderklasse Berlin\' the Erel patent \'Stirnschutz\' is embossed onto the perforated sweatband this signifying that the system to reduce forehead pressure is fitted to this cap as with all caps of the prestigious \'Erel Sonderklasse\' . Cap body is constructed of a fine doeskin wool with high front & the classic saddleform much evident . Interior shows wear but with the markings still clear , there is a dark thumb mark to the underside of the cap where it has been taken on & off repeatedly , a very busy German officer ! Close inspection finds some minor wear to nap of cloth at cap edges & couple of tiny pin prick moth holes only noticeable upon close inspection.
WW2 German \'Double Erel\' Infantry Officers Visor Cap A quite beautiful example of a Robert Lubstein made ' double Erel ' Infantry officers visor cap . Robert Lubstein were a prolific maker of visor caps & went under the acronym of 'Erel' which would appear on the crown of the cap & sometimes the sweatband as well giving these sought after examples the collector term of a ' double Erel ' . This manufacturer provided high quality caps to all branches of the Wehrmacht & offered a unique ventilation system as an optional extra with a vented cockade that allowed fresh air to enter the cap through a hole in the capband. The sweatband on this piece is also marked 'EREL' stirnschutz ( Forehead protection ) . Four models of the 'Erel' cap could be purchased this being the 'Private' as can be faintly seen under the diamond pattern on the crown. Made from a fine finished wool material the cap has a distinctive saddle shape as per post 1936 specifications. Interior of the cap has a golden yellow lining with celluloid diamond & reddish brown checquered peak underside. A superb high quality example with no moth whatsoever.
WW2 German \'Killed In Action\' Memorial Death Notice & Photograph Album Waffen SS , Army , Luftwaffe & Kriegsmarine A fascinating WW2 period German album filled with the photographs & related death cards & notices of individual German soldier casualties. Recording the toll that war brought upon the German people this album has the studio portrait photographs of each soldier as well as cutouts of the notices that were published at the time in local newspapers giving information on their death. Each soldiers immediate family would normally have a death card to give out to friends & other family these being gathered here in memorial to those represented. A head & shoulders shot of an SS Sturmann killed in Latvia in September 1944 with his newspaper notice & death notice are mounted on one of the double pages, there are also two soldiers that have the Commanding Officer typed next of kin letters to their families mounted in the album with them. These letters are reports to the family on the circumstances of their loved ones death. Other entries include Waffen SS soldier notices ( One killed August 1944 in Normandy ,a Kriegsmarine Leutnant killed at sea with photo & a helmeted shot of an army soldier in M36 tunic . There are many individual stories to browse here many of those included not having yet reached the young age of 25.
WW2 German \'North Africa Bringback\' 1937 Dated LBA Marked Mapcase , Celluloid Map Holder , Maps & Pencil A souvenired German luftwaffe mapcase complete with the contents as were found in it when brought back from North Africa by a British soldier in WW2. Items included as follows : 1. Luftwaffe brown leather mapcase with 'LBA(S)' inspection marking & 1937 date 2. Pencil as cut down to fit in the pencil compartment & came with the mapcase. 3.1937 dated & maker marked celluloid map protector. 4. A loose postage stamp dated '42' with 'Tunisie' postmark. 5. A German 'Feldpost' card with Bizerte address handwritten on back. 6. A German -Russian phrase book issued by German forces. 7. A 1939 dated map of Hamburg town.. being Luftwaffe there may well be a link to Flak troops. 8. A German multipage map of the world dated 1941 . One of the rear belt loop housings has pulled through on one side.
WW2 German \'Pioniersturmgepack\' Engineers Assault Pack The Pioniersturmgepäck, (Engineer’s Assault Pack), was introduced on March 27th 1941 and was issued specifically to Combat Engineers along with other specialist equipment. The pack held two, three kilogram, (6 pounds,2.6 ounces), explosive charges, a mess kit and additional personal or essential items. In excellent condition all of its integral compartments , closure ties & LUX strap tab & eye fittings are intact with the original grey painted carbine equipment hooks for Y strap attachment intact at the rear. There are some handwritten unit/owners marking to the rear which appears to be ' P Z 60 '. The Combat Engineer’s assault packs were only issued to one in five Engineer’s in a divisional Engineer battalion. This Engineers backpack was designed to hold two, three kilogram, (6 pounds,2.6 ounces), explosive charges, a mess kit and additional personal or essential items.
WW2 German ‘Etched Blade’ Kriegsmarine Dagger With Knot A nice recently surfaced example of the Kriegsmarine officers dagger still with its original knot in place never having been off since its WW2 service. An Eickhorn example it has an excellent ivory grip with all of its wire binding still intact. The crisp detailing to its pommel displays the undamaged swastika very well. Blade displays the classic anchor & serpent design with a very clean & bright appearance overall. Scabbard is extremely pleasing with a very high percentage of its original fire gilding remaining. Throat screws are present & totally untouched with no movement whatsoever to lozenge. Silver knot is correctly tied to dagger with some corresponding age & wear evidencing its time with this dagger. An excellent untouched example with only some light wear overall.
WW2 GM38 German Gas Mask & Canister Dark green 'byd' maker marked all rubber facepiece which is the version produced as of 1938 to replace the earlier rubberised fabric M31 variant. Snout marked 'E 40' & FE41 filter also well marked with waffenamt ink stamping. There is almost all of its original green paint still present on the carrying tin with a 'D' (Dicht) on the bottom indicating watertight which was introduced late 1942. Spare lenses are present in their compartment the lid of which is dated 1943 with spare lense packet being marked 'bwz'. Both original long & short straps are present the short strap still has faint markings visible. Tin has white painted soldiers number around the neck of the tin & also on the snout of the gas mask although not matching. Overall excellent example with only light service use.
WW2 Gunnery Instruction Photographic Reference Album Rare 50 page photographic reference album coming from the possessions of a former WW2 Gunnery Instructor. Many different types of Artillery pieces are photographed & captioned in detail & have been archived as an invaluable instructional aid for Gunnery students. Many of the weapons photographed are of the WW1 era going on into WW2 including variations of the 18 pdr Gun , Hotchkiss 6 pdr 6 cwt, 4.5 Howitzer, 3.7 Gun, 9.2in Howitzer, 8in Howitzer, 6in Gun & many more. This album is the first of five other albums of the same format covering amongst them Trench Mortars & Equipment & also Anti Aircraft Artillery in high definition photographs Rare piece of Ordnance related archive. ***Please contact to discuss postal options as heavy item***
WW2 Italian Breda M37 Heavy Machine Gun With Mount & Ammunition Carrier ( Czech Barrel ) The Italian Breda heavy machine gun is well recorded as having been the mainstay of the Italian fighting soldier in WW2. Used in action in North Africa & Italy it was also used by British & commonwealth forces including units of the SAS. This is a very clean example with 1938 date to top cover & 1937 mounting plate to side. It is of note that the barrel is from a Czech machine gun the origin of which I am as yet unable to establish. Certainly a visually striking piece & without doubt still a fine display piece. Mount still has its Italian brass workplate affixed with date 1938. Capable of being cocked & dryfired it comes with Home Office certificate of deactivation. UK sales only. Collection / Delivery to be arranged.
WW2 Italian M33 Steel Combat Helmet A classic untouched textbook Italian M33 combat helmet in its original factory green paint. All of the features one would expect to see on a correct wartime produced Italian helmet are here including grey leather chinstrap & rectangular chinstrap bales . It is particularly interesting that German helmet liner rivets have been utilised on this helmet this not being uncommon when fighting alongside their German allies. The rivets have clearly been in the helmet for a very long time & I believe are totally wartime applied. The faint chinstrap marking to its pointed end can still be discerned with a circular manufacturer stamp to liner. The perforated size marking \'58\' is visible also. The marking \'P28\' appears to rear rim. It is well recorded that a combined German and Italian force started a series of offensives and counter-offensives that culminated with the Axis victory of Gazala and Tobruk. By 1942, the Germans and Italians were driving towards Alexandria in Egypt & so their joint partnership can often be seen in the crossover of equipment used by both sides.
WW2 Japanese Infantry Combat Helmet & Cover A textbook Imperial Japanese Army Type 90 helmet with rare khaki camouflage cover. Helmet has a wonderfully original factory painted steel shell over which is applied a tan coloured cotton camouflage cover. Profusely marked to the inside this is held with its original knotted drawstring although it is possible to slip off for inspection with some ease. There is an olive colored wool circle with machine sewn yellow wool star machine sewn to the front. The light brown colored leather liner is complete with drawstring still in place and held to the shell with leather band and all original helmet pins. Each of the three liner sections have original pads with one of these marked to its reverse. Canvas chin tie still present & showing heavy wear ( Please see images ). A fabulous piece & very hard to find with the original camouflage cover.
WW2 Japanese Infantry Helmet With Rare Camouflage Cover A textbook Imperial Japanese Army Type 90 helmet with rare khaki camouflage cover. Helmet has a wonderfully original thick handpainted brown painted steel shell over which is applied a tan coloured cotton cover. Profusely marked to the inside this is held with its original knotted drawstring although it is possible to slip off for inspection with some ease. There is an olive colored wool circle with machine sewn yellow wool star machine sewn to the front. There is a small rim tear of approx 3cm not detracting ( See image ). Helmet interior is marked with two white painted digits to crown & complete with a Japanese 'Good Luck' seal wrapped around the rear strap. On this seal are 'Kanji' with the soldiers personal details & within this are often wrapped prayers from monks which were collected from shrines & then stamped with 'shrine seals' as the are often called. The light brown colored leather liner is complete with drawstring still in place and held to the shell with leather band and all original helmet pins. Each of the three liner sections have original pads with one of these marked to its reverse. A fabulous piece & very hard to find with the original camouflage cover.
WW2 Japanese Naval Landing Forces Helmet A very nice bringback example of the Japanese Special Landing Forces helmet its Imperial Japanese Navy service indicated by the anchor painted to the front of it. The Japanese Naval Landing Forces were the Marine troops of the Imperial Japanese Navy trained & equipped for fighting on land. It is well recorded that these troops saw extensive service in the Pacific theatre of WW2. In its original brown paint to inside & out the yellow stencilled naval anchor to front denotes this helmet to date from the 1943-45 period , previous models having a metal anchor affixed in the same place. The liner system & thin chinstraps are typical of a later Naval issue helmet both with some age & minor fraying to straps but intact. A well used Japanese combat helmet straight from a Pacific battlefield.
WW2 Japanese Type 90 Camouflage Netted Combat Helmet A rare WW2 Japanese netted camouflage helmet recently purchased privately from the US having been brought back as a souvenir from the Pacific by a member of the Marine Corps. A classic Japanese Type 90 it retains a high proportion of its original khaki paint with the twine like netting fitted over the exterior & interlocked to form a tight & very effective basket on which to secure jungle foliage . This twine is made from a folded paper type material & is known to have been used on rubber plantations. The complex weave shows areas of rust bleed where the twine has sat in direct contact with the shells raised areas & rim. An additional band of khaki paint has been wartime applied around its circumference & can be seen underneath the netting . Pigskin liner shows heavy wear with a small repair to one tongue done some years ago.
WW2 Japanese Type 90 Helmet With \' Kanji\' Inscriptions A very good example of the Japanese Type 90 helmet the standard issue Japanese Infantry helmet of WW2. This helmet has Japanese symbols ( Kanji) painted on to the side of it with a large portion of Japanese writing to the inside of the helmet which I have not translated. Star to front is 100% original to the helmet. Retaining a large proportion of its original khaki paint to shell one can see the band of slightly different paint colour around the circumference of the shell which was applied during the manufacturing process once the liner & rivets had been fitted. The multi panelled leather liner pads are the Japanese \'Ersatz\' equivalent using offcuts in their production to save on leather. This was not necessarily a late war adornment as the Japanese had already been fighting the Chinese in 1938/39/40 before they came into WW2 & so economy was already a consideration in the early WW2 period for them. Front cushion holder ink stamped to rear . All three cushions are present with chinstrap system complete .
WW2 Japanese Type 95 NCO Sword With British Soldier \'Captured Enemy Material \' Form This Japanese 'Type 95' NCO sword was brought back from Burma by a British army R.A.M.C. Warrant Officer who was serving as part of HQ Burma Command when he acquired it. Coming with it is the original paper 'Retention Certificate' reading: 'Captured Enemy Material .. No. 14716672 W.O.II BUTTLE W.J. Of HQ Burma Command Has Permission To Retain One Japanese Sword As A War Trophy. ' This is dated 8/4/47 & signed by the Brigadier In Charge Of Administration , HQ Burma Command. ' The sword dates from before the 1941 period with aluminium Tsuka ( handle ) & thick brass Tsuba ( Hand Guard ) . It has matching serial numbers to blade & scabbard with the S/N being read blade upwards indicating a Nagoya Arsenal produced blade. Other markings are to be seen on the Fuchi these being that of 'Gifu' who were one of the six companies producing swords at the arsenals , 'Nagoya' which is one of the three Arsenal inspection markings one would find & then lastly the marking for 'Kokura' which is the Arsenal identification mark. All of the correct fittings are still intact to the sword such as the retaining screw to the Tsuka & the hanging loop to the top. The holding catch fitting between handle & scabbard is working perfectly. A Japanese military used sword that has been to war this sword has been acquired from family hands & was previously proudly kept in the corner of a room by its liberator for many years after WW2. ****** UK SALES ONLY******** *** This sword came with the veterans medals, photographs & his fathers Great War medals listed seperately , Code 8481 ***
WW2 Kings Own Scottish Borderers Officer Private Purchase Tam O Shanter A fabulous private purchase sand coloured officers Tam O Shanter from the famous fighting regiment the Kings Own Scottish Borderers. Exuding charactor this is certainly a well field worn KOSB Tam that still has its original backed badge still affixed. This is very well worn into the cloth of the backing & its edges correlating with the dirt marks which can be seen on the fabric of the beret. The nap of cloth to the exterior is well worn with much dirt & 'brylcreem' wear to be seen to its lining. The tailor label of Wm.Anderson & Sons Ltd of Edinburgh & Glasgow denotes its maker , this firm were a well known tailors that supplied fine quality officers kit to the Scottish regiments. The 7th Battallion of the Kings Own Scottish Borderers were heavily involved in Operation Marketgarden as part of the 1st Airlanding Brigade of the 1st Airborne Division suffering 90% casualties in September 1944. Other battalions fought in France with the BEF , Burma , the Normandy landings then at Caen & right through into Germany.
WW2 Luftwaffe Pilots Provenanced Leather Flying Jacket 1944-45 A scarce leather Luftwaffe pilots flying jacket with letter of provenance from a private individual stating that she was given this jacket , with the trousers , in 1954 by its former Luftwaffe pilot owner who was a family friend . At the time of the recipient selling on the jacket in 1996 & writing the letter of provenance the trousers had long been lost however the jacket has remained in a private collection ever since. Of brown leather the jacket is an issue piece & has a purple velveteen collar with a small section of blue used in the construction of its underside neck area. Late war white RiRi zippers have been used at its sleeve cuffs as well as a blue satin lining & blue glass buttons to its hidden front fly. Internal waistband ties aid fitting whilst cuffs have an inner ( such as found on jump smocks etc ) with Prym 6 pop studs. Particularly appealing is the bullion breast eagle. It is my honest held belief that this original to the jacket & I have shown some close up pictures to demonstrate that. Evidence of award loops can be seen to the lower left breast however the letter of provenance explains that the recipients mother would not allow the jacket into the house until the badges had been removed! These were sadly lost in the passage of time. I have shown a picture of the letter in one of the images & have obscured the address for purposes of discretion. A now scarce item of Luftwaffe flying clothing in excellent condition & typical pilots attire of the 1944-45 period.
WW2 M36 Soviet Steel Combat Helmet Good example of the scarce M36 Russian combat helmet which was the first truly Soviet design much used by Soviet troops in the early campaigns against the Wehrmacht in WW2 before being succeeded by the more commonly seen 39 & 40 patterns. The general shape of the helmet was inspired by a pre war civilian fire service helmet with the air vent crest on top inspiredby that of the French Adrian of 1916 which was also adopted by the Imperial Russian Army in WW1. This particular example is in its typical dark green grey colour with its correct & original corrugated metal & grey cloth liner & grey oil cloth band still present. Markings stamped into the rear skirt of the helmet give the size & date of manufacture as 1938. An exceptionally good example of this scarce & historical Soviet combat helmet.
WW2 Normandy Campaign Attributed British Officers Boots & Letters Group ( Mentioned In Despatches ) Interesting lot comprising Officers boots, framed photograph & Field Post letters sent whilst in training & later whilst on Active Service in NW Europe from a WW2 British Officer who saw much action in the Normandy Campaign in 1944 before coming right through France, Holland & Belgium & finishing up in Germany in April 1945. Colin Whitelock Rankin joined the Royal Artillery in 1940 as a 2nd Lieutenant working his way up the ranks before being posted to the North West European theatre & being involved in July in the heavy inland fighting as Allied units were attempting to break through to Caen. Serving as a Captain with the 3rd Battery, 1st Heavy Regiment , Royal Artillery he sends many letters home to his wife talking of the fighting & mentioning on many an occasion the impressive tenacity of the German enemy as well as the casualties they themselves had been suffering mentioning in one letter losing about a third of his men. He describes day to day living conditions of Officers & men on the move & also talks about the condition of the civilian population after the German occupation giving accounts of their treatment by the Germans on occasions. Offered here are the collection of letters sent to his wife & also his high leg boots which he mentions in one of his letters as having been desperately needed in the heavy mud. They are of typical high officer quality with their wooden trees & made by the firm ' Julie Fitzmaurice' of Harrogate. His name & army number are clearly marked on the inside of each boot which are both in excellent condition with the usual service wear to the leather. Also coming with the group is a framed photograph of him wearing the boots in Service Dress. Captain Rankin was Mentioned In Despatches for his Service in NW Europe testament to the heavy fighting in which he was involved. All in all a nice group with which more research could be done.
WW2 Normandy Fighting Division , 15th Scottish Royal Signals Battledress A 1943 dated '40 pattern battledress to a Signaller serving in the 15th Scottish Division. In very good condition & with all of its original period neatly hand applied insignia there are embroidered white on blue Royal Signals titles & Divisional patches of the 15th to each arm . The white & yellow arm of service strip is beneath this on both sides. This mans service abroad is indicated by five red overseas chevrons to lower right sleeve handsewn applied by the wearer. Medal ribbons to left breast denote service in France & Germany with 1939 -45 star also being awarded. Clothing label still intact with year 1943 & also 'N' coded war department inspectors stamp to inside right fly. Most likely a battledress kept for walking out, there is no moth . The 15th Scottish Division served in North West Europe ( Normandy onwards ) from June 1944 to May 1945.
WW2 Normandy Unit Battledress - 53rd Welsh Division Royal Engineers An originally badged & rare 1944 dated battledress blouse of a corporal in the 53rd Division ( Welsh ) , Royal Engineers. Battledress is of the 1940 pattern with embroidered shoulder titles on each arm , printed \'W\' titles of the 53rd (Welsh) Division & arm of service strips of the RE. Complete with clothing label giving clear date of 1944 & M coded WD inspection stamp for the year 1944. Most likely worn as a best dress by this sergeant it is in excellent condition with no unsightly rips or repairs. This Division were heavily involved in many famous campaigns including the Battle For Normandy fighing in The Odon , Operation Goodwood , Falaise Pocket then on to the Battle of the Bulge , into the Reichswald Forest & the crossing of the Rhine.
WW2 RAF 90 Squadron Lancaster Bomber W/Op Flying Log Book & Maps With Op Market Garden & Bombing Of The Falaise Gap Entries A fascinating Flying Log Book & 31 corresponding maps from each mission in the logbook to a Wireless Operator with entries indicating involvement on the 17th September 1944 operation to drop dummy parachutists over Holland on the eve of Operation Market Garden , Arnhem as well as the bombing of the Falaise Gap on 14th August 1944. Covering his service from June 1943 until July 1946 the book records his training on into much active service with the 90th Heavy Bomber squadron flying on Wellingtons, Stirlings & the famous Avro Lancaster from May 1944 onwards. His postings are listed as follows: June to July 1943 No.2 Radio School Yatesbury Aug to Sep 1943 No.3 A.F.U Bobbington Oct '43 to Jan '44 12 OTU Chipping Warden ( Wellingtons ) Mar '44 to Early May '44 1651 Conversion Unit Wratting Common ( Stirling ) May '44 to Sep '44 90 Sqn Tuddenham ( Lancasters ) Feb '45 to Dec '45 No.21 Heavy Glider Conversion Unit, Brize Norton ( Albemarle ) Jan '46 to July '46 " " Elsham Wolds ( Albemarle & Halifax ) Many recognisable bombing targets are recorded in the Log Book including Le Havre , Kiel , Stuttgart , L'Isle Adam ( Rocket Site ) , Lens Railway yards, Bremen , Brunswick , Watten , Danzig ( Sea Mining ) . Also recorded is a precision bridge target raid on Moerdijk on 16th September 1944 . All of the maps have mission remarks handwritten onto them relating to encountered enemy flak & fighter opposition as well as , most interestingly , one map from a mission on 17th September 1944 marked ' Special Spoof parachutists raid, 17th September 1944 ' referred to in the Log Book entry as ' Special Operations ' which took off being flown by Wing Commander Ogilvie DFC AFC. Other map remarks include '28/7/44 Stuttgart raid 62 aircraft missing from nights operations' & ' 29/8/44 Danzig Pilot ill - turned back 40 minutes from target. Steve orders abandon aircraft over Sweden, but Kirby brings us home!! ' . Much additional information has been recorded on each map with each being dated & target named. Much more remains to be discovered within the book & written on each map . Extensive research would , of course , complete the fascinating story of this mans RAF war service.
WW2 RAF B Type Flying Helmet 1939 Scarce 1939 dated 'B' Type flying helmet of the pattern used during the Battle of Britain. This is an appealing early war example which is totally fresh to the market & comes as found with no attempt having been made to clean or restore it. The inside label gives a desirable 1939 date & maker as Frank Bryan Limited with the added bonus of being a size 4. The exterior of the helmet has survived well however I have made no attempt to move the stiffened earcup zips which have not been moved for some time. Leather straps at rear are good & supple. Both Bennett buckles retain their leather coverings with chinstrap retaining its metal end tip. The interior displays some overall wear with the filling of the left earcup being visible in places due to some splitting to the chamois leather. The forehead felt is also holed to its left side. The helmet does have a name to the inside which may well be researchable . A nice untouched B Type helmet which displays very well.
WW2 RAF B-Type Flying Helmet - 1938 Dated A scarce 1938 dated textbook B-Type Flying helmet coming complete with cheek protectors & sponge rubber cushions to earcups. To the inside of the helmet is the very clear manufacturers label of 'H.Bednall,Walsall ' with large date '1938' & ' No 1 6 1/2 - 6 3/4 ' . This helmet still has its 'Air Ministry' marked cheek protectors attached to inner edge on both sides these more commonly sewn onto the cloth D Type masks . All fittings are firm & intact with both earcups zips fully functionable & retaining their leather pulls. Earcups are totally period handstitched to helmet with no evidence of other stitch holes or previous placement. This is quite correct with period machine or handstitching both encountered on these helmets. Both earcups are AM marked & coded . Both rubber cushions good . Chamois lining very good & undamaged. This piece of the textbook Battle of France , Battle of Britain period it is increasingly difficult to find B Type helmets , especially with the early 1938 date & in such good undamaged supple condition.
WW2 RAF B-Type Flying Helmet - 1938 Dated A scarce 1938 dated textbook B-Type Flying helmet coming complete with cheek protectors & sponge rubber cushions to earcups. To the inside of the helmet is the very clear manufacturers label of 'H.Bednall,Walsall ' with large date '1938' & ' No 1 6 1/2 - 6 3/4 ' . This helmet still has its 'Air Ministry' marked cheek protectors attached to inner edge on both sides these more commonly sewn onto the cloth D Type masks . All fittings are firm & intact with both earcups zips fully functionable & retaining their leather pulls. Earcups are totally period handstitched to helmet with no evidence of other stitch holes or previous placement. This is quite correct with period machine or handstitching both encountered on these helmets. Both earcups are AM marked & coded . Both rubber cushions good . Chamois lining very good & undamaged. This piece of the textbook Battle of France , Battle of Britain period it is increasingly difficult to find B Type helmets , especially with the early 1938 date & in such good undamaged supple condition.
WW2 RAF Battle Of Britain Fighter Pilot KIA Medal Group A scarcely encountered Battle of Britain fighter pilot medal group awarded to Pilot Officer Colin Logan who flew with 266 Squadron at Hornchurch during the Battle of Britain before being tragically killed in a flying accident whilst on a training exercise in 1941. Group comprises framed memorial scroll , Air Crew Europe Star , Battle of Britain Clasp , 1939-45 star & War medal along with original condolence slip & box of issue addressed to his wife . A group of original wartime photographs of Colin Logan in RAF uniform are also included one large size with wife & child also a postcard sized portrait shot named to him & dated March 1941 . Two prewar photographs of him on a ships deck unwinding with colleagues show him at sergeant rank . An RAF certificate & badge dated 1935 & received when serving in Singapore informs him of his award of the Station Colours for Football & Hockey . P/O Logan , of Bedhampton, joined the RAF as an Aircraft Apprentice in September 1928 and passed out in August 1931. He later remustered as an Airman u/t Pilot. He was commissioned on July 20th 1940 and was then serving with No. 12 (Bomber) Squadron. Volunteering for Fighter Command in August he was posted to 7 OTU, Hawarden on the 8th. After converting to Spitfires, he joined 266 Squadron at Hornchurch on August 20th & flew sorties throughout the Battle of Britain . In March 1941 P/O Logan was serving with No.222 Squadron taking part in a practice 'dog fight' exercise in a Spitfire Mark II serial number P7857 with 748084 Sgt W Wilson, who was flying Spitfire Mark II serial number P8028. Both aircraft took off at approximately 1500hrs on 27 March 1941 from RAF Coltishall. Soon after take off P/O Logan called up on the radio transmitter and told the Controller that they could see vapour trail above them. Suspecting an enemy aircraft , they climbed to investigate. At approximately 15.20hrs P/O Logan and Sgt Wilson talked to each other on the radio transmitter and decided that the vapour trail was being caused by a Wellington. At 15.21hrs all communication with the pilots ceased. The aircraft had collided in mid-air, with the loss of both pilots, crashing to the ground at Easton, Norfolk. He was 29 years old. A poignant & moving group to a member of ' the few ' .
WW2 RAF Bomb Navigator KIA Group Fascinating WW2 British aircrew casualty medal & paperwork group to a young Pilot Officer killed on a bombing raid to Essen while serving in his role as a Navigator on an Avro Lancaster bomber. George Cribbin was serving with No 467 Squadron (RAAF) at R.A.F. Bottesford , Nottinghamshire before going missing on the night of the 27th/28th May 1943. A letter dated the 28th May 1943 written by his Commanding Officer Wing Commander Gomm (Later himself KIA 15/8/1943) ) informs Pilot Officer Cribbins' mother that he has been reported missing & following this there are several letters from the British Red Cross & the Air Ministry Casualty Branch reporting on their efforts to find him. Various correspondance takes place before she is informed that the graves of several of his crew members have been found in a village in Germany & that there is also one of an unidentified crew member believed to be her son. A final letter confirms this on the 10th December 1943 & informs her that her son has now been presumed dead as of the 28th May 1943. Also included in the group are some personal effects of Pilot Officer Cribbin including his RAF bible & a diary with his particulars in. There are several photographs of him in uniform, one as an Officer Cadet & also three others with the rest of his crewmates one of which is taken next to their bomber. Two Greetings cards signed from him to various members of his family are also present as well as School Reports & a School certificate dated October 1936. Medals awarded are the France & Germany Star, Air Crew Europe Star & War Medal which come with their Air Council condolence slip & original box of issue & also a magazine article with a picture of him & other crewmates in a wartime edition of 'The Listener' prior to his death. This is an exceptionally rare & complete group with all correspondance relating to the death of Pilot Officer Cribbin & other personal effects having been kept together since the end of the war. More photographs,information can be supplied upon request.
WW2 RAF Bomber Command KIA Lancaster Bomber Navigators Grouping I am pleased to be able to offer once again this fascinating WW2 British aircrew casualty medal & paperwork group to a young Pilot Officer killed on a bombing raid to Essen while serving in his role as a Navigator on an Avro Lancaster bomber. George Cribbin was serving with No 467 Squadron (RAAF) at R.A.F. Bottesford , Nottinghamshire before going missing on the night of the 27th/28th May 1943. A letter dated the 28th May 1943 written by his Commanding Officer Wing Commander Gomm (Later himself KIA 15/8/1943) ) informs Pilot Officer Cribbins\' mother that he has been reported missing & following this there are several letters from the British Red Cross & the Air Ministry Casualty Branch reporting on their efforts to find him. Various correspondance takes place before she is informed that the graves of several of his crew members have been found in a village in Germany & that there is also one of an unidentified crew member believed to be her son. A final letter confirms this on the 10th December 1943 & informs her that her son has now been presumed dead as of the 28th May 1943. Also included in the group are some personal effects of Pilot Officer Cribbin including his RAF bible & a diary with his particulars in. There are several photographs of him in uniform, one as an Officer Cadet & also three others with the rest of his crewmates one of which is taken next to their bomber. Two Greetings cards signed from him to various members of his family are also present as well as School Reports & a School certificate dated October 1936. Medals awarded are the France & Germany Star, Air Crew Europe Star & War Medal which come with their Air Council condolence slip & original box of issue & also a magazine article with a picture of him & other crewmates in a wartime edition of \'The Listener\' prior to his death. This is an exceptionally rare & complete group with all correspondance relating to the death of Pilot Officer Cribbin & other personal effects having been kept together since the end of the war. More photographs,information can be supplied upon request.
WW2 RAF Bomber Crewman (W/O) Prisoner of War Paperwork Group Very nice paperwork grouping to an RAF Wireless Operator who was enlisted in 1939 & posted missing in 1941 having been shot down & made a Prisoner of War. Much paperwork comprises this fascinating group with many documents from his enlistment into the RAF Volunteer Reserve in 1939 being present. These include Notice Paper of 5th December 1939 detailing Attestation, Post Office Telegram re his Call Up in 1941 as well as Grade Card from his Medical of 5/12/39 placing him as Grade 1 fit. Interestingly an RAF Airmens Record of Kit dated 11th May 1940 is also present in the group listing his kit issue of 1940/41. A handwritten letter from his Commanding Officer to Next of Kin dated 9th September (Presume 1941) gives sympathy re W/O Endsor going missing hoping that the crew are safe & promising to update with any further news etc. Confirmation of him & the crew having survived is apparent in a letter from another of the crews mothers to the mother of W/O Endsor describing the relief at the notification of their sons now being POWs & praising the courage of their 'boys'. A British Red Cross letter of 14th october 1941 acknowledges thier son being a POW & gives further info re this & the address of Dulag Luft, Germany. Crudely made POW tags bearing his number have been kept as souvenirs & are present here within the group. Upon his release from captivity in 1945 various Telegrams of good wishes & congratulations from friends & family were received many of which are here. There are also several decorative Welcome Home cards. Some other miscellaneous ephemera accompanies the group including war expense related sheets & photographs of him in uniform some with friends on leave & whilst training. All in all a fascinating complete group with much research left to do on squadron, action etc.
WW2 RAF Bomber Navigators Plotting Board, Map & Ephemera Scarce item of RAF flight equipment being a Navigators plotting board that came all from the one man with a 1942 dated RAF map of Flensburg & two WW2 publications for the RAF entitled 'Whats the Gen' on RAF slang & 'Target for Tonight' a black & white book in text & pictures on a bombing raid on Germany taken from a narrated information film of the time. Plotting board is of wooden construction with a rotating compass fixed onto the end of a movable arm screwed to the side of the board. The board itself is comprised of two parts on a hinge that opens out to take maps etc with a perspex type cover on the top on which the plotter can draw. On the reverse of the board are two compartments for pencils ( two of which come with this lot) , an elasticated loop & markings with the initials '38' for 1938 & the broad arrow. There is some minor damage to the corners of the wood & the perspex through age & bad storage although the compass arm works fine. These plotting boards were balanced on the navigators knee during flight. Map is 1942 dated & shows Flensburg with markings relating to RAF use. Overall a nice lot & quite a scarce piece of navigators equipment to survive & be seen these days.
WW2 RAF DFC Winners Service Tunic DFC winners service tunic to Flight Lieutenant B.W Heard of 172 Squadron RAF who received the award as Rear Gunner whilst attacking a fully surfaced U Boat. His Pilot Officer was severely wounded in the process. Tunic is a very nicely made 'Gieves' example with padded Air Gunner brevet & Flight Lieutenant rank to sleeves. DFC & 1939-45 Star ribbons to breast. The Gieves tailor label to inside pocket bears this officers name . The DFC was awarded to Heard on February 8th 1944 with citation reading as follows : "One night, these officers were rear gunner and pilot respectively of an aircraft which sighted a fully surfaced U-boat. Pilot Officer Armstrong immediately .went into the attack and straddled the vessel with depth charges. Despite heavy fire from the submarine's guns, Pilot Officer Armstrong made 2 'more runs over the vessel and released more depth charges with great accuracy from a very low level. This officer displayed great skill, courage and determination. In the action, Flying Officer Heard was severely wounded in the leg and the arm but he displayed outstanding fortitude and praiseworthy devotion to duty, setting a splendid example." Details: Awarded simultaneously to Pilot Officer Armstrong.
WW2 RAF Flight Lieutenant Battledress 1943 Excellent original example of the WW2 RAF blue serge wool Battledress worn by a Flight Lieutenant & dated 1943. Blouse still has all of its originally sewn insignia including embroidered & padded RAF wings & two officer braids on each shoulder strap indicating rank of Flight Lieutenant. Right breast has a home-made leather name tag stitched on which was an idea unofficially copied from American servicemen who wore a name tag on their A2 flying jackets. The name reads 'UBEROI' & is in need of some research. Below the RAF emblem is a medal ribbon bar showing his entitlement to the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star & Clasp, Defence medal & War medal. Concealed pocket buttons are metal dished & front buttons are of tan composite. Clothing label is clear & good reading 'Blouses, Air Crew Size 15' & the date 1943. Size is good for a display mannequin or bust. With some light moth tracking to the arms & two holes down its front it also has wear to the collar consistent with heavy service use. This jacket has without doubt seen much service in the cockpit of a WW2 aircraft!
WW2 RAF Flying Officers Battledress Uniform Grouping An RAF uniform grouping to a Flying officer named Molloy. Group consists of his named battledress , trousers &a later added hardly worn FS cap. The main part of the group is his named battledress with MOLLOY written to the inside of the collar & also his name & number again to the 'Aircrews , Blouses' 1942 dated clothing label . An 'O' coded inspectors stamp can just about be seen to the inside right fly. Insignia on the blouse are his RAF pilot wings & Flying Officer rank bars to each shoulder. It is interesting to note that padding has been inserted into the shoulders of the blouse & also pop stud fasteners to each corner of the breast pockets. A working battledress that has been in the air with some wear to the nap of the cloth & moderate fraying to the cuffs. The RAF 'Aircrew' trousers again have the name 'MOLLOY' written to the inside of the waist with clothing label removed. These are denotable as RAF aircrew issue in the '37 pattern style with dressing pocket to front & two pockets to rear. There are a mix of brass & plastic buttons some having been replaced as expected from a used pair of trousers. These are generally in very good condition with a couple of small moth nips to the rear waist area. Finally the high quality private purchase officers cap does not have his name just a London tailor label to J.S.WILSON stating it has been expressly made for Banfield & Co Tailors & Hatters of Newquay. An interesting set currently unresearched . Battledress is an approx size 42-43 inch chest with waist size of trousers a approx 310-31in. Inside leg is 30inches.
WW2 RAF FSGT Navigators Battledress & Forage Cap Very nice example of a Royal Air Force Navigators ' War , Service Dress Blouse ' dated 1944 with the rank of Flight Sergeant & also coming with his brass RAF badged forage cap dated 1942. RAF blue BD has two pleated pockets to front with all black plastic buttons present. Calico clothing label intact showing maker to be L Harris Ltd & date 1944. Size is a 5 & fits mannequin or bust. Embroidered Navigator wing to left breast ( Introduced 9/42 ) handstitched on with twin sergeant rank stripes & crowns & shoulder eagles as worn by those below rank of Warrant Officer. One hole approx 2.5 cm to bottom corner of right breast pocket otherwise condition is excellent with only light service use. RAF blue serge Other Ranks forage cap with two brass buttons to front & brass RAF badge mounted. Maker marked to Gelfer of Glasgow in 1942. Two very small moth nips to right side hardly noticeable.
WW2 RAF Irvin Thermally Insulated Flying Suit Trousers 1941 Dated A 1941 dated pair of leather Irvin flying suit trousers with airmans name written to label & braces 'A.Berry' & the number '407' . Hard to find a 1941 date from the early years of Bomber Command & still with the sizing label intact. All of the thermal sheepskin insulation is intact & in good order with one zip working well & the second being workable to approx half way up its length. Both Newey pop studded front pockets, central fly & rear side pockets open & close correctly. There is , of course some wear & age to the leather with one approx 5 in tear to lower right ankle area & also to the rear of it. There is a smaller one inch hole to the rear of the left buttock area & a 3 in tear to the rear left waist area where the braces are stitched in. Braces are totally original to the trousers & undamaged. Still a good pair for mannequin display which will be shipped straight as bending of the legs would damage the leather.
WW2 RAF Lancaster Bomber Navigational Bubble Sextant Nice complete example of the RAF Bubble Sextant type MkIXA & bakelite transit case. These were the navigational instrument used on the Avro Lancaster throughout WW2 & are quite hard to find complete with case & wartime dated spare batteries etc. Sextant has Air Ministry stamps with the designation on one side of ' Bubble Sextant Mark IXA 6B/218 ' as well as many other Air Ministry stampings ( also AM crown). Its Bakelite case contains two Air Ministry & Crown marked batteries with one having the clear date of March 1944. Leather short carry strap still intact to outer casing with AM designation ' 6B/218 ' to lid. Overall flight service use to case , instrument is in excellent condition with attachment hook still present. Scarce flight instrument having seen much use on bombing raids in WW2.
WW2 RAF Pilots Grouping Medals & associated paperwork grouping to a WW2 RAF Flying Officer who received his Pilots Wings in 1942 before serving through the rest of WW2 & being awarded the 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star, Defence medal & War medal. Included in the group is a 1942 dated Squadron photograph & also a photograph of his receiving his Pilots wings in 1942. There are also other related photographs of his service ( one of his training squadron ) as well as a newspaper cutting of him at a Remembrance service in full uniform just after the war. A 1942 dated & compiled airplane Spotters album also compliments the set. His medals are in the group as well as his WW2 Pilots wings & shoulder boards, rank slips & VR cap badge from his post war Volunteer Reserve service. Altogether an interesting group with much research into the extent of his flying career to yet be done.
WW2 RAF Private Purchase Officers Webbing Belt 1939 A scarce example of the private purchase webbing belt which was offered for sale to RAF officers by Mills Equipment Company. Originally conceived before the introduction of the standard issue 1937 pattern web equipment in 1938, this private purchase RAF officers webbing is in blue grey & was only intended to be a means for carrying side arms & not as a full field equipment set. This is the first RAF officer private purchase pattern offered as of 1937 incorporating, rather curiously , a sword hook as seen on the Sam Browne belt. The sword hook was omitted from manufacture in 1939 making this example a rare early piece to find with it on. This piece is in excellent condition & is maker marked & dated 'MECo 1939' for Mills Equipment Company. Interestingly named to a Pilot Officer Nevitt ( handwritten in belt ) possibly lending itself to research. Certainly a scarce early RAF item.
WW2 RAF Uniform Grouping ( 1941 Dated ) RAF 1941 dated Service Dress uniform grouping to Flight Lieutenant MW Pittman. Comprises four pocket SD jacket & trousers, SD peaked cap, side cap & greatcoat shoulder straps. All from the one man the jacket inner & trouser waistband have the mans handwritten name of MW PITTMAN & the date 7/11/41 . Tunic has all brass Kings crown buttons with one brass VR ( Volunteer Reserve ) title to left lapel & medal ribbons sewn on for Italy star, Defence medal & War medal. There is a rodent nip sized hole to the left arm , front lower skirt area & shoulder with some smaller holed areas to skirt bottom apparently through wear. Also some stitching away at non visible armpit area. Tailor label to inside pocket of ' Rowans ' of Glasgow & Birmingham with handwritten name , date & number of RAF officer corresponding with trousers which are well mothed to the front but good on the back. Officers cap made by L.Lilbertston ( WD marked to sweatband reverse ) having bullion Kings crown RAF insignia. There is general service use with a couple of small holes in places being a well worn cap. Side cap also in officer quality material with officer insignia & two brass kings crown RAF buttons to front. Again some holed areas at front of cap with moth to top ribbed area. Officers initials to inside of cap on a stitched on label ' MWP '. Coming also with the group are the mans greatcoat shoulder straps with brass kings crown buttons & rank insignia. Overall this is an untouched recently surfaced RAF officers uniform grouping well used but all belonging to the same man & as such is a historical lot well worthy of some detailed research. This uniform set also came with the mans transit box which has his name & address handpainted onto the front of it along with decorative painting of the RAF cap badge & roundel. This box can be seen listed seperately in the RAF/Aviation section item no. 1929 .
WW2 RAF \'Suits Aircrew\' Battledress Blouse An interesting WW2 RAF battledress that has been personalised by the wearer with the practical addition of a still functional \' Lightning\' zip being installed to the front fly in place of the usual button arrangement. This battledress is well worn but still bears it clothing label marked \' Suits , Aircrew \' which was only used from 1941-43. A size 9 it has much wear to the rear of the collar & to the nap of the cloth overall. A small leather patch has been added to each arm some considerable time ago . There is a two inch tear to the right sleeve . An insignia removed example it is a good size for use with a bust to display equipment etc & although now with no visible names once belonged to DFC winner Matthew Holliday who served in the ranks between 6/3/39 until 1/7/43. He was released on 13.3.46 .
WW2 RAF \'Wellington Bomber\' Bomb Winch Souvenir Piece I am pleased to be able to offer for sale here this superb piece of aviation history being the ' Bomb Winch ' crank handle section from a Wellington bomber. According to the writing it was one of the first 1000 a night raiders involved in the raid on Cologne on the night of 30/31 May 1942. 602 Wellington bombers took part in the raid, this being one of them, the rest of the raid being made up of Avro Lancasters, Sterlings etc from other squadrons. This is part of the outer fabric that covered the geoditic framework of the Wellington & has been taken from one of the Bomb Winch outer housings where the crank handles would be inserted to manually winch up the bombload. The piece is of black rubberised type fabric with the white stencilled words ; Bomb Winch' above a slideable swivel aluminium peephole opening into which the crank handle would be placed. Below this hand written in white paint are the words " Wellington Bomber Z1328 one of the first '1000 a night ' raiders Cologne 30th May 1942. " On the back of the piece is again the serial number Z1328. An internet search reveals the serial number Z1328 corresponds to a Wellington lost in July 1942 on operations to Gardening not long after its big raid in May 1942 . It would appear this piece must have been removed prior to this date but after the May raid possibly upon undergoing battle repairs or modifications. More thorough research would be well warranted on this Wellington bomber.
WW2 RASC '37 Pattern Battledress & Trousers & Personal Effects Group Nice Battledress set of the Royal Army Service Corps from the same man comprising 1937 pattern BD & trousers & also some personal effects all coming together. Battledress & trousers are a matching set bearing yellow on dark blue printed shoulder titles , blue & yellow arm of service strips & sergeant chevrons. 1939-45 Star & Burma Star medal ribbons to left breast. Trousers have front concealed button map & field dressing pocket with straight side pockets. Some mothing overall & buttons are a mixture of metal dished & horn which testifies to this well used service uniform. Also with this group is a photograph of the soldier & one other possibly a brother , a Burma & 1939-45 Star & an issue cigarette tin as found in WW2 compo ration packs. Nice originally badged lot to Far East campaign RASC sergeant.
WW2 Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps Flashed Helmet 1941 A rare Canadian helmet with insignia of the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps. Helmet is finished in the standard factory smooth khaki paint with a slightly rougher hand finish applied over the top. This has been applied around the small rectangular blue & red flash for RCOC to the side these being the colours of the Corps. It is interesting to note that the Canadian chinstrap has an ink stamp of \' R.C.O.C. AURORA \' which may well refer to a depot of the Ordnance Corps. The outside liner nut is totally undisturbed as is the inside which retains the issue Canadian liner marked to cradle arm \'V.M.C\' for Viceroy Manufacturing Company with the date 1942 & size marking 6 3/4. Underside of helmet shell marked \'G.S.W. MK1 1941\' ( General Steel Wares ) . A scarce helmet .
WW2 Royal Marines Uniform & Ephemera Group Interesting uniform grouping to a WW2 Royal Marine all having come from the same man. I originally acquired the cap & ephemera from this RM & after some perseverance have recently been fortunate enough to obtain the uniform for this grouping as well. Included in the group is his RM Dress cap with kings crown buttons & original well polished RM cap badge bearing the issue date '6.43' for June 1943 & name & service number to inside of cap. Also here are his two dogtags with matching name & number to that of the cap. There is also a piece of cloth Navy uniform with Naval cloth badge quite likely from his previous service before RM entry. There are also a number of photographs of various Naval personnel with a wartime telegram & two small captured photographs of Japanese Marines indicating some service in the Far east. Cap in service worn condition with some dirt due to loft storage although not badly damaged. Dark blue four pocket tunic has all of its Royal Marine kings crown buttons complete with RM collar dogs & shoulder titles. Matching trousers also present still with soldiers braces attached. Both tunic & trousers are mothed , on the tunic this is particularly visible on the lower front skirt. Trousers have a non matching name ( not uncommon in wartime ) but also have an inspection date of what appears to be 1940. Certainly a nice complete grouping with research potential his name & service number being known.
WW2 Royal Navy KIA & Family Group Fascinating medal & paperwork group to several members of one family including two brothers, one of whom was killed in action on his ship, their sister who was a WAAF & father who joined the 10th Hussars in 1899 & then served with the RAF in WW1. Frederick Alexander Crawford Hamilton volunteered for the Royal Navy in October 1940 & served on several ships including the Duke, Pembroke, Shoreham & the Afrikander. On the 29th October 1944 Leading Stoker Hamilton joined HMS Daffodil. Daffodil was a converted channel ferry built in 1917 & had been in use as an allied transport on D-Day & beyond. At 11pm on the 17th March 1945 she struck a mine near the harbour wall in Dieppe killing nine men from her crew. Sadly Leading Stoker Hamilton was one of these casualties & on 19th March a telegram arrived addressed to his mother Mrs R.C Hamilton informing her of the news. For his war service he was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Burma Star & the War Medal. Included in the group are his full Certificate of Service, his History Sheet for Stoker Ratings ( Record of Training) , Stoker Petty Officer Course Passing Certificate, Death telegram & envelope to his mother, a letter from Commodore MHA Kelsey, Certificate of Death issued by the Admiralty, Certificate of Seamens Wills & a large size photograph of him in Naval uniform. All medals are complete with box of issue addressed to his mother & issue slip with his name & condolences from the Admiralty. His brother Albert John Hamilton joined the Navy in April 1935 & survived the war serving on 12 different ships & joining the Royal Fleet Reserve in November 1945 until his discharge in January 1953. His medals are single bar mounted & are the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Defence Medal, War Medal & the Royal Fleet Reserve Long Service & Good Conduct Medal which is named to him around the rim. Again included here are his Certificate of Service, Torpedo History Sheet, Recommendations for Advancement & Conduct Record Sheet, four Greetings cards sent home by him whilst on foreign service with HMS Kent & HMS Medway & a large size photograph of him & 18 other sailors all in uniform. A box of medal issue & some correspondence regarding medal entitlement addressed to \'I.D.Hamilton\' ( Sister) who had served in the WAAF ( Womens Auxiliary Air Force) is also incuded with the War Medal & a Defence medal ribbon. To complete the group, there are two books & some ephemera relating to the fathers military service which began in the late 19th Century. Henry Alexander Crawford Hamilton joined the 10th Hussars on 1st August 1899 serving in S.Africa & India having signed up for seven years army service & 5 years reserve service. After his engagement he returned to civilian life still in an equestrian role until in January 1917 he joined the RAF & worked as a repairer in the workshops at No1 Southern Aircraft Repairs Depot (Duxford). Included in his lot are his Soldiers Small Book ( Dated 1901) & filled in by him with his service details etc, two letters of reference from former employees including one from his former Commanding Officer of the 10th Hussars dated Dec 18th 1906, a 1910 dated card informing him that the Annual Dinner of the Old Comrades Association of the 10th Hussars would not be taking place that year due to the death of their Colonel in Chief King Edward VII & several RAF Greetings cards sent to family members from RAF Duxford when he was serving there. Interesting lot chartering the military service of one family in the early part of the 20th Century.
WW2 Royal Signals , 8th Army/ 8 Indian Division Paperwork Grouping of Service A large grouping of Paybook , Release book & other assorted ephemera to a British Signalman who was serving with the 8th Army then 8th Indian Division. Paybook & Soldiers Release Book are the main items with paybook showing enlistment on 16/4/42 at Prestatyn , North Wales. Prior to this he appears to have served in the RAF Volunteer Reserve as there is a Recruiting Office letter from them dated 2nd September 1940 . Born in September 1905 his trade upon enlistment was a Shop Manager. He attended Gas & Royal Signals Training courses in May 1942 & also a Rifle Course in which he only scored 48% & failed ! His medal entitlement is entered on page 4b as 1939-45 Star , Italy Star & Defence medal. He was a Wireless Operator. All of the other ephemera shown relates to his service with some satirical literature , Xmas cards etc. All shown in the pictures comes in this group.
WW2 Russian Battle Damaged SSh40 Helmet A battle damaged Russian SSh 40 combat helmet this being the 1940 pattern superseding the 1939 model. This helmet has received a blast fracture to its crown but remains in very good condition with its typical wartime green. It is complete with its three pad liner system & also the totally correct web chinstrap arrangement secured with rivet studs . Liner pads are of the distinctive oilcloth material with natural felt strips to the reverse. All pads are still padded. Tightening cord still present. Faint ink markings to rim underside. On the front is painted the red star of Soviet Russia , this was only ever applied at regimental level & not at the factory so can vary greatly. Overall an untouched & rare helmet of the Russian army & a very hard piece to find now.
WW2 Russian Maxim Machine Gun With Shield & Ammo Box/Belt ( Pre EU/UK Specification ) For sale to customers outside the European Union- Deactivated WWII Maxim Machine gun with Sokolov Wheeled Carriage , this example is dated 1944. Invented by Hiram Maxim in 1883, this was the first true heavy machine gun. It was capable of firing 500 rounds per minute. With mostly matching numbers it comes complete with ammunition box & 250 round belt . This example is fitted with snow hatch ..the Russians soon realised that in freezing winter conditions there was no need to use water to cool the barrel, so instead they would fill it with snow. Would make a great centre piece to a collection !! For Non EU Sales Only - however can be re-deactivated to the current EU specification. Please Email Before Making Purchase. Pickup/Collection Only- Please contact to discuss!
WW2 Russian Mosin Nagant 1891/30 Rifle 1942 Very clean example of the WW2 Russian Mosin Nagant dated 1942 & with all matching numbers. Most blueing remaining to surfaces with Soviet markings clear. Capable of being cocked & dryfired. Nice wartime example of the famous M1 .30 cal carbine made by Quality Hardware of Chicago, Illinois with February 1944 dated barrel . Serial number is 4830074 which dates this carbine from March to May 1944. Barrel is made by Underwood , correct for this QH maker , & makred with flaming grenade US ordnance marking , 'Underwood ' & '2 44 ' . This appealing piece has a moveable cocking handle & slide, moving trigger , adjustable rear sight & detachable magazine. Complete with sling swivel to front stock . Deactivated to Home Office specification & comes with Home Office certificate of deactivation , UK sales only.
WW2 Russian SSh36 Helmet 1939 Dated A very rare SSh36 ( Model 36 ) Russian combat helmet which was the first truly Soviet design much used by Soviet troops in the early campaigns against the Wehrmacht in WW2. This is the model of helmet very much seen in use in the bitter Stalingrad fightings with its unmistakeable flared rim & comb to the top of the helmet. This model was succeeded by the 39 & 40 patterns. This particular piece has seen much wartime service with Soviet troops in WW2 & still has the distinctive hammer & sickle star painted in red to the front . Its first factory coat paint of reed green is present with the remains of a dark green overpaint on top of this. Inside of the helmet has the remains of a whitewash paint finish which is identical to that found on German helmets that have been through the winter campaigns. A Russian soldiers name has been scratched into the outside of the helmet ( See pictures ) . Markings to the helmet are in the typical format with a black ink stamp showing size ' Poct' as 3 & with the date '1939' still visible. I am unable to make out the manufacturer code. Batch number of '2546' is visible & preceeded by '3' for the size. A rare helmet & one that has undoubtedly seen much action !
WW2 Russian SSh36 Steel Combat Helmet A battle damaged example of the rare Russian Model 36 helmet issued from 1936 & the first standard model of helmet used by the Russian soldier in WW2. These were found to be impractical due to their imposing shape which lead to instability on the head & a restriction of vision in combat . Much seen on the Eastern front before the new 39 & 40 models trickled into service they are now hard to find in any condition those wanting a souvenir from Stalingrad or Minsk being hard pushed to find one. This helmet was originally recovered from the East the ferocity of the fighting being evident from the battle damage it has received. A forest found helmet some of its factory applied olive drab paint can be seen to the metal with the rest having corroded leaving rust pitting to the remaining surface. The red star insignia is still clear to the front this being omitted on later helmet issues. Several bullet holes & a shrapnel blast have been inficted upon this relic however the top comb still remains. Liner long gone but an iconic Russian Front piece.
WW2 Russian SSh36 Steel Combat Helmet A very rare SSh36 ( Model 36 ) Russian combat helmet which was the first truly Soviet design much used by Soviet troops in the early campaigns against the Wehrmacht in WW2. This model was succeeded by the 39 & 40 patterns. This untouched example is in its typical dark green grey colour with the distinctive top comb totally intact. The original web chinstrap is still present & undamaged with its correct web securing loop & wartime steel rivets. The liner is of the typically seen grey oil & oil cloth with corrugated air plates fitted in between this & the shell of the helmet. This feature , as well as the top comb, are derived from the French Adrian helmet which was used by Russia in the first world war. As with all Soviet helmets the markings that appear on the underside of the rim are informative including within them the size , maker & date of manufacture. Here , we can see the numbers ' 3 1773' stamped into the rims left underside giving us the shell size '3' & the batch number of the steel used in its construction. Ink stamped onto the rear underside can be faintly seen the remaining information of 'Poct 3 ' ( Size 3 ) & the full date of 1938. The coded factory marking is now illegible with age. Overall the condition is good with some minor surface rust age , being uncleaned & left as found. A very rare example of this scarce & historical Soviet combat helmet.
WW2 Russian SSh36 Steel Combat Helmet A very rare SSh36 ( Model 36 ) Russian combat helmet which was the first truly Soviet design much used by Soviet troops in the early campaigns against the Wehrmacht in WW2. This model was succeeded by the 39 & 40 patterns. This untouched example is in its typical dark green colour with the distinctive top comb totally intact. The original web chinstrap is still present with its correct web securing loop & wartime steel rivets. The liner is of the typically seen grey oil cloth with corrugated air plates fitted in between this & the shell of the helmet. This feature , as well as the top comb, are derived from the French Adrian helmet which was used by Russia in the first world war. We can see a series of numbers prefixed with ' 3 ' stamped into the rims left underside giving us the shell size '3' & the batch number of the steel used in its construction. Overall the condition is very good & probably the best example I have had for a while. A very rare example of this scarce & historical Soviet combat helmet.
WW2 Russian SSh39 Steel Combat Helmet , 1940 Dated A scarce original example of the Russian Ssh39 model of helmet in its original factory green paint . Immediately recognisable by its three high rivets the Ssh39 model superseded the previous Ssh36 & so often the early canvas & banded liner was carried over , as seen here. The web chinstrap ( slightly shortened ) has rivetted ends to the liner lugs , a definate sign of a correct wartime helmet. The black ink stamped markings within a rectangle denote size , manufacturer & date ..' Poct 2 = Size 56 . AM3 is for the manufacturer in this case "Lysvinskiy Metallicheskiy Zavod" (Lysva Metallurgical Plant) & the '40' denotes the year 1940. Some handwritten apparently Russian scribbling can be seen around the inside rim of the helmet , one would assume a soldiers name. Untouched from WW2 there is a small blast dent to the left side in the area of the rivet. A quite superb helmet.
WW2 Russian SSh40 Combat Helmet A scarce original example of the Russian SSh40 combat helmet with the not often encountered hammer & sickle within red star insignia still visible to front of the helmet . In the typical wartime green of Russian manufacture it is complete with the remains of its three pad liner system & also the totally correct web chinstrap arrangement secured with rivet studs , as they should be for wartime manufacture. The chinstrap is complete however was at some point cut when in the fastened position so may have been cut off when being worn to treat a casualty. The liner pads are partially present & made of thin \'oil skin\' with the typical blue back & felt or cloth strip over the securing arms. Remains of well worn black ink markings can be seen to the interior of the shell with a number within star marking denoting the factory of production. Overall a very well used untouched helmet of the Russian army & a very hard piece to find now.
WW2 Russian SSH40 Combat Helmet A scarce original example of the Russian SSh 40 helmet this being the 1940 pattern superseding the 1939 model. In the typical wartime green of Russian manufacture it is complete with its three pad liner system & also the totally correct web chinstrap arrangement secured with rivet studs . Liner pads are of the distinctive oilcloth material with natural felt strips to the reverse. All pads are still padded. Tightening cord still present. The black rectangular ink stamp gives an undiscernable size & a year of manufacture under this of \'45\'. On the front is painted the red star of Soviet Russia , this was only ever applied at regimental level & not at the factory so can vary greatly. Overall an untouched & rare helmet of the Russian army & a very hard piece to find now.
WW2 Scottish 1940 Pattern Originally Badged Battledress - Scottish Command WW2 British 1940 pattern originally badged battledress to a sergeant in the Scottish Command. This battledress belonged to a Sergeant EJ Mills who , at aged 16 1/2 , joined 4th Batt\'n the Kings Scottish Light Infantry in WW1 before re enlisting during WW2 as he was not , due to age , eligible for call-up . His two WW1 ribbons of War & Victory medal are visible to right breast along with that of his WW2 Defence & War medal. A wartime cotton printed lion on red patch to each arm denotes Scottish Command with sergeant chevrons also to each. The lanyard going into his left brest pocket was in situ when I acquired the BD . The intact clothing label gives a Size 9 with Glasgow clothiers \'Black & Co\' . date is faint although appears to be \'43. Overall in excellent condition with only one or two minor pinprick moth holes discoverable only upon close inspection.
WW2 Scottish 51st Highland Division Royal Engineers '40 Pattern Battledress A nice untouched 1940 pattern battledress to a Royal Engineer of the Scottish 51st Highland Division with original printed insignia & all buttons intact to BD. Clothing label intact to interior lining pocket giving size , maker Fifty Shilling Tailors & an ink stamped date which appears to be 1942 although difficult to discern. There is some non serious moth tracking in places with a 10mm hole to lower front left side & a matchstick head sized hole to rear. The 51st Highland Division were in action right through WW2 serving in the Battle of France , Second Battle of El Alamein ,Sicily Landings, Normandy Campaign, Battle of the Bulge, Operation Veritable & Operation Plunder . It is apparent that this was a working battledress with wear & dirt marks to the back of the collar & inside cuff edges.
WW2 Scottish Command, Royal Artillery Officers Battledress Excellent condition Officer tailored 1940 pattern battledress blouse with the preferred choice of the classic officers leather rugby ball style buttons to front fly , pockets & cuffs. The collar here has been typically tailored open to be worn with a shirt & tie as British officers were permitted to do in the WW2 period. Insiginia of rank is a pip & crown denoting Lieutenant Colonel backed in dark blue for the Royal Engineers as per shoulder titles. Formation patches on each arm denote Scottish Command each machine stitched to the blouse. All insignia appears to be originally sewn on. BD is a size 12 & bears the date 1945. Medal ribbons to left breast indicate a long serving officer bearing the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star , Defence Medal , War Medal & Oakleaf ( Mentioned in Despatches ) , Territorial Efficiency Medal with two Long Service clasps & the Indian Independence Medal. Overall an excellent piece with no moth or damage.
WW2 Scottish Glengarry Badged Souvenir Cap A wonderful souvenir of service Scottish Glengarry cap that has been adourned with many military badges & patches by its former owner. Glengarry is to the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders & has had some sought after badges sewn onto it including that of the US 82nd Airborne, United States Army Air Force & British Airborne . Other badges include the flash of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders & 402nd Light Regiment , RA ( Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders ) , Div patch of the 78th Division ( Part of 1st Army in North Africa ) , Anti-Aircraft Command , Royal Air Force insignia & Royal Canadian Air Force also a bullion Naval Petty Officers rank badge . Overall the cap has a total time capsule appearance with many of the badges , especially the combat patches, having a used look which would suggest being traded during wartime with neighbouring troops in the field. The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders were a much blooded combat regiment steeped in tradition with second world war battle honours for St.Omer-La-Basse near Caen Normandy, Reichswald , Rhine, El Alamein & the Gothic Line to name but a few.
WW2 Scottish Highland Division R.A.S.C Battledress Blouse 1943 A totally untouched & originally badged battledress to a Staff Sergeant of the Royal Army Service Corps attached to the Scottish Highland Division . This battledress is a USA War Aid example , made in the USA for British troops under the Lend Lease agreement. Dated January 1943 it has two labels to inside one showing manufacturer as \' The Navytone Co\' with contract number & date of January 4th 1943. An owners name has been removed from the top of one label. Both insignia match on each sleeve with embroidered RASC titles & HD patches , blue & yellow RASC arm of service strips with Staff sergeant rank. All buttons present to front & both cuffs with hook & eye closure to throat. A used battledress there are a couple of moth nips to rear & an area of moth in between one of the rear creases where it meets the waistband.
WW2 Scottish Queens Own Cameron Highlanders Service Dress Dated 1937 Scarce Scottish service dress tunic to a corporal ( Named ) in the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders with tunic dated 1937. Highland Division patches would denote this NCO as being of the 4th Battalion which were part of the 51st ( Highland ) Division who were in large part captured at St-Valery-En-Caux in June 1940 with the French just after the Battle of France . The SD tunic of Highland regiments was worn with kilt in the field up until 1940 & then replaced with the battledress that English soldiers were wearing. Tunic has brass 'CAMERON' shoulder titles to shoulders with all QOCH brass kings crown buttons. Rank chevrons to each arm. The embroidered 'HD' Highland Division patch is roughly hand sewn to both arms & may well be later additions. Interior of tunic still has its clothing label bearing the nomenclature ' Jackets, Service Dress , O.R. Scottish Regiments' & the ink stamped date 'Sep 1937' . The T coded WD inspectors stamp is of note also the handwritten name & number of its owner ' 1478 CPL GRANT ' to both left & right sides. There are a few minor moth nips in places worthy of mention however the rarity of such a tunic from a well respected fighting regiment such as the Camerons is not to be underestimated.
WW2 Soviet Russia M40 Combat Helmet A scarce original example of the Russian SSh 40 helmet this being the 1940 pattern superseding the 1939 model. In the typical wartime green of Russian manufacture it is complete with its three pad liner system & also the totally correct web chinstrap arrangement secured with rivet studs . Liner pads are of the distinctive oilcloth material with natural felt strips to the reverse. Patterns on the liner pads can vary in appearance with two of these here being the same & the third one slightly different. All pads are still padded. Tightening cord still present. The steel heat number can be seen to the rear of the helmet shells underside. On the front is painted the red star of Soviet Russia , this was only ever applied at regimental level & not at the factory so can vary greatly. Overall an untouched helmet of the Russian army & a very hard piece to find now.
WW2 US Tankers/ Armoured Troops Jacket Specific issue cold weather gear was developed for armoured troops in 1941 the most well known & the rarest item of all being this the tankers combat jacket. Popular with all those that could acquire them it was a bomber style jacket with elasticated cuffs , neck & waistband which kept the warm air in when cold. This is the second pattern model ( March 1942 onwards ) with classic slanted pockets to sides . It is a typically well used piece, it being uncommon to find them unutilised due to their popularity. There are two very old , in my opinion , period patch repairs to each elbow that are of green cotton material such as that used in the cold weather pile liner. There are two stress tears to each shoulder with some general wear & tear throughout. Brown blanket like material lines the inside with conmar zip to front. Elasticity remains to cuffs , neck & waist & zip in working order. Two buttons have been added to the shoulders according to the soldiers individual preference. This is a used example of a popular jacket liked by all US servicemen that had the fortune of owning them, hence not many survive today.
WW2 US 1944 Pattern Fieldblouse\' (Ike Jacket) WW2 American 1944 pattern fieldblouse commonly referred to as the Ike jacket due to being chosen by General Eisenhower as a new field garment in April of that year. Jacket is to that of a Technical sergeant of signals serving with the European Theatre Operations Advanced Base. Three overseas bars are sewn to lower left sleeve correlating with his post in the ETO after the D Day invasion. Interestingly the Ruptured Duck badge is also present & was worn on uniforms above the right breast pocket. It was issued to service personnel who were about to leave the military with an Honorable Discharge. It also allowed them to continue to wear their uniform for up to thirty days after they were discharged since there was a clothing shortage at that time. This showed the MP\'s that they were in transit and not AWOL. The soldiers thought the eagle looked more like a duck, and, because it meant they were going home, the popular saying was, \"They took off like a Ruptured Duck\"...hence the nickname. All insignia appears to be originally sewn , with intact clothing label to inside right breast pocket bearing date June 15th 1944. Overall an excellent original example with only two small holes to upper right shoulder blade at rear.
WW2 US 517th PIR Camouflage Painted Rigger Modified Paratrooper Helmet A rare rigger modified US paratrooper helmet with over net sprayed camouflage scheme typical of those used by troops of the 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment in Southern France. Due to a shortage in factory made parachutist helmets those of the 517th PIR were rigger modified from standard M1 helmets with the webbed chinstrap fastening directly to the fixed bales of the shell as here. All other details on the helmet are the same with it being a front seam example having a Westinghouse produced liner. There are the remains of three small sergeant stripes to the front of the liner visible when closely inspected. The camouflage painting of helmets & gear for the invasion of Southern France was standardised with the use of green & black spray paint being widespread. Most troops were supplied with thin mesh helmet nets which were just oversprayed in situ leaving this rather effective camouflage scheme when removed. On this piece can still be seen the effect of this method with the green camouflage being visible on top of its original cork mixed OD factory paint. The whole helmet shows extensive wear & the effects of it having being long forgotten about in a dark corner of Southern France somewhere are evident.
WW2 US 81st Airborne Anti-Aircraft Battalion , 101st Airborne Div M1 Helmet , Normandy Campaign A rare US M1 helmet with dual insignia to helmet & liner of the 81st Airborne Anti- Aircraft Battalion of the 101st Airborne Division. These were Gliderborne troops who saw action at Utah beach , Carentan , Holland & the Ardennes. A totally original & untouched helmet from the Normandy campaign it is of the early fixed bales with front seam configuration & has two white diamonds painted to each side . This is also repeated on the liner . The chinstrap buckle & hook are of the early raised bar pattern in stamped brass with a coating to prevent corrosion. The helmet shell has heavy wear to inside & out with this also evident to the liner which has a very well worn leather headband & some displacing of webbing straps due to wear & corrosion. There is rust to the metal rivets from many years of outside storage & so we can date the use of the steel rivets here to around the early to midwar period. The ink marking \'J&J\' (Johnson & Johnson) can be seen to the cotton webbing & also to the nape strap. The nape strap has very largely illegible markings however close examination appears to reveal the contract number \'25951\' referring to a contract date of June 4th 1942 ( See pg 130 of the superb reference M-1 Helmet by Oosterman ). Liner is made by INLAND who only manufactured liners up to 1943. A very rare helmet which has not been on the collectors market before. An internet search of this very active unit will provide the full fascinating story of this units history.
WW2 US 9th USAAF M1 Steel Helmet ( Fixed Bales ) Interesting US steel helmet of the early to midwar period with hand painted emblem of the 9th United States Army Air Force to left side . Helmet has front seam with fixed bales & bears the shell lot number to underside of rim '134A' which denotes one of the first M1 helmets to be manufactured in 1941. Liner has some age to it with decay to the leather & some oxidisation to the metal rivets. There is also some fraying from rodent bites to the long chin strap . Markings can be seen to reverse of nape strap & one end of headband. A rare helmet to find personalised by a member of the American Air Force whilst stationed here in the Uk . The 9th Air Force was the tactical arm of the USAAF in western Europe from 1943 to the end of the war in 1945. The aircrews of the 9th Air Force "softened" the enemy before the invasion of Normandy, supported ground forces on D-Day and made possible their rapid advance through France to the Nazi heartland.
WW2 US Airborne / Paratrooper Jump Boots A pair of excellent condition WW2 US Airborne jump boots as worn by American paratroopers in WW2. These were also worn in combat by Glider infantry troops who earned the coveted right to wear them being part of the overall Airborne forces in operations such as Normandy where both fought as part of the Allied invasion forces. The distinctive features of correct paratrooper jump boots are all present with reinforced uppers for ankle support , black rubber anti slip soles & bevelled front edge to the heel to prevent parachute rigging lines becoming entangled during the jump. Soles are totally correct for this type of boot with 'US Army' being visible to both & , although well worn , the famous manufacturer ‘ Good Year’ being just about visible on each heel. Perfect for mannequin display & coming with the replacement leather laces fitted for visual effect.
WW2 US Airborne/Paratrooper Corcoran Jump Boots A pair of original WW2 US Airborne jump boots as worn by American paratroopers in WW2. These were also worn in combat by Glider infantry troops who earned the coveted right to wear them being part of the overall Airborne forces in operations such as Normandy where both fought famously as part of the Allied invasion forces. These distinctive boots are made by the famous ' Corcoran' firm & bear the ' Corcoran Quality' label to inside of the right boot. Corcoran were a famous shoemaker who supplied a higher quality of jump boot to officers & other ranks who could afford to buy them . They have size markings on inner top edge. The distinctive features of correct paratrooper jump boots are all present with reinforced uppers for ankle support , black rubber anti slip soles & bevelled front edge to the heel to prevent parachute rigging lines becoming entangled during the jump. In excellent condition the leather is still supple.
WW2 US Airborne/Paratrooper \'Corcoran\' Jump Boots A pair of original WW2 US Airborne jump boots as worn by American paratroopers in WW2. These were also worn in combat by Glider infantry troops who earned the coveted right to wear them being part of the overall Airborne forces in operations such as Normandy where both fought famously as part of the Allied invasion forces. These distinctive boots are actually made by the famous \' Corcoran\' firm & bear the \' Corcoran Quality\' label to inside of the right boot. Corcoran were a famous shoemaker who supplied a higher quality of jump boot to officers & other ranks who could afford to buy them . They have the Corcoran name to inside upper edge of the boot & size markings on the opposite side. The distinctive features of correct paratrooper jump boots are all present with reinforced uppers for ankle support , black rubber anti slip soles & bevelled front edge to the heel to prevent parachute rigging lines becoming entangled during the jump. Soles are totally correct for this type of boot with , although well worn , the famous manufacturer ‘ Good Year’ being just about visible on one boot . In excellent condition they are a large size with light wear.
WW2 US Army Air Force M5 Flak Helmet with Artwork The American M5 Flak Helmet was issued to bomber crews in late 1944 onwards to protect against shell splinters from anti aircraft fire whilst on missions. Made of factory green painted steel the skull of the helmet has two hinged metal ear flaps & a tan canvas liner which is partially complete. Air crew often painted their helmets with artwork relating to the number of missions they had completed or their squadron & this helmet is such an example. A white circular moon has been painted on the crown with a blue lightning strike running through it behind a falling bomb & also the initials 'R' & 'D' on the rear portion of the shell. Overall with some rusting in places the leather chinstrap has broken away & a part of the web liner is missing at the front. Nice piece of WW2 USAAF decorated flight gear.
WW2 US Army Officers Peaked Cap 1942 A perfect large sized example of the US Army officers cap as worn by Army & Army Air Force personnel. In fantastic condition it is in made in dark brown ribbed wool with die struck fire gilt finish officers badge firmly fixed to front. Wire stiffener removed. Chinstrap is in excellent order with original buttons. Leather sweatband is still firm to rest of cap with all original stitching still in place. A Philadelphia Quartermasters ink stamp can be seen to the underside of the forehead area giving contract details & the date August 1942. The size label \'7 3/4\' can still be seen to rear seam. The champagne silk lining is in excellent condition with celluloid diamond present. The flexible brown leather brim matches the chinstrap perfectly as intended & has no creases or unsightly scuffs to top surface. In superb condition there are two or three pin prick sized surface moth nips to the wool only visible upon close inspection.
WW2 US Camouflage HBT Jacket ( Used By US Troops In Normandy ) A good used example of the camouflage HBT Jacket seen being worn during the Normandy fighting by members of the 41st Armoured Infantry of the 2nd Armoured Division. These were only issued in limited numbers for a brief period as being mistaken for SS troops a certain number of friendly fire casualties were received. The jacket is , unusually, in a very good size being a 36R with the original size label remaining present to the underside of the collar. With service wear enhancing a combat mannequin display there are three very well executed ordnance repairs to the jacket , quite typical for a practical camouflage field garment such as this. The clothing label is still present although completely washed out. An iconic item with much photographic evidence available of these being worn in some of the vicious Normandy battles.
WW2 US Camouflage Suit , Early One Piece US Army early one piece camouflage suit as issued in the Pacific in 1942 onwards. After the issue of this early pattern suit to US Marine Corps & Army combat troops it was found to be impractical & hence a two piece suit replaced it. This pattern is now very hard to find as many were cut up for the camouflage cloth or simply worn until destruction. This example is in good used condition with original 'TALON' zip running down its half front opening. All the poppers are intact on its four pockets & there is wear in the form of three holes & some fraying due to combat wear. The internal braces system has been removed which is not uncommon on many suits due to impracticality in the field. There are a series of serial numbers underneath the collar & suit is a good mannequin size. Most certainly an extremely iconic & rare item of US Army camouflage combat clothing.
WW2 US D-Day 6th June 1944 \'6th Naval Beach Battalion\' Omaha Beach M1 Helmet Liner Having been tucked away in a discrete private collection for many years until now we are pleased to be able to offer this very rare US M1 helmet liner from a sailor of the 6th Naval Beach Battalion. This unit was formed in October 1943 & landed on Omaha Beach with the 1st Division on 6th June 1944. The 6th battalion had the task on the ground of organising the beach landings by providing battlefield medicine, establishing shore-to-ship communications, marking sea lanes, making emergency boat repairs, assisting in the removal of underwater obstructions, directing the landings and evacuating the casualties in the eastern Omaha Beach sectors code-named Easy Red, Fox Green and Fox Red. They adopted a helmet marking system just prior to the Normandy Landings , this liner is distinguishable as from the 6th NBB. Helmet liner shows heavy wear with the accumulation of dirt & grime buildup throughout. There are scuffs & chips to the surface paint & oxidisation & some rotting to the interior liner system & its components. On a section of the webbing headband can be seen the ink stamp for the manufacturer \'Standard Handbags\' with a partially legible contract number for the date November 5 1943. An ink marking to the nape strap is present but barely legible. made by Wesitnghouse as denoted by the \'W\' motif to dome the A washers , although corroded, are green painted steel giving us the manufacture date of around mid 1943 - mid 1944. A small part of the leather chinstrap remains to one side. A one off timeless piece of history from the D Day Landings.
WW2 US Early M1 Helmet , Named To Colonel Snyder A scarce early mid 1941 produced example of the US M1 helmet this piece having been given to its former owner, who was a boy during WW2, by an American officer stationed in England prior to the D Day landings. It is an untouched text book early war issue having been given kept as a wartime memento until now. The shell is in its early cork mixed OD finish with smooth finish to inside & steel sheet lot number '90A' visible to underside. We are able to date this number to mid 1941 this being one of the very first McCord produced M1 helmet shells. The shell is , of course , a front seam with stainless steel rim the chinstrap 'fixed bales' are also in the early rectangular shaped stainless steel. Chinstrap is in tan webbing with the stamped raised bar brass buckle used from 1941. The female 'J hook' end has sharp tip only used until 1942 when this was replaced by a more GI friendly squared tip. Helmet liner is an 'INLAND' produced example being of a matt dark green finish to outside correct for this maker. INLAND stopped producing helmet liners as of 1943 in order to concentrate on their manufacture of M1 & M1A1 carbines. A short thin rib can be seen at the front of the liner this being to aid in the use of the jig which would allow the holes of the liner system to be punched in during the manufacture process. Rear neck suspension strap is in tan cotton webbing & is the uncommonly seen version in use from June 1942 until October 1942 with turned in ends . Most examples seen today have rough unfinished ends ( from Oct '42 ) which actually saved many metres of suspension strapping from this date onwards. Nape strap also present with 'United Carr' to snap fasteners. Metal washers around the liner are of the inverted A & made from coated steel seen from Septemer 1942. These were to be replaced by a green painted version in 1943. Leather chinstrap is present with early brown painted rivets . This has seperated in the middle over time dating again from the 1942 period. Written on the leather band of the liner can be seen the name 'COLONEL G. SNYDER' . The lack of ETO rank bars would denote that the helmet was issued to him in the USA before coming to England & eventually giving away his helmet to the late owner . Due to the high rank of this officer the strong possibility of this being an acquired 'spare' can be strongly alluded to. The fate of the American officer is sadly not known however ' WW2 time capsule ' would befit this souvenir well.
WW2 US ETO Paratrooper M1C Helmet An exceptionally rare charactor exuding ETO American paratrooper helmet shell with its original webbing paratrooper chinstrap still present & totally original to the helmet. A heavily worn airborne combat helmet it has rear seam rim used as of November 1944 & much issued to replacement troops in the European theatre before the Ardennes campaign & later into the advance through Germany. Helmet displays its original wartime OD green cork mixed paint finish with some general rust age toning to inside & wear overall. The web chinstraps display some fraying with much wear at the loops of the swivel bales. The right side is particularly frayed at the stress point however does not appear to present an immediate threat of displacement unless heavily pulled. The liner has sadly long since been lost in action however the image of the American paratrooper in his Ardennes forest foxhole is very much brought to mind when holding this iconic item of the battle weary American Airborne soldier in hand.
WW2 US Front Seam , Swivel Bales M1 Helmet With Camouflage Net A very good example of the US M1 helmet with camouflage net & \'Firestone\' made liner. Helmet shell is a front seam with swivel bales dating its production from October 1943 until around November 1944. These are known to have seen service in the NW Europe theatre of Operations (ETO) from the Spring of 1944 when casualty replacements started to arrive during the Normandy fighting. Paint finish is largely intact in the \'OD7\' cork mixed factory paint of wartime issue on inside & out. Underside of lip is marked with a large \'S\' denoting manufacture by \'Schleuter\'. Chinstrap buckles are of blackened brass seen at the end of 1942. Liner has its original olive green factory paint to exterior & \'f\' mark to dome for Firestone. It is fitted with coated steel A washers used from around September of 1942. The cmaouflage net is typical of those used n the ETO 1944 onwards.
WW2 US Front Seam Fixed Bales Netted Camouflage Helmet With ETO Rank Marking A rare completely as found camouflage netted fixed bales US M1 helmet that has ETO officer rank marking to rear & Lieutenant rank bar to front . This helmet has been in private hands since found in Northern France some years ago. This exceptional piece has had a horizontal officer \'ETO\' rank bar painted at rear & a small single Lieutenant rank bar applied to the front. Both markings have wear consistent with that of a very heavily worn combat helmet & were directly applied over the factory green mixed cork finish which is largely still present . A British net is fitted to the helmet & the web chinstrap hooked up tight over the rear rim where it has stayed ever since. Buckle is a flat brass raised bar example carried over from the previous model of US helmet the M17A1. The M1 shell is a McCord production with the numbers under the lip now unreadable. The front seam & fixed chinstrap bales also indicate an early manufacture. The heavily worn liner has evidence of once having had a rank device fitted to the front of it it & I suspect this may have been removed or simply become detached by the officer as his combat engagements increased. Liner is an Inland produced example still with its wartime brown leather chinstrap hooked up under the front rim . The A washers are of the first type in unpainted zinc coated steel made from mid 1942 to mid \'43 & the Nape strap still has a legible contract name & number of \' George Frost Co W199 qm-36774 \' dating it to July 6th 1942. The black ink stamped initials \' J & J \' for Johnson & Johnson can be seen on the reverse of one of the rear HBT webbing straps . Another sign of this liners early date is the short band of the rear suspension webbing still finished with turned in ends , this was left unfinished & rough cut as of October 1942 to save on strapping. Heavily worn , there is a very small area of breakage to the surface of the liner from the inside. Chinstrap is a wartime example with creased edges to leather & United Carr brass rivets which were used from Autumn of 1942. Overall a rare US M1 combat helmet that has seen action in the N.W Europe fighting.
WW2 US Front Seam Fixed Bales Netted Camouflage M1 Helmet A US M1 helmet with front seam , fixed bales & camouflage net as often seen worn by the GI during the NW Europe fighting of 1944 onwards. Helmet is finished in its rough textured green factory paint to inside & out with a British issue camouflage net fitted & tied around the underside of the rim. Both of the web chinstraps are totally original to the helmet with early raised bar brass buckle & hook. The lot number of '61A' can be seen to the lip of the shell. Liner retains its original green factory paint & has the 'W' mark to crown for the manufacturer Westinghouse. Complete with its nape strap & headband all of the canvas straps are in the lighter tan of the early war period with unpainted zinc A washers. The buckle side of the chinstrap remains however it has severed on one end so is hooked under the rim for visual display.
WW2 US Garand 30-06 Rifle ( Springfield Armoury 1941 ) Good fair example of the M1 Garand as used by American combat troops in WW2 in all theatres of war. This example was made by Springfield Armoury & bears the serial number 209742 which dates the manufacture of this weapon to March 1941. It is therefore likely that it has had some WW2 combat use in one or several of the campaigns to which the GI was committed as well as a certain service longevity after WW2 as was commonplace with these reliable rifles. This is a new specification deactivation with moving cocking slide & safety catch at triggerguard. Furniture condition is that of a service used piece with metal parts being excellent having no pitting whatsoever. Bayonet lug & three sling swivels intact. Deac certificate supplied, price includes UK postage. ( UK sale only ).
WW2 US M1 Fixed Bales , Front Seam Helmet A good US front seam fixed bales M1 helmet with all original wartime paint & an early pre 1942 Westinghouse liner . This M1 helmet is made by the firm \'Schleuter\' , as denoted by an \'S\' to the inside front edge, & dates from the 1943 period when this firm started to produce them. The fixed chinstrap bales denote pre November 1943 production when swivel bales were first introduced. The stainless steel edged front seam was transferred to the rear in November 1944. The cork mixed olive drab paint finish to the helmet shell is 100% wartime , this helmet saw no further action after WW2 had ended. Chinstrap has early pre \' 42 manufacture brass raised bar buckle , these are mostly found on helmets used in the European Theatre of Operations. A soldiers serial number can be faintly seen stencilled onto the webbing of the long strap. I have left these as they came fastened to the rear of the helmet. Dating of the Westinghouse made liner is immediately possible as of pre October 1942 due to the tidy turning in of the ends of the neck suspension band. As of October 1942 the ends were left unturned this saving many metres of suspension strapping in the long run. The A washers are unpainted & uncoated again being early production parts. Much of the outer liner paint remains intact with only minor loss in places. Overall a superb M1 US helmet dating from the pre 1944 midwar period.
WW2 US M1 Fixed Bales , Front Seam Helmet If you are are looking for a very good textbook US M1 helmet with front seam & fixed bales of the early issue then this example may be for you. The format of this helmet matches those known to have been used in the Normandy campaign with early productions having been issued to the troops in the US before they left for training in England on the run up to the Normandy campaign. All M1 helmets went to swivel bales in late 1943, early 1944 so this predates those productions. This untouched wartime example is still in its original wartime cork mixed green factory paint with liner system that dates from the 1943 period. Made by Mc Cord , the shell bears a serial number of \'40A\' which would date manufacture to one of the first runs in the late 1941 period. The chinstrap buckle is one of the first produced cast brass models , often carried over from previous production for the WW1 M1917-A1 helmet. These are distinctive with a rim to their reverse & the one dimple on this piece being typical. It is also of note that the J hook has the first issue of sharp pointed sheared ends .. these were changed to a more simplified model in 1943. The paint finish does remain quite stunning. Helmet liner is also in quite excellent condition with headband contract number of \'QM- 16894 SLP Co\' awarded to the Springfield Leather Prod.Co on date November 5th 1943. Made by Westinghouse , the \'W\' within a circle is clearly visible to the crown of the helmet. Nape strap has correct blackened brass \'UNITED CARR\' marked snap fasteners . A very high percentage of its factory green paint remains to exterior. Overall an excellent textbook M1 helmet from the 1943 period.
WW2 US M1 Fixed Bales , Front Seam Helmet A near mint textbook example of the US M1 front seam fixed bales helmet complete with its rare original brown leather liner chinstrap with green painted buckle slider. This example is one of the last fixed bales to be produced with all components dating to the 1943 period. It is very typical of those issued to American troops prior to deployment to the North West European theatre & worn during the early stages of the Normandy campaign. Helmet shell is a McCord manufactured front seam fixed bales example with a fabulously intact cork mixed OD green finish to its exterior. The steel shell number of 653B can be seen to interior lip this dating the manufacture to around the first quarter of 1943 . It is of note that helmet manufacture did not switch to swivel bale production until November 1943 & so the date ties in perfectly. The short J hook is of blackened brass whilst the long chinstrap buckle is of blackened steel which started to be used as of 1943. It its typical for both brass & steel to be seen on M1 helmets in this midwar period. Liner is a Westinghouse produced example with a headband that has a maker ink stamp \' L & N Specialities\' with a contract number dated November 5 th 1943. The nape strap is ink stamped \'S.M.C\' for the manufacturer \'Scholl Mfg Co\' with a contract number that dates it to October 28th 1943. Finally the brown leather chinstrap is a rare original wartime example of the 43-44 period. A stunning helmet that appears to have never been issued .
WW2 US M1 Fixed Bales Helmet & Camouflage Net Good combat example fo the US M1 helmet with fixed bales , liner & camouflage helmet string net. This helmet has its original WW2 paint finish with tan web chinstrap & iron alloy buckle ( Introduced around July 1943 & abolished in May 1944 ) . The fixed bales adorning the helmet shell are of the first pattern made from stainless steel their rectangular construction denoting the manufacturer McCord. Helmet rim is also of stainless steel as denoted by the non adhesion of its green paint, this therefore dates the helmet to pre October 1944 as from this date the same steel as the rest of the shell was used for the rim to remedy this problem. Liner is a Westinghouse produced example with an early dark green semi gloss finish as is typical of liners produced by Westinghouse & some others. The liner system is in tan cotton ( used as of Sept 1942 ) with the low cost green painted steel washers which were in use from 1943 until June 1944. The headband is slightly later being in green . Chinstrap minus. The string camouflage net adorning the helmet still has its ' Dennison, USA 1944 ' manufacturer label attached. The American firm of Dennison was based in Massachusetts & at the time were well known for label printing . In WW1 they printed most of the Gas Mask booklets found attached to the WW1 US M17 gas mask. These nets are commonly seen in use by US troops in the Normandy campaign & being dated 1944 it is thought they began to be issued in that year. Overall a nice combat helmet & one that would compliment any Normandy collection or representation.
WW2 US M1 Fixed Bales Helmet & Camouflage Net A scarce wartime example of the US G.I helmet complete with camouflage net. Helmet shell is that of a McCord production with the low sheet steel lot number of 119D. This dates manufacture to the first half of 1942 & with rectangular fixed chinstrap bales & front seam it is in its very original 'as issued' factory format. Paint finish is in the factory applied cork mixed olive drab , a finish designed to deafen noise & avoid glare. A yellow stencilled number is to rear of shell . Chinstrap is of tan webbing ( predating late 1943 ) with brass raised bar buckle used up until 1943 when replaced by iron alloy. Helmet liner is a 'Westinghouse' production as denoted by the small 'w' motif to the inside of the crown. Its tan webbing & leather headband system is in excellent order with 'united carr' chinstrap still intact & present. Helmet net appears to be a British or Canadian issue, most were acquired whilst stationed in England just prior to the Normandy invasion. American made nets were not available until the end of 1944. Overall a very nice 'steel pot' & a classic G.I issue.
WW2 US M1 Fixed Bales Helmet & Liner ( Seaman Paper Co Liner ) A very nice example of the early war M1 helmet with fixed bales, front seam & brass fittings to chinstrap. Exterior & interior of shell are in their original WW2 corked olive green finish unlike most examples which were refinished & reissued in the postwar years. Stainless steel front seam rim to shell. Fixed bales are intact with no repair . Tan web chinstraps are of the correct early WW2 manufacture with brass metal fittings. Liner is made by the not so commonly found 'Seaman Paper Co' as denoted by the symbol of an 'S' in a oval. Tan web straps to liner are in used condition with displacement to the rear strap although leatherwork is good with no dryness or damage. Liner chinstrap appears to be a later replacement. Small brazed ordnance repair to top of crown not stracting from this untouched early example.
WW2 US M1 Fixed Bales Helmet With Camouflage Net A fixed bales , front seam M1 helmet with camouflage net as worn by the American GI during the D-Day Normandy Landings. To the exterior of the shell we have a rough finished thick olive green paint this displaying the classic cork mix as was used on original M1 helmets. This extends to the inside where the low batch number can just about be seen. Visible are the digits \'8\' & C the first most likely being a prefix which dates this helmet shells manufacture to around the Mid 1943 period. Both of the webbing chinstraps are in good order with early brass J hook dating to around the 1942 period. Camouflage net is typical of that issued to & worn by the GI during the D-Day Landings & beyond . Liner is a Westinghouse example with A washers are in green painted steel the paint used to prevent corrosion which was a problem with previous unpainted manufactures. This technique was used during the 1943-44 period being rpelaced by blackened steel in 1944-45. Cotton headband is in good order with nape strap bearing ink markings & wartime contract date of the firm \'BS Co\' ( Bates Shoe Co ) . Chinstrap is totally original to the helmet with green painted steel wedge buckle as used on early helmets of the 1942/43 era.
WW2 US M1 Front Seam , Fixed Bales Helmet & Liner A textbook early to midwar production American M1 steel combat helmet & liner with front seam & fixed bales to shell & a 1943 contract date to the neck strap. This untouched helmet was found in NW Europe & has resided in a collection ever since. It is a pure WW2 issue with its original olive green cork mixed factory paint to shell & tan webbing raised bar brass buckled chinstrap still hooked up around the rear of the helmet. The fixed bales , as on this piece, were only made up until 1943 & so we can date this production easily & as one very applicable to early wear by a GI in the North West European theatre. A very good proportion of its original paint remains throughout with some typical loss to the stainless steel rim. Liner is totally complete & is a Firestone made example as denoted by its \'f\' motif to the inside crown. The A washers are of the green painted steel type used from mid 1943 - mid 1944 the paint coating was introduced to prevent corrosion to the steel. Buckles of the headband are also in green painted steel this changed to blackened brass as of late 1943 . The neck strap is totally original to the rest of the liner system with United Carr snap fasteners & contract markings of \' CSC W11-009-QM016876 \' referring to the firm Comfort Slipper Corp & the date October 28th 1943. Overall a helmet that has seen action in NW Europe with only service wear to the shell & an impact to the surface at rear of the liner.
WW2 US M1 Front Seam , Fixed Bales Helmet & Liner A textbook early to midwar production American M1 steel combat helmet & liner with front seam & fixed bales to shell & a 1943 contract date to the neck band. This untouched helmet is a pure WW2 issue with its original olive green cork mixed factory paint to shell & tan webbing chinstrap hooked up around the rear of the helmet. The fixed bales , as on this piece, were only made up until 1943 & so we can date this production easily & as one very applicable to early wear by a GI in the North West European theatre. A very good proportion of its original paint remains throughout with some minor loss to the stainless steel rim. Chinstrap buckle is of the rare black painted steel with raised bar . These replaced the previous brass versions due to brass becoming a critical material & were only made with the raised bar in a very limited quantity. The steel lot number to shell of '757B' brings the date of manufacture to the mid 1943 range. Liner is totally complete & a Westinghouse made example as denoted by its 'W' motif to the inside crown. The A washers are of the unpainted zinc coated steel type made from mid 1942 - mid 1943. The neck band is totally original to the rest of the liner system with contract markings of ' CSC W11-009-QM016876 ' referring to the firm Comfort Slipper Corp & the date October 28th 1943. The brown leather liner chinstrap is of WW2 period & has a repair where two ends have been overlapped after breaking. Overlap good textbook example.
WW2 US M1 front Seam , Fixed Bales Helmet & Liner ( 1942 Production ) An American M1 helmet of early to midwar issue with front seam & fixed bales. This helmet still has its original cork mixed OD wartime paint to inside & out with tan web straps & brass buckle fittings showing raised bar buckle with sharp tipped end produced up until 1942. Two lightly pencilled apparent rank stripes are just about visible to the front of the shell. The McCord made shell has the visible lot number of 275B allowing us to date production of the shell to around the September 1942 period. The small stress cracks just visible are normal for an early helmet such as this. Chinstrap bales are of stainless steel & also are of first production. Helmet liner is a Firestone made piece with early tan webbing straps & green painted steel buckle used up until 1944. Chinstrap is removeable second type. One of the straps has had a repair to its underside with tape only visible if turned inside out . Soldiers serial number strencilled to long strap. There are two lieutenant rank bars to front with a small break to its surface under one bar. A very good original helmet straight out of WW2 & with a dent to crown testament of its war service !
WW2 US M1 Front Seam , Fixed Bales Helmet With Early Transitional Rayon Strapped Liner A textbook early American M1 helmet complete with its original wartime paint finish & early silver rayon strapped liner & original wartime leather chinstrap . Helmet shell is a Schleuter made production with front seam & fixed bales dating its manufacture to before November 1943 . The tan webbing straps have the early cast brass buckle & end keeper such as were used on the M1917A1 helmet. These were changed to steel production in 1943. The factory paint finish has a cork mixed finish to its exterior & is in one of the many typical wartime shades of olive drab green. Liner is one of the last produced with silver rayon suspension straps as production switched to cotton as of mid 1942. Being early the ends of the neck suspension band are still produced turned in .. this stopped after October 1942 to save unnecessary wastage. . The black \'P\' seen on one of the cradle arms denotes the company \'Paul K.Weil\' . Leather liner chinstrap has an early steel wedge buckle of green painted steel with sharp folded straight edge. It has the small anchor marking to reverse of the lever known to have existed on some green painted buckles. An early textbook example with all components of pre 1943 manufacture.
WW2 US M1 Front Seam , Swivel Bales Helmet With Camouflage Netting A camouflage netted US M1 helmet with front seam & fixed bales. This excellent piece has a British net fitted to it with web chinstrap hooked up into it. The M1 shell has a high proportion of its original green cork mixed paint still remaining to inside & out. Liner is a 'Mine Safety Appliances' manufactured example still with its wartime brown leather chinstrap hooked up under the front rim . The A washers are of the first type in unpainted zinc coated steel made from mid 1942 to mid '43 & the Nape strap has a partially legible contract name & number. Chinstrap is a wartime example with creased edges to leather & United Carr blackened brass rivets which were used from Autumn of 1942. A manufacturers mark of 'S' is stamped onto the rough side of the leather. Overall a rare US M1 combat helmet as used in the fighting for NW Europe.
WW2 US M1 Front Seam , Swivel Bales Helmet With Camouflage Netting & Rare Raised Steel Bar Chinstrap Buckle A camouflage netted US M1 helmet with front seam & swivel chinstrap bales. This excellent piece has camouflage net fitted to it with web chinstrap hooked up into it. The M1 shell has a high proportion of its original green cork mixed paint still remaining to inside & out. Liner is a \'Westinghouse\' manufactured example still with its wartime brown leather \'United Carr\' marked chinstrap . The A washers are of the green painted steel pattern made from mid 1943 to mid \'44 & the Nape strap has a contract mark of W11-009 QM16874\' which dates it to an October 28th 1943 contract. Chinstrap is a wartime example with creased edges to leather & United Carr blackened brass rivets which were used from Autumn of 1942. The helmets webbing chinstrap has a rare raised bar steel buckle , these were only made for a limited period of time around 1943 before the design was simplified & the raised bar removed. Overall a rare US M1 combat helmet as used in the fighting for NW Europe.
WW2 US M1 Front Seam Fixed Bales Helmet & Liner A US M1 front seam & fixed bales helmet with original liner & tan webbing chinstrap. Examining the McCord made shell of the helmet we can date its manufacture from features such as the front seam , stainless steel rim & chinstrap bales but most specifically from the lot number which can be seen as ' 595E' . This places it to around the mid 1943 period & as such this is a classic midwar manufacture,. Its cork mixed olive drab paint is typical with liner rub marks to the interior edges. Chinstrap is of tan webbing thus predating 1943 with a factory matt black painted iron alloy buckle introduced as of July 1943 but abolished in May 1944 as they were more difficult to produce than their brass counterparts. Liner is a Firestone produced example with most of its factory green paint still present to the outside. Its washers are black painted brass & not steel as are the wartime produced examples. Liner chinstrap is a later replacement for visual effect. A nice M1 perfect for mannequin display.
WW2 US M1 Front Seam Fixed Bales Helmet & Liner With Non Commissioned Officers ETO Bar A good US M1 front seam fixed bales helmet with painted Non Commissioned Officers ETO ( European Theatre Of Operations ) bar to back of helmet & hand painted sergeant stripes to liner. The horizontal \'Follow Me\' bar was used for only a limited time during the Normandy campaign & began to drop off shortly after. They were at the rear of the helmet for obvious reasons with officers having their bars vertically. Helmet is a fixed bales examples which predates November 1943 & has a front seam . The webbing chinstrap has early brass buckles using old stocks from the M1917A1 helmet. Liner is a scarce \'IMP\' ( International Molded Plastics , INC ) produced example , this company started delivering liners to the US Army in September 1942 & discontinued production around August 1945 when the war ended. The headband has clear markings \' KIRKMAN MFG \' with the date \'1942\' . Overall a fabulous untouched helmet from the NW Europe theatre.
WW2 US M1 Front Seam Helmet & Camouflage Net Classic GI In Normandy A very good textbook example of the US M1 helmet with camouflage net & \'Firestone\' made liner. Helmet shell is a front seam with swivel bales dating its production from October 1943 until around November 1944. These are known to have seen service in the NW Europe theatre of Operations (ETO) from the Spring of 1944 when casualty replacements started to arrive during the Normandy fighting. Paint finish is largely intact in the \'OD7\' cork mixed factory paint of wartime issue on inside & out. Underside of lip is marked with the McCord lot number of \'9180\' denoting manufacture around early Summer 1944. Chinstrap buckles are of stamped brass with raised bar these seen from 1941 onwards & most commonly used in the European Theatre of Operations. Liner has its original olive green factory paint to exterior & \'f\' mark to dome for Firestone. It is fitted with coated steel A washers used from around September of 1942. Nape strap present & both this & headband contract number marked. The leather liner chinstrap is a totally 100% wartime example having the capital letter \'H\' within a circle for the firm Hagerstown Leather Co . The camouflage net is typical of those used n the ETO 1944 onwards & typical of the GI during the Normandy fighting.
WW2 US M1 Helmet & Camouflage Net A very good early example of the M1 front seam fixed bales American helmet with camouflage netting typical of that seen in wear by the US combat soldier of the ETO. Helmet has all the features of an early McCord piece with fixed rectangular chinstrap bales. Front seamed rim of shell is in stainless steel denoting pre October 1944 production. Chinstrap is of tan webbing which predates the greener webbing used as of late 1943 & has brass chin strap buckle with raised bar which was introduced as of 1941 until replaced by iron alloy in 1943. Helmet shell has olive drab paint finish with its mixed in cork texture still visible in places. This was applied to deafen noise & avoid glare. Helmet liner is again early & also internally complete with soldiers name & number written to inside tan webbing straps. Interestingly the crossed rifles of the infantry surmounting the number two have been hand drawn in pencil on the outside of the liner shell . As the images suggest this does appear to be a contemporary addition most likely applied by the original wearer of the helmet. A small jagged hole is visible to the top of the liner the cause of which is unknown. Overall a superb US M1 combat helmet the likes of which , with net , we often see in original footage of the Normandy campaign & onwards.
WW2 US M1 Helmet & Liner Fantastic example of a correct wartime period front seam , fixed bales US M1 helmet with liner & both of its original chinstraps. Correct wartime M1 helmets are now extremely hard to come by most having been reissued after WW2 & repainted , restrapped etc. This McCord produced helmet shell dates from the early to midwar period with faint '543C' lot number to interior dating the manufacture of this helmet to the 1943 period. It has its original cork mixed olive green paint & tan web chinstrap with raised bar brass buckle used from 1941 onwards until 1943 when replaced by iron alloy. The hook is that of the 'J' type with sharp tip which was used until 1942 before being replaced by a square tip. Liner is Westinghouse made as denoted by the 'w' logo on the apex of the shell. It has khaki webbing to inside with detachable chinstrap introduced in 1942. Green painted iron chinstrap buckle denotes manufacture to pre 1944. A small hole has been cut into the front of the liner above the eyelet which in most cases would have been to accommodate insignia ie a rank badge or bar. The shadow of a single vertical bar can be seen on the front of the helmet which would have denoted Lieutenant rank. Overall a superb & complete totally wartime M1 helmet.
WW2 US M1 Helmet & Liner A late war US M1 helmet with all original wartime rough green factory paint & liner . Rear seam M1 helmets date from November 1944 onwards & so it is a wartime produced example typical of that worn by American troops arriving late into the European Theatre of war ( Such as replacements ) or by those fighting in the Far east at this time. Chin strap is original to the helmet this being of blackened brass which were brought back into service in June 1944 . Liner is a CAPAC produced example complete with webbing components. A large proportion of its exterior paint finish remains. To the front of the helmet is the ghost outline of a tag that was at one time stuck in place .. this was most likely unit specific & may well have been a rank insignia or other identifying marker now long since removed. A good combat M1 helmet with its hard to still find original paint finish , most were repainted in the postwar years .
WW2 US M1 Helmet & Liner ( 1943/1944 ) A good American front seam swivel bales M1 helmet with features which date this helmet from around the 1943/1944 period. Still in its original cork mixed olive green factory paint the helmet shell lot number is '194C' dating manufacture to around mid 1942. A front seam with pre october 1944 stainless steel rim & swivel chinstrap bales, the swivel bales were replaced by steel in early 1945 & so we can date production of these between November 1943 & the end of 1944. The green shade to the totally original chinstraps started appearing from late 1943. Helmet shell has the motif of 'MSA' for the firm Mine Safety Appliances with its original green wartime factory paint to exterior. The triangular washers are brass coated with a black corrosion inhibitor , introduced from June 1944 onwards . Webbing suspension straps are in light khaki /tan with liner chinstrap having black coated brass cam buckle introduced from mid 1944 onwards. Overall a very good M1 helmet , now becoming increasingly difficult to find from the wartime period.
WW2 US M1 Helmet & Liner , 1944 Period A good American M1 steel combat helmet with its original green factory paint & webbing chinstraps remaining . This helmet is a textbook late 1944 period onwards example with rear seam & swivel bales. The green cork mixed finish is its original wartime paint the shell being a Schleuter made example. The swivel bales were introduced in November 1943 with the rear seam being used as of November 1944 & so these were in use during the late WW2 period. The webbing \'OD 7\' shade chinstraps are totally intact being of the black painted iron alloy used between July 1943 & May 1944. Liner is an example made by \'Mine Safety Appliances \' with green paint finish to exterior & webbing system in good order. The removeable nape strap is dated 1945. Overall excellent textbook M1 helmet .
WW2 US M1 Helmet & Liner With Early Fixed Bales & Front Seam If you are looking for a textbook factory mint unissued example of the early WW2 US M1 helmet then read no further. If you like M1 helmets that are dirty , \'salty\' & were forgotten about in the corner of far flung Europe for the last seventy odd years then this piece may be for you ! A fixed bales , front seam M1 this helmet came as just as described. To the exterior of the shell we have a rough finished thick olive green paint finish showing typical storage age with scuffs , chips & some rust spots within the paint. This extends to the inside where the batch number of what appears to be \'242B\' can just about be seen. Both of the webbing chinstraps are dirty & well used with the brass buckle being without raised bar introduced in late 1943. The J hook is in blackened steel & dates from the same period. Liner is a Westinghouse example with rivets being in painted steel dating production again to the mid 1943 period. There is heavy wear to the liner & to the leather as there is on the outside of the shell also.
WW2 US M1 Helmet of The Free French Army - N.W .Europe Found in the Alsace region during renovation works in 1986 this US M1 helmet has insignia painted to both sides denoting use by Free French forces . The Free French were the first into Paris & played a very large part in the liberation of France as a whole. Helmet has had the 1804 \'tricolor\' revolutionary flag painted to both sides with this showing commensurate wear to that of the rest of the helmet . Its original cork mixed OG factory paint is well worn with chips & scuffs evidencing that this is a helmet that has seen much action. Its general manufacture is of early format with front seam fixed bales & a large \'S\' for the manufacturer \'Schlueter\' who began production in 1943 . Chinstrap buckle is of the early brass raised bar this being the first variant as found on its M17A1 predecessor. Liner is a \'Firestone\' produced example & has twin matching French insignia to each side. All \'A\' washers are of the September 1942 version in unpainted zinc coated steel. Nape strap still present & marked to \'Gem Dandy Inc\' with wartime contract number. \'JM\' marked to webbing with this tied at rear according to the preference of the soldier. Slight stress crack to rear of liner as is commonly seen. A rare piece of history to the Free French who played a very large part in the liberation of France from the grasp of German forces. .
WW2 US M1 Helmet With Camouflage Net A textbook US M1 helmet with camouflage net as worn by US GIs in the NW Europe theatre of operations. This helmet has front seamed rim & swivel chinstrap bales denoting its use to anytime from late 1943 onwards. The rim is of stainless steel this predating the steel version which was seen from October 1944 onwards. The front seam was moved to the rear in November of the same year . Both inside & out of the shell still has its original wartime factory applied cork mixed olive green paint , the large \'S\' to underside of front lip denotes manufacture by the firm \'Schleuter\' . Liner is also still in its original wartime OG paint & has brass black painted A washers see from around June 1944 onwards. Leather chinstrap & nape strap present, inner crown bears the \'f\' logo for the manufacturer Firestone. There is a small stress tear to the rear of the liner only noticeable upon close inspection. Finally , web chinstrap is totally wartime with the hook & buckle being of blackened of iron alloy. Helmets in this exact format were seen in wear by the GI in NW Europe during the latter part of WW2.
WW2 US M1 Helmet With Officer Rank Bars To Front A US M1 helmet & liner with officers rank bars to front for Lieutenant . This helmet dates from the mid to late war period & is a front seam example with swivel bales. The rank bars have been subtly painted onto the front & upon close inspection match in wear & age patina to that of the rest of the helmets exterior . Still retaining its original wartime mixed cork olive drab paint finish the steel lot number inside the shell is 333A which dates its manufacture to the late 1942 period . With swivel bales not being introduced until November 1943 this is most likely to be one of those first fitted & an example of old stocks of helmet shells being used up to meet demands. Web chinstrap has black painted flat steel buckle seen from July 1943 until around May 1944 & black painted brass J hook. Liner is a Westinghouse made example with Overall a superb helmet & hard to find not postwar repainted.
WW2 US M1 Helmet With Officer Rank Insignia A US M1 helmet that has officer rank bars of a Lieutenant painted to shell & liner. This superb piece is a midwar production with front seam & swivel bales . The swivel bales came into production as of November 1943 with the front seam not being moved to the rear until November 1944 so we can date production at some time between this date. The paint of the shell is its 100% original wartime finish in granulated green with a small stress crack visible on the front left very typical of these earlier productions . The green webbing \'OD7\' shade chinstraps are totally intact with a brass hook & black painted iron alloy buckle as used between July 1943 & May 1944. The Lieutenant insignia painted to front is no doubt personally applied by the officer & shows matching wear to the rest of the helmet shell . It is well seated into the existing paint with correlating age discolouration & tarnishing to the white of the stencilling. Liner is a Westinghouse produced example with blackened brass rivets & evidence of wear to the headband & webbing. The Lieutenant insignia is repeated to the front of the liner. With some scuffs & chips to the paint of the exterior helmet shell this is a wonderful M1 combat helmet .
WW2 US M1 Steel Combat Helmet A true time capsuled US M1 helmet of very early war production with front seam, fixed bales & its totally correct liner . Still in its original wartime cork mixed rough OD paint it has tan webbing brass chinstraps & the distinctive first issue stainless steel rim ( used until October 1944 ) . Liner is complete with the often missing leather chinstrap as well as tan webbing straps. Nape strap still present. An embossed 'w' motif denotes manufacture by Westinghouse , OD paint is its correct wartime issue . No damage to liner shell. This helmet is certainly a WW2 veteran & still as was worn by the US soldier in WW2 . There is a very minor dent to the crown & a small stress split to front seam area very typical of the first production runs of US M1 McCord shells. Leather strap to liner has torn across at one end however remains well on its triangular buckle.
WW2 US M1 Swivel Bales Helmet A good untouched textbook example of the late war US GIs M1 helmet with rear seam & swivel bales. As is well recorded the swivel bale helmets saw service as of November 1943 with the rim of the shell being moved to the rear as of October 1944 so this firmly places its format as that which replacement troops are most likely to have worn in the Belgian Ardennes 1944/45 through into the fighting for Germany . The chinstrap loops are still in stainless steel on this example therefore predating January 1945 when production switched to steel . Its original factory green rough textured Olive Green paint is largely intact with a few minor dents to the crown from heavy service use. Chinstrap buckle is in flat brass with tan webbing , all totally original to the helmet. Liner has original factory green paint & is a Firestone made example with embossed 'F' to interior . The liner band has contract markings for the wartime firm 'Gem Dandy'. The A washers have suffered from some corrosion with general wear throughout & paint chips & scuffs to outer shell commensurate with heavy wear. There is a small 1inch or so break to the front lip of the liner this being surface only & not right through the underside. Textbook late war helmet !
WW2 US M1 \'Fixed Bales\' Helmet With Camouflage Net - Classic D-Day An excellent textbook US M1 helmet with camouflage net & fixed bales. This helmet has all the attributes of a mid 1943 dated example & is typical of those worn by GIs training in England befor landing on the beaches of Normandy in June 1944 for D-Day. This helmet is still in its original cork mixed OD wartime paint inside & out with front seam to stainless steel rim & early raised bar brass chinstrap buckle . Lot number to interior of the MCCord helmet shell is \'5430\' denoting manufacturer during the mid 1943 period. Liner is a \'Firestone; produced example with green painted A washers used around mid 1943 to mid 1944. Nape strap is totally original to the helmet & has the contract number W199-QM036774 which dates it to July 6th 1942. Finally the leather liner chinstrap is intact & an early version in green painted steel wire with no tube over the joins. These were used from the Autumn of 1942 until early 1943 & are very hard to find today.
WW2 US M1942 Paratrooper Jump Jacket An excellent totally original American M42 model of paratrooper jump jacket in wind & rain resistant cotton twill complete with its often missing waist belt. These jump jackets were popular amongst US paratroopers & were totally specific to their role with a small perfectly working 'Serval' zip pocket for the paratrooper M2 switch blade knife inserted into the front upper fly area. The four slanted cargo pockets allow for the carriage of all manner of items with collar & cuffs closed by very durable metal snaps. The front 'Crown' zip works perfectly. Each armpit has four ventilation grommets with vented rear seams to back & skirt rear of the jacket. Clothing label to lower right pocket is still present but washed out. Some soldiers details appear to the inside of the collar & back which may be researchable ..these are ' COAR 3034 ' as well as another letter & numer stamp which appears to be ' K 6433 ' . A superb combat item from the US Airborne.
WW2 US M3 Fighting Knife In Leather M6 Scabbard 1943 A recently surfaced & Normandy found American Paratroopers M3 fighting knife in leather Mk 6 scabbard. These were much favoured by the US Airborne who were well trained in the use of such weapons. This example came from a private French family in Normandy reputedly having been won in a game of pool by an older family member in 1944. The knife is a KINFOLKS made piece with the desirable marking on the blade ' US M3 ' KINFOLKSINC 1943 ' . The leather rings of the handle are still firm & in good order with blade showing wear but overall good. One can still faintly see the markings on the leather M6 scabbard with date of 1943. All of its scabbard rivets are intact with original legtie present & belt hook undisturbed. Iconic paratrooper piece with a fascinating story attached to it. UK Sales Only *** Proof of age required***
WW2 US M42 Paratrooper Jump Jacket An excellent totally original American M42 model of paratrooper jump jacket in wind & rain resistant cotton twill complete with its often missing waist belt. These jump jackets were popular amongst US paratroopers & were totally specific to their role with a small perfectly working 'Serval' zip pocket for the paratrooper M2 switch blade knife inserted into the front upper fly area. The four slanted cargo pockets allow for the carriage of all manner of items with collar & cuffs closed by very durable metal snaps. The front 'Crown' zip works perfectly. Each armpit has four ventilation grommets with vented rear seams to back & skirt rear of the jacket. Clothing label to lower right pocket is still present but washed out. Some soldiers details appear to the inside of the collar & back which may be researchable ..these are ' COAR 3034 ' as well as another letter & numer stamp which appears to be ' K 6433 ' . A superb combat item from the US Airborne.
WW2 US M5 Anti-Flak Helmet The American M5 Flak Helmet was issued to bomber crews in late 1944 onwards to protect against shell splinters from anti aircraft fire whilst on missions. Made of factory green painted steel it also is coated with flock to prevent freezing at high altitude. The skull of the helmet has two hinged metal ear flaps & an innovative leather chinstrap which was fastened by means of a friction buckle type system. Canvas liner has a leather sweatband at front & is good overall not withstanding some typical wear & age in places indicating a helmet that has seen use rather than a 'never left the stores' example. Both hinged ear flaps work perfectly with the leather of the chinstrap having survived extremely well & remaining 100 % intact. Some surface rusting to inside of shell.
WW2 US Mediterranean Theatre Camouflage M1 Helmet & Hawley Liner One of the rarest forms of the WW2 American M1 helmet this being a fixed bail M1 with camouflage from the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations & with its original early Hawley liner. It is well recorded that US troops serving in Sicily & Italy very often camouflaged their helmets as early as 1943 using large intersecting circular areas of mustard & green shades applied freehand with a brush. This scheme often called the \'mickey mouse\' pattern was derived from WW1 German helmet camouflage that used black lines as edging on each section. Glider troops of the MTO are also known to have widely used camouflage with the 1st Airborne Task Force having used camouflage schemes as the norm in the South of France in August 1944. The M1 shell here has a subdued camouflage scheme with freehand applied circular sections of mustard, green & red. Each section is edged with a black border line the rough finish still being very apparent throughout. A dark overall finish has then at some point been applied which may indicate a change from combat duties with the camouflage scheme still being very much evident. Helmet is an early fixed bail with original factory paint to inside & brass metal fittings to its early wartime web straps. Hawley liner is of course a very scarce part of the M1 helmet history being of the first production & extremely prone to water damage & fragility. Several versions exist this being the very first in its earliest form with its silver/gray rayon webbing , riveted chinstrap connector & rectangular washer. Black ink stamped \'FIBRE M-1\' visible to interior. Outside is overall good with some light water marks to OD twill material. Some fraying to front edge. Some breaking to surface at crown of helmet which is only visible to the inside with typical age to webbing & some fraying having been well used. Overall a very rare combat helmet & a veteran of the mediterranean theatre of war.
WW2 US Military Police M1 Helmet A fabulous US Military Police helmet with \'MP\' initials & white band to front of helmet with the \'MP\' initials repeated on the liner for Barrack duty. A rear seam swivel bales helmet this would date it to the late 1944 period when MP units were much active in the European Theatre of Operations. The web chinstraps are of correct wartime construction & have a black painted iron alloy buckle produced from around July 1943 until May 1944 to replace brass which was in high demand at that time. Liner is made by Mine Safety Appliances as denoted by their maker logo to crown , Washers are very typical of midwar construction being green painted steel. These were only used up until around June 1944 when they were replaced by brass. Only a small part of its leather headband remains no doubt due to mix of heavy wear & deterioration of the leather. Overall a fabulous display piece & a difficult one to find.
WW2 US Named United States Marine Corps Helmet & Cover A textbook example of a USMC issue helmet & camouflage cover with handwritten soldiers name & the places he served 'America, WWII , Korea ' written on the inside of the liner. The reversible helmet cover is of the first pattern without buttonholes made up until the end of 1943. It is not difficult to see the correlation of wear on the cover from years of being on this helmet . Evident to the outside with some general age & usage there is a distinctive line where the leather chinstrap of the liner has been hooked over the front lip of the helmet. The interior portion of the cover shows slightly fresher colour than its weathered outside , testament to it having been in service & not one that was never out of the stores . Helmet itself is a front seam swivel bales with earlier stainless steel rim. The swivel bales were introduced in November 1943 & so, with its darker green chinstraps from around the same period , we can date the shell from this period up until around October 1944 when the front seam was moved to the rear. The paint finish underneath the cover & to the interior of the shell is unquestionably its wartime issue , this being the very distinctive cork mixed olive drab. One of the images with cover lifted shows this very well. Liner is a Firestone made example still with its leather chinstrap remaining intact. The soldier who wore this helmet has written his name into the liner with what appears to be a service number & the already mentioned places served so this may well lend itself to further research. A fabulous & original example of a Pacific Theatre USMC helmet their now being some very good copies of this camouflage cover.
WW2 US Navy Gas Mask & Carrying Bag 1944 Scarce example of the US Navy Mk IV gas mask with its grey canvas carrying bag . These were much used by US Navy Beach Battalions & other Naval personnel on the D Day Landings heavily involved in the logistics of the invasion beaches. Mask is of black rubber with twin eyepieces having two breathing pipes at either side that would feed round to the grey metal filter worn at the rear. Rear yoke of the head straps is of black leather with the designation 'USN' ( US Navy ) to the top of the facepiece. 1944 date to black rubber with an instruction label to filter still present. Grey canvas bag with its ink title to front & shoulder strap complete. Overall in excellent condition with no perishing to rubber only some typical wear in places. Most certainly an iconic item distinctly attributable to these important US Navy units.
WW2 US Navy M1 Front Seam , Fixed Bales Helmet , 1942 Production Period A fabulous US Navy M1 helmet which reputedly surfaced many years ago in the Utah Beach area . It is Navy blue grey in colour with the numbers \'70\' to the front which most likely refer to a muster position on the boat. This helmet is one of the earliest productions having front seam & fixed bales but also the distinctive early cast brass chinstrap with raised bar. These were a carryover from the 1917A1 helmet to use up existing stocks however were soon replaced in the \'42 period with a stamped version. Short strap minus. The front seam of the helmet is early with fixed bales being used until November 1943. It is this configuration that is widely sought after due to its prevalence in the European Theatre of Operations from D-Day onwards. Most found from this period & certainly those used on D Day are of this early configuration with swivel bales not being seen until sometime later. The blue grey colour of the helmet was , as standard , applied over the issue factory green this still being on the underside of the helmet. Many scuffs to the exterior Navy colour signify extensive wear with two small dents to the top of the helmet. The stencilled number to the front is subtle however the style of the font is typical. This McCord made shell has the batch number \' 2*8B \' visible & although the middle digit has been poorly stamped the 2 series indicates production in the mid 1942 period. The helmet liner matches in its extensive wear to the rest of the helmet & was apparently played with by the previous owner whilst a child growing up there before being retired to the back of the storage shed! Again it is of early production with the early turned in rayon ends of the \'United Carr\' neck suspension band predating October 1942 when these were left unfinished. The contract number of \' W-199-QM-25951\' indicates a contract awarded to the firm Johnson & Johnson of June 4th 1942 with a contract number to the headband of July 1942. Alarge proprtion of its exterior green paint has survived . Overall a fabulous piece from the Normandy fighting..one can only imagine its D-Day story.
WW2 US Paratrooper Combat Helmet Shell An exceptionally rare American paratrooper helmet shell with its original webbing paratrooper chinstrap still present & totally original to the helmet. A heavily worn airborne combat helmet it has rear seam rim used as of November 1944 & much issued to replacement troops in the European theatre before the Ardennes campaign & later into the advance through Germany. Helmet displays its original wartime OD green cork mixed paint finish with some general rust age toning to inside & wear overall. The web chinstraps display some fraying & wear at the loops of the swivel bales. The liner has sadly long since been lost however the image of the American paratrooper in his Ardennes forest foxhole is very much brought to mind when holding this iconic item of the battle weary American Airborne soldier in hand.
WW2 US Paratrooper Jump Boots Good condition pair of US paratrooper boots designed to be worn as part of the then new jump uniform & much worn in action from 6th June 1944 when the paratroopers of the 101st & 82nd American Airborne divisions jumped into Normandy. In overall good condition this pair are made by 'Skymaster' one of several companies of the period that made US jump boots. With twelve pairs of eyelets on each boot they are complete with their original brown leather laces & reinforced uppers that have a strip of strong canvas sewn on the inside for ankle support. Right boot bears 'Skymaster' maker label sewn onto the tongue & both boots have black inkstamped size markings inside each shaft. Original soles intact on each boot. Overall good pair of WW2 US jump boots & nice to find with their original laces.
WW2 US Sherman Tank Seat With Blast Damage A very unique American tank seat that has blast damage to the rear metal armour plating. This seat reputedly came from a European museum many years ago & is believed to be from an M4 Sherman. The original white colour of the metal is now a very dirty looking tan colour leading to some discussion as to its nationality however when one researches its construction the grilled metal frame is unmistakeably identical to that of a Sherman. The black upholstery mounted on wood boarding is not without some rodent damage as it was clearly forgotten about it in some dark place for many years. The rear of the seat has distinct blast damage which has ripped into the metal either caused by grenade or shell damage most likely when inside the tank . I have photographed this in detail so you may draw your own conclusions. A true piece of WW2 US armoured history It has clearly been in the thick of battle & one can only imagine the ferocity of the action in which it was involved. **** Please contact to discuss shipping options****
WW2 US Shoulder Holster 1943 ( American Air Force Attributed ) A very good American Air Force named M3 shoulder holster for use with the M1911A1 automatic pistol. Complete with all correct straps & fittings the rear is marked maker marked & dated ' US Enger Kress 1943 ' . Handwritten on the reverse are the details of its owner ' T.SGT HALEY JOHN' with his service number. Underneath this is written his unit ' 398th Bomb Group , 603rd Bomb Squadron '. Deploying to England In April 1944 this Squadron saw heavy service bombing targets in Berlin & Kiel & then in June 1944 bombing coastal defences & troop concentrations in the Cherbourg Peninsular area. They also hit German gun positions in support of Operation Market garden in September 1944 in Holland then after further engagements were inactivated in August 1945.
WW2 US Tankers Helmet This US tankers helmet was recently found in Normandy & is clearly a piece that has seen action with an American tank crew member in WW2. I have made no attempt to clean it & so this comes completely as found. Used as of 1941 the tankers helmet was intended as a \'crash\' helmet & could accommodate the M1 helmet over the top of it for ballistic protection. The shell is of US OD coloured vulcanised fibre with ten vent holes & a widened rear neck piece to protect the back of the head. It has side flaps to house the R14 earphones. Maker marked on the inside to Iowa based firm \' Sears Saddlery Co \' all of the correct fittings remain to the helmet with the often missing webbing pop studded cross straps intact to rear. Interestingly the name \' Driver \' can be faintly seen pencil written onto two of the liner pads , this may refer to the mans position within the tank or , of course, his surname. Both of the adjustable arms are in good order with both green leather ear cup holders still fixed to the ear pieces. A true time capsule of a piece quite literally \'straight out of the woodwork\' !
WW2 US Tankers Helmet A recent find straight from Europe this time capsule US tankers helmet is an iconic piece from the Normandy fighting & has been revered in period footage & modern films that depict the American tank crewman in the 1944 period onwards. A piece that has survived very well its overall appearance is that of a well used helmet with clear wartime action embedded within its fabric. Actually used as of 1941 these were intended as a crash helmet & would accommodate the M1 helmet over the top of it for ballistic protection if need be. The shell is of the US \'OD\' coloured vulcanised fibre with ten vent holes & a widened rear neck piece to protect the back of the neck. Marked to the inside with the maker logo for \' WILSON ATH. GOODS\' of Chicago , Illinois & the size \'7\' there is heavy wear visible athough the drawcord is still intact. A small black hand drawn cross can be seen to the front of the helmet evidently owner applied for quick identification. Both adjustable arms are in good order with leather ear cup holders mostly gone due to age & wear. Coming uncleaned & completely as found.
WW2 US Tankers Helmet & Goggles A WW2 US tankers helmet coming complete with goggles. An iconic item of American tank crew headwear these have been revered in period footage & modern films that depict the American tank crewman in the 1944 period onwards. A piece that has survived very well its overall appearance is that of a well used helmet with clear wartime action embedded within its fabric. Actually used as of 1941 these were intended as a crash helmet & would accommodate the M1 helmet over the top of it for ballistic protection if need be. The shell is of the US \'OD\' coloured vulcanised fibre with ten vent holes & a widened rear neck piece to protect the back of the neck. Marked to the inside with the size \'7\' there is evidence of previous markings now rubbed away through heavy wear. Both adjustable arms are in good order with leather ear cup holders present & what appears to be a small glue repair to a part of the leather. Goggles are non standard & appear to be a private purchase pair certainly of the period. Fabulous display piece & getting much harder to find now.
WW2 US Tankers Jacket With \'1st Tank Bn\' Markings To Back Specific issue cold weather gear was developed for armoured troops in 1941. The most well known & rarest item of all being this the Tankers combat jacket. Popular with all those that could acquire them it was a bomber style jacket with elasticated cuffs , neck & waistband which kept the warm air in when cold. This is the second pattern model ( March 1942 onwards ) with classic slanted pockets to sides . It is a typically well used piece, it being uncommon to find them unutilised due to their popularity. There are some heavily stitched repairs to the front of the jacket just giving this an even more 'salty' combat look as it would have looked inside his Sherman . To the rear of the jacket are the stencilled markings ' 1st TANK BN H&S Co No.332 ' . Brown blanket like material lines the inside with conmar zip to front. Elasticity remains to cuffs , neck & waist & zip in working order. There are a few very small moth holes to blanket lining not detracting. This is a used example of a popular jacket liked by all US servicemen that had the fortune of owning them, hence not many survive today.
WW2 USAAF British Made ETO Jacket 1944 An excellent untouched scarce American issue British made ETO jacket to a Captain in the United States Army Air Force. These jackets were designed by the European Theatre of Operations Commanding General Robert Littlejohn & were manufactured in Great Britain from May 1943 onwards. This example bears a 1944 dated clothing label from the Welsh firm Polikoff Ltd with the designation ' Jacket , Field Officers , USA E.T.O ' . It has all of its original wartime insignia including silver maker marked 'US' collars with smooth backed clutch fasteners, Air Force wings to lapels denoting branch of service. The double rank bars to each shoulder are hallmarked & made by 'Firmin , London' . Medal ribbons to left breast denote Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal & European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal. The five (5) bronze oakleaves to the Air medal denote thirty (30) missions. A Distinguished Unit Citation is to right breast .An imprint in the material of the jacket above the left breast gives evidence of wings once present. An approx 42 inch chest.
WW2 USAAF ETO Jacket To Decorated Air Crew Member Rare Second Model 1943/44 A rare USAAF ETO jacket to a decorated Air Crew member this being the second model with patch breast pockets & shirt style cuffs . Badged to an Aircrew sergeant Engineering Specialist of the 8th United States Army Air Force he has Aircrew wings to left breast with three overseas service bars indicating 18 months service & a service stripe indicating a 3 year period of service to lower left sleeve. USAAF collar disc present. Medal ribbons indicate the Air medal with oak leaf for two awards, the Purple Heart & the European campaign medal with three bronze stars indicating involvement in three campaigns. The first version of the ETO jacket with the slash pockets was discontinued in favour of this version around September 1943. In November 1943 it was ordered that all remaining stocks of the ETO jacket be issued to the 8th & 9th Air Forces for use during combat missions with General Eisenhower ordering issue of this \'new\' version in March 1944 . After 300,000 were ordered from British firms it eventually was soon replaced by the M-1944 \'Ike\' jacket . Rare jacket & to an interesting American Air Force crew member heavily involved in the NW Europe campaign.
WW2 Used French M15 Adrian Helmet Named To An Adjutant Of 39th Infantry Regiment With Dunkirk Connection An interesting large sized WW1 M15 French Adrian helmet which has had a khaki green overpaint applied for reuse in the interwar / Battle for France period. Quite often these M15 helmets were reused after WW1 before & after the introduction of the M23 & M26 helmets. France had a massive army by the time the summer of 1940 was upon them & so equipping her many men involved the issue of old & new as it did with many armies. This helmet retains its original WW1 issue M15 flaming grenade badge for infantry , cavalry troops etc & also its first issue of brown leather chinstrap. The liner is of the multi construction post 1916 issue with the maker logo of \'CC\' astride an anchor for \'Compagnie Coloniale\' visible to interior dome of the shell. This is not a naval marking as is often wrongly assumed, simply the logo for that particular maker. The soldier has written on one of the liner tongues in his own hand \' Adjutant Decaux 39e RI \' . The 39th Infantry Regiment were part of the 5th Motorized Infantry Division which was disbanded on 25th May 1940 after heavy losses during the Battle for France. Its final Command Post was at Dunkirk from where some elements managed evacuation.
WW2 USMC 1944 Pattern Camouflage Trousers A very nice worn pair of the P44 USMC trousers in the tan/brown based variation of camouflage . Two vertical side opening pockets with four snap closure pointed flaps give access to seat compartment which was intended for the stowage of extra kit. Slits on the waist allow for the use of equipment suspenders along with a series of grommets. All buttons remain to front fly. Right knee has a very old patch repair & is matching in its age & colour to the rest of the trousers. This does suggest the likelihood of it being a wartime repair. Left knee has some stitch repair with also one small hole to upper thigh area & a couple of dirt marks indicative of their field use. Overall a very nice used pair which wiould compliment any USMC Pacific combat display. Slits to waist
WW2 USMC 1944 Pattern Trousers A very nice worn pair of the P44 USMC trousers in the tan/brown based variation of camouflage . Two vertical side opening pockets with four snap closure pointed flaps give access to seat compartment which was intended for the stowage of extra kit. Slits on the waist allow for the use of equipment suspenders along with a series of grommets. All buttons remain to front fly. Right knee has a very old patch repair & is matching in its age & colour to the rest of the trousers. This does suggest the likelihood of it being a wartime repair. There is an approx. 2 inch stress tear underneath this. Left knee has some stitch repair with also one small hole to upper thigh area & a couple of dirt marks indicative of their field use. Overall a very nice used pair which wiould compliment any USMC Pacific combat display.
WW2 USMC 4th Marine Division Canteen Set ( 2nd Pattern Marine Cover ) A WW2 United States Marine Corps issue canteen set with tactical markings for I Company , 3rd Battalion , 25th Marine Regiment , 4th Marine Division. The cover is a correct specific USMC issue P41 pattern cover differing from the first model only in it having snap fasteners rather than domed snaps ( 1941 -43 ) . An interesting 'salty' cover that has no doubt seen Pacific service having faded in the sun rays of the Pacific & been washed out with the sea water of the ocean. Canteen is 1943 dated with cup 1944 dated. Initially located at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, the regiment was ordered to the Pacific Theater in January 1944 and participated in the Battle of Kwajalein, Saipan, Battle of Tinian and the Battle of Iwo Jima.
WW2 USMC Camouflage Cover & M1 Helmet An excellent & original example of the USMC second type camouflage helmet cover with M1 swivel bales helmet & liner. The cover here is in excellent condition & is the type with foliage buttonholes that was on issue from late 1943 onwards . It is reversible from jungle to beach & has all the correct characteristics that one would expect to see on an original cover ( I.e, colours, stitching, correct shapes etc ) . Very faint remains of USMC Globe & Anchor emblem to beach side . Appears to be crudely period done but certainly has never been applied to green side. M1 helmet has desirable Firestone liner with tan webbing & has the overall condition of a combat worn piece. Shell is with swivel bales with rear seam as used from November 1944 onwards correct for this late war theatre. The chinstrap is extremely indicative of a wartime produced example being of tan web with blackened brass fittings.
WW2 USMC Combat Helmet & Camouflage Cover A superb example of the M1 helmet & first pattern USMC camouflage cover. With many fakes of the USMC helmet cover now flooding the market it is pleasing to be able to offer an original first pattern cover with all of the correct attributes that one would expect to find on a textbook original example. This well used cover still has good distinctive colours with genuine field wear exhibited overall. There is helmet wear to the edges of the cover from prolonged use & the typical holes cut into place for the chinstrap of the shell to fit through. Being of an earlier first pattern these covers lack the foliage loops seen on later models. The faded hand written name of 'kid' has been drawn onto the front , back & sides of the cover this most likely to aid the identification of the wearer in the heat of battle. Helmet is a rear seam M1 shell with McCord steel batch number denoting a late war manufacture typical of a late deployed 1945 combat Marine fighting in the Pacific. The rear seam came into effect as of November 1944 with the hinged chinstrap loops , as here , effective as of November 1943. All of the helmet shells mixed cork olive green paint finish is its totally original factory applied wartime finish. Helmet liner is a correct wartime produced ' Mine Safety Appliance ' made example with its 'MSA' motif visible to crown. The washers of the liner system are triangular & of green painted steel used from around 1943 until June 1944 when brass was brought into production. Nape strap pop stud fasteners are 'UNITED CARR' marked . Liner chinstrap intact. Overall super example of the USMC helmet & cover.
WW2 USMC M1 Camouflage Helmet An excellent & original example of the USMC first type camouflage helmet cover on an M1 early fixed bales helmet & liner system. The cover here is certainly alot scarcer than its later second pattern counterpart & , characteristically of its early first pattern, has no buttonholes. It is in excellent used condition with reversible camouflage from jungle to beach. All the correct characteristics that one would expect to see on an original cover ( I.e, colours, stitching, correct shapes etc ) are very clear on this undisputedly original example . Very faint remains of USMC Globe & Anchor emblem to both sides. M1 helmet has Westinghouse liner with tan webbing & has the overall condition of a combat worn piece. Shell is with front seam rim & correct for an early issue cover. The chinstrap is extremely indicative of a wartime produced example having unblackened brass fittings. Liner chinstrap completes the look however this does appear to be a later replacement.
WW2 USMC M1 Helmet & Camouflage Cover A WW2 US M1 helmet with totally original second pattern USMC camouflage cover . Much sought after today this USMC cover has excellent strong colours with the coveted Marine Corps Globe & Anchor emblem to front. M1 helmet is a Schleuter made production with rear seam swivel bales denoting its production from November 1944 onwards. The green shade olive drab chinstraps were used from the end of 1943 onwards & have 11 rows of stitching each as all originals should have. Helmet shell has its original factory olive drab cork mixed paint finish with two very subtle camouflage black & dull brown patches to exterior surface. These are now quite faint & do appear to be very old so certainly it is not impossible that this was period applied. Liner is in good order with a later replaced chinstrap & age to the leather headband. All original green paint remains to exterior.
WW2 USMC M1 Helmet With Camouflage Cover An excellent example of the US M1 helmet as worn by the USMC in the Pacific in the latter stages of WW2. The cover is the classic second pattern USMC issue with eyeholes for foliage & the Globe & Anchor insignia of the USMC to front & also to the reverse camouflage side. This insignia is sewn onto a seperate triangular patch in the same thread as the rest of the cover it being clear that this was applied at the factory during its construction. The M1 steel combat helmet on which it sits has its original green factory paint & webbing chinstraps remaining . This helmet is a textbook late 1944 period onwards example with rear seam & swivel bales. The green cork mixed finish is its original wartime paint the shell being a Schleuter made example. The swivel bales were introduced in November 1943 with the rear seam being used as of November 1944 & so these were in use during the late WW2 period. The webbing \'OD 7\' shade chinstraps are totally intact being of the black painted iron alloy used between July 1943 & May 1944. Liner is an example made by \'Mine Safety Appliances \' with green paint finish to exterior & webbing system in good order. Comes complete with leather liner chinstrap. Overall excellent textbook M1 helmet of the USMC .
WW2 USMC M44 Camouflage Suit A jacket & trouser USMC utility camouflage suit of the M1944 pattern being reversible from jungle camouflage to beach camouflage. This pattern of suit was designed in the Spring of 1944 the jacket having integral breast pockets so as a Marine could 'fight out of his pockets' by carrying rations, ammunition & a poncho without the use of a haversack. The trousers had vertical side openings this pair being the variation with belt loops & grommets for the equipment suspenders. This pattern of reversible suit could be seen in use by certain units including some men of the 4th Marine Division who were issued it before leaving for Tinian. Jacket has good strong colours & , of note , it is interesting that the internal breast compartments have been removed. The snaps on each side for these compartments are the 'United Carr' 'Durable' type snap also seen on other WW2 US fittings. USMC buttons adorn the front of the garment & cuffs there being ink stamped number '36' to collar & inside. Trousers have the large cargo pocket at rear with the camouflage pattern , as jacket, being printed on a green background. Waist size is 32inch. Inside leg 31in.
WW2 USMC M44 Camouflage Suit A jacket & trouser USMC utility camouflage suit of the M1944 pattern being reversible from jungle camouflage to beach camouflage. This pattern of suit was designed in the Spring of 1944 the jacket having integral breast pockets so as a Marine could 'fight out of his pockets' by carrying rations, ammunition & a poncho without the use of a haversack. The trousers had vertical side openings this pair being the variation with belt loops & grommets for the equipment suspenders. This pattern of reversible suit could be seen in use by certain units including some men of the 4th Marine Division who were issued it before leaving for Tinian. Jacket has good strong colours & , of note , it is interesting that the internal breast compartments have been removed. The snaps on each side for these compartments are the 'United Carr' 'Durable' type snap also seen on other WW2 US fittings. USMC buttons adorn the front of the garment & cuffs there being ink stamped number '36' to collar & inside. Trousers have the large cargo pocket at rear with the camouflage pattern , as jacket, being printed on a green background. Waist size is 32inch. Inside leg 31in.
WW2 USMC P44 HBT Combat Shirt Excellent condition service worn US WW2 olive green HBT shirt with \'USMC\' lettering & emblem on left breast & black painted USMC buttons. After the disastrous beach landing at Tarawa Atoll in November 1943, when most Marines ditched their equipment getting ashore under fire, it was decided that a uniform was needed that could hold essential items such as ammunition & rations etc. This was to the answer to that requirement. Complete with its gas flap still intact ,this 1944 pattern shirt with its internal pocket design is a classic Pacific theatre item. Complete with its 6 US Marine Corps buttons to front fly & one each to breast pocket & stowage pockets it is in very good condition with service wear & some very small rust spots in places. There is a slightly larger one to the back. No unsightly rips or tears. An approx 46 inch chest this is an ideal shirt for mannequin display representing a combat Marine in the field.
WW2 USMC P44 Shirt A very used United States Marine Corps P44 shirt . Excellent condition service worn US WW2 olive green HBT shirt with total fading of the USMC lettering & emblem on left breast but still with its black painted USMC buttons. After the disastrous beach landing at Tarawa Atoll in November 1943, when most Marines ditched their equipment getting ashore under fire, it was decided that a uniform was needed that could hold essential items such as ammunition & rations etc. This was to the answer to that requirement. Complete with its gas flap still intact ,this 1944 pattern shirt with its internal pocket design is a classic Pacific theatre item. Complete with its 6 US Marine Corps buttons to front fly & one each to breast pocket & stowage pockets it is in very good condition with service wear. An approx 44inch chest this is an ideal shirt for mannequin display representing a combat Marine in the field.
WW2 USMC Steel Combat M1 Helmet & Cover A super example of an American M1 United States Marine Corps helmet complete with its original camouflage cover. A nice early production M1 it has front seam ( Stainless steel ) & fixed bales dating its production to before November 1943 when the hinged bales came in to service. The original wartime cork mixed olive drab factory finish is still present to inside & out , this being visible to the exterior when one lifts the cover. Reversible camouflage cover is of the first pattern produced up until the end of 1943. There is much age wear correlating with its positioning on the helmet including some rust bleeding to the inside edges.As was common practice of the time two slits have been cut into the sides to allow placement over the chinstrap lugs. It is interesting to note the adornment of yellow serial number stencilling to the cover also the black USMC emblem to front. Chinstrap is of tan webbing with a raised bar brass buckle dating production to the 1941-42 period. Liner is in its original wartime factory paint to outside & is a Firestone made example. Complete with nape strap , the webbing straps are of tan khaki with pressed coated steel washers dating production to around the 1942 period. Leather liner chinstrap is present but now in two parts. Overall a very fine & original example of the USMC helmet .
WW2 USMC/Army One Piece Camouflage Suit 1942 US Army early one piece camouflage suit as issued in the Pacific in 1942 onwards. After the issue of this early pattern suit to US Marine Corps & Army combat troops it was found to be impractical & hence a two piece suit replaced it. This pattern is now very hard to find as many were cut up for the camouflage cloth or simply worn until destruction. This example is in good used condition with original 'TALON' zip running down its half front opening. All the poppers are intact on its four pockets & there is wear in the form of three holes & some fraying due to combat wear. The internal braces system has been removed which is not uncommon on many suits due to impracticality in the field. There are a series of serial numbers underneath the collar & suit is a good mannequin size. Most certainly an extremely iconic & rare item of US Army camouflage combat clothing.
WW2 Vickers Machine Gun , Tripod, Transit Cases With Ammunition Belt & Box A very nice 1940 dated example of the iconic Vickers machine gun coming complete with 1935 dated tripod & transit boxes for both gun & tripod. Also included is a 1943 dated belt of .303 rounds ( 50 rnds total included ) to compliment the gun coming in their 1942 dated Vickers marked ammuntion tin. The gun is finished in its typical army green & is profusely date & ordnance marked with the earliest markings dating from 1940. It is fully cockable & capable of being dryfired the action having been highly maintained from 1940 onwards. Tripod has exposed brass ring adjustment mounting with 1935 date to top arm & army green paint on remaining surfaces. Transit cases have various military markings & have inner sections remaining. There is a paper label on one end of the gun box referring to the 'Vickers .303 Mk1 ' with a 1944 dated repair form to the inside. Overall a truly classic Vickers machine gun set .
WW2 Wellington Bomber ' Bomb Winch ' Souvenir Piece I am pleased to be able to offer for sale here this superb piece of aviation history being the ' Bomb Winch ' crank handle section from a Wellington bomber that was one of the first 1000 a night raiders involved in the raid on Cologne on the night of 30/31 May 1942. 602 Wellington bombers took part in the raid, this being one of them, the rest of the raid being made up of Avro Lancasters, Sterlings etc from other squadrons. This is part of the outer fabric that covered the geoditic framework of the Wellington & has been taken from one of the Bomb Winch outer housings where the crank handles would be inserted to manually winch up the bombload. The piece is of black rubberised type fabric with the white stencilled words ; Bomb Winch' above a slideable swivel aluminium peephole opening into which the crank handle would be placed. Below this hand written in white paint are the words " Wellington Bomber Z1328 one of the first '1000 a night ' raiders Cologne 30th May 1942. " On the back of the piece is again the serial number Z1328. An internet search reveals the serial number Z1328 corresponds to a Wellington lost in July 1942 on operations to Gardening not long after its big raid in May 1942 . It would appear this piece must have been removed prior to this date but after the May raid possibly upon undergoing battle repairs or modifications. More thorough research would be well warranted on this Wellington bomber.
WW2 Welsh 53rd Division Helmet ( Divisional 'W' Insignia ) Rare Welsh infantry soldiers helmet with original painted flash of the 53rd ( Welsh ) Division . This helmet is a veteran of the Normandy campaign having been in private hands in Belgium until recently. Found in an underground potato shed very dirty & with a rotted net still in place, it was retrieved & cleaned prior to sale by its then owner. History records that this division was heavily involved in the vicious Falaise fighting before pushing through Northern France into Belgium where heavy fighting took place at a bridgehead on the Junction Canal near Lommel. The division were also involved in Operation Market Garden , Hertogenbosch & the battles of the Reichswald forest on the German border. A MkII steel helmet it has had the distinctive 53rd red 'W' insignia painted onto both left & right sides over its khaki factory paint. This has darkened with age on the outside leaving a dark brown patina but with the 53rd emblems still clear. Interior has a 1943 dated liner with midwar chinstrap , stretched from its time hanging up in the potato shed. A rare helmet from a well blooded infantry fighting unit.
WW2 Welsh Home Guard Helmet With Flashed Insignia A very interesting MkII No2.C helmet for a member of a Home Guard unit coming under control of the Welsh Regiment . With the Prince of Wales feathers painted to the front in yellow this is a representation of the cap badge of the Welsh Regiment coupled with the standard Army or Command troops armlet colours of red, black & red to the side. This helmet has three holes to either side ( Officially a MKII 2C ) designating its mild steel inferiority & its non suitability for use by combat troops. It has a rough khaki paint finish to its shell with the insignia applied over the top of this. Three initials of 'T.R.J' have been applied to the helmets underside with its maker of Briggs Motor Bodies & the date 1941 stamped as ' BMB 1941' to one side. It is most likely that the helmet would have belonged to a staff member of this Command possibly involved in training or some other HQ role where the helmet identification would have been relevant. It is interesting to note the use of other non official insignia applied to Home Guard helmets, a few examples can be seen being worn by the training staff in the Cornwall Home Guard album offered here ( stock code ) . The liner cradle is interestingly also made by BMB & dated 1940. With overall service use & some age from shed storage.
WW2 Welsh Officer , 8th Army Veteran , South Wales Borderers Battledress 1941 An undisputably originally badged battledress blouse from a Major in the South Wales Borderers complete with medal ribbons denoting service with the Eighth Army in North Africa. Printed SWB shoulder titles adorn each shoulder with red diamond on blue square div patch for the 61st Division. Red arm of service strip beneath this for infantry. There are also 6 service chevrons to right cuff indicating 6 years service. . Battledress is a much sought after New Zealand made example much preferred to their uncomfortable British issue counterpart by those who could 'procure' them. This being a New Zealand issue battledress ties in rather nicely with his service in the 8th army with whom New Zealand & other Commonwealth troops were also serving . The date 1941 with broad arrow can be faintly seen stamped onto the inside lining . It was in 1941 that the Eighth Army was formed from the Western Desert Force. The officers name to the rear of the collar lends itself to further research. There is a little bit of moth mostly pinprick sized holes & worthy of further mention to the lower waist area visible on the left front side with two matchstick head sized holes to the rear centre just above the waistband. Battledress has seen much wear by this officer with wear to the nap of the cloth clearly indicating his working field battledress rather than his best dress. All buttons complete ( A couple period replaced ) .
WW2 Women’s ATS Camouflage Jerkin & Field Service Cap A pair of items that were worn together by the same A.T.S servicewoman in WW2 . The ATS service cap still has her original brass kings crown badge affixed with two GS buttons to front.The brown body of the cap is piped with green edging & folds down to protect the ears in cold weather if required. The 1941 dated mid brown leather camouflage jerkin has the distinctive A.T.S half belt at rear for size adjustment , this differed from the army version which did not have it. The clothing label is intact & reads \' Jerkin, Leather A.T.S Camouflage Size No.5 \' with maker \' W.M.Curwen & Co Ltd . London 1941\' . A faint \'O\' coded broad arrow inspectors stamp can be seen to upper inside chest of lining. The jerkin is completely intact with a couple of moth holes to inside crown folds of cap.
WW2 \'Battle For Belgium\' Belgian M31 Battle Damaged Adrian Helmet 1940 A piece of history from the Belgian army this M31 Belgian helmet has a bullet hole entering its left side with what appears to be a large exit from this or another round to the right . The standard Belgian \'Lion\' badge is still present to the front with remains of the damaged liner to interior. This helmet was hidden away in the roof of an outhouse in the Leuven area for many years until recently & does show relevant age. The Belgian lion badge & top comb have a very high proportion of their original factory khaki paint remaining . Liner has been damaged by the impact & also suffered some decay over time. One finger of the liner is ink marked to the reverse \' X.Buisset , Vilvorde \' a Belgian manufacturer from Vilvorde. Interesting piece & testament to the early heavy fighting of the May 1940 invasion.
\' Timecapsule\' WW1 German M1895 Prussian Pickelhaube If you are looking for a totally original \' out of the woodwork \' pickelhaube then this early Prussian piece may be for you .. An excellent M1895 Prussian infantry other ranks pickelhaube coming complete with its original chinstrap & cockades & a true \'timecapsule\' piece in every sense of the word. The undamaged front Prussian plate has quite clearly been with this piece since taken from the battlefield as it is well embedded into the leather of the skull & is still firmly secured to the leather body. It would have to actually be prized off if removed. Correlating patination on the leather around the edges of the plate confirm that has been in situ for many years , the leather slides holding it in place at rear are perfectly mounted & the fixing holes remain totally undisturbed with their brass ring surrounds uninterfered with. Helmet surface has some of the usual crazing , chips & scuffs in places & remains totally uncleaned as it recently came. All of the brass mountings are firm & a total exact match in colour. The spike is non removeable. Stitching to front & rear peak is firm & both Prussian & National cockades are 100% original to this helmet. The original brown leather chinstrap has remained surprisingly undamaged with all mountings intact. Interior of the helmet shows no disturbance to any of the securing pins . The black leather of the liner is good with some minor dryness however it is still very possible to inspect its underside & see a Reserve Infantry Regiment marking although only partially legible. Rear peak bears black ink marked date \'1905\' with another issue marking crossed out ( See images ) . Overall a fabulous example of the early war Prussian infantrymans pickelhaube.
\'Iraq War\' British Armed Forces Mk 6A Spray Camouflage Combat Helmet As worn during the combat of the Iraq War the MK 6A model of combat helmet began to replace the MK 6 helmet in 2005 & although marginally heavier had enhanced ballistic protection. Capable of being fitted with the Bowman personal radio as well as the fitment of ear protection & respirators it was manufactured by NP Aerospace. Worn during the latter part of the Iraq War this helmet was once fitted with a small gauge camouflage net over which a Desert camouflage spray paint was applied such as can be seen on British forces vehicles of the period. This mottled pattern creates an effective scheme with its predominant yellow having faint dashes of light brown contrasting with its 'faux' netted finish. Showing heavy wear typical of Iraq War combat helmets.
\'Untouched\' WW1 German M16 Helmet With Chinstrap A superb untouched WW1 Imperial German helmet coming complete with its original matching chinstrap still on the helmet . From a very old European collection that I have recently acquired this helmet was originally found in a house in the Marne area of France & has survived in remarkable condition. With a good proportion of its light green factory paint still retaining to inside & out it shows heavy trench wear throughout. All of the three liner pins are untouched & original to the helmet with leather liner having never been out since WW1. The maker mark of \'ET66\' is clearly visible & helmet liner system retains all three of its cushions inside its cushion holders. The chinstrap is in good order with the green paint on its securing brackets matching exactly that of the shell. Fabulous time capsule piece & hard to find straight from the woodwork as it was originally found.