Sold Gallery
These pages display a number of the rare items that I have had the pleasure of selling. To view more details and a larger photograph please click on the thumbnail picture.
WW1 Period British Pith Helmet with Regimental Fla
In used condition but still looking very nice is this WW1 period example with Regimental flash attatched to the eight fold cloth puggaree. The overall body has taken on a lot of patina and has lost its top cone, the cork crown has been crushed but its kept its shape.The inside liner is complete and supple but stained from use. The WD inspection stamp is clear and the owner has written some of his details to the crown in pencil. His service number is H/47515 and his initials appear to be W.R.M. A quick search brings up Sgt W.R.Mitchel who is entitled to a trio, his service number changed after units emalginated.
WW1 Welsh Regiment Officers Trench Cap.
One of the many types of trench caps worn by British officers during WW1 on the front line. Condition is very used and tired, material is good but some loss of nap to the top and a couple of moth nips, one side has come adrift. The leather chinstrap is complete but one section is broken, still attatched to the Officers bronzed GS buttons. Front bronze officers cap badge is very nice with patina. The inside has lossed its sweatband and some of the liner. As mentioned its a bit tired but still displays nicely and would be a great restoration project. This has been lanquishing in my mates loft for 15 years, he purchased it with the idea of restoring it but he never got round to it, time for a new home.
MKII British Combat Helmet, RA Division Insignia a
Helmet has had a considerable service life with paint lose to the top half of the helmet, plenty of patina and a well used liner. The very rough applied dark green paint has been ''slopped'' over the original factory finish, this over paint was applied over a frontal decal to the Leicstershire Yeomanry, this decal can be made out as the sloppy over paint has not adhered propley to the area. To the side is a nice thick painted RA Div sign. The helmet is dated 1938 or 39, the liner has its top pad adrift and held in by a wire, i cannot find a date or makers mark.
1942 Dated Indian Military Shirt.
Appears to be in unissued condition with no damage, good large size, all buttons present and a clear 42 date stamped to the inside neck area.
Allied Burma Campaign Monsoon Cape.
In good condition with no holes or loose stitching, both internal straps are present, some staining to the material, date and size stamping to the inside,date appears to be 1943 or 45. Quite a scarse item to find. Missing 3 buttons to the front, well 2 and a half actually.
WW1 Military Ephemera, 1915 Dated Letter, South St
Here is a really interesting letter sent by private Gamson whilst training with the South Staffs Regiment in Saffron Walden to a girl he's ''walking out'' with. In the letter he illustrates a fashionable cap being worn by ladies during the time and sends along a spare cap badge for his sweetheart to wear. The cap badge is in perfect condition being wrapped in tissue for over a hundred years and looks like it would have being brand new at the time and without any polish being applied. Also found was a flattened cigarette and in his letter he mentions sending her a ciggy with each letter. It would appear a Military biscuit was sent, this i didnt find. The rest of the letter also has some intersting insights of the time. Gamson served in France in 1915 before being invalided out with fever, he latter married the lady in question.
WW1 French Renault ''FT'' Table Model/ Souvenir In
A very nice detailed pot metal model of a Renault tank rising above a German trench. The top turret swivels, the only damage i can see on the tank is a split to one of the tracks. The model is signed by the artist and has a small plaque to the side with the words ''VIMEY''. The French tankers helmet that covers the inkwell has come adrift but in my opinion will be an easy fix.
WW1 M15 French Combat Helmet. Adrian.
Nice condition with over 85% of its original finish to the outside, one minor knock to the right side, front badge is the period example. Inside shell with nearly all its finish with the inside crown having that ''flat'' colour as expected. The liner is supple and the string tie never opened from what i can see so not going to have a look for marks to the inside. Chinstrap complete and supple. Untouched WW1 lid.
Mills Web Equipment Khaki Cleaner No.700.
Well this is a new one to me, ive never come across an example myself and id say its a great display item with any Mills webbing collection. Condition is very nice with all its paper label intact, from the weight id say its full but i have no intention of trying to loosen the top screw to sprinkle any of the powder inside, sorry but i cant see a need too myself. Anyway as mentioned its a nice item.
1941 Kreigsweihnachten Plate, Quimper.
A very nice ceramic plate produced by the Dutch firm Quimper to sell as a 1941 Christmas souvenir to Occupying German forces. Condition is very good with no chips or cracks. Dinner plate size.