COMMONWEALTH MILITARIA OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR AND EARLIER
#MM1 WWI CEF Medical Corps MK1 Brodie Helmet
WWI Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) Medical Corps MKI Brodie helmet. Excellent period painted and flashed example with liner and remnants of mail home sticker with a possible Regimental Number. The liner is still there but as is typical with these, it's falling apart over time and there are some loose pieces. A great original CEF helmet that displays nicely on the shelf. $750 *Reduced* $650
#EC36 WWI Canadian Army 1916 Pattern Dismounted Equipment Belt & Ammunition Pouches
Original WWI Canadian Army 1916 pattern dismounted equipment belt and two ammunition pouches (To hold stripper clips of .303 British-cal. ammunition). The Pattern 1916 dismounted equipment was issued to the Canadian Army 4th Division. The 4th Division used this pattern of equipment when they arrived in France, August 1916, until they were eventually issued British 1908 pattern web infantry equipment later that year. Both pouches are maker marked and 1916-dated. One is marked to Anglo Franco Saddlery Co. Ltd. in Montreal, Quebec and the other to J.W. in Simcoe, Ontario. The belt also has some maker's information and a 1916 date. The belt and pouches are in excellent serviceable condition with the leather still being in supple condition. This is a very rare set of WWI Canadian Army equipment. $425
#CD1062 Canadian Pattern 1916 Large Pack
Original WWI Canadian Pattern 1916 large pack. The interior of the flap features a nice large C broad arrow, faint makers information, and some kind of unit marking. The leather straps are mostly intact, there is just one break in one of the shoulder straps shown in the photo, it could likely be easily fixed for a mannequin display. The pack is untouched / never cleaned. Scarce pack. $200
#CD1061 CEF Map for the Calonne Trench Raid
Original WWI map from the Calonne trench raid performed by units of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces of the Canadian Army. This map was used for the well executed trench raid that took place on 17 January 1917 against the German Lens-Bethune railway lines North of Cite Calonne. The raid is noted for being almost flawless in its planning, preparation, and near text-book execution and results. One Distinguished Service Order, one Military Cross, and four Military Medals were awarded to personnel as a result of this operation. The Canadians were well known for trench raids, and while it was not a Canadian invention, the Canadians perfected the technique and carried on even when other nations had stopped. This simple map intended for the raid could be carried by individual soldiers on the operation so they could be familiar with the ground and use it as a study aid, it is constructed of typical lightly waxed paper we have observed on other examples. Authentic trench raid maps are incredibly difficult to find, let alone ones from well known operations. Scarce. $250
#CD1054 Officer's Field Fork & Knife Set
Original WWI officer's field fork & knife set. The fork and knife are protected in a wooden sleeve. This set has seen considerable use and one of the wood handles is a bit loose, but overall, it is in good condition. The knife's blade is maker marked, and the set still slides together. Interesting set of utensils from the trenches. $95
#CD1052 Princess Mary Gift Fund 1914 Box
Original WWI Princess Mary Gift Fund 1914 box. It was Princess Mary's express wish that "every sailor afloat and every soldier at the front" should have the present. The gifts were devised in October 1914 and intended for distribution to all who were serving overseas or at sea, in time for Christmas 1914. This box is a nice original example with working lid, there are no contents. $95
#BG12 Snider-Enfield .577 B.L. Ammunition Crate
This is an original ammunition crate from 1874 that contained cartridges of S.A. Ball Breech-Loading (B.L.) for the .577 Snider-Enfield B.L. rifle. The crate is maker marked with the Canadian DC diamond on the label. The crate is in excellent condition for its age, handcrafted from walnut with steel fittings, leather handles, and original carry ropes on each side. The quality is much higher than later crates, it has been very carefully crafted. The original label is still almost entirely intact on the top of the crate. Embossed into the wood on the end of the crate is “R(Broad Arrow)L” “IV” “1874”. An empty steel insert is still inside the crate. In addition to the factory markings, it appears someone has named the crate in period fashion, most likely an officer who used the crate to store or ship some personal belongings. The crate has one chip to the top piece of wood, exposing part of a screw. Overall, this is an excellent example of a very old Snider-Enfield ammunition crate. $775
#BS179 1894 Canadian .303 Ammunition Crate, Dominion Arsenal
This is an original Canadian .303 crate for Mk II ball ammunition, dated September 1894 by Dominion Arsenal (Quebec, Canada). This exceedingly rare crate represents the earliest stages of Canadian .303 ammunition production, and is the type that would have accompanied Canadian troops into the Boer War. Built to hold 1100 cartridges of .303 Inch S.A. Ball, it is in remarkably complete and untouched condition. The original paper labels are present and mostly intact with one carrying rope in place. This is the earliest example of a Canadian .303 ammunition crate that we are aware of in any collection. From a historical perspective, the .303 British rimmed rifle cartridge was first developed in Britain as a black-powder round and put into service in December 1888 for the Lee-Metford rifle - but in 1891 the cartridge was modified to use smokeless powder. The "Cartridge S.A. Ball .303 inch Cordite Mark II", commonly known as the Ball Cordite Mark II, was approved to Design RL9054 in July 1893 and shown in LoC Paragraph 7278 dated December 1893. It was manufactured in both Great Britain and elsewhere in the Empire and, although briefly replaced in 1897-99 by the hollow point ball rounds, once these were withdrawn the Ball Cordite Mark II was reintroduced and continued in service until replaced by the Mark VI in 1904. This incredibly early Canadian .303 ammunition crate would be nearly impossible to replace or upgrade. $1250
#CD1049 Combat Carried Trench Map from the Vardar Offensive
Original WWI combat carried 1:20,000 scale trench map from the Vardar Offensive of the Balkans Campaign at Pobreg, South West of Lake Doiran, on the Stojakovo Serbia-Greece border with trenches overprinted according to aerial reconnaissance on 3-5-18. Confidential edition issued for combat operations on 17-5-18 with enemy trenches, positions, terrain features, towns and borders. Combat carried condition, well used and folded in the field wear some wear and soiling / staining. The only combat trench map from this region we've ever encountered. $250
#CD1040 CEF Souvenirs from arrival at Camp Bramshott
Original WWI Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) souvenirs from arrival at Camp Bramshott in England. Grouping consists of seven postcards (unused) and a large silk featuring "The Maple Leaf Forever" "A Present from Bramshott" with English and Canadian flags. All items are in excellent condition with just some yellowing from age. Background: Camp Bramshott was a temporary camp in Bramshott Common, Hampshire, England during WWI for the arrival of the CEF. Many Canadians passed through Bramshott on their way to front, and travelling home at the end of hostilities making it a historic CEF location. $50
#BG10 Canadian 198 Overseas Battalion "The Buffs"
Original WWI Canadian 198 Overseas Battalion "The Buffs" cap badge. Nice uncleaned example with original lugs. Maker marked on the reverse in very fine lettering "F.W. ELLIS & CO". $75
#DW27 P08 Webbing Brace
Original WWI British / Canadian P08 "second issue" webbing brace with 2-inch Twigg buckle and brass tips for attaching to the pack or haversack. $40
#CD1016 Canadian War Medal Lieutenant C.H. Fox Canadian Railway Troops
Original WWI Canadian War Medal 1914-1918 named to "LIEUT. C.H. FOX" who served with the Canadian Railway Troops. The railway troops were a relatively small branch and it's tough to find any items related to them. Included with the medal is the officers complete file pulled from archives, you will be able to learn a lot about the soldier from the file and do further research on this soldier who survived the war. $75
#BS67 1913 Cork Screw
Original WWI British issue cork screw. Maker marked and dated 1913 with broad arrow applied. Excellent condition, an interesting accessory to go with your WWI rations or liquor cans. Uncommon. $85
#CD1020 Canadian Soldiers' Song Book
Original WWI Canadian soldiers song book published by the YMCA. This booklet belonged to Alvin W. Brown (27679) of Weston, Ontario. Alvin was born 23-7-1892 and enlisted on 22 Sep 1914 with the 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders). Alvin used the back of the book to record where he went during the war. We haven't done any further research past what is presented here, but this has potential for a research project. This is a great personalized YMCA WWI song book that would be a great addition to your collection. $125
#CD1021 Khaki Comedy
Original WWI publication "Khaki Comedy" by Sergeant-Major Edward D. Rose published by The Howell Publishing Co. in 1918. Publication contains military jokes and skits to boost the moral of soldiers at the front. Rare publication. $50
#CD1025 .303 Lewis Automatic Machine Gun Pamphlet with CEF provenance
Rare original WWI .303 Lewis Automatic Machine Gun pamphlet with Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) provenance to Lt. Albert J. Melanson. Lt. Melanson named the pamphlet inside the cover, our research indicates he served with the 165th Battalion and we our included some notes on the officer with the pamphlet. The pamphlet covers .303 Lewis parts, operation, stoppages, and much more. Good lightly used condition without damage, nice pamphlet. $125
#CD1002 Assembling and Fitting the Pattern 1916 Dismounted Equipment Manual
Original WWI Assembling and Fitting the Pattern 1916 Dismounted Equipment original manual. Extremely rare. Overall excellent condition given its age. $325
#CD1003 The Pattern 1908 Web Infantry Equipment Manual
Original WWI Pattern 1908 Web Infantry Equipment original manual. Extremely rare. Overall excellent condition given its age. $325
#CD1006 WARNER OBJ. SIGHTING SYSTEM - Special Regard to the Ross Rifle
Original WWI ere Warner objective sighting system book with special regard to the Ross Canadian Military Service Rifle. Includes information on the Warner sight and the Canadian sight, with illustrations. Rare and important publication in near mint condition. Bound with a suede cover. Number 9, presented to Mr. C.B. and published in 1915. As far as we know there is no other known surviving example of this particular publication. $450
#CD1008 NORTH WEST of CAPE COLONY - Original Boer War Map
Original Boer War map NORTH WEST of CAPE COLONY. This map features many of the famous battle sites that appear on medal bars from the Boer War including Transvaal, Orange Free State, and Cape Colony. The map is in excellent condition but is fragile given its age and it has been stored folded. We would suggest having this map framed in museum archival grade glass and materials, or just carefully stored. This is a great historically important map that would enhance a display of medals corresponding to the battle sites. $200
#CD1043 Boer War Postcard from the Siege of Ladysmith
Original Boer War era postcard featuring a soldier commemorating The Battle of Paardeberg and The 120 Days Siege of Ladysmith, these were defining battles during the conflict and when the Boer's began to loose the initiative in the war. Nice example from this period that has been filled out and mailed home. $20
#CD1044 Western Contingent Arrives at Valcartier Postcard
Original WWI postcard showing the arrival of the Western Contingent of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) at Valcartier. Unused example taken home as a souvenir. $20
#CD1038 Britons All Silk Postcard
Original WWI "Britons All" silk postcard. These cars were "Sweetheart" items the soldiers would send home to their girlfriends or wives. This is a really nice example for your WWI collection that has been filled out and mailed home. $20
#CD1039 Happy Birthday Silk Postcard
Original WWI "Happy Birthday" silk postcard. These cars were "Sweetheart" items the soldiers would send home to their girlfriends or wives. This is a really nice example for your WWI collection that has been filled out and mailed home. $20
#CD1005 Christmas Greetings Silk for a Sweetheart from France
Original WWI "Christmas Greetings" silk postcard. These were "Sweetheart" items the soldiers would send home to their girlfriends or wives. This is a really nice example for your WWI collection, although undated it could be from around the time of the famous Christmas Truce. $20
#CD1004 1917 Silk for a Sweetheart from France
Original WWI early silk postcard from 1917 with French, English, and American flags. These were "Sweetheart" items the soldiers would send home to their girlfriends or wives. $20
#CD1001 1834-1934 Canadian Centennial Reunion Pin with Reunion Invitations
Original 1834-1934 Canadian Corps reunion pin for the centennial in Toronto. Also features the dates 1914-1934 as this reunion was put together by the association and would have been primarily WWI veterans. Included with the lot are other various invitations to 156th battalion re-unions for WWI veterans. Interesting lot found at an antique barn and never in a collection before. $30
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Trench Map of Beaumont Hamel
Original WWI trench map of Beaumont Hamel, where the Newfoundland regiment was almost entirely wiped out. The map came out of an old collection, it has been folded and likely carried in combat. This is a true trench map with friendly and enemy trench positions marked and used for actual operations. *Sold*
#CD1007 Secret XIII. Corps Barrage Map 1918 Landrecies and Sambre-Oise Canal
Original WWI British 1918 XIII. Corps barrage map showing some famous battle sites including where the 25th Division crossed the Sambre-Oise Canal to capture Landrecies. This map shows the creeping barrage strategy. This is a genuine map used during combat operations. The map has been folded and well used, with some notes and markings period applied in pencil. *Sold*
WWI Canadian / British MK1 Brodie Helmet
Original WWI Canadian / British MK1 Brodie helmet. Unissued condition and possibly never even worn. There is a faint name written in pencil on the chinstrap indicating who it may have belonged to, I have not made any attempt to research it. WWI Brodie helmets are often in poor condition, this is the best condition example we've handled so far. Still even has the original tag with instructions. *Sold*
#DW2 British Army P08 Web Equipment Set
Original WWI British Army P08 web equipment set in excellent condition. This complete set consists of waist belt, cross straps, ammunition pouches (left and right), small pack, entrenching tool carrier, entrenching tool, blue enamel water bottle with carrier and wool cover, excellent bayonet and scabbard for the Mark II Lee Enfield (Never sharpened or messed with), bayonet frog, and very rare bayonet frog attachment for the entrenching tool handle. The components are all in excellent condition, with maker marks, broad arrows, and dates from 1917-1918. This is a superb set ready to be placed on a mannequin or part of a field gear display. *Sold*
#BS49 Private Purchase 1911 Leather Holster
Original WWI era private purchase 1911 holster and single spare magazine pouch in leather. This style holster is attributed to having been sold by London Armoury during WWI to Canadian and British soldiers privately purchase side arms prior to debarking for France. This would be correct for a 'Canadian Contract' or other Government Model 1911 from the WWI era. *Sold*
#CD1047 Private Purchase 1911 Leather Holster
Original WWI era private purchase 1911 holster with integral spare magazine pouch in leather. This style holster is attributed to having been sold by London Armoury during WWI to Canadian and British soldiers privately purchase side arms prior to debarking for France. The makers information for "HARRISON Ltd" is embossed on the belt loop, including their store address "68 Piccadilly" which is still standing under new ownership in London. This would be correct for a Canadian contract, British contract, or other Government Model 1911 from the WWI era. Superlative example, the best we have encountered of this variation showing just light use and perfectly preserved. *Sold*
#CD1037 CEF Medical Officer's Cap
Original WWI Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) Medical Officer's cap worn by Dr. James F. Weir. Untouched and complete in genuine worn condition with only a couple tiny moth nips under the fine leather chinstrap. Very nice original cap with great provenance and more research potential. *Sold*
#BS67 Broad Arrow Stamp
Original WWI British broad arrow stamp. This little stamp is constructed from wood with the stamp itself made of brass to apply the ink. It is nicely maker marked J.U. HALLAM, MANCHESTER and dated 1916, it also has a small broad arrow stamp on it. *Sold*
#BS18 WWI Canadian Wool Blanket
Original WWI Canadian issue wool blanket in mint condition. Constructed of grey wool with appealing red and black stripes and chain stitched C broad arrow. Impossible to upgrade, we have never seen another in this near mint condition. *Sold*
#CD1012 WWI Canadian Ross Rifle or Lee Enfield Leather Sling
Scarce WWI Canadian Ross Rifle or Enfield sling. Still complete with the original leather string. Perfect to complete a nice Ross Rifle or Lee Enfield. Appears to be unit marked as well. Excellent condition, would be nearly impossible to find better. *Sold*
#BS58 Stretcher Bearer Arm Band
Original WWI Canadian Stretcher Bearer armband. The armband has been painted or blanco'd white with ‘SB’ (Stretcher Bearer) stencilled in red over the white paint. This example shows use and lots of patina. *Sold*
#CD1022 CEF Royal Canadian Regiment (VRI) Flashed MK1 Brodie Helmet
Original WWI Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) The Royal Canadian Regiment (The RCR) painted VRI flash infantry MK1 Brodie helmet. The VRI stands for Victoria Regina Imperatrix which is Latin for "Victoria, Queen and Empress". The base helmet has received a period coat of grey camouflage paint, and the stencil painted flash has been period applied consistent with other known original examples in advanced collections and museums. Missing the chinstrap and liner, these could likely be sourced from another donor helmet to be completed. Extremely rare CEF flashed helmet from a desirable unit that will look great in any collection. *Sold*
#BS78 Chloroform Drop Bottle
Original British issue chloroform drop bottle for medics and surgeons, likely WWI but it could be as early as the Boer War period. Nicely marked on the top of the container with broad arrow. Bottle has no contents, it is empty. Excellent condition and very tough to find. *Sold*
#BS150 Canadian ID Bracelet - Sgt Mackie Barr Muirhead
Original WWI Canadian ID bracelet named to Sgt Mackie Barr Muirhead, No. 132143, 4 Bn C.M.G. Sgt Muirhead was from Renfrew, Ontario and attested on 31 August 1915 with the 73rd Battalion, Royal Highlanders of Canada, C.E.F. The 73rd Battalion was awarded the following battle honours, perpetuated by The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada: SOMME 1916, Ancre Heights, ANCRE 1916, ARRAS 1917, VIMY 1917, FRANCE and FLANDERS 1916-1917. Sgt Muirhead was killed in action 29 April 1918, he was likely wearing this bracelet at the time of his death. Sgt Muirhead's Library and Archives Canada file is located here: https://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item/?op=pdf&app=CEF&id=B6464-S001 *Sold*
#BG4 Canadian Cavalry Spurs
Original WWI Canadian Cavalry spurs. Excellent condition vet bring back matching pair. 1915 dated with matching serial numbers, C broad arrows, makers mark and date of 1915. Never cleaned, exactly as found. A very nice pair. *Sold*
#CD1060 Royal Flying Corps, Canada, Grouping
Original WWI Royal Flying Corps, Canada (RFC) grouping. These items relate to the RFC training centres set up in Toronto, Canada and in Texas to train pilots, observers, and air gunners to serve overseas. RFC Canada was permitted to use airfields in Texas to train personnel when the winter weather in Canada became a problem. Many of the recruits for the school in Canada were actually American volunteers, prior to the expansion of their own Air Service after the United States became involved in the war. There is a completed leave pass, a sweetheart pin, and an RFC Texas tug-of-war sterling trophy pin won by a member of 43 wing. Interesting lot of items from Canada's early military aviation history, we have not done any further research but there is potential to research the names on these items. *Sold*
#BS120 Woman Munitions Worker Badge Grouping.
Original WWI grouping of badges for wartime munitions workers. Lot includes Woman Worker of Canada for the Imperial Munitions Board, Munitions Service Canada, and 1915 On War Service badge. Nice lot, all badges show genuine period wear and maker marks on the reverse. *Sold*
#CD1046 Royal Flying Corps Insignia Grouping to an American Pilot
Original WWI Royal Flying Corps (RFC) 43 Wing (Toronto) Grouping to an American Pilot named Gordon Lamont. Lamont had an interesting career and became an RFC flying instructor both in Toronto and in Texas. The grouping includes a spectacular sterling ID bracelet with motif of RFC pilots wing which has his name on the front and the name of his mother and her address in Englewood, New Jersey on the back. Also included is his bronze coloured cap badge, and two different examples of RFC collar badges as well as a gold coloured RFC Sweetheart wing. Before the war Lamont was a news reporter for a newspaper in New York City. Lamont's New York Times Obituary 27 September 1977 "Gordon Lamont, a past president of the Dairy Industry Supply Association who was a vice president and director of Lamont Corliss & Company from 1925 to 1951, died Sunday at his summer home in Darien Conn. Mr. Lamont, who was 83 years old, lived on Jupiter Island, near Hobe Sound in Florida. He was a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy and of Harvard. He became a reporter of The New York Evening Post, served in the Royal Air Force in World War I, and returned to become city editor of the newspaper until 1924. Mr. Lamont was chairman of the recruiting committee of the American Red Cross Blood Donor Service for Greater New York in World War II. In 1956 he headed Agriculture Department missions to Colombia and Thailand. Surviving are his wife, the former Elizabeth Carrington Brown; a son, Richard; a sister, Mrs. Sidney O'Donoghue, and two grandchildren. The funeral will be at 2 P.M. tomorrow in St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Noroton, Conn." There is further research potential. *Sold*