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.
WWI 13th Bn Sporran
Offered is a 13th Bn sporran with all of its parts intact and in good condition, with some minor storage damage to the black leather cantle.
Cabasset Helmet C.1600
The early French and English North American settlers wore armour typical of the era of the 15th century. Most armour was made in Italy, Germany, Austria and some in the Netherlands, France and to some degree England for local use. Much of the armour in England during the civil war was purchased from the continent, the Parliamentarian forces were mainly equipped by the Tower. The cabasset helmet was a common favorite and was widely used by the common soldier to protect the head from blows from swords, and other implements of war. The Italians made thousands for the arms market. Examples have been found in archeological digs in places like Jamestown. Offered here is a typical munition grade helmet with all of the standard features expected of such an example of period armour. This model is typical of Italian style and retains all of its rivets, and the construction seams are classic for the period. The hole drilled in the back rim is typical of these helmet patterns and is often thought to have been for a rope carry loop for long marches or a hook for storage. A nice example.
Other Ranks 1869 Rifle Regiment Shako
Offered is a very rare 1869 other ranks shako to the 65th Bn Les Carabiniers from Montreal. These shako were worn well into the early 20th century, however, this example is Victorian period. The shako has the 65th brass cap badge, its blackening all but gone, the green horse hair plume and blackened chin scale are included. All hardware is present, but the finial at the base of the plume is missing. The liner is all present with some wear. There is some mothing on the surface exterior on the right side and back of the shako with some small holes. The green cloth is still dark green with some tracking that appears lighter in colour due to loss of surface material and the red and black tresse has a worn spots at the rear. These shako are extremely rare, but this example is priced according to its condition. There is no doubt of its age and its originality. The 65th later became the Fusiliers Mont-Royal.
38th Rifle Bn Wedge Cap c.1890s
A nice example of the green wedge cap worn by Rifle regiments with its regimental distinctions. It has the 38th Bn Victorian cap badge and the red piping of that regiment along with the red scarlet cloth button with a bugle device in silver centered with brass Victorian crown buttons. It still retains its original leather chin strap and the liner is complete. No mothing noted. A nice cap.
10th Grenadier Officer Forage Cap c.1881
A good example of the 1881 pattern forage cap for officers of the 10th Bn of Toronto. The Regimental bullion embroidered badge adorns the front of the royal blue cap with a scarlet band wrapped around the sides and a stiff leather peak with a bullion trim. The cloth shows some mothing on the sides but not the front. The interior headband and silk liner remains intact with the Toronto maker label. The crown adorned with an embroidered wood button with lace décor. A very desirable cap, having many illustrations of this pattern in use in the NW Rebellion. These were in use to about 1907.
WWII Canadian Boots Dated 1945
A nice well worn example of WWII boots. No hob nails. Some wear to the sole, well marked inside. Harder to find these days.
WWI 13th Bn Sporran
Offered is a 13th Bn sporran with all of its parts intact and in good condition, with some minor storage damage to the black leather cantle.
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.