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.
1876 Officers\' Bullion Cartouche Pouch and Broc
Offered here is another very rare and desirable artifact of the NWMP, the Officer's Cartouche Pouch. This item is another customary piece of equipment worn by the Military, at first designed to carry ammunition, later a more decorative device. The Canadian Militia cavalry were reformed and dressed as Hussars in the 1860s into the early 1870s. As a para military mounted force the NWMP adopted the Hussar uniform as well. Hussars in Britain wore Cartouche Pouches in fancy embroidered bullion thread insignia, usually very lush and expensive. The Hussars were considered the dandies of the Cavalry and dressed to kill. Thus it makes sense that the Mounties would adopt a similar form of dress and its accoutrement. This example shows age wear and a bit of soiling expected of an item over 150 years old, but its is in great condition, the bullion is tight and in good form, the lace is bright and remains in good shape along with the royal blue velvet backing. The leather is supple and in good condition, the flap is firm and opens without the potential for breaking off. The fastener tab is present and works. The side swivel fittings for the belt are original and complete. The brown shoulder belt is in good condition overall, shows age wear, but functional and supple. The gilt buckle set on the belt are in great shape and the tabs ends are not torn and fit the pouch swivel loops. The gilt lace on the belt is come away from the leather in some places, but otherwise tight and lightly soiled or tarnished. This lace is the earlier pattern worn with the early 1876 Hussar style uniform. One of the most attractive pieces of NWMP kit worn by officers and a masterpiece of craftsmanship. An early version of this item in fine condition. A must have for the serious collector.
NWMP Sabretache
Here is a rare opportunity to own an original NWMP sabretache complete, badge and all. An extremely rare and desirable accoutrement with original finish and parts. The bimetal 5" tall badge is stamped, not cast, and mounted on the outer flap of the pouch with the correct brass nuts. The Shaggy buffalo head on the badge is in silver separate to the body and attached to the center of the badge with three pins on the back. Originally this large wallet was a military accoutrement that dates back to the late 18th century. The sabretache was carried by all ranks in the Cavalry. When a soldier sat in his saddle the pouch and sabre would hang on the left side for easy access. The soldiers had plain pouches, and the officer's typically had two patterns, one was ornate, made with bullion thread, the other was plain black leather with a badge. The RCMP were organized as a para military force and adopted the traditions of the cavalry, including this accoutrement. However, the issue of these items was limited to Officers only. The pouch served as a portable office, with maps, orders, paper and pen, it served as a writing board and a file cabinet. Messages would be carried in these pouches by soldiers or officers on dispatch duty. A practical item that could be used by the NWMP as well. Likely a NWMP Officer would carry regulations, pen paper, orders and warrants in these pouches. Here is an opportunity to own one of these rare accoutrements still in excellent condition. The buffalo head still has much of its silver wash, the brass body is undamaged and still retains most of its gilt finish, the four securing posts on the inside of the flap remain with their original washers and nuts in good condition and not tampered with. You can see how the crown is imbedded into the leather finish leaving a distinct foot print in the black lacquer finish of the outer flap, indicating its been there forever. flaps and body in good shape and not tampered with. However, there is a D ring for the hanger missing on the right side, The hanger is still with the pouch and requires a conservationist to reconnect the ring. There is some surface cracking and mild heat blistering, common to blackened leather artifacts stored without proper climate controls. This is the lesser of the issued officers pouches, the earlier pattern have two pockets, this one only has one on the inside as an economy measure. A beautiful object to add to any NWMP collection.
NWMP Dress Sword Belt
Offered here is a beautiful example of a NWMP Sword belt c.1876. Later patterns would be far more ornate, this pattern has two bullion stripes top and bottom on a brown leather belt. The two piece spoon buckle has an outer ring that reads "NW Mounted Police Canada" the locking half of the buckle having an attached badge of the shaggy buffalo head on an all gilt background. These buckles are often numbered on the back, but not all are. There are no numbers on the back of this buckle, but its always been there and it meets all of the criteria of an original belt with the wear and aging you would expect. There is a backing flap behind the body of the buckle to highlight the item and protect the scarlet tunic from the brass. The belt furniture includes three D rings to hang the Sabretache straps and two stitched on, hinged sword straps with stud leather connectors to carry the sword. A handsome belt with all its parts, and a rare accoutrement. See picture of Sam Steele and his staff wearing this belt with the 1902 dress uniform.
NWMP Sabretache Badge
This is the granddaddy of them all. An extremely rare and desirable badge with all the markers of an original piece. The bimetal 5" tall badge is stamped, not cast. The Shaggy buffalo head is in silver and attached to the center with three pins on the back. These marvelous badges were worn on a leather pouch known as a Sabretache, a military accoutrement that dates back to the late 18th century. The sabretache was carried by all ranks in the Cavalry. When a soldier sat in his saddle the pouch and sabre would hang on the left side for easy access. The soldiers had plain pouches, and the officer's typically had two patterns, one was ornate, made with bullion thread, the other was plain black leather with a badge. The RCMP were organized as a para military force and adopted the traditions of the cavalry, including this accoutrement. However, the issue of these items was limited to Officers only. The pouch served as a portable office, with maps, orders, paper and pen, it served as a writing board and a file cabinet. Messages would be carried in these pouches by soldiers or officers on dispatch duty. Likely a NWMP Officer would carry regulations, pen paper, orders and warrants in these pouches. Here is a rare opportunity to own one of these badges in top drawer condition, the buffalo head still has much of its silver wash, the brass body is undamaged, three of the securing posts with their original washers and nuts remain in good condition, with the forth post on the bottom missing.
Governor General\'s Foot Guard Officer Sword c.1
A beautiful period sword for a Foot Guard officer with mint etched blade. The Scabbard has wear and some minor corrosion, with the two hanger rings. The Etched blade has a banner mid point that reads "Governor General of Canada Foot Guards" and the opposing side has the Governor Generals emblem, a Lion with Crown, over the Guard's Star. In the hilt is a star relief between the rails of the hilt, similar in manner to a a hunting horn found on Rifle Regiment swords. A beautiful Canadian sword to one of the top regiments of its day.
NWMP Band Badge c.1897
Offered here is one of the rarest badges in the hobby. Few have seen one, but they did exists and is described in full detail in Klancher's book (page 218; 11-16) on RCMP Insignia. This badge is identical to the one used on the Sabretache in size (5") and design, but is manufactured simply as a single pressed brass badge with screw back anchor bolts and barrel nuts to attach to the pith helmet. They were introduced for wear by the band and were made in small quantities, the band only being 25 or so members. This particular example has its original anchors in place, two with the original nuts. The badge has a slight curvature to form to the front of the helmet and the anchors bend in slightly too to pull the badge to the body of the helmet for the right fit. A very nice patina and the detailing is sharp and crisp. Impossible to copy from the Sabretache due to the buffalo head's lower profile and seamless fit to the body of the badge within the motto belt. A badge for the colector with everything.
1904 Tudor Crown RNWMP Cloth Bullion Badge
This is a very rare puppy, and very desirable. Well worn and showing its age, an honest example of a rare badge.
1860 .44 Cal percussion Army Colt for Civilian Mar
Here we offer a classic firearm of the civil war era and early days of the wild west. Many soldiers or their family members would buy their own hand gun privately on the civilian market before they set off to war. This fact is proven in countless studio portrait photos of the period. Further, as the west opened during the 1860s, these reliable handguns were purchased for self defense by cowboys, lawmen and settlers prior to the introduction of the more reliable cartridge firearms. This civilian pistol has held up well over the years with its original wood grip fitting tight and showing the slightest of wear. The frame, cylinder and barrel are free of pitting or corrosion, with some minor surface dents and scratches, retaining about 60% of its original finish. The action is mechanically functional and tight. The image on the cylinder is still visible and there is some dirt and minor corrosion around the percussion nipples. There are no government marshal inspector marks on this firearm that would indicate it is military issue. It has crisp and clear maker marks on the top of the octagonal 7" barrel "Address Col Sam Colt - New York - US America", with matching serial #182457. The .44 Cal. bore is clear of rust or pitting, with its groves showing minimal wear. A nice example of a classic civil war era antique firearm. (The frame pin has not been removed to check the serial number, these slides are rarely matched to the gun and no guarantee is offered here that it matches the frame or cylinder.)
NWMP Binocular Case/pith helmet Officer Badge c.18
Offered here is a rare opportunity to buy an original and coveted badge to the North West Mounted Police. These rare badges are highly sought after, and are seldom available on the market. This particular example has a beautiful patina and measures about 3" tall. These badges were worn on both the binocular case and the pith helmet by Officers in the field. The only issue with this example is the posts have come off on the back, regardless of this deficiency, it is still a highly desirable badge, but also priced accordingly, a little less expensive than a perfect example.
\"A\" Division Helmet Plate
A rare opportunity to buy a hard to find original badge to "A" Division Officers stationed in Ottawa. On February 1, 1920, the Act to amend the Royal North West Mounted Police Act came into force. The Act changed the name of the RNWMP to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and allowed for the move of RCMP headquarters to Ottawa from Regina. In addition, the Dominion Police was terminated and its roles and responsibilities for federal policing in Eastern Canada were taken over by the RCMP. Special rules were included to allow the former members of the Dominion Police to join the RCMP, if they wished. As the RCMP had no presence in Ottawa, "A" Division was created as a home for those former members who opted to join. From this beginning, "A" Division grew to become the RCMP's division responsible for federal policing duties in the National Capital Region. In 2013, "A" Division was renamed "National" Division. Prior to the Dominion Police amalgamating to form the RCMP, they wore blue uniforms and blue pith helmets of the London Bobby style. When "A" Division was established in 1920 they continued to wear this headdress with a new badge until 1939 when they reverted to RCMP headdress. We now offer for sale this very limited pattern. A fine example with its lugs intact.