DB-04 Antique British Canadian Pattern of 1888 Bandolier .303 Boer War WWI

Description

It is my goal to accurately represent the item you are bidding on. The photos should include every surface and a variety of angles. Specific notable flaws will be shown in specific photos. I try to accurately describe flaws so there are no surprises when you open the box at home. Please look carefully at the photos and contact me with questions BEFORE bidding.
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You are bidding on an Antique British Canadian Pattern of 1888 Bandolier for .303. You rarely ever see this bandolier come up for auction or sale, much less the Canadian version.
The ammunition in the photos is NOT INCLUDED IN THE AUCTION.
A bit of history. When the British adopted the .303 round in 1888 they needed a bandolier to take the place of the 1882 version produced for the .577-450 Martini-Henry. The easy solution was to adjust the loop size on the 1882 model. The resulting bandolier was officially produced for the British forces from 1888-1903. The introduction of the SMLE rifle and its 5 round stripper clips created the need for an entirely new bandolier design.
But this tried and true piece of equipment was manufactured in the British Possessions for at least another 10 years. Many troops still carried single shot .303 Martini-Henry rifles. In this case you are looking at a bandolier manufactured in Ottawa, Ontario in 1913. The name of the manufacture is too worn to read. If you can decipher it from the photos please let me know. The standard "arrow in circle" acceptance mark is very clear.
What I have done is REPAIR, not restore, some age and wear related damage. As you see in the photos I have NOT used dye, polish or any other method to match the aged colors of the bandolier. The 2 serious problems were a tear at the buckle and a torn latch-down flap. I made a new flap and replaced the old (piece is included in auction) The buckle repair required the use of an overlapping splice of new leather. I handled the repair so it is not obvious from the outer surface of the bandolier.
The other general repair is the restitching of about 1/3 of the cartridge loops. As you can see the loops will hold ammo but I expect that some of the original stitching will separate if you try to fill the entire bandolier. If you choose, I can replace the remaining old thread in the loops prior to shipping for an additional US . Let me know before you pay so we can work it into the invoice.
In all cases you can darken up the repaired areas to match the existing look. That is not for me to do. I sell with 100% disclosure and without irreversible alterations.
I treated some sections with Mink Oil to increase flexibility and reduce future cracking. The backside ONLY of the belt was oiled. I did not want to impact the color on the front or on the loops. The outer surfaces of the flap covers and the latch flaps were oiled. These surfaces were already darkened from age, exposure and the original thin leather used at the time of manufacture.
The general condition of the bandolier varies. It is obvious that the soldier who used this rarely ever opened some of the flaps. You can see the substantial differences in wear, color and surface damage to the tanned surfaces. Given the age and the obvious hard use in service this piece is in remarkable condition. Far from perfect, but then, it is also one of the very few that even exists in anything close to this condition.
Bid early, bid often, bid wildly.
This item will be shipped with tracking and insurance.
Please be sure to view my other items.
I WILL combine shipping for multiple items. Please contact me once bidding has ended for all of the items you have won.