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Remember to check our other militaria pages! We would be glad to answer any questions about the items we offer. If you don't have e-mail To place an order, click here. [Note: All items guaranteed to be original as described. All items sold with three day inspection period,
(Remember, many WW1 era items were also used during WW2.)
We have grouped these into several categories:
Pre-1865 (Civil War and earlier items) **NEW ADDITION** 1285 RARE ORIGINAL CIRCA 1856 NAUTICAL CHART OF PART OF CALIFORNIA COAST- SANTRA BARBARA AREA - This is an ORIGINAL and rare early navigational charts of our newly gained Pacific coast territories. These original ship's charts are from the 1853-1870 period, produced by lithograph engraving (black ink on rag paper) and lost in a government warehouse which handled chart distribution until the 1980s. Still flat, not folded, these really look nice framed. (Never folded, will ship carefully rolled) Charts of the period show the land area and terrain using standard topographic symbols, and soundings of coastal waters. One or more additional sketches show the view(s) of key navigational points to allow proper recognition, and tables list latitude/ longitude of key points and tidal information. These were essential to seafarers. Very historic and decorative items. This is "Preliminary Survey of ANACAPA ISLAND and EAST END OF SANTA CRUZ ISLAND" SCALE 1:30,000 dated 1856. Paper size 33" wide by 12 1/2 " tall, with image about 26" x 9 1/2". Nicely detailed, full of nautical charm- "Smuggler's Cove", boat landings, limits of kelp, etc. Only one view, about 2" x 7", superbly showing end of Anacapa Island with rugged cliffs and "Arch Rock." Excellent dark image and good ghost of the edges of the lithograph block. Excellent condition. Survival rate onthese is extremely low and this is a real treasure for someone living in that area. $95.00 (View Picture) **NEW ADDITION** 1530 REPRODUCTION CIVIL WAR FIELD GEAR - Made for reenactor or North-South Skirmish Assn users who demand high quality reproductions and actually use them in the field. These were used for a couple of seasons so they look more “used and old” than the new made stuff you can find elsewhere. Great additions to a display of Civil War arms or other items, or for use in “show and tell” presentations. Originals of these items get pretty pricey, but these are very affordable. 1530A- Union black leather waist belt and buckle- fits about 34-38” waist. Buckle is excellent copy of the regulation lead filled brass type. $39.00
(View Picture) 1088 AMERICAN MILITARY EQUIPAGE 1851-1872 COMPLETE TWO VOLUME SET - Frederick P. Todd, et al. This important work representing the combined knowledge of some of the most advanced members of the respected Company of Military Historians. It has a confusing history, so pay attention. The Company began publication in three small volumes, the first covering U.S. regulars, the second covering Confederate Army and the third covering U.S. and C.S. Navy and Marines, and began to get into state troops (A-C). Each section covers clothing, insignia and decorations, small arms, accoutrements, and horse furniture. At that point, they decided to change format, and finished the set with a massive volume with all the state forces, and called it Volume 2, and created a massive Volume 1 with all the material from the original three volumes except the state forces which had been moved to Volume 2. Got all that? Volume I (602 pages 8.5” x 11”, hardcover) is especially useful as a reference for overall uniform and equipment details with numerous exceptional line drawings, and photos to illustrate most items discussed. Especially important is the section dealing with imported small arms used by both sides, which I consider to be the best summary anywhere, notably for the helpful illustrations to identify various foreign arms. Volume 2 (729 pages 8.5” x 11”, hardcover) contains the state by state listing of each regiment and a summary of their uniforms, flags, and small arms with an overview of the states’ general policies. Most importantly it lists the types of arms used by each unit, painstakingly compiled from the Quarterly Reports of Ordnance submitted by each unit. Both volumes are out of print, and the combined Volume I is especially hard to find. This is a used set overall very good condition, but with somewhat tired dust jackets. Very worthwhile reference for the arms or militaria collector. Only the second time we have ever been able to offer both volumes. Very highly recommended for anyone interested in Civil War era arms and equipment. $135.00 (View Picture) 1103 CONFEDERATE 3 INCH READ-PARROTT SHELL - (Melton & Pawl Guide to CW Artillery Projectiles Figure III, A-101 shows the slightly smaller early 10 Pounder version for 2.94” bore) Parrott had purchased the right to use Read’s design for a wrought iron cup serving as a sabot or obturating/rotating band. These were shaped and then placed into the mold prior to pouring the cast iron projectile body. Robert P. Parrott remained loyal to the Union during the Civil War, running the West Point Foundary at Cold Spring, NY. John B. Read, however, was from Alabama, and his design was used by Confederate makers during the war. One easily noted design difference is that the Confederate Read projectiles almost always have a “lathe dimple” in the center of the base associated with turning the projectile to final dimensions. This projectile measures 2.99 inch diameter and is 9 inches long, weighing 9 pounds 12 ounces. The copper or brass fuze plug is in place, for use with the tapered paper fuzes. This was a “common” shell where only the projectile body provided fragmentation, there being no canister balls inside. Some of the edges of the sabot cup are missing, the result of being fired. This was unloaded long ago and is INERT with no explosive or flammable components. The 3 inch Parrott-Read shell was used with any of the 3 inch rifles in the Confederate inventory, such as the Ordnance Rifle, or the later 10 Pounder Parrotts. $249.00 (View Picture) 18563 ORIGINAL U.S. MILITARY RIFLE TOOLS CIRCA 1842-1903 - Guaranteed original, not reproductions which are now on the market. These were issued for individual or small group use on certain types of arms, usually described as appendages, accessories or tools. We have several of each, as shown in the photo. All used fine or better, guaranteed original. Quit using Bubba tools and use these instead to avoid damage to your valuable collector pieces.
7725 CIVIL WAR .30 POUNDER PARROTT SIEGE/NAVAL SHELL (INERT) - Robert P. Parrott’s rifled cannons were one of he most widely used types of Civil War artillery. They were made in many sizes, 10 and 20 pounders for field use (with the 3 inch and 3.67 inch barrels weighing 890 and 1795 pounds respectively). Larger guns were mainly for siege or naval use due to the weight of he barrels. The 30 pounders with a 4.2 inch bore were widely used with army barrels weighing 4,200 pounds and navy barrels only 3,550 pounds. They also made Parrott guns in 60, 100, 150, 200 and 300 pound calibers, the latter with a 10 inch bore firing a 300 pound projectile about 9,000 yards from a 26,900 pound barrel. This projectile is for the 30 pounder, using the smooth looking brass sabot or rotating band which was cast onto the projectile body which was cast with a groove at the base for the band. This was based on Parrott’s August 1861 patent. When fired, the sabot/rotating band usually blew off on firing or impact, so they are rarely found on fired examples. This one was not fired, but is in relic condition, with heavy rusting and spalling of chunks of the surface as seen in the photos. Some were “shells” which used only an explosive filler (black powder), while others were “case shot” which had the interior filled with lead balls in a sulfur or pitch matrix along with an explosive charge to yield more fragmentation effects. The smaller 10 pound Parrot shells are fairly common, but the 30 pounders are scarce. The same 30 pounder shells were used by both the Army and the Navy. We have no history on this one, and the former owner thought it was a WW2 105mm shell(!). This one would have used one of Parrott’s percussion impact fuzes with a zinc body in the nose opening. INERT- no flammable or explosive components. $325.00 (View Picture) 19569 ARMS AND EQUIPMENT OF THE CIVIL WAR (HARDBOUND) - Jack Coggins 160 pp 8.5" x 11" hardbound with dustjacket. Loaded with info and excellent illustrations. In my opinion, this is the best book available for a good understanding of the arms and equipment and their use, advantages and disadvantages. Written at a basic level, but very well done, so that even advanced collectors will learn a lot about small arms, artillery, cavalry, etc. A must for anyone interested in the Civil War and especially good for those just entering the field. $22.00 (View Picture) 14392 CIVIL WAR CARTRIDGE BOX DATED 1863 WITH BOX PLATE - This is a nice, all correct and original Model 1861 cartridge box made by Longley & Company, Lewiston, Maine, with 1863 date. This was made on a state contract as Longley does not appear as a federal contractor in Paul Johnson’s definitive study “Civil War Cartridge Boxes of the Union Infantryman.” The J.P. Longley Company was founded in 1847 and operated at 179 Main Street in Lewiston, ME, making all sorts of leather products- harness, boots, trunks, etc, and remained in operation at least until 1889. Several other boxes made by Longley in 1862 and 1863 have been noted, most with the small plate. It is likely these were made for the state of Maine, but possibly for another nearby state, or perhaps even for a federal contract which has not been found. The compartment measures about 7” wide, 5.25” high and 1.5" thick, which would be for the .58 caliber Minie ball paper cartridges (nominal M1861 specifications 6.8” x 5.2” x 1.4”). The outer flap has its original small size M1839 style cartridge box plate attached. Although regulations called for the larger size plate so these were probably plates that the state already had on hand. Plate has the mellow chocolate patina. Attaching thong was apparently broken when a previous owner removed it to inspect the plate, but as seen in the photos, it was the typical tapered style, but now only two short pieces remain. The tip of the latch tab is broken off and missing, like so many old boxes. Both tin inserts are present in excellent condition. Leather is pretty good although the outer flap has a lot of crazing and cracking and some flaking. Overall, a very nice representative example of the cartridge box used by the federal infantry during the Civil War. $450.00 (View Picture) 21679 U.S. MODEL 1861 .58 CALIBER CARTRIDGE BOX WITH ORIGINAL BOX PLATE - This is the most typical of all Civil War era cartridge boxes, produced from mid 1861 until March of 1864. The Model 1861 features belt loops on the back that are sewn and riveted, and the closing tab is sewn to the flap only. The March 1864 pattern added a rivet to the sewing for the tab on the flap, and in July 1864 they did away with the heavy box plate and merely embossed its oval and US design on the flap. This is one of the examples made with a hemlock tanning process that resulted in a brownish color to the leather, while the preferred oak tanned leather was more of a true black color. This has no makers markings noted, so it was probably made before such markings became mandatory in late 1861. The leather is dry but flexible with the expected surface flaking and cracking from flexing. Some insect damage to the surface of the inner flap. The iron roller buckles on the bottom of the box for attaching the shoulder strap have been removed, probably during the period of use. The lead filled stamped brass cartridge box plate is absolutely original and has been with this box since the 1860s, and is in excellent condition, along with the untouched attaching thong passing through the iron loops on the back of the plate. The leather closing tab is intact, and the tins remain in place. Each tin held a packet of 10 .58 caliber paper cartridges in the lower section, and in the upper section the packets would be opened and the individual cartridge placed with four in the small compartment and six in the larger, for a total of 40 rounds. (See Paul D. Johnson’s “Civil War Cartridge Boxes” for more than you ever dreamed possible about all types of CW cartridge boxes!) This is in exactly “as found” condition, never cleaned, treated or polished in any way. $525.00 (View Picture) 22532 CIVIL WAR ARTILLERY SHELL FUZE IGNITER - Stamped tinned sheet metal with black japanned finish. These were attached to the nose fuzes of muzzleloading projectiles to help direct the flash from firing the main powder charge to the fuze so it would ignite and not end up being a dud. S&S price is $55, but our price is $45.00 (View Picture) 19941 Civil War federal Model 1858 Bullseye Canteen with replaced cover - Classic US Model 1858 Bullseye Canteen with Philadelphia makers mark of 'J. H. Rohrman/Cont./Phila DEC 29 64' on pewter spout. The cover in place now is a brown canvas type replacement probably done in the 1870s-1890s. Comes with a cork and stopper with some chain, but not attached. Pewter mouth slightly misshapen as shown in the photos. Nice representative example of the classis Civil War “bullseye canteen.” $195.00 (View Picture) 19234 U.S. NAVY “SINGLESTICK” WOODEN TRAINING CUTLASS - Scarce, late 19th century Naval training sword known as a singlestick. Made of carved oak or hickory for the blade and grip, with a large stiff leather basket guard around the hilt. Overall, this imposing weapon measures 35 ½ inches long. The guard slides over the “blade” and should be secured at the front by a brass pin (missing but the hole is there for it) while the pommel is a simple brass washer with metal wood screw. Overall this practice sword is in excellent plus original condition, probably never issued. Colonel Robert H. Rankin’s “Small Arms of the Sea Services,” has a photo showing these in use, captioned as: “Singlestick practice aboard a U.S. warship in the 1890’s. Enlisted members of the crew, including Marines, were encouraged to attain proficiency in swordsmanship by fencing with singlesticks. After the need for proficiency in using the cutlass had waned, fencing was encouraged as a form of physical exercise.” While an interesting Navy or Marine Corps collector item, this would also fit into a collection of U.S. (or all military) “fencing equipment” used for training with edged weapons such as swords and bayonets. You could make something like this for the kids to play with using a dowel from the home center, and a guard made from leather or even plastic from a milk jug- so they won’t be tempted to play with this great condition collector item. $295.00 (View Picture) 17229 .69 CAL CARTRIDGE BOX TIN WITH WOOD BLOCK TO CONVERT TO.58 CALIBER - The cartridge box used two of the tins, made to hold ten loose cartridges in the upper section, and a packet of ten in the lower section, for a total of 40 rounds per box. This tin measures 1 ½” x 3 7/8” x 4 ½” which is correct for the .69 caliber box. The divider has been removed from the upper section and a wooden block bored for 8 .58 caliber cartridges inserted. This was done as an expedient means of providing suitable cartridge boxes for troops who turned in .69 caliber muskets during the war for .58 caliber rifle muskets being received in huge numbers. Scarce to find these loose. Original Civil War issue item. Price for one tin with wooden block $125.00 (View Picture) 5699 War of 1812 Almanac - The New England Almanack or Lady's and Gentleman's Diary for the year of our Lord Christ 1813 by Isaac Bickerstaff. Printed and sold by John Carter, Providence, RI. Twelve sheets about 5" x 7.5" printeed on both sides and crudely sewn on the left margin. Includes astronomic data, calendars for every month, medical tips (burns, dysentary, consumption) wine making, poetry, and schedules for federal and state courts in the New England states. Well worn, yellowed, tattered edges and some ripped pages. Wonderful item to display with your collection of War of 1812 artifacts. These were considered to be expendable items and most were trashed at the end of the year. Neat. $85.00 (View Picture) 1865-1900 (Indian War, Spanish American, British Empire, etc.) **NEW ADDITION** 1183 U.S. NAVY OFFICER BELT & BUCKLE- CIRCA 1880-1920? - Not sure if this is a Midshipman belt from U.S. Naval Academy or an officer’s belt. The same basic buckle pattern has been unchanged since 1852 except for very minor differences in the eagle on the buckle facing left or right and looking level or up, changed in 1876, 1905 and 1941. What you see is what you get. Brown leather belt is 1.5 inches wide and set up for about 36 inch waist. The brass buckle is marked HORSTMANN PHILADELPHIA on the back. The eagle is on a lined background, facing to its left, over six cannonballs. 1941 uniform regulations changed the eagle to look to its right (better heraldic juju), which is the only absolute for dating these things that I know of, but apparently the Civil War buckles had a stippled background instead of lines, and only 3 cannon balls, so it is post CW. My guess is likely USNA circa 1900-1920. I do know the price is only $55.00 (View Picture) **NEW ADDITION** 1593 TRAPDOOR CARBINE CLEANING ROD SET & RUPTURED CARTRIDGE EXTRACTOR - After General Custer’s unfortunate incident with the Indians, the Ordnance Department added a trap in the butt of the trapdoor carbines for a three piece cleaning rod, and also issued a ruptured cartridge extractor to cope with problems which cost many troopers’ lives at Little Big Horn. Most carbines are missing these, but we found one set we had stashed away years ago. Old, original and hard to find any more $225.00 (View Picture) **NEW ADDITION** 1256 U.S. MODEL 1887 SLING FOR .45-70 TRAPDOOR RIFLES (2nd type) - The earliest Trapdoor slings were made from two Civil War musket slings spliced together to get the needed 68-72 inch length for the longer spacing on the M1868 and later trapdoors, and they retained the single hook of the musket slings. Circa 1887, a new sling was adopted, made of a single piece of leather and using a much stronger double claw brass hook, but with very thin claws. A few years later, a stronger hook made of thicker brass was adopted, basically the same claw as used on the familiar M1907 slings. This is the second type with the thicker claw. The leather is in good condition, but having surface finish cracking. It has been treated with Pecard leather treatment. This has one small keeper loop. Probably the best M1887 sling we have had. No markings noted. Hard to find the M1887 slings in any sort of decent condition. $165.00 (View Picture) 1155 U.S..MODEL 1882 HEADLESS SHELL EXRACTORS for .45-70s- BARGAIN LOT OF 10 - Comes with 10 photo copies of the original instructions for use. Condition is new old stock with some storage rust accumulated over the last 140 years, most will clean to excellent, a few to only good, but all are cheap. Ruptured cartridge extractors were the legacy of Gen Custer's unfortunate Indian encounter where some of the copper cases of early .45-55 carbine ammunition ruptured, and troopers tried to dig them out with knives, leaving them victims of the attacking Indians. Although the Army changed to brass cases which were stronger and hardly ever ruptured, the ghosts of the 7th Cavalry forced them to develop and issue these tools long after they had any really useful purpose. BARGAIN LOT OF 10 with instructions for only $65.00 (View Picture) 1102 RARE MILLS BLUE WOVEN WEB CARTRIDGE BELT FOR WINCHESTER LEE NAVY RIFLE - Made specifically for issue with the Winchester Lee Navy rifle used by Marines and sailors for a brief period centered on the Spanish American War. Typical Mills woven construction with 12 pockets to hold two (some say three) five round clips of 6mm ammunition. All fittings are brass except for the studs or finials for the pocket flaps which are of japanned iron. Pocket flaps are black leather with artificial pebble grain. Two of the leather flaps have come loose from their belt attachment rivets, but are present and would display nicely if the flap was attached on the stud and folded back. Leather surface finish is mostly intact although flaking in places and the leather is dry and fragile. The buckle is the heavy brass “C” shaped rod which is present, but hard to see in the photos. The top of the right hand section is heavily frayed, probably from buckling and unbuckling. This still has the very hard to find brass bar for bayonet attachment is in place on lower left of the belt. It is missing the sheet brass keepers from the front of the belt, but most people would not notice unless told. These belts are much scarcer than the rifles, and invariably in well used to ratty relic condition, so this one is actually a bit above average, although certainly not minty. If you can live with a reproduction, S&S or WPG have nice ones. If you collect history, this is what you want. The few really nice originals bring huge prices, but you can get this one for only $375.00 (View Picture) 1093 U.S. INDIAN WAR MODEL 1881 CAVALRY HELMET PLUME - Golden Yellow Horsehair about 13 inches long, with brass center ferrule, Original. Mint unissued still in original wrapper with maker Edward Eicke Contract Feb. 10th 1902, and inspector stamp. Used with the full dress cavalry helmets circa 1881-1902. Mounted troops wore these handsome plumes on their helmets, while dismounted troops just wore the brass spike on their helmets. Photo shows one of the helmets with a plume showing how they were worn. A nice colorful item to add to any Indian War era display or collection. Have several. Most have the wrapper as shown in the photo, but a few are missing the wrapper with the price on those reduced by $5 from the regular price with wrapper which is $22.00 (View Picture) 1088 AMERICAN MILITARY EQUIPAGE 1851-1872 COMPLETE TWO VOLUME SET - Frederick P. Todd, et al. This important work representing the combined knowledge of some of the most advanced members of the respected Company of Military Historians. It has a confusing history, so pay attention. The Company began publication in three small volumes, the first covering U.S. regulars, the second covering Confederate Army and the third covering U.S. and C.S. Navy and Marines, and began to get into state troops (A-C). Each section covers clothing, insignia and decorations, small arms, accoutrements, and horse furniture. At that point, they decided to change format, and finished the set with a massive volume with all the state forces, and called it Volume 2, and created a massive Volume 1 with all the material from the original three volumes except the state forces which had been moved to Volume 2. Got all that? Volume I (602 pages 8.5” x 11”, hardcover) is especially useful as a reference for overall uniform and equipment details with numerous exceptional line drawings, and photos to illustrate most items discussed. Especially important is the section dealing with imported small arms used by both sides, which I consider to be the best summary anywhere, notably for the helpful illustrations to identify various foreign arms. Volume 2 (729 pages 8.5” x 11”, hardcover) contains the state by state listing of each regiment and a summary of their uniforms, flags, and small arms with an overview of the states’ general policies. Most importantly it lists the types of arms used by each unit, painstakingly compiled from the Quarterly Reports of Ordnance submitted by each unit. Both volumes are out of print, and the combined Volume I is especially hard to find. This is a used set overall very good condition, but with somewhat tired dust jackets. Very worthwhile reference for the arms or militaria collector. Only the second time we have ever been able to offer both volumes. Very highly recommended for anyone interested in Civil War era arms and equipment. $135.00 (View Picture) 146 RARE “WINGATE’S INDICATOR FOR AIMING DRILL” EARLY U.S. MILITARY GALLERY PRACTICE DEVICE - Patented in 1876, this was a predecessor of the later and somewhat similar concept “Hollifield Dotter,” using the energy of the firing pin striking the back of a rod to propel it forward so a sharp point will mark a paper target with a pin-prick to show if the aim was good, and group size for several shots. (See my 13 page article “U.S. Military Marksmanship Indoor Rifle Practice, 1858-1921: Methods and Equipment” in the August 2018 issue of Arms Heritage Magazine for more on this subject.) These were widely used by the New York National Guard in their 50-70 rolling block rifles, making them a U.S. military gallery practice collector item. Information is scarce, mainly George Wingate’s Manual for Rifle Practice (7th edition). Advertising claimed that these were available from Winchester, but I do not know if it was in the WRA catalog. I had never been able to find one for my collection, but lucked into a couple from the estate of a prominent collector. I will include a 16 page pamphlet with copies of the section of Wingate’s manual his patent for the device, and a replica of the target they used and photos of the details of the Indicator. This provides information and history behind this extremely rare item. This is cleaned, as shown in the photo of a sample. This is the New York state model, with overall length 38 inches for use in a 36 inch barrel. $165.00 Also have one that is 27.5 inches long suitable for a barrel about 25.5” long, perhaps shortened for use with the New York rolling block carbines with 22” barrel, or perhaps for a privately owned rifle. Still a great example of the Wingate Indicator for the general concept, and price reduced to $65.00 on this one. $165.00 (View Picture) 7162 U.S. MODEL 1896 CARTRIDGE BOX FOR M1892-1903 COLT DOUBLE ACTION .38 CALIBER REVOLVERS - (Meadows Holster book page 402) A very handsome example with nice russet leather and clean markings- embossed US on the front and Rock Island Arsenal 1908 on the back. Wooden block inside drilled for 12 individual rounds. Many of these were later modified by removing the block for use with the M1909 .45 caliber revolvers, or by removing the belt loops and punching holes in the back for attaching wires for use on the Mills belts, making unmolested examples fairly scarce. Overall fine-excellent, except the leather flap is weak at the top corner fold, as is usually the case. One of the nicest we have had. $110.00 (View Picture) 21251 RARE “WINGATE’S INDICATOR FOR AIMING DRILL” EARLY U.S. MILITARY GALLERY PRACTICE DEVICE - Patented in 1876, this was a predecessor of the later and somewhat similar concept “Hollifield Dotter,” using the energy of the firing pin striking the back of a rod to propel it forward so a sharp point will mark a paper target with a pin-prick to show if the aim was good, and group size for several shots. (See my 13 page article “U.S. Military Marksmanship Indoor Rifle Practice, 1858-1 : Methods and Equipment” in the August 2018 issue of Arms Heritage Magazine for more on this subject.) These were widely used by the New York National Guard in their 50-70 rolling block rifles, making them a U.S. military gallery practice collector item. Information is scarce, mainly George Wingate’s Manual for Rifle Practice (7th edition). Advertising claimed that these were available from Winchester, but I do not know if it was in the WRA catalog. I had never been able to find one for my collection, but recently obtained several from the estate of a prominent collector, so I have a couple to share with other collectors. I will include a 16 page pamphlet with copies of the section of Wingate’s manual his patent for the device, and a replica of the target they used and photos of the details of the Indicator. This provides information and history behind this extremely rare item. This is cleaned, as shown in the photo of a sample, but all are in similar condition. This is the New York state model, with overall length 38 inches for use in a 36 inch barrel. $165.00 . (View Picture) 20868 SCARCE U.S. CAVALRY LEATHER ENLISTED GARRISON BELT & ACCESSORIES CIRCA 1912 - The belt is the same as was in use as early as circa 1906, along with the saber belt slide. The two rifle ammunition pockets are included circa 1912 with an early rimmed eagle snap on the russet leather flap. Faint R.I.A. 1915 marks on one pocket but too faint to see on the other. Ammunition pockets are about new old stock with some verdigris build up around the snaps, and belt and saber slide are used fine to excellent. Looks like an old unit mark stenciled on the inside of the belt, possibly “1.A” and an additional hole added for a soldier (or kid) with a size tiny waist. See Randy Steffen’s The Horse Soldier, Volume 3, pages 186, 210, 232, 246-247. This is the belt which would be used with the ridiculous Model 1912 belt ring for holding the M1903 rifle. I know I have one of those somewhere, and really should hold this back and sell them together, but it may be a long time before I find that, so might as well snap this up now, while I can find it. Just the belt, saber slide and ammo pockets are rare items in their own. $250.00 (View Picture) 21095 Description and Rules for the Management of the Springfield Rifle, Carbine, and Army Revolvers, 1898 - Rare original with blue board cover. Very desirable Spanish-American War item covering not only the trapdoor rifles and carbines issued to the Volunteers, but also the Colt SAA revolvers and S&W Schofields. Well above average copy with nice clean covers, and displays like a mint copy. But, the weak stitching on the inside holding the front cover to the body of the book has failed from age although the rear binding is still intact. One of the few really great looking copies we have encountered over the years. $79.00 (View Picture) 23100 Description and Rules for the Management of the Springfield Rifle, Carbine, and Army Revolvers, Caliber .45, 1882 - Rare original with light green board cover, somewhat soiled with some water spots. Very desirable Indian War item covering not only the trapdoor rifles and carbines but also the Colt SAA revolvers. About average copy with staining on the covers. Black cloth tape over the spine is deteriorated so the cover is about to become detached but binding of the pages is good. Pages clean but yellowing as is the case with most due to the paper used. First one of these we have found in about ten years. $150.00 (View Picture) 18457 Binoculars- Civil War- Spanish American War style - Most binoculars were made in France throughout the 19th Century, and not until WW1 did the U.S. optical industry begin large scale production for either military or commercial markets. Therefore most U.S. military forces used French made binoculars during the Civil War, Indian Wars and the Spanish American War. This is a typical pair, in average condition with decent optics (in need of a good cleaning) and part of the leather wrapping on the barrels missing. One of the thin brass eye cups is bent as seen in the photos. Fine for display or a reenactor. $55.00 (View Picture) 17517 SPAN-AM WAR ERA BLUE CARTRIDGE BELT FOR .45-70 WITH CAPTIVE WIRE ENDS - (Dorsey American Military & Naval Belts pp.288-289) This resembles the common 45 loop belt of the period, but the brass tabs on the ends of the belt include a wire loop to keep the ends captive instead of flopping around loose. Dorsey speculates that these were modifications from earlier non-captive belts, but little is really known about them. This example is in excellent condition, but the dark blue color still pretty good (most are badly faded) and showing little use. Comes with the standard brass wire “C” closure. These are typical of the belts from the Spanish American War and the Philippine Insurrection, until the volunteer and state units finally received Krags. $225.00 (View Picture) 17516 U.S. SPAN AM WAR SPALDING CARTRIDGE BELT (KHAKI) VARIANT - This is a variant of the Spalding belts discussed in Dorsey’s American Military & Naval Belts pp.329-331. Those are 60 loop models made for .30-40 cartridges or reworked to 60 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. This example is made with 45 loops, not 60, even though the sewing pattern lines on the back are laid out for 60. Perhaps this is an experimental piece or a previously unknown type, or a militia contract. Also, unlike most Spalding belts, this has three distinct woven lines of a darker brown thread. Brass wire “C” closure using the thinner material common to the Spalding belts. One damaged area adjacent to the leather trim strip on one end, but displays fine since that is out of sight. $125.00 (View Picture) 16124 FARRIER'S PICK (?) - Well made tool with a large curved hook on one end and the other end is a combination hammer, flat scraper/screwdriver and another hook with a shallow curve. No markings. Smooth black-blue finish, not rusted. $25.00 (View Picture) 16118 U.S. Model 1896 Revolver Cartridge box for .45 caliber, with M1910 alteration - The brown leather box was originally made for the .38 caliber double action revolvers using a wooden block inside with holes to hold the cartridges. The identical box, without the wooden block was later issued with .45 caliber revolvers, presumably the Colt Artillery Single Action and Model 1902 and 1909 Double Action revolvers. After adoption of the pistol belts using wire loop type attachments some of the pistol boxes were altered by installation of two eyelets in the back of the box and a brass wire such as those usually associated with the very early M1910 first aid pouches. This box was made at Rock Island in 1907, and is used good, except the hinge for the flap is weak and looks like it was previously repaired with glue at one time. Fine for display, but not real sturdy. Scott Meadows’ superb U.S. Military Holsters & Pistol Cartridge Boxes covers these on pages 409-410. We have had a number of the M1896 boxes, but this is the only one in .45 caliber or altered for he belt hooks that I can recall. $95.00 (View Picture) 15113 MCKEEVER .45-70 CARTRIDGE BOX (Second Pattern) - The standard method for carrying cartridges for most of the Trapdoor Springfield era. These held 20 rounds in two 10 round rows of loops on the inside of the box. The first pattern lacked an provisions for the tool at the end of the pouch; the second had the tool pocket and brass reinforcements on the corners and on the tab. The third pattern had the tool pocket but eliminated the brass reinforcements, and used woven loops to reduce the contact of the cartridges with the leather which caused verdigris (green crud) to form. There is a bulge in one end of the box for a tool for the rifle (although only the early 1876 tool actually fits). This is a standard second model in G-VG condition although having a greasy layer of leather treatment on everything. $125.00 (View Picture) 13612 SPANISH AMERICAN WAR .45-70 CARTRIDGE BELT BY SPALDING - This is sewn construction, not the patented woven construction used by Mills. During the Spanish American War the Mills factory lacked capacity to met the demand, so Spalding and Hurlburt were given contracts for cartridge belts with sewn construction. This one is made by Spalding, tan or khaki color with a brass “C” closure (buckle). Used fine to very fine, mainly just some minor storage soiling. Not sure if this is for .30 caliber or .45 caliber ammo. Missing one of the brass wire loops that holds the loose ends in position, but this can be made from a piece of brass rod or even a brazing rod. Price reflects this problem. $125.00 (View Picture) 1741 Tan Single Row .45-70 Cartridge Belt- Hurlburt - manufacture with sewn on loops instead of Mills design with loops woven in. Heavy brass wire "C" closure. Slightly dirty overall and top of one loop frayed. Good Span-AM piece representative of method most of the volunteers used to carry ammo for the obsolete .45-70 rifles. $225.00 3081 Spanish American- WW1 era Sewing Kit (?) Colorful cardboard folder about 3" x 5" with Great White Fleet style US warhsips on the front and legend "The Army and Navy Needle Book". Back features spread eagle perched on a US stars and stripes shield against a starry blue background. Inside are four folded over packets with different sizes of needles and a paper apparently for more needles or maybe just pins. probably 20-25 needles remain. Labels indicate manufacture in Germany so evidently pre-WW1. This may just be fancy packing for selling needles rather than a sewing kit but it is very colorful and has martial appearance. Some pieces missing at two corners on the cover, but displays nicely. $15.00 2187
.45-70 McKeever Cartridge Box Second model, with pocket at end for tool.
Has brass staple at corners and brass ring on the tab. Marked on back Watervliet
Arsenal. Black leather is cracked and about 10-20% flaked off. Unfortunately
quite common in these early boxes. Leather bellows inside and woven loops to
hold 20 cartridges. Small hole in the leather at the bottom of the box but really
have to look to see it. Good representative early box, much scarcer than the
later one which are usually in better condition. $55.00 1900-1936 (Including WW1 and pre-WW2 items) **NEW ADDITION** 1742 WW1 U.S. MODEL 1917 DISMOUNTED CARTRIDGE BELT - (Dorsey Belts pp. 23-24) Pretty much the standard WW1 infantry cartridge belt for use with the M1903 and M1917 rifles. Same basic 10 pocket design (for two 5 round s tripper clips in each pocket) as the earlier Mills belts, but made with simplified sewn construction instead of the patented woven method unique to Mills made products. Legible P.B.& Co. (Plant Brothers of Boston, Mass) on the connector strap and a faint hint of same on one side but none on the other. Overall fine condition example. $125.00 (View Picture) **NEW ADDITION** 1183 U.S. NAVY OFFICER BELT & BUCKLE- CIRCA 1880-1920? - Not sure if this is a Midshipman belt from U.S. Naval Academy or an officer’s belt. The same basic buckle pattern has been unchanged since 1852 except for very minor differences in the eagle on the buckle facing left or right and looking level or up, changed in 1876, 1905 and 1941. What you see is what you get. Brown leather belt is 1.5 inches wide and set up for about 36 inch waist. The brass buckle is marked HORSTMANN PHILADELPHIA on the back. The eagle is on a lined background, facing to its left, over six cannonballs. 1941 uniform regulations changed the eagle to look to its right (better heraldic juju), which is the only absolute for dating these things that I know of, but apparently the Civil War buckles had a stippled background instead of lines, and only 3 cannon balls, so it is post CW. My guess is likely USNA circa 1900-1920. I do know the price is only $55.00 (View Picture) 1170 RARE M1903 CARTRIDGE BELT BY MILLS- FIRST MODEL- RIMLESS EAGLE SNAPS - The classic woven design with puckered bottoms to the pockets, but without the extra heavy thread use at the bottom which was added after adoption of the pointed spitzer bullet in 1906. This has the narrow ends on the adjusting tabs on the back, and lacks the internal pocket divider found on some later belts. Overall Very good condition, with just a tiny bit of fraying starting on the fold of two or three pocket flaps, and some water staining and dirt around the buttons. Old Infantry unit marks have been painted over with khaki paint, readying it for re-issue at some point long ago. We find an eagle snap belt once every few years, and this is the only first model (correct for the M1903 while still in its Rod Bayonet configuration) we have had in at least 10 years, and it is in far better condition than we usually find any of the early M1903/1907 belts. I should probably keep this one for my own collection! $295.00 (View Picture) 1492 U.S. WW1 “OILER & THONG CASE” CLEANING KIT- FITS IN RIFLE BUTT - Of M1903 and M1917 rifles, and then used with the M1 Garand in WW2 until the supply of WW1 units made of nickel plated brass were exhausted and cheap plastic versions were introduced. One end hold lubricating oil with an applicator in the cap The other end holds the thong and bore brush. This comes with original GI thong and pull through which is a two piece weight which unscrews and has one piece with a female thread for attaching a bore cleaning brush, and the other is slotted to hold a piece of cleaning patch. One end weight is dropped through the bore and pulled through (like a bore snake), eliminating the need for every soldier to have a cleaning rod. Remember, with corrosive ammo, prompt cleaning was essential, so the oiler and thong case was a vital accessory and should be in every rifle of the period. Used fine or better- have several and will pick the nicest of the bunch when you order. Thongs are mostly brass but a few are WW2 steel types. One oiler & thong case with thong and brush as shown. $40.00 (View Picture) 1471 U.S. WW1 BRASS PULL THROUGH & THONG CLEANING DEVICE- (Lot of 3) - One of these was carried in the nickeled brass “Oiler and Thong Case” in the butt of M1903 and M1917 rifles in WW1, and into WW2 where they were also issued with the M1 Garands. The brass weight piece is actually two pieces threaded together to take less space. A length of cord is attached to the hole at each non-threaded end. The bore brush can be attached to the female end and the male end is dropped thru the bore and used to pull the brush thru (like a bore snake). There is a slot in one section for use with a patch. (NOTE- the cords on these are 50-100+ years old and too weak for actual use.) Have several and photo is typical condition. Lot of THREE- as shown. A few of the cords may be broken or short. Here is a chance to put the correct accessory into your oiler and thong case. LOT OF 3 for $8.00 (View Picture) 1288 SCARCE U.S. M1912 MOUNTED PISTOL BELT WITH SABRE CHAPE - (that is the brass loop that the sabre hooks on).Unmarked, khaki, discolored or stained in spots. One frayed spot (about 1/4" at top in back). Belt shown in Dorsey's Belt book p. 65, but has second style closure (outwards angled) as shown on p. 64. A good representative example of thepistol belt used during the Mexican Border Campaign and WW1 by our cavalry troops. $65.00 (View Picture) 1280 U.S. WW1 CARTRIDGE BELT MADE BY MILLS - with ten pockets, each intended to hold two- five round stripper clips of ammunition for the M1903 or M1917 rifle. Good Mills markings on the tabs of the connector strap, and semi-legible Mills patent markings on the inside of the front pocket flap, along with rack number B-85. Nice khaki color, used but not abused, overall very good to fine. $99.00 (View Picture) 1230 SPANISH AMERICAN WAR & PHILIPPINE INSURRECTION ERA HAVERSACKS - We have several of these, and will list a few at a time. These came from Bannerman’s Island back in the 1960s, and reflect a mix of models and varied state or federal markings.
1097 U.S. MODEL 1907 LEATHER RIFLE SLINGS- TAKE YOUR PICK - I found a few of these I had been hoarding for my own use, but need to let others enjoy them. All are in usable condition for display on a WW1-WW2 U.S. military arm, considering they are up to 100+ years old, so don’t go playing Rambo with them. All have both sling keepers. Most are WW1 dated, and while made for WW1, the Army continued to use WW1 era slings in WW2 even as more were being made and even after switching to the web slings. The Brits even used them on their No 4 Mk I(T) sniper rifles. All are decades overdue for treatment with leather care product of your choosing, (but NEVER use neatsfoot oil on anything!)
1121 U.S. MODEL 1904 (1905?) LEATHER SLING FOR KRAG RIFLES - See Brophy M1903 book, pages 434-435 for discussion of all the slings for the M1903 rifles. This one is about 48 inches long and has three sets of adjusting holes extending beyond the securing button. Brophy lists as “Model 1904”on page 434 in the heading, the caption for the sling photo on the next page lists a Model 1905 (not 1904). In addition to THIS sling which is 48 inches long with the three sets of holes made for the Krag, there is another Model 1904 (1905?) sling made for the M1903 rifle that is 50 inches long, with TWO sets of adjusting holes. These only used one sling keeper. Overall about good condition. Someone cut an additional hole for the brass stud along with an extra pair of holes. Price adjusted to reflect these alterations. An cheap original Krag sling, albeit slightly post Span Am War period. $65.00 (View Picture) 1120 U.S. [Model 1885?] LEATHER SLING FOR KRAG RIFLE - Also used with early M1903 rifles. An earlier version with the brass claw hook made much thinner was used on .45-70 trapdoor rifles. About 70 inches long with heavy bras claw on one end. Other end is folded over with brass stud securing it in place. Comes with two leather keepers. Used, good condition with semi-legible ROCK ISLAND ARESNAL markings. It had gotten wet at some point and about 18 inches in the center (where the holes are) is noticeably stretched. Leather is generally very good and flexible, except cracked and weakened but still intact at the first set of holes. I used to get these all the time, but this is first one in 3-4 years now. Needs good treatment with leather care product of your choice- just DO NOT USE NEATSFOOT OIL! $95.00 (View Picture) 1096 WW1 CAMPAIGN HAT CORD- SIGNAL CORPS (WHITE & ORANGE) - Each branch and many individual units had specific color cord for their Model 1911 Campaign Hats to help identify what type troops they were. Hat cords had been worn for this purpose as far back as the Model 1858 Hardee Hat, with the traditional branch colors of light blue, yellow and red for infantry, cavalry and artillery respectively, but the multi-million man Army of WW1 ended up with dozens of different color combinations. (Check here for a good listing of the colors and when introduced: https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/1288-campaign-hat-cord-colors-reference/ This cord is “orange piped with white” per regulations for the Signal Corps from 1912 to the end of the Campaign Hat era. Unissued, original WW1 era cord. $25.00 (View Picture) 1094 U.S. MODEL 1902 INFANTRY AIGULETTE (Circa 1902-1917) - These were worn draped from the shoulders and across the chest with the “waffles” and tassels on the right shoulder. When these were worn on the standard Model 1902 blue service tunic, it became the “Dress uniform.” The aiguletes were made in various colors to denote the branch (Blue- infantry; yellow- cavalry; red- artillery, etc). They were related to the earlier “helmet cords” (also in branch colors) worn by mounted troops circa 1888-1902 with assorted gaudy loops and braids and tassels stacked on their pith helmets, and also looped down to the shoulders so that if the helmet fell off the head, it would remain attached to the rider, not lost on the ground or trampled by horses. An interesting bit of frippery which adds color and interest to any display of military artifacts of the pre-WW1 era. Unissued old stock, probably from Bannerman long ago. We have two- one is in excellent condition, the other (grade 2) has some damage at one point on the braided area, and one of the button loops is frayed. Photo from another dealer shows method of wear on a M1902 dress uniform, but not the exact one we have for sale. 987 U.S. MODEL 1916 RIFLE COVER (CARRYING CASE) FOR M1903 or BAR- MINT WITH ORIGINAL ARSENAL TAG! - Full length canvas case with leather flap over the butt end. (See Brophy pp. 420-421). This is a true M1903 Springfield accessory, although its successor, the Model 1918 rifle cover which was identical except for having canvas instead of leather flap, was issued with the M1917 rifle and the BAR as well. This example is in about mint unissued condition, the nicest one I have ever seen, and I should probably upgrade the one in my collection and keep this, but am too lazy to dig around for my other one. Unmarked (as are all I have ever seen). Most of these were made from 1916 until 1918 when the cheaper to make Model 1918 case came out with canvas instead of leather for the flap. Apparently production resumed in WW2 with the new name listed on the original tag “CASE, CARRY B.S. RIFLE M1918 20-17-67 REV 5, A4-2-100, Rifle, Automatic Cal .30 Browning M1918A1-A1, mfg by R.I.A. Packed 7/44. Samt T. Shumate [ordnance bomb].” Just a tiny bit of storage soiling, but essentially mint unissued. A treasure for the collector who demands the best. $165.00 (View Picture) 969 U.S. WW1 PEDERSEN DEVICE MAGAZINE POUCH - The Pedersen device was a “secret weapon” in WW1 which consisted of a modified M1903 rifle Mark I with an ejection port on the left side of the receiver. The regular bolt cold be removed, and the Pedersen Device (U.S. Pistol Model of 1918 was the cover name) inserted instead. A 40 round magazine was snapped in place and you had a semi-automatic blow back weapon great for clearing trenches or other short range use. Five magazine were carried in a pouch on the belt. Only about 50 of the 65,000 devices survived a destruction program in the 1930s, making them exceedingly rare. Most of the 100,000 Model 1903 Mark Irifles survived, although many had the special Pedersen parts removed. Spare magazine will cost more than a rifle, if you can find one. However, the magazine pouches are fairly common and affordable. This one is new old stock, and priced at only $65.00 (View Picture) 940 U.S. “POUCH FOR SMALL ARTICLES MODEL OF 1916- 1917 dated - Over the years this pouch has been incorrectly referred to as a “Squad Surplus Pouch” – “Squad Leaders Pouch” – “Sergeant’s Pouch” – “General Purpose Pouch” – “Grenade Pouch” – “Medical Pouch” – “Pederson Device Pouch” – “BAR Magazine Pouch” – “Spare Parts Pouch” and “Pouch for the Springfield Rifle’s Experimental 20 Round Magazine”. In truth, it was added to the Model 1910 web gear system to carry stuff more conveniently than buried deep in the haversack (knapsack). Especially tape, bandages and foot powder to treat soldiers’ foot problems. Find out all about these at: https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/282386-pouch-for-small-articles-model-of-1916/ Unissued, but with light storage soiling, marked OMO 1917 on the back under the strap. Spot of dried grease, blood or crud on the inside. $35.00 (View Picture) 716 SCARCE WW1 WOODEN “FENCING SABER” FOR M1913 “PATTON” (Warped blade) - Wooden (hickory or ash?) blade is not marked, but has the distinctive depression for the thumb on the top of the grip and imitates the length and straight blade of the newly adopted M1913 “Patton” cavalry saber with its straight blade, intended for use as a thrusting weapon, not slashing. It also has the distinctive depression for the thumb on the top of the grip. The fencing equivalent was used for training and practice by cavalrymen, both when mounted and dismounted. They were issued heavily padded gloves, jacket and screen mesh head shield. Similar gear, except with a “fencing musket” was issued to infantry soldiers to practice bayonet fighting. The “fencing muskets” were obsolete .45-70 trapdoors cut to the length of the M1903 rifle, with special bayonets with a padded and springy blade. An interesting collecting niche covering essential combat skills. This saber has the stamped sheet metal guard, (a slightly different form than the other one from my collection.) but there is another variation with a woven wicker basket type guard. (I will be happy to remind your spouse you should have both in your collection!). Overall G-VG condition, but the blade has warped due to poor storage so that it is bent and curved. This would probably straighten out if placed in a steam box for a couple hours then clamped between a couple of 2 x 4 boards with some guide strips. It is amazing how much wood will bend when steamed, then stay in the new shape after cooled and dried. Save a few bucks and straighten it yourself. $75.00 (View Picture) 326 SCARCE WW1 WOODEN “FENCING SABER” FOR M1913 “PATTON” SABER- ABOUT MINT!- WICKER GUARD - Wooden (hickory or ash?) blade is marked R.I.A. 1913 indicating manufacture at Rock Island Arsenal in 1913. This imitates the length and straight blade of the newly adopted M1913 “Patton” cavalry saber with its straight blade, intended for use as a thrusting weapon, not slashing. It also has the distinctive depression for the thumb on the top of the grip. The fencing equivalent was used for training and practice by cavalrymen, both when mounted and dismounted. They were issued heavily padded gloves, jacket and screen mesh head shield. Similar gear, except with a “fencing musket” was issued to infantry soldiers to practice bayonet fighting. The “fencing muskets” were obsolete .45-70 trapdoors cut to the length of the M1903 rifle, with special bayonets with a padded and springy blade. An interesting collecting niche covering essential combat skills. This saber has the scarce woven wicker basket guard, which is missing the leather thong to secure it in place. We also have the other variation with a stamped metal type guard. (I will be happy to remind your spouse you should have both in your collection!). Overall excellent plus condition, near new. $125.00 (View Picture) 697 NICEST WW1 DATED M1916 HOLSTER FOR M1911 .45 AUTO WE HAVE EVER SEEN! - Original WW1 item, made by Warren Leather Goods Co. 1917 and inspectors initials G.W.S. on the back. This is THE BEST WW1 holster I have ever seen, and better than anything in my collection. It retains its original beautiful honey tan color and the leather is supple with no mistreatment with any sort of oil (especially ghastly neatsfoot crap!) The cover flap has the excellent US embossing with just a bit of flexing around the stud hole, but no cracking. One small oil spot on the front below the flap, a few scuffs mainly on the back but overall an excellent plus issued piece. Unit marking 3 A 62 stenciled insde the flap, and there is also a faint blue ink AiTOLA over 3 A 62 but we cannot tell what unit this might be. We seldom find any WW1 dated holsters, and have NEVER had one this nice. $295.00 (View Picture) 466 U.S. MODEL 1902 SWORD HANGER FOR GARRISON BELT - Russet leather with nickel chain and snap assembly, Used excellent, probably WW1 era. No markings noted. These were used by all branches with the Model 1902 Sword for all officers. $39.00 (View Picture) 157 LOT OF TWO MILLS RIMLESS EAGLE SNAP AMMO POUCHES FOR GARRISON BELT - What you see is what you get. Used good with some unit numbers on back. These hold one five rund striper clip for M1903/1917 rifles. Scarce to find loose. $65.00 (View Picture) **SOLD** SMA2807 US M4(?) hip holster for M1917 revolvers. - Made by TEXTAN in 1942 according to markings on the back. This was intended to be worn on the right side with butt to the rear, as prescribed during WW2, unlike the WW1 issue M1909 holsters which were worn on the right side, but with the butt to the front for ``crossdraw``. The leather and stitching are in good condition with no cracking and allot of small scuffs and scrapes from normal use. The tip and lanyard ring are both missing. A good example, that could use a little care but will clean up nicely. $65.00 (View Picture) 547 U.S. “POUCH FOR SMALL ARTICLES MODEL OF 1916- 1917 dated - Over the years this pouch has been incorrectly referred to as a “Squad Surplus Pouch” – “Squad Leaders Pouch” – “Sergeant’s Pouch” – “General Purpose Pouch” – “Grenade Pouch” – “Medical Pouch” – “Pederson Device Pouch” – “BAR Magazine Pouch” – “Spare Parts Pouch” and “Pouch for the Springfield Rifle’s Experimental 20 Round Magazine”. In truth, it was added to the Model 1910 web gear system to carry stuff more conveniently than buried deep in the haversack (knapsack). Especially tape, bandages and foot powder to treat soldiers’ foot problems. Find out all about these at: https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/282386-pouch-for-small-articles-model-of-1916/ Unissued, but with light storage soiling, marked OMO 1917 on the back under the strap. $35.00 (View Picture) 384 U.S. WW1 M1918 MOUNTED CARTRIDGE BELT - (Dorsey belt book, pp 23-25) The Mounted belt of 1918 had only FOUR pockets on the left side, omitting the front pocket and placing a female snap there for attaching the for the pistol pouch, either two M1911 magazines or the three pocket style used with the M1917 revolvers. The four rifle pockets and the five on the right side of the belt are the same as the M1917 dismounted belt, to hold two clips of .30-06 ammunition. This is a near excellent example with Plant Brothers markings on two sections and a July 1918 date legible on one. Used fine- excellent. Most were later modified to dismounted style by stitching a rifle pocket over the space for the pistol pouch. Unmodified examples are very scarce. $125.00 (View Picture) 382 U.S. WW1 MILLS RIFLE CARTRIDGE BELT- MINTY! - Believe proper designation is Model 1914, but not sure. Made by Mills with their traditional woven construction and the new style lift the dot snaps. Pocket sections dated November and December 1918. The connecting strap is LC&Co Apr 1918, but all are in mint unissued condition About 90% darkened finish remains on the brass parts, and just some soiling from storage. About as nice as you will find. $149.00 (View Picture) 301 SCARCE U.S. WW1 M1918 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLEMAN’S BELT (First type) LONG 11-18 marked - The tactical doctrine initially adopted for the M1918 B.A.R. was to focus on use in “marching fire” from the hip while advancing across no man’s land to smite the evil Huns in their trenches. TO facilitate this, the right side had a large steel cup attached to the belt to support the butt during marching fire, and making it easier to change magazines on the move. To minimize interference the front pocket was for two M1911 pistol magazines, the BAR man’s secondary weapon. The other four pockets could hold two twenty round BAR magazines. Officially the left rear pocket was to hold the brown leather BAR spare parts box, conveniently designed to be the same size as two BAR magazines, but gunners likely preferred to carry more ammo. One flaw is that this belt is a lot teller than other cartridge belts, and that inhibits the wearer’s ability to bend at the waist. Excellent plus, with only a few scrapes or spots of rust on the cup from a century of storage. $195.00 (View Picture) SMA2721 Reproduction US Model 1907 Sling. - Like new condition, pleasing light brown color. Correct type repro sling for the 1903, 1903A3, P17 or M1 Garand. Looks like the real thing and would make a nice inexpensive alternative to the higher priced original. $35.00 (View Picture) 7162 U.S. MODEL 1896 CARTRIDGE BOX FOR M1892-1903 COLT DOUBLE ACTION .38 CALIBER REVOLVERS - (Meadows Holster book page 402) A very handsome example with nice russet leather and clean markings- embossed US on the front and Rock Island Arsenal 1908 on the back. Wooden block inside drilled for 12 individual rounds. Many of these were later modified by removing the block for use with the M1909 .45 caliber revolvers, or by removing the belt loops and punching holes in the back for attaching wires for use on the Mills belts, making unmolested examples fairly scarce. Overall fine-excellent, except the leather flap is weak at the top corner fold, as is usually the case. One of the nicest we have had. $110.00 (View Picture) 20829 U.S. MODEL 1916 HOLSTER FOR M1911 PISTOL BY A.L.P. CO. - Made during WW1 by Atchison Leather Products Co., Atchison, Kansas, one of the scarcer makers. Overall good condition with one darker spot on the fold of the cover flap. $95.00 (View Picture) 17089 U.S. WW1 M1907 LEATHER RIFLE SLING- 1917 DATED - What you see is what you get. Nice supple example with faint 1917 date. Brass claws, overall G-VG condition with minimal surface cracking, nice medium brown color. A good serviceable example for a M1903 or M1917 rifle or even WW2 arms, as these were reissued then as well. $110.00 (View Picture) 18140 U.S. MODEL 1907 LEATHER RIFLE SLINGS- YOU CLEAN AWAY THE UGLY AND YOU SAVE! - I have had several boxes of these lurking in the corner for 20+ years, but I really hate to mess around cleaning leather. Some people swear by saddle soap, others insist that Black Rock is good stuff, while some claim that Pecard is a miracle elixir, and elitists will allow nothing but British Museum Leather Dressing to grease their palms. I just swear a lot even thinking about messing with leather at all, so don’t ask me which is best. Everyone agrees that neatsfoot oil is a kiss of death and will destroy leather quickly, so DO NOT USE NEATSFOOT OIL!!! So, my procrastination compounded annually adds up to huge savings for you. I have divided these into three categories- I don’t want to mess around taking individual photos, but here is one photo of the box of dead cow parts. You need to trust me to sort these into the three categories to fit your budget and zeal for messing with old leather. (View Picture)
23118 LOT OF TWO WW1 M1916 HIP HOLSTERS FOR M1911 .45 AUTO - What you see is what you get. A- Very good made in 1917 by Perkins- Campbell. Unit marked on the flap D47 over a canceled earlier mark (C99??). Nice russet brown color with flexible leather with only minor surface cracking. WW1 holsters are much scarcer than the WW2 or later examples, and this one is in above average condition. B- Fair to good made in 1917 by Perkins Campbell. Illegible unit marks on the flap, and three small cuts on the upper part of the flap probably for a unit marking tab of some sort. Leather is dry and stiff. The wire hook for attaching the the pistol belt has been removed by cutting the wire, leaving the leather undamaged. If you can rig up a wire look from a piece of coat hanger you will be good to go. Not a great holster, but a genuine WW1 holster. BOTH for only $195.00 (View Picture) 14846 U.S. MODEL 1902 SABRE HANGER- 6th CAVALRY MARKED - Brass belt slide to fit over the M1902 russet leather waist belt for garrison or field use, with a short and long strap with button ends for attaching to the loops on the sabre scabbard. These were work with the sword hanging down when mounted, but for dismounted use, the upper loop would be hooked on to the hook on the belt slide. Short strap marked R.I.A. 1903 (maybe 1908?) and long strap marked “CO. C. 6 CAVL. 43.” An excellent history of the 6thU.S. Cavalry can be found at https://www.6thcavalrymuseum.org/regimental-history and you can try to figure out where this might have been used. Overall used VG-fine. These could be used with the old “wristbreaker” M1860 or 1906 sabers, or more likely the lighter M1902 Saber for all officers. $95.00 (View Picture) 9483 SCARCE U.S. MODEL 1912 SWIVEL HOLSTER FOR M1911 .45 AUTO- EARLY- NICE - This has been in John’s collection for many years, but he needs the space for other treasures, so it is up for adoption. These early holsters were issued with the newly adopted M1911 .45 Automatic pistols, and most were used up during the Mexican Punitive Expedition, or the early days of WW1. Holster is the early swivel type, made before February 1915 when the suspension leather piece was changed from a straight cut across the back to a curved cut with different rivet placement. (Meadows pp. 249-255) Holster is missing the leather leg strap, as is almost always the case if you are lucky enough to find an early swivel holster. Overall good condition with supple leather and minimal flexing or surface cracking of the flap. There are faint traces of markings on the back of the round swivel leather, but not even close to readable, but probably Rock Island Arsenal 1914 over inspector initials. Any of the swivel holsters are hard to find but the first type is almost never seen, especially in condition this good. $450.00 (View Picture) 11134 SCARCE U.S. MODEL 1912 SWIVEL HOLSTER FOR M1911 .45 AUTO- EARLY - These early holsters were issued with the newly adopted M1911 .45 Automatic pistols, and most were used up during the Mexican Punitive Expedition, or the early days of WW1. Holster is the early swivel type, made before February 1915 when the suspension leather piece was changed from a straight cut across the back to a curved cut with different rivet placement. (Meadows pp. 249-255) Holster is missing the leather leg strap, as is almost always the case if you are lucky enough to find an early swivel holster. Overall good condition with some stiffness and surface cracking of the flap. There are faint traces of markings on the back of the round swivel leather, but not even close to readable, but with a couple of drinks and good lighting I imagine there is Rock Island Arsenal 1914 over inspector initials. Any of the swivel holsters are hard to find but the first type is almost never seen. $325.00 (View Picture) 16520 RARE- EARLY BELT AND HOLSTER RIG FOR M1911 PISTOL-Circa 1912-early 1915 - Each of these pieces is hard to find individually, and very seldom do collectors get a chance to buy the complete rig. These early pieces were issued with the newly adopted M1911 .45 Automatic pistols, and most were used up during the Mexican Punitive Expedition, or the early days of WW1. Rig includes M1912 swivel holster, M1912 pistol belt without snap for mag pouch, M1912 rimless eagle snap magazine pouch, and M1910 first aid pouch. Holster is the early swivel type, made before February 1915 when the suspension leather piece was changed from a straight cut across the back to a curved cut with different rivet placement. (Meadows pp. 249-255) Holster has the leather leg strap which is almost always missing when you do find an early swivel holster. Overall fine condition. There are faint traces of markings on the back of the round swivel leather, but not even close to readable. The belt is the First of the Model 1912 pistol belts, with NO snap for attaching the mag pouch, These were only made 1912 into 1914 when an eagle snap was added to the belt. Mills marked end tab only had 1901 and 1905 patent dates. Inside of belt has unit marking “M.G. CO. 126 INF 15” indicating use by the 126th Infantry, which was mobilized from the Michigan National Guard for the Mexican Border, and later served in France. Some small discoloration (oil stain?) at the rear center of the belt, otherwise fine. Dorsey p. 59. The magazine pouch is the first type, with rimless eagle snaps only used 1912-early 1914, and no snap for attachment to pistol belt. Has Mills bullet markings and 1913 date inside the flap and unit mark “108 TH / SUP ?? / A” but meaning in unknown. (Dorsey p. 60) The first aid pouch is the earliest 1910 pattern with the hook passing through two grommets, instead of using a tab stitched to the back of the pouch, which started in 1914. This is the early form with the glove snaps and only having stitching around the edges, not across the flap above the snaps (sometimes called Model 1907). This one had unit marks which were later painted over for reissue. (Dorsey p. 133). This came from an old, very advanced estate collection of U.S. militaria and most of the items in this set are extremely hard to find. A great set correct for the Mexican Punitive Expedition, very hard to find. $895.00 (View Picture) 3492 U.S. MODEL 1916 JOINTED CLEANING ROD FOR RIFLES - Brophy 1903 book pages 388-390. Standard rod for field use with the M1903 or M1917 rifles. Aluminum egg shaped handle with brass rod sections. Complete, excellent although in need of a good cleaning. $45.00 (View Picture) 7883 SCARCE WW1 WOOD AMMO BOX FOR U.S. M1915 COLT-VICKERS MACHINE GUN - Commonly called the "Colt-VIckers" box. At 4” x 8” x 15” this is longer than the familiar .30 caliber Browning MG box. The Vickers belts were considerably longer due to their having metal bars riveted to the belt between cartridges, while the Browning belts were all woven with very little space (or “pitch”) between rounds. About 12,000 Vickers guns (a simplified and lighter version of the Maxim gun) were made by Colt during WW1, with about 2,500 altered for aircraft use and about 7,500 making it to France for use, where they were very highly regarded, although the new Browning was even better. The Vickers fed from the gunner's RIGHT whereas the Browning feeds from the gunner's LEFT, so the silhouette of three cartridges on the inside bottom of the box will point in different directions. The inside of this box has some accumulated dried grease or paint caked on the bottom so the markings are not visible. Four screws holding the hinge end of the lid have been replaced with screws just a tad larger than the originals, either during period of use or later. The leather carrying handle is weak from age and has a torn spot blued, hence the reminder label not to lift the box with it. Box has an old coat of Navy gray paint and traces of olive drab underneath. Apparently repainting wood ammo boxes is not frowned on nearly as much as refinishing guns, so you can paint it OD or leave it alone. We have had dozens of the wood Browning ammo boxes but never one for the Vickers. $65.00 (View Picture) 21823 U.S. WW1 CANTEEN, MOUNTED M1917 (CANTEEN, CUP & COVER) - A very nice set, with LONG 1917 maker dated marking inside one of the flaps. Old initials LC inked on the back. Cover in near excellent condition with no rot, tears or hard use. Cup and canteen markings are shown in the photo, both 1918 dated. Canteen has two dimples aligned with the lift the dot snaps on the cover. This is missing the leather carrying strap and snap hook for use in the mounted role, but was often used on the belt with the strap thrown away. A well above average example. $85.00 (View Picture) 8585 WW1 DATED M196 HOLSTER FOR M1911 PISTOL - NICE! - Probably the nicest WW1 holster for the .45 automatic that we have seen in the last 10-15 years. Nice and supple, medium brown color with minor scuffing and cracking from use that will look a lot better with a light cleaning and a bit of polish. Clear markings on the back WARREN LEATHER GOODS CO 1918 and inspector initials. Former owner marked his name on the inside of the flap. It may be a long time before you find another original WW1 holster this nice. $225.00 (View Picture) 8587 WW1 MODEL 1916 HOLSTER FOR M1911 .45 AUTO PISTOL - This one was made by Boyt during WW1 as indicated by the inspector initials (look like ‘E.T.C.”) below the BOYT name on the back. Leather is nice and supple with no flaking, but needs a good cleaning and some saddle soap or polish to make it look great, and the rough texture on the back will not be visible when displayed or worn. Decent WW1 .45 auto holsters are very hard to find, and this is well above average for the few we do find. $195.00 (View Picture) 19186 WW1 U.S. M1910 CANTEEN, CUP & COVER - Cup and cover are dated 1918, no maker marks found on the canteen but it is early style. Cover in fine to excellent condtion but somewhere in the past century picked up yallow painted markings "W.W.L. X-83" which may be military but probalby are not. Too bad, otherwise a nice set, so price is only $45.00 (View Picture) 19086 RARE EARLY M1903 CAVALRY CARTRIDGE BELT WITH RIMLESS EAGLE SNAPS - This is the first model with the narrow tabs for adjusting, and has the saber chape (leather tab with “D” ring) for attachment of the M1902 Saber for all officers or M1860/1906 Cavalry Saber. This is all woven construction with the pocket tips not double thickness as in later belts. The folded end tabs are unmarked, so this was probably made by Russell, as Mills put their patent information there. Overall condition is fine to near excellent, except that a previous owner inked their initials and address on the inside of the belt- “S.E.W./ Porterville, California/ P.O. Box 368” but this is more likely a Boy Scout or hunter than a soldier’s name, but you never know. This is a very scarce belt, the only M1903 Cavalry belt we have had and I probably should keep it myself. We have seen a number of the first and second model infantry belts, but not the cavalry version. $325.00 (View Picture) 23310 1917 EDITION- DESCRIPTIONS AND RULES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE U.S. Rifle Caliber .30 Model of 1903 (Form 1923) Revised January 22, 1917. This is one of the standard WW1 era manuals for the M1903 rifle, with blue hard cover binding. Covers are lightly soiled but display nicely. Contents are excellent except for ex-library markings as visible in the photos. Cover has a slight “bubble” to the cloth covering where they failed to totally cover the surface with glue when made, but otherwise the covers are as nice as any I have seen on these scarce old manuals. Great for any WW1 display, or of course, fanatical Springfield collectors need a copy of each edition to track the changes in various details. 80pp 6" x 10" with fold out plates in the back showing how to build Arms Chest or Arms Locker to hold 10 rifles. One of the nicest examples we have had in many years. $95.00 (View Picture) 15944 1917 EDITION- DESCRIPTIONS AND RULES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE U.S. Rifle Caliber .30 Model of 1903 (Form 1923) Revised January 22, 1917. This is one of the standard WW1 era manuals for the M1903 rifle, with blue hard cover binding. Covers are lightly soiled but displays nicely. Former owner’s name “LT H.B. SMITH” ink stamped on the inside cover. One brown stain down in the bound area on a few pages, but overall a nice clean copy. Great for any WW1 display, or of course, fanatical Springfield collectors need a copy of each edition to track the changes in various details. 80pp 6" x 10" with fold out plates in the back showing how to build Arms Chest or Arms Locker to hold 10 rifles. Above average copy. $85.00 (View Picture) 15662 U.S. WW1 M1914 DISMOUNTED CARTRIDGE BELT - Made by Mills with legible markings and a June 1918 date legible on one piece. There are three numbers neatly inked on the back of the belt, but nearly illegible. Phone number for Madam Fifi’s establishment? Service number? Locker combination? Used VG but needing a good cleaning. $75.00 (View Picture) 15379 SCARCE U.S. MODEL 1912 MOUNTED PISTOL BELT- MINTY! - Made by Plant Brothers with their typical curved stitching around the female half of the buckle. The “Mounted” belts have the small loop or “saber chape” riveted to the left side for attachment of the sword hanger. Probably made early in 1917 as it has the female domed snap for attachment of the magazine pouch, but retains the early style buckle. One of the nicest we have had. Small amount of fraying around the small middle eyelet by the chape. $135.00 (View Picture) 13537 MINT! MODEL 1914 MOUNTED CARTRIDGE BELT- RUSSELL AUGUST 1918 - All matching, about perfect in every way, nice and clean. Probably the best WW1 cartridge belt we have ever had. I know I will regret not keeping this one, so get it before I change my mind. These were made with five rifle pockets on the right side, and only four on the left, leaving room for the magazine pouch for the M1911 pistol, or the triple pocket pouch for the M1917 revolvers. Initial production like this did not have a snap for attaching the mag pouch, but later production did, and many early belts were updated, making unaltered examples in this condition extra desirable. $195.00 (View Picture) 11802 WW1 MODEL 1914 DISMOUNTED CARTRIDGE BELT - Nicely unit marked “H 135 60” but we are not sure if this is also from the 135th Field Artillery or the 135th Infantry, both of which served in WW1 in the 37th and 34th Divisions respectively. Good Mills marking and date looks like 3-1916. Overall VG-fine, but a little dirty. $95.00 (View Picture) 7942 U.S. MODEL 1916 RIFLE COVER (CARRYING CASE) - Full length canvas case with leather flap over the butt end. (See Brophy pp. 420-421). This is a true M1903 Springfield accessory, although its successor, the Model 1918 rifle cover which was identical except for having canvas instead of leather flap, was issued with the M1917 rifle and the BAR as well. This example is in fine-excellent condition with only a little dirt and soiling, but no unsightly rust stains. Unmarked (as are all I have ever seen). These were made from 1916 until 1918 when the cheaper to make Model 1918 case came out with canvas instead of leather for the flap. However they would have remained in use until they wore out. $149.00 (View Picture) 19428 U.S. M1916 CLEANING ROD WITH CARRYING CASE - Complete three piece rod plus tip section. Aluminum "football" shaped handle. Unmarked (as are all I have seen). Comes in original khaki web case with illegible maker markings.. Overall used excellent. Nice WW1 accessory for M1903 rifles. $85.00 (View Picture) 3195 SCARCE MINTY M1907 MILLS CARTRIDGE BELT FOR M1903 SPRINGFIELDS (Second Model) - The classic woven design with puckered bottoms to the pockets made with extra heavy thread at the bottom which was added after adoption of the pointed spitzer bullet in 1906. This has the wide ends on the adjusting tabs on the back, and lacks the internal pocket divider found on some later belts. Overall excellent plus with nearly all the blackened bronze finish on the rimless eagle snaps and other hardware. Good Mills marking on the adjusting tabs and their bullet logo stenciled on the back of the belt. The M1903 was the first of the pocketed cartridge belts for clips used by the Army. (Although the Navy and Marine Corps had used some with pockets for the Lee Navy straight pull rifles which required ammo to be in clips instead of single loop belts.) The M1903 belts were adjustable for length at the front ends, and while this worked okay for length, it made it difficult to reach the pockets in the middle of the back. This was corrected in the Model 1909 and 1910 belts. This is undoubtedly the nicest one of these we have had, and I will probably kick myself for not keeping it for my collection. $295.00 (View Picture) 20024 U.S. WW1 M1910 HAVERSACK & MEAT CAN POUCH (NICE!) - Classic WW1 doughboy infantry pack which has straps and snaps to connect it to the cartridge belt. The haversack is what most people call the "pack", and the meat can ("mess kit") pouch attached to the outside of the flap, over the entrenching tool. One other piece made up the complete rig, that being the "pack carrier" sometimes called a "diaper" which attaches to the bottom of the haversack but was often thrown away. Haversack is basically unused, far nicer than most on the market, with good Canvas Products Co. September 1918 markings. Meat can pouch is used fine, with no markings noted. Extra nice example $125.00 (View Picture) 13900 U.S. WORLD WAR I MESS KIT ("MEAT CAN") - A very nice example, made by TUSA CO. in 1918. Getting hard to find, especially in nice condition. $65.00 (View Picture) 13794 U.S. WORLD WAR I MESS KIT ("MEAT CAN") - A good representative example that looks like it was made by LF&C Company, but the markings are hard to read on the handle. A couple of dings on the lid/plate and bottom of the mess kit has name “Clyde Wright” scratched on it. That may be a heroic Doughboy who served in WWI or it may be a later Boy Scout, but you can make up your own story. $40.00 (View Picture) 21109 U.S. WW1 PISTOL BELT- NICE! - No maker markings noted, but a very nice old example although there are a couple of snags or loose threads around a few of the grommets. $95.00 (View Picture) 21108 SCARCE U.S. MODEL 1912 MOUNTED PISTOL BELT WITH SABRE RING - This has the curved shape and stitching on the end for the female part of the buckle used during early production, but has the snap for the magazine pocket added in 1917. Two old issue markings on the inside. Used, some soiling but still a very nice example of this scarce belt. Needs a good cleaning but overall VG-fine condition. $125.00 (View Picture) 15431 RARE MODEL 1905 LEATHER SLING FOR M1898 KRAG RIFLE - This virtually unknown sling is listed in the 1905 Pamphlet 1719 “Horse Equipments and Equipments for Officers and Enlisted Men, and quoted on page 434-435 of Brophy’s Springfield 1903 Rifles book, where he inconsistently calls it the Model 1904 and 1905 name. It is described as: “…48 inches long and has three sets of holes at the end opposite the hook for tightening the sling, while that for the [M1903 Springfield] is 50 inches long and has two sets of holes for tightening. Both have 20 holes equally spaced over 22.625 inches of the middle portion of the body to allow adjustment for convenience in carrying the rifle. “ A description of the hook follows and the button, and a statement “The sliding loops pass around both folds of the sling close to the swivels.” This sling, in both the Krag and M1903 rifle version was short lived, replaced in 1906 by a version without any holes past the button, and it was almost immediately replaced by the familiar Model 1907 sling which remains in use to this day. This sling is in rough condition, with the leather flaking badly, and somewhat weak, definitely not for actual use. One extra pair of holes has been added a few inches in from the inner slot for the button, but does not detract much. I do not recall ever seeing another example of this model sling, so for the guy who has to have one of everything, this may be a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am sure I will regret not keeping this for myself, but I’m feeling generous today…. $65.00 (View Picture) 23388 WW2 U.S. NAVY HAMMOCK AND BLANKET - Yes, the Navy still used hammocks on most ships during WW2. The hammock has a canvas body about 36” x 69” and both sets of clew lines are in excellent condition. No markings at all. The wool blanket is white with a blue stripe and U.S. NAVY at each end. Owner’s name V.H. Darling marked near the corner. Hammock is in excellent condition, but blanket has some moth damage, but still displays nicely. Basic hammock design changed little from the earliest days of the U.S. Navy (and indeed from what the Royal Navy had been using since about 1597.) While the U.S. Navy was phasing out hammocks in the 1920s, they remained in use aboard some ships until WW2 and perhaps even later aboard a few ships. Construction is pretty similar on all the examples I could find (for both US and foreign navies). Traditionally sailors slung their hammocks from hooks on the deck beams on the gun deck at night, and in the morning would roll them up and stow them in the hammock nettings atop the bulwarks on the weather deck, where they would provide some added protection during battle, and at least be out of the way during normal ship’s routine. Note that the clew lines are made so that the outer ones are shorter than the inner ones, giving the hammock a nice cup type shape. Some hammock trivia: In the Napoleonic era and earlier, the Royal Navy allowed wives aboard ship, and the command “shake a leg” was used to confirm that hammock occupants were not sailors supposed to be up and about. When a sailor died at sea, they were wrapped in their hammock, a cannon ball placed between their feet and the hammock sewn up with the final stitch taken through the nose tissue (the lack of any response confirming that the sailor was indeed dead!), and then the body was buried at sea. This set came from a WW2 PT Boat sailor, but we are not certain if these were actually used on a PT Boat, or on another U.S. Navy ship, but these are very seldom encountered. This would be a great addition to a display of Naval uniforms or weapons. Hammock and blanket for $185.00 (View Picture) 23248 WW1 mess kit - Nice example of the classic WW1 mess kit with 1918 date visible on the handle. $35.00 (View Picture) 12291 WW1 Mess kit- with names - Nice example of the classic WW1 mess kit with legible maker JWBM Co. and 1918 date visible on the handle. This one has numerous names and other stuff scratched on the outside, including presumably the owner Harry Walker, and relatives or friends Mickey Walker, and Florence Lowrey; location Lafayette, IND, and (unit number?) F-154. Several minto dents and dings of a used item. The small wire loop for the plate is missing, but the strap that holds it is still in place. $30.00 (View Picture) 22826 WW1 MESS KIT ("Meat Can") - Used G-VG condition with legible 1918 date on the handle and U.S./ JWB maker initials. Probably a veteran of WW1 plus many years of Boy Scout use, with the bottom still black and in need of a good cleaning. Remember, we are coming up soon on the 100th anniversary of the start of WW1. This is the version where the cover has a much deeper dish to the cover. $29.00 (View Picture) 22825 WW1 MESS KIT ("Meat Can") - Used G-VG condition with legible 1918 date on the handle and illegible maker initials. Probably a veteran of WW1 plus many years of Boy Scout use, with the bottom still black and in need of a good cleaning. Remember, we are coming up soon on the 100th anniversary of the start of WW1. This is the version where the cover has only a very shallow dishing, compared to the later ones that had a much deeper dish to the cover. $29.00 (View Picture) 22824 WW1 MESS KIT ("Meat Can") - Used G-VG condition but markings on the handle are illegible. Probably a veteran of WW1 plus many years of Boy Scout use. Remember, we are coming up soon on the 100th anniversary of the start of WW1. $25.00 (View Picture) 17567 U.S. M1907 Leather sling for M1903, M1917 M1 rifles and trench guns - Standard WW1 leather sling as used on the M1903 and M1917 rifles and later on the M1 Garand and combat shotguns. Shows little use, but long storage with lots of Verdi gris green crud built up between the leather and the brass fitting, popping one of the heads off a rivet on the adjusting claw. Brass hooks retain most of the original darkened finish. Leather is stiff, but still reasonably flexible. Overall dirty and needs a good cleaning. Both pieces are marked, the short strap with the Chicago Belting mark in the photo, and the long strap with faint maker initials and inspection initials and looks like 1918 date, but we did not get a photo of those. The two sling keepers are both made using staples instead of the usual sewn construction, and we are not sure if they are GI or someone replaced the originals with commercial types. Will look a lot better after a good cleaning. $135.00 (View Picture) 22434 WW1 U.S. NAVY BATTLESHIP TRENCH ART "HEAVY 1 POUNDER CARTRIDGE- USS MICHIGAN - We do not normally mess with any of the “trench art” cases, most of which were more or less mass produced in small shops, mainly in France. However, this one is pretty unusual. It is almost certainly a shipboard made item, aboard the USS Michigan (BB-27) sometime in 1918 or early 1919. Quite likely the craftsman and/or original owner is shown in the 1918 dated photo of the ship and the crew at http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/USS_Michigan_%28Battleship_27%29.jpg (but it was probably not the dog visible in the life ring). The brass case is a common 37 x 137mm rimmed “Heavy 1 Pounder” case of the type used on numerous ships in the early 1900s, and this ship had four of these guns installed. Headstamp is W.MFG CO, 2-1918, 1-Pdr., Lot 69 [anchor] J.B.S. The steel projectile is rusty but should clean up leaving only slight pitting. Unfired copper rotating band is marked on the rotating band EPF and a logo consisting of a crown looking object with H in the center. Overall size about 1.5” by 8.75” length The brass case has a stippled background around a spread eagle perched on a globe with crossed U.S. flags behind. WORLD WAR, U.S.S. MICHIGAN and 4-6-17 - o- 11-11-18 incised into the metal diagonally wrapped around the case. At one time this was used as a lamp or something, as the primer has been drilled out, and the projectile drilled through and the nose (crookedly) drilled and tapped. It would be easy to mount on a base and use it as a flag holder for a Navy display. The brass has a mellow chocolate patina, but if polished this would be a very handsome piece. Sailor folk art has always been fascinating, especially scrimshaw and ropework, but we have only seen a few examples of Navy shell cases turned into decorated “trench art” although thousands of cases were cut down for use as ash trays in the old days before smoking was made unacceptable behavior. U.S.S. Michigan history during WW1 (from Wikipedia): Assigned to Battleship Force 2 on 6 April 1917, the warship escorted convoys, trained recruits, and engaged in fleet maneuvers and battle practice. The battleship suffered two notable accidents, one in September 1916 when a twelve-inch gun of her second turret burst while being fired and the second in January 1918 when her "cage" foremast collapsed during a storm at sea. On 15 January 1918, while steaming in formation with the fleet off Cape Hatteras, Michigan's foremast buckled and was carried away over the port side as the battlewagon lurched violently in the trough of a heavy sea. Six men were killed and 13 injured, five seriously, in this accident. Michigan proceeded to Norfolk where the next day she transferred her casualties to Solace. On 22 January, she entered the Philadelphia Navy Yard for repairs. Early in April, she resumed operations off the East Coast and trained gunners in Chesapeake Bay until World War I ended. $135.00 (View Picture) 22540 U.S. M1907 STYLE LEATHER SLING - Pre-WW2 style with the brass claw hooks. No maker marks noted, but all GI quality construction, except one of the keepers is an incorrect civilian replacement that is not the military sewn construction. Price reflects this, but 99% of the people looking at this would think it is G.I. all the way. $75.00 (View Picture) 22417 U.S. ARMY DECAPPING AND CLEANING TOOLS FOR SMALL ARMS CARTRIDGES- COMPLETE KIT! - About mint unissued, complete with all components, even the original instruction manual dated 1917. Prior to WW1 and again after the War, Army regulations called for fired cartridge cases to be cleaned and repacked into the wood crated and returned to the arsenals where they would be reloaded into blanks, or practice ammunition. With the corrosive primers of the day, it was essential that the cases be cleaned and deprimed promptly to get rid of the extremely corrosive residue from firing. Thus, these kits were widely issued. The main tool is an evolutionary version of a reloading tool which had been used by the Army since the 1880s, differing only in the absence of inspector markings on these 1917 kits and tools. The tools turn up from time to time, and the kits occasionally, but they are usually missing some of the small components. This one is 100% complete, with three of the primer punch pins remaining. The box retains most of its original reddish brown shellac type finish. An exceptionally nice example of a scarce accessory for the Krag or M1903 Springfield collector. (Discussed on pages 176 and 214 of Brophy’s Krag book, and pages 417-419 of his Springfield 1903 Rifles book.) $350.00 (View Picture) 20118 MAGAZINE POUCH FOR PEDERSEN DEVICE - Khaki web construction with pockets to hold five of the special 40 round magazines for the super-secret Pedersen device. Made at Rock Island Arsenal with 1919 date. Mint unissued but with slight storage soiling. These were to be attached to the regular rifle cartridge belt when Pedersen devices were issued and troops would carry both the regular .30-06 and special .30 Pedersen ammo. You can cut some wooden strips to fill the magazine pockets for display (unless you happen to have 5 loose Pedersen device magazines....) $45.00 (View Picture) 19360 WW1 "T-HANDLE" ENTRENCHING TOOL - The “T-Handle Entrenching tool” was adopted in 1910 and remained in service until replaced by the folding type adopted in 1943. These were made during both WW1 and WW2, and this one is probably WW1 production (based on the serifs on the U and S stampings) but would fill a spot as a representative WW2 model as well since old material was issued as long as it was serviceable. The handle shaft has dried out and split from age. It could still be used (gently) and is fine for display, but not for aggressive digging in under fire. The original paint is long gone and the metal covered with a rusty patina. This could easily be given a coat of OD paint if you wanted to make it look better, and you could even fill up the crack before doing that for even nicer appearance. Fine for living history use, or a collector looking for a bargain. $60.00 (View Picture) 18640 U.S. WW1 DATED CANTEEN, CUP AND COVER - Good representative set, all dated 1918. Well used and about average condition for WW1 gear we find any more. The canteen and cup are both LF&C 1918 marked (Lander, Frary & Clark) with condition as shown in the photo. Cup is absolutely filthy with the remains of Timmy’s last campfire cookout (ptomaine treats of some sort), but will clean up fine. Assorted dents and dings. The cover is marked Brauer Bros. Mfg. Co. 10-18 with legible US on the front. Faint red letters and a rust stain on the back and one small hole in the seam on the back, but still displays nicely. The whole set for $79.00 (View Picture) 18564 U.S. Model 1907 leather sling - Used, fine, but stiff and somewhat dry with age and some cracking. Blackened brass hooks typical of all the WW1 slings and some of the WW2 slings. No markings that we could see, so it may be GI, or a commercial equivalent. Would look good on a more used rifle with 60-80% finish. $65.00 (View Picture) 18178 U.S. WW1 WEB GEAR LOT- HAVERSACK, GAS MASK BAG & PERSONAL GEAR BAG - Lot of three items that have been together for decades and presumably from a single doughboy. The M1910 haversack comes with the early meat can pouch with the button on the flap. Maker LONG 2-18 stenciled inside. The strap arrangement on the back has been modified by removing the center strap that hooks to the eyelet in the center of the adjusting section of the waist belt, and also the diagonal strap and snap from both of the shoulder strap ends. This will still display nicely but will not ride properly for reenactor use. The gas mask bag has a name than has been inked over, but looks like it might be L. SLATER [or BLAIR?], 301, T.A.T., AEF, FRANCE. This is the bag and strap only, minus the usually dry rotted, decayed and smelly gas mask itself. Also included is a non-regulation personal effects roll with an old shaving brush still in it. These were for carrying personal stuff conveniently. The whole lot for $95.00 (View Picture) 18168 WW1 GRENADE VEST/ Trench gun ammo vest - Mint unissued, with ten pockets with snap flaps on the front. Wide neck strap and two sets of ties to secure it around the body. (Straps and ties were rolled up and stuffed in the pockets, just as it left the factory, but removed for the photo.) These were used in WW1 for carrying hand or rifle grenades (the VB type) and there are photos showing these being worn in WW2 by troops with trench guns. This one has no maker markings. $50.00 (View Picture) 17856 U.S. Model 1910 Haversack (Backpack)- complete - This is a good complete outfit, with the very hard to find pack tail (“diaper”) and the leather connecting strap and also the meat can pouch. The upper parts are all similar shades of khaki and look “salty” from use, while the tail is nearly new in greenish khaki. Quartermasters made no effort to match colors during the war, they just issued whatever was on hand. Overall good condition with no obvious repairs or damage, and good clear markings, but there are some stains and rust stains, mainly on out of sight areas. Haversack made by Plant Brothers & Company in August 1918. Meat can pouch is unmarked but has the WW1 style button flap instead of s buckle. Tail was made by Standard in 1942 and may technically be the M1928, but I am not sure how to tell the difference. Will be great for a WW1 collection even though the tail is dated later, or for a WW2 collection as they reissued all the old gear again. This is the only COMPLETE M1910 haversack set we have had in several years. $195.00 (View Picture) 17540 U.S. MODEL 1910/1918 MESS KIT OR MEAT CAN - Officially this was first known as a “meat can” intended to hold part of the ration issued to each man, and carried in the “meat can pouch” attached to the back pack. However, it was mainly used as a frying pan for preparing meals, or as a serving piece when going through the chow line to load up with the good stuff “Cookie” had prepared for the unit. The 1918 pattern is a bit deeper than the M1910, but I have a hard time telling them apart. This one is marked on the tin plated handle US/LF&C (Landers Frary & Clark)/ and illegible date. I think it is the shallower M1910 design, but it may be the M1918. The aluminum pan and cover are in excellent condition on the outside, with an almost polished finish. The inside has a lot of scratches (from cutting up the food? or light pitting, but still at least VG condition. Inside of the cover is neatly stamped “133/ BASE HOSPITAL No. 1” and the back of the frying pan part has a lightly scratched cube design with initials D.A. (Pvt. Dumb A??) Despite huge numbers made, these have become relatively scarce in recent years. $45.00 (View Picture) 17518 SCARCE FIRST PATTERN M1903 CARTRIDGE BELT RIMLESS EAGLE SNAPS BY RUSSELL - (Dorsey Belts pp 4-7) This is the early cartridge belt issued with the M1903 Springfields. This style belt was made by both Mills and Russell, using the patented woven style construction. The first pattern belts had narrow tips on the ends with short brass tabs, marked with Mills patent info if made by them, or unmarked (as these are) when made by Russell. Some of the very earliest belts were flat at the bottom of the pocket, but after adoption of the .30-06 cartridge with the pointed bullets, the pocket design was modified to reinforce the bottoms of the pockets by “puckering” them to make them stronger. Eventually Mills reinforced the lower portion of the woven material with added threads in addition to the puckering. This is a near excellent example except for a small amount of fraying and period repairs between the first and second pockets on the left side (see photos). This one is unit marked to the 1st New York infantry and may have been in service during WW1. These early belts are scarce, and often in poor condition when found, so this one is a real find. $295.00 (View Picture) 17383 U.S. MODEL 1918 SADDLE SCABBARD FOR M1903 SPRINGFIELD - 1917 dated Semi-legible DUNCAN- 1917 maker and date markings. Old unit marks by the open end, but illegible. Leather is fairly flexible, but has lots of cracking along the folded edge and some scuffing and flaking. Unlike most of these, this one has both straps including the attaching hooks. Overall about good-very good condition, a good representative example to go with any WW1 era cavalry collection.v $165.00 (View Picture) 17248 U.S. Army Ammunition Crate circa 1920s-1940s - Nice box that has had the stenciled markings painted over so I cannot tell for sure exactly what it originally held. I believe these were more or less a standard size and used with various types of pistol and rifle ammunition. Inside dimensions about 14” x 11” x 6” and outer dimensions about 12 3/4” x 16 ¾” x 7 ¾”. Use of the handhold cuts in the ends instead of adding on wooden cleats seem to have taken place around WW1. Overall VG condition except for one corner of the lid which is worn quite a bit. Complete with the tin liner (with top removed so they could remove the contents). All six of the screw posts are present, but there are no wing nuts. Can easily be repainted for whatever type of contents you like in a display. $40.00 (View Picture) 16855 U.S. MODEL 1910/1918 MESS KIT OR MEAT CAN DATED 1918 w - Officially this was first known as a “meat can” intended to hold part of the ration issued to each man, and carried in the “meat can pouch” attached to the back pack. However, it was mainly used as a frying pan for preparing meals, or as a serving piece when going through the chow line to load up with the good stuff “Cookie” had prepared for the unit. The 1918 pattern is a bit deeper than the M1910, but I have a hard time telling them apart. This one is marked on the tin plated handle US/WSCo/1918 (I don’t know that maker’s name). The cover has unit marks 361 F 188 stamped on it. The aluminum pan and cover are in VG-fine condition. Despite huge numbers made, these have become relatively scarce in recent years. $40.00 (View Picture) 16854 U.S. MODEL 1910/1918 MESS KIT OR MEAT CAN DATED 1918 - Officially this was first known as a “meat can” intended to hold part of the ration issued to each man, and carried in the “meat can pouch” attached to the back pack. However, it was mainly used as a frying pan for preparing meals, or as a serving piece when going through the chow line to load up with the good stuff “Cookie” had prepared for the unit. The 1918 pattern is a bit deeper than the M1910, but I have a hard time telling them apart. This one is marked on the tin plated handle US/[maker illegible]/1918. The aluminum pan and cover are in VG condition. Despite huge numbers made, these have become relatively scarce in recent years. $40.00 (View Picture) 16602 U.S. Model 1918 saddle scabbard for M19093 Springfield - Legible L-F Co/ 10-18 maker and date markings. Leather is fairly flexible, but has lots of cracking along the folded edge and some scuffing and flaking. No straps, but the loops are intact so you could add straps if you like. (However, these display better without the straps and they store/ship a lot easier without the straps as well!) Overall say about good condition. $95.00 (View Picture) 16671 U.S. WW1 M1916 HOLSTER FOR M1911 .45 PISTOL MADE BY BOYT - This is a WW1 era holster, made by Boyt and so marked on the back along with the inspector initials used during WW1. It was made in russet leather color, but it has a coat of black polish or poorly done dye, probably applied after the 195 change in regulations specified that holsters should be black. I doubt if this could be returned to a brown color, but maybe someone who works with leather knows how to do that. Otherwise you might as well throw some more black polish on it and make it look good. Pretty nice shape except for the color problem. $75.00 (View Picture) 16602 U.S. Model 1918 saddle scabbard for M19093 Springfield - Legible L-F Co/ 10-18 maker and date markings. Leather is fairly flexible, but has lots of cracking along the folded edge and some scuffing and flaking. No straps, but the loops are intact so you could add straps if you like. (However, these display better without the straps and they store/ship a lot easier without the straps as well!) Overall say about good condition. $95.00 (View Picture) 15895 U.S. ARMY WOOL BLANKET WW1 (Nice!) - This is one made under the Quartermaster Department Specification No. 1255 of October 16, 1917, the first wartime specification issued. The blanket continued to be olive drab color as used since 1904, however, the olive brown border stripes at the ends and “US” brand in the center were dropped. The quality of the material used in the blanket dropped as the specification permitted the use of up to 35% wool substitute and shoddy in the blanket. This produces a noticeably coarser type weave and thicker feel than the higher quality blankets made during peacetime. The weight of the blanket was specified as 3 pounds to 3 pounds 4 ounces. Size was a nominal 7’ to 7’ 3” by 5’ to 5’ 3”. A cloth label was to be stitched in a corner, with the name of the contractor, contract date, the depot, and a blank for the inspector, but as is almost always the case, this has been removed years ago. Overall excellent condition except for a few small and widely scattered moth holes, so it almost displays as new. This is the best of the few WW1 blankets we have encountered. $125.00 (View Picture) 15750 WW1 GRENADE VEST/ Trench gun ammo vest - Mint unissued, with ten pockets with snap flaps on the front. Wide neck strap and two sets of ties to secure it around the body. (Straps and ties are still rolled up and stuffed in the pockets, just as it left the factory, and thus not visible in the photo.) These were used in WW1 for carrying hand or rifle grenades (the VB type) and there are photos showing these being worn in WW2 by troops with trench guns. This one was made by N.H. Co in May 1918. $65.00 (View Picture) 15110 MCKEEVER .30 CALIBER CARTRIDGE BOX – 30th Infantry marked - Nice brown leather overall fine-excellent condition. The McKeever boxes were mainly used for garrison or parade or guard duty, while the Mills loop or pocket belts were used for active campaigning in the field. End is marked in the regulation fashion 30/ D/ 44 and in addition there is a neat ink stamping “Co. D/ 30th Infantry/ No. 44” the only example of such a double marking we have seen. Since the box was made at Rock Island Arsenal in 1908 it probably was issued to the 30th Infantry in 1909 when they returned to The Presidio of San Francisco from several years service in the Philippines, where they remained until departing for France in 1917. Overall fine to excellent condition except the closing tab is cracked and weak. $125.00 (View Picture) 13751 WW1 CANTEEN, CUP AND COVER - A very nice representative example for your doughboy outfit, or early WW2 period. Cover has clear 1917 date. Cup is 1918 dated. Canteen is unmarked, but definitely US GI item with the WW1 era aluminum cap. One small hole on the side of the cover that does not detract from overall appearance. Some Boy Scout wrote his name and Troop 4 on the front of the cover long, long ago, and it has faded nearly completely away, but is still visible on close inspection. Nice set, not minty, but typical well used gear as it appeared in the field. $65.00 (View Picture) 13193 SCARCE U.S. NAVY MILLS CARTRIDGE/PRIMER BELT WITH COVERED POCKETS CIRCA WW1 - Typical Mills woven construction with cartridge loops woven in place. This also has a cover flap woven in, with a blackened brass Navy eagle/anchor snap at both ends, and on a securing strap in the middle. Blackened (actually more a blue color) on the end tabs and closure hardware. Inside of the female snap for the button had 1907 patent date, so these post date 1907. Although usually described as cartridge belts for landing party use, I am convinced that they are actually primer belts for the gun captains to wear for use with the bag type guns that used a separate primer. These primers are essentially the same size as a .45-70 cartridge case and will fit in the belt perfectly, while the belt height would allow a longer cartridge to hang down below the bottom of the belt. (This is true for the .45-70 cartridge, but by 1907 the Krag had been reissued to the Navy and the M1903 rifles were soon forthcoming, both of which used cartridges longer than the .45-70 and used tapered loops, which this does not have. The only plausible explanation for a .45-70 size loop on a waist belt after 1907 would be for primers.) These would have been used by some Marines as traditionally the Marine Detachment also manned one or more gun mounts. Condition of this rare belt is excellent with the exception of three or four small spots of dirt/soiling from storage. $525.00 (View Picture) 7867x WW1/WW2 U.S. ARMY WOODEN TENT PEGS - Set of
five, enough for one shelter half as carried by the doughboy and GI. Old originals
which range from used VG to unissued old stock. Once fairly common, these are
now pretty hard to find. $25.00 (View Picture)
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