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LARGE AND UNIQUE COLLECTION OF A WW1 US MODEL

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 1,400.00 USD
LARGE AND UNIQUE COLLECTION OF A WW1  US MODEL

1917 EDDYSTONE BOLT ACTION RIFLE
WITH RELATED MILITARIA , MAPS AND PAPERS.
This collection of militaria, maps, and papers belonging to Major James Doolittle is wonderful opportunity to study a little known aspect of America's role in WW1. A portion of the papers and ephemera deal with the use and types of motorized track laying tractors to transport artillery. Major Doolittle served in the training school at Headquarters and Training Center, Tractor Artillery No. 1, American Expeditionary Force. Mechanization of the military saw great advances during WW1 and great advantages were seen for the replacement of draft horses with motorized trucks and tractors. The tractors mentioned are rated in tons and include brands like Holt, Chalmers, Federal, and Reo. The papers also deal with the promotion of Captain Doolittle to the rank of Major on May 6th 1919 and his request to return home for business reasons as the war was over and by then Major Doolittle saw little reason for his retention in the Army. However the Army saw things in a different light and Major Doolittle was retained in service.
EDDYSTONE MODEL 1917 RIFLE. Cal. 30-06. S# 775145. Bbl. 26". Marked behind front sight E “Flaming Bomb” 6-18. Ladder rear sight, graduated to 1600 yards. Blade front sight w/ protective ears. Receiver marked on left rail w/ “ordnance bomb” and “eagle acceptance mark. Bolt and bolt stop are marked “E”. Stacking swivel and screw are not present. Unmarked walnut stock set w/ trap buttplate. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 1) MAPS: there are four maps: The 1st is a French army map of Verdun, dated August 12 1918. The legend portion has been removed but leaves an attractive though well worn map. / 2nd and 3rd are two colored maps measuring approx. 26" x 36" with a scale of 1/250000. One is North-East France and one is Eastern France. These maps have been folded and have small edge tears but remain fully legible. / The 4th map is a RAND-McNALLY new Official Railroad Map of the United States and Southern Canada as well as railways. Map also shows the then new major highways, such as the Atlantic, Lincoln and Transcontinental. This well worn map with folding and tearing measures approx. 29" x 39".
2) TWO FRENCH LEBEL BAYONETS: converted to trench knives. 9 1/2" Quadrangular blades. One brass and one alloy handle. CONDITION: knives have heavy wear, dents and scratches. Steel parts turning gray and patina. Alloy handle version is missing retaining screw.
3) GERMAN MILITARY FIELD TELEPHONE HANDSET: unmarked handset is complete with cord plugs and leather covered voice director. CONDITION: moderate wear, scuffing and flaking paint.
4) HANDBOOK - INFANTRY DRILL REGULATIONS UNITED STATES ARMY 1911: corrected to 1917. CONDITION: well worn with staining and small tears but generally legible.
5) SPURS: 1 pair of US cavalry spurs marked "U.S." & "W.L." complete with chains and leather straps. CONDITION: spurs have moderate wear but appear serviceable.
6) GAS MASK: U.S. Gas Mask Model 1917 SBR. Complete with face mask, canister, instruction card and carrier I’D to then Captain Doolittle. CONDITION: mask appears complete with moderate wear and staining. Flexible parts are hardened and brittle from age.
7) MAP CASES: two brown leather map cases with shoulder straps I'D to Captain Doolittle. CONDITION: cases have wear, flexing and scuffing, but appear serviceable.
8) RIDING BOOTS: one pair of Unmarked russet leather riding boots approximately 18" tall. CONDITION: boots have wear flexing, scuffing and staining. Rawhide laces in poor condition.
9) BELT: "SAM BROWN" russet leather belt w/ shoulder strap. Unmarked belt has brass hardware. CONDITION: belt has age stiffening, wear and staining.
10) BELTS AND STRAPS: four russet leather belts and straps. One has soldiers names in ink. CONDITION: most have wear and scuffing, but appear serviceable.
11) TRAPPINGS: five pieces of US(R) collar insignia and two brass snaps.
12) POUCH: one unmarked OD green canvas pouch in fair condition.
RIFLE CONDITION: stock has moderate wear, staining and handling marks with an Arsenal rework finish. Buttstock has cracks behind receiver tang and on the right side over magazine. Arsenal rework metal finish with wear and handling marks and remnants of dried grease coating. Bore turning dark with well worn lands. (22-4431/RW). CURIO. $1,200-1,400.