Help to ID this Canvas Item

[Dan Martel]

Originally Posted by Jakko Westerbeke

Some sort of section-level item, going by the marking written inside the flap: I make it “No 5 PLN No 3 SEC”? Wouldn’t that kind of rule out a 2-inch mortar, as those were platoon-level issue?

Originally Posted by Jakko Westerbeke

Platoon HQ, AFAIK, for the 2-inch mortar — so “No 5 PLN HQ” would seem more logical then.

In an infantry battalion, No. 5 platoon was the anti-tank platoon which was composed of three 2-gun sections. Each gun detachment had a 2-inch mortar and a Bren gun. HTH.

[rob love]

The leather strip to close the bag is puzzling as is the metal buckle. The British generally used canvas straps and the usual pattern of buckle. I have seen leather used on some artillery associated chests, but not really common on general 37 pattern webbing.

[Chris Suslowicz]

The leather strap fitting looks possibly Canadian, with the riveted fixing and washers. (But it might be a later addition.)

There's "2 WEL." over "R" stamped on the side of the bag that may give a clue to manufacturer or unit (I'd expect manufacturer and stores code to be stamped on the inside if it's UK or Commonwealth webbing.)

Chris.

[rob love]

When it comes to Cdn webbing, aside from the gun chests, I usually only see leather on the pre-WW2 canvas items.



I have an unidentified canvas bag kicking around here that we found abox of NOS out in the local scrapyard. I recall they are WW1 but have no idea what they are....one of the tags mentioned something about armourer. Strange thing was I bought another couple in part of a lot from the recent Australia auction. Once I had it in hand I realized I already had one. I may start a thread on that one.

[Jakko Westerbeke]

Originally Posted by Dan Martel

In an infantry battalion, No. 5 platoon was the anti-tank platoon which was composed of three 2-gun sections. Each gun detachment had a 2-inch mortar and a Bren gun. HTH.

Ah, that way it does make sense. Assuming it is a bag for a 2-inch mortar, anyway

[Ed Storey]

If it was for the 2-Inch Mortar, then why is there not a pocket for the Mortar Wallet which carried all of the required cleaning and maintenance items? BTW, this bag falls under the term 'Ancillaries' as it was not part of the 1937 Pattern Web set.

[Lynn Eades]

You know that if you identify it, it will go up $300.

[rob love]

Mine was just a guess wrt the 2" mortar, but I based it on the cleaning rod and brush pouches on the side. I think the thing to do is perhaps try out a 2" cleaning rod and brush to see if they fit in those holders. If it is smaller than 2", then I am not sure what it could be for. Perhaps a Schermuly line thrower? But since that was a naval item, I am sure there is a nice hardwood chest with polished brass fittings and felt lining for it.

[Dan Martel]

I'm thinking that this canvas piece is a cover rather than a bag or other type of carrier.

One end is open, without any type of closure, while the other is closed like the end of a duffle bag but smaller, and both side pockets open up towards the closed side. Meaning the closed side is the top and the open part is the bottom.

My guess is that it was made to cover something rather than carry something.

Just my 2 pfennings worth.

[Jakko Westerbeke]

The closed end does seem to be the top, because of the orientation of the pockets on both sides. The thing that goes inside must have a circular end, but is also clearly wider than that end (because the bag flares out), while the other end is small enough that the leather strap will fit around it to secure it inside.

But at the same time, it has what seems to be loops for hanging it horizontally off an equipment belt, which probably means it can’t be that much longer than the bag (cover) itself. And a strap to carry it open-end-down over a shoulder.

I can’t think of anything that would need/fit all of this, though