MK 1 1903 Pattern Bandolier 1904 dated Extremely Rare

Extremely Rare - MK1, 1903 Pattern Bandolier - dated 1904. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a Very Rare 1st pattern Bandolier. For those of you that are knowledgeable on WW1 equipment, you will know that it is almost impossible these days to find a MK1 Bandolier in any condition, let alone one that is as close to perfect and all complete! The MK1 Bandolier was very short lived and was only in production for less than 3 years.

Production commenced in 1903 and continued into 1905 before being replaced by the MK2. Whilst the MK1 and MK2 look very similar, The MK1 can be easily identified by the elaborate one - piece brass buckle configuration as can be seen on the photos. This was deemed to be very elaborate and far too costly to produce and hence, in 1905 it was replaced by the MK2 with a cheaper buckle configuration. The bandolier is in excellent all round condition. The early oxblood colour leather is in perfect supple condition with no repairs. All brass studs and buckles are complete and in full working order.

Manufacturers stamping HEPBURN GALE & ROSS LTD can clearly be seen along with the date of 1904. The MK1 Bandolier was worn alongside the MK2 throughout the duration of WW1 by the Army Service Corps, Royal Field Artillery and other mounted units and represents an iconic vision of the WW1 Tommy. A beautiful untouched and Very Rare, piece of WW1 Army equipment, seldom encountered these days.

This Bandolier came from a grouping of other items which are also listed including a WW1 ASC Trench Cap, early 03 pattern belt and 1916 Mounted troops side pack so please view my other items. Low starting price and no reserve. The item "MK 1 1903 Pattern Bandolier 1904 dated Extremely Rare" is in sale since Sunday, September 19, 2021. This item is in the category "Collectables\Militaria\World War I (1914-1918)\Field Gear". The seller is "tangomario1987" and is located in chester. This item can be shipped to United Kingdom, Antigua and barbuda, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Australia, United States, Bahrain, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, China, Israel, Hong Kong, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Bangladesh, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Barbados, Brunei darussalam, Cayman islands, Dominica, Egypt, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Grenada, French guiana, Iceland, Jersey, Jordan, Cambodia, Saint kitts and nevis, Saint lucia, Liechtenstein, Sri lanka, Macao, Monaco, Maldives, Montserrat, Martinique, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Reunion, Turks and caicos islands, Aruba, Saudi arabia, South africa, United arab emirates, Ukraine, Chile, Bahamas, Colombia, Costa rica, Dominican republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Kuwait, Panama, Qatar, El salvador, Trinidad and tobago, Uruguay.

Modified Item: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
Country/ Organization: Great Britain
Issued/ Not-Issued: Issued
Theme: Militaria
Type: Field Gear
Conflict: World War I (1914-1918)
Clothing Type: Helmets/ Hats
Service: Army
Era: 1914-1945