TOPIC:

Indeed it is a very nice example! It is quite interesting that leather can age in such different ways, like my "bandolier" turning black. It is probably something to do with the tanning process during manufacture.

The buckles are quite similar, in both appearance and construction, but the main feature of a roller buckle which differentiates it's design from more conventional buckles is the roller, made of a thin rolled sheet of metal, encountered on the front of the buckle to allow for easier adjustment. Most bandoliers of the time period had claw type buckles, such as your fine example.

Thank you:

J.I.W

Sturgy wrote: Hi Neville,

I have one to Power and Son made in 1901 to a regimental number 5808.

Shaun,

I think a good contender for the owner of your bandolier might be 5808 Trooper Charles William Kent, 42nd (Hertfordshire) Company, 12th Bn. I.Y.
In terms of the Yeomanry, the four digit sequence starting with 58 is unique to that Company. Of course, it could also be Cavalry or Mounted Infantry.

I have a similar example named to a trooper in the 32nd Company (32902 Tpr J.E. Sumner) which has stamped maker's mark: "J.A. BARNSBY, WALSALL, 1901".

Neville




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Hi Neville,

Thanks so much for that; I never thought that I may be able to identify the individual for the bandolier but now I have 3 possibilities. Excluding all soldiers these are the only hits for MI or Cavalry:







Courtesy of Fold3.

If I can find out who Power & Sons supplied to then I may be able to identify the recipient.

Thanks.

Regards,
Shaun

One more possibility:

5808 Private J. Coleshaw, No 3 Company, 20th Bn Mounted Infantry (1st Bn Yorks L.I., M.I. Coy).

I have just had a quick look at Tpr Kent's records. Unless he was issued with a replacement in South Africa, his service dates now seem to exclude him as the owner of your 1901-dated bandolier (S. Africa: 3 May 1900 to 8 Jun 1901).




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Hi Neville,

Thanks again; I missed that possibility on Fold3. I agree with you that it’s unlikely that the bandolier belonged to Tpr Kent.

Just one more question if you don’t mind.

For the leather items in your collection is there any recommended products to help preserve them?

Or will any leather care product do?

Thanks.

Regards,
Shaun

Shaun,

Not a question I am qualified to answer.

Personally, I now leave well alone, but that is partially due to the disastrous results of using saddle soap when I was starting out. Any product with water in it actually dries the leather out.

I have been told that a light leather food is the best option, but used very sparingly.

If you find a better answer, I would be interested to know. The Leather Conservation Centre in Northampton (born out of the city's famous shoe industry) might be a good place to start.

The bandolier pictured above was purchased in the late 80s and hasn't come into contact with any product during my ownership. It is as supple as when I acquired it.

Neville

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