Original American, British, French, German WWI – Cold War Era Military Equipment – Lot of 5 Items Original Items

Original Items: Only One Lot of 5 Available. This is a very nice assortment of items spanning from Imperial Germany in WWI up to Cold War Era Royal British Army. All items come more than ready to be displayed and could even been some items you need to complete displays!
 
The Items Included:
 
– German WWI Military Bugle Bearing Prussian Crest (Battlefield Pickup): This is an absolutely beautiful German Military brass bugle. Showing use it bears substantial dents with some scrapes, as well as field repairs, but is absolutely authentic. It comes complete with a replacement mouthpiece and two suspension rings and with a pleasant tarnished finish overall. The Prussian Arms in an Oval shield displays a Spread Eagle wearing a Crown with F.R. to center. The eagle carrying a Sword and a Scepter in either claw.
 
– British WWI Era Officers’ Sword Knot ( 70”): This is a wonderful golf gilt bullion British officers’ sword tassel/knot. The patina present now shows the once gold color now as a beautiful brass color. The “knot” is in fact a loop of leather or other material secured to the sword hilt. Before an engagement the swordsman wraps the loop around his wrist to prevent loss of the sword should he need to relax his grip (to control his horse, for example) or if the weapon is struck from his grasp. From these utilitarian origins, the sword knot has gradually evolved into its ornamental and distinctive form of today.
 
– French WWI Binoculars With Case: This is a lovely set of WWI era French binoculars. They are marked as “MG” which is consistent with the markings on other WWI French binoculars of the time and were usually manufactured in Paris. The lenses are clear and almost all of the black paint and original finish has been retained. Also included is a beautiful hard leather case with red velvet lining and carrying strap.
 
– American WWI British Pattern Sam Browne Belt: The Sam Browne belt is a wide belt, usually leather, supported by a narrower strap passing diagonally over the right shoulder. It is most often a part of a military, para-military or police uniform.
 
During World War I, the Sam Browne Belt was approved by General Pershing, commander of the AEF, for wear by American officers as a rank distinction. However, the Army as a whole did not immediately approve its use. MPs were positioned at stateside docks and confiscated them from returning officers. The United States Army mandated the Sam Browne belt for overseas soldiers in 1918 under the name “Liberty belt” and for all service members in 1921, this time under the internationally accepted name “Sam Browne belt”. It was a standard part of the uniform between World War I and World War II. It was limited in use in 1940 when the Army abandoned sabers and replaced it with a cloth waist belt that was sewn to the officer’s jacket.
 
This example still has markings visible on the inside:
RALPH W. STENZEL
HOUSTON, TEXAS
1662  FULL  GRAIN  COWHIDE  42
The condition is excellent with all buckles and snaps in working condition.
 
– British 1980 Dated British Grenadier Guards Belt & Buckle: The Grenadier Guards is an infantry regiment of the British Army. It can trace its lineage back to 1656 when Lord Wentworth’s Regiment was raised in Bruges to protect the exiled Charles II. In 1665, this regiment was combined with John Russell’s Regiment of Guards to form the current regiment, known as the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards. Since then, the regiment has filled both a ceremonial and protective role as well as an operational one.
 
During the First World War, the Grenadier Guards was expanded from three battalions to five, of which four served on the Western Front, while later during the Second World War, six battalions were raised, and several were converted to an armored role as part of the Guards Armored Division. These units fought in France, North-West Europe, North Africa and Italy.
 
After the Second World War the regiment was reduced first to three battalions, then to two, and finally to one battalion in the mid-1990s. Major deployments during this time have included operations in Palestine, Malaya, Cyprus, Northern Ireland, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq.
 
This white buff leather waist belt features the regimental brass buckle. The buckle itself is in fair condition, easily discernible but does have some bends in it. The back of the buckle has Furmin & Sons / London stamped into it and SLG 1980 etched by hand, presumably the wearer of the belt.
 
All items are in wonderful condition to be displayed or to finish displays!