Pristine WWI 1917 US Army M1910 Field Gear 5th Division 19th Field Artillery
Magnificent, exceptionally complete World War I U. Army 5th Division 19th Field Artillery Infantryman's field gear grouping dating precisely to late 1917. This collection represents a spectacular, untouched "time capsule" of doughboy equipment, meticulously preserved and in flawless vintage condition. PROVENANCE/LOCAL HISTORY This spectacular, untouched WWI grouping was discovered in the lower level of the 2 level basement of the historic Tom's Music House in Concordia, Kansas (originally founded in 1946 by Tom Hughes). The storefront was later operated for over 50 years by passionate local preservationist and civic leader Paul Rimovsky.
Because it sat in dark, dry, climate-protected storage for decades, the collection is in a rare, museum-grade state of preservation. This master historical lot includes: M1911 Campaign Hat ("Montana Peak"): Features a highly legible, crisp factory/contract inspector ink stamp on the interior leather sweatband dated precisely to November 26, 1917.Complete with original cord and tassels. WWI City of Salina, Kansas Welcome Home Medal: A highly collectible, rare bronze regional service medal presented to returning local veterans. Includes its original backing piece. WWI European Souvenir Emergency Currency Sheet: An authentic period display document featuring several pieces of taped trench currency collected overseas, including an early French Chamber of Commerce 1 Franc note, an Ottoman Empire 5 Piastre note, and German wartime loans banknotes.
Two (2) M1910 Infantry Cartridge Ammunition Belts: Complete 6-pocket web belt configurations. Remarkably clean canvas stenciled with factory production batch markings (LOT-D-408). Vintage Metal Stripper Clips: Includes a total of 25 original metal 5-round stripper clips complete with inert, deactivated vintage "display" shells housed securely within the pockets, plus 1 loose clip with a few additional loose inert "display" components. = If you know what I mean.Message me and I will happily send more photos!!! M1910 Canvas Infantry Haversack Backpack & M1 Spare Barrel Bag: The standard-issue pack featuring the bold, clear U. Stencil and matching long canvas spare barrel carrier sleeve.
Doughboy Personal Effects Field Kit: Includes an original canvas roll-up "Housewife" sewing kit packed with large uniform buttons, safety pins, and original Star Bobbin Style A thread bobbins. Also includes part of the shaving kit, missing the handle for the razor, a hard-rubber grooming comb with its sleeve, a trench mirror with its sleeve as well, and a vintage military-issue cotton field bandage/handkerchief. Accessories Grouping: Features two original leather utility/rifle sling straps, a vintage military sweetheart pin, and an original brass U. Condition: Items are in phenomenal, top-tier vintage condition. Fabric and canvas retain strong structural integrity with beautiful, unfaded color.
The leather hat sweatband shows expected age-related dryness but remains incredibly legible. All hardware and small personal gear components are exceptionally clean.
Please review all photos for exact details. And please message me #7. If you would like to see photos of "inert ""display"" shells"!