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.
72nd Canadian Field Battery cap badge
72nd Battery, Canadian Field Artillery was organized in May 1916 as a draft-giving depot battery. Original badge with one replaced lug.
Inert WWI Grenade and SMLE No 1 Cup Grenade Launch
This \"CUP\" style grenade launcher was designed in WW1 for use with the No.1 Mark III Short Magazine Lee Enfield Rifle, enabling it to launch a \"Mills Bomb\" grenade in an arc trajectory. The rifle was held at a 45° angle and a sliding gas vent on the cup was used for range adjustment - 200yds fully closed, 80 yards fully open. There are no calibrated markings, so it was a rough estimate for anything in between. This can-shaped launcher would be attached to the muzzle of the rifle and a gas check disc was screwed onto the base of the grenade before the grenade was placed in the launcher. The safety pin could then be removed as the launcher cup kept the safety-spoon in place. The operator inserted the blank cartridge into the rifle before setting the stock, angled on the ground to absorb the recoil of the weapon. When the cartridge was fired it pushed the grenade out of the cup releasing the spoon. The cup-type launcher could launch the grenade about 200 yards. Lee-Enfield rifles equipped with the cup launcher were modified with copper wire wrapped around the stock, to prevent the wood from cracking under the increased recoil. Extremely efficient, this style of launcher saw service as long as the S.M.L.E. Rifle did in both wars. Made from heavy blued and painted steel, in very fine overall condition ready to be attached to any SMLE Rifle for display. In good condition, it comes with the grenade, base plate, spoon and pin. A complete example and hard to find. Canadian Customers only due to customs restrictions. The Grenade is inert.
WWI Winter Tam
Not sure if this was an official production item or woven by family back home, but it is a great addition to any WWI headgear collection. Some minor mothing, but overall in great shape and probably a cherished piece of kit by the soldier. Looks smart too.
South African Chocolate Gift Tin
In 1901 Queen Victoria Gifted to the troops a tin of Chocolate for Christmas. There were 3 patterns made, this one shows some wear and is empty.
War of 1812 Militia Officer Sword Belt
A rare item to be found, it has all of its parts and fittings, most of which display a lions head. I would suggest that such a belt would carry the 1803 Light Infantry Blade and would be used by a member of the Voltigeur or the Glengarry Fencibles, or any other units in green. A rare item.
Standard Officers Field Sabretache
Complete, with all parts intact. Some heat damage to the surface, but otherwise great condition. Hard to find without having badges added.
1854 Rucksack (with Repro Y Straps)
The standard issue 1854 Rucksack issued to British Troops in the Crimea and other campaigns of the era. These packs were also standard issued to Canadian Militia in 1856. The black body is sound with some chafing to the surface and a small split in the canvas, it has an internal wood frame, and the missing Y strap has been replaced with a reproduction strap copied from an original. Well marked inside with Broad Arrow and company maker label. Displays well and are hard to find.
Rare RNWMP 1904 Transitional tunic
These Frock Coats with the blue shoulder straps and collar tabs were very crude in their construction. They are a copy of the style worn by British Cavalry units. Often the constables would add material on the collar to prevent chafing from the raw wool construction. This feature is visible on this example. Overall in good condition, a decent size for display, near mint condition, but age is obvious and it has original marked Victorian NWMP buttons with original stitching. Likely buttons were in short supply or the member just preferred the old service title. Not regulation, but definitely all original to the tunic.
43rd Rifle Bn Shoulder Belt Plate
The SBP178 found in Mezeas Book Pg 110, was authorized 1890s. A fine example with all of its lugs. There is a flaw in the enamel finish.
War of 1812 Militia Officer Sword Belt
A rare item to be found, it has all of its parts and fittings, most of which display a lions head. I would suggest that such a belt would carry the 1803 Light Infantry Blade and would be used by a member of the Voltigeur or the Glengarry Fencibles, or any other units in green. A rare item.