Original Items: One of a Kind Pair. These are a very novel idea, appearing to be all sheet Copper Boot Warmers with brass caps and loops on the back for carrying and removing from boots. These could also double as screw top canteens, and both are marked on the front by the maker:
ARMY & NAVY
C.S.L
MAKERS
LONDON
The Army Navy Co-operative Stores Ltd., located in Victoria Street, London, were well-known military outfitters, selling everything from firearms to hats. They started operations in the late Victorian Era a co-operative society for military officers and their families to acquire military accoutrements. It continued operation in this manner until the 1930s, when it became a Limited Liability Company.
The “boot warmers” are a matched pair, each measuring approximately 9”W x 7 ¼”H x 2 ¾” W and both named on the top by the cap to:
CAP’T P. CARPENTER R‧F‧C.
Captain Peter Carpenter, M.C. and D.S.O., was an R.F.C. Ace listing 24 Aerial Victories, which included 15 destroyed, 2 shared destroyed, and 7 ‘out of control’. He survived WWI, served on the home guard during WWII, and passed away March 21st. 1971.
Who knows what pick-me-up Captain Carpenter fortified himself with in his open cockpit WW1 aero plane ? Absolutely Charming!
The Royal Flying Corps was Britain’s Air Force’s title during the First World War. It only became known as the “Royal Air Force” on April 1st, 1918, not long before the war ended on November 11th 1918.