Pattern 1908 webbing?

[Tony A]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum and after your expert advice. I recently attended the Birmingham Arms fair today and bought a P1908 ebbing set consisting of the frog and the very rare helve straps.

The helve straps are questionable as it doesn't have the popper. Does anyone know if this is a first pattern or why the popper is missing. It definitely hasn't had one. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Tony.

Edited 17 September by Tony A
pictures hadn't posted

[Pete_C]

Hi Tony

Welcome to the Forum.

Unfortunately your helve carrier is a modern copy, and a not very convincing one at that. The best online resource for Pattern 1908 Web Equipment is The Karkee Web where you’ll find detailed information and photographs of genuine equipment. I posted a brief collector’s guide to helve carriers on the Forum some time ago which you might find helpful - link below.

A genuine helve carrier would currently fetch iro £350 to £450, depending on condition and whether blancoed or not - if you’ve been sold this one as a ‘genuine’ example, I’d ask for a refund.

Cheers,

Pete

 

[Tony A]

Hi Pete,

Thanks very much for your answer. Apparently I was told that it's in Graham Priest's book the Sporit of the Pike.

Another website stated that the helve was discontinued and they didn't bother to finish them with the popper? That's why I joined this forum to find out for sure before I paid the chap

Thanks again,

Tony.

[Pete_C]

10 minutes ago, Tony A said:

Hi Pete,

Thanks very much for your answer. Apparently I was told that it's in Graham Priest's book the Sporit of the Pike.

Another website stated that the helve was discontinued and they didn't bother to finish them with the popper? That's why I joined this forum to find out for sure before I paid the chap

Thanks again,

Tony.

It’s not just the absence of the snap fastener that reveals it to be a copy - the overall construction is way off the mark.
I’ve also checked my copy of ‘Spirit of the Pike’ and it doesn’t feature. The book does include an example of the 1930’s pattern of the helve carrier which I believe was a Naval issue only. This pattern was identical in all respects except that the snap fastener was relocated to the rear of the carrier, so would not be visible when worn, maybe leading to some confusion - an example below.

If you haven’t paid for it, no problem - genuine examples do turn up.

All the best,

Pete

 

 

[Tony A]

Hi Pete,

Thanks again for your knowledge, I appreciate it. I'll ring the chap who owns it and return it.

I'd be grateful if you keep your eyes and ears open for an original as it's the one piece that I'm missing!

All the best,

Tony.

[Pete_C]

2 hours ago, Tony A said:

Hi Pete,

Thanks again for your knowledge, I appreciate it. I'll ring the chap who owns it and return it.

I'd be grateful if you keep your eyes and ears open for an original as it's the one piece that I'm missing!

All the best,

Tony.

It’s really just a case of diligently watching online dealers, auctions and eBay - one will turn up. Only last Friday, CS Militaria (no affiliation) listed a very presentable frog and helve carrier, both unblancoed, together with bayonet and helve for £650 - it sold very quickly.

While you’re waiting for one to turn up, my best advice would be to familiarise yourself with the key features of genuine examples - again, the Karkee Web is your best source.
There’s a lot of valuable knowledge on this forum but unfortunately rules preclude members from offering an opinion on any item currently listed for sale - that said, if you spot one for sale and you’re unsure, feel free to PM me via the Forum, I’d be more than happy to help. 

Good luck,

Pete