Posted 8 years ago
mikelv85
(1230 items)
Exactly what this is seems to be a bit of a mystery to me. I found it at Savers this morning for five bucks. At first I thought it was a canteen holder or some sort of military case. Then I opened it and it reeked of perfume. So either it is military and re-purposed as a ladies shoulder bag or always was a purse to begin with. It's made of super hard hand stitched chestnut leather with a large heavy brass eagle on the front. The straps are paler in color and the one for the closure look like it's been repaired. Inside there's another strap for holding something in place. The only mark is stamped on the end of the shoulder strap. It reads C & K 1918 B.E.S. Nothing popped up online when I searched the mark. There is a square one on Etsy with the same brass eagle stamped KK & Co. J.M.C. They're saying it's a 1940's WW II or Korean war era military bag but could be reused as a purse. So purse or military case, old or modern is the question here. -Mike-
Here's the link to the square one on Etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/158677992/vintage-leather-military-bagcase-with
To small t be a purse for any woman I've met mike lol. It is very cool it does look military to me.
Mike I googled leather military case the round ones held compasses for the most part. Not sure if yours is but......
Thanks Roy..Ok that's one vote for the military....But it sure smells pretty inside so someone used it as a purse...lol :)
The "2" has me wondering. If military, I wouldn't expect a unit mark for each unit. Other than that, it screams military (maybe too much). How is that for covering all my bases ? LOL !! Chris, Scott, where are you when we need you ?
Looks like an assembled piece.
The brass eagle looks to be from an 1881 dress helmet. Photos are not very detailed, but the eagle doesn't look to have the details of a period piece; so I suspect it is a reproduction cast plate.
Some of the leather looks to have come off of military gear.
I don't know what the maker is trying to create?
scott
Scott, you're as good at covering your r'ass as I am!! LOL !! I'm still trying to understand MY comment !!
Thanks Blunder and Scott I was hoping you guys would weigh in as you really know military better than I do. I agree with you Scott there's such a mix here it's a confusing jumble of old and new. Possible the case was brought home and pieces added to make a souvenir shoulder bag...it's anyone's guess. :)
What is the eagle clutching ?
He has a rifle in each talon Roy..hmmm I didn't noticed that when I bought it. That seems a bit unusual. So does the "2" for that matter. Maybe it's for the 2 rifles ??
The plate is from a M1881 US Army Dress Helmet. The rifles would make it Infantry and the "2" would represent the 2nd Regiment.
The plate looks like a reproduction cast piece as it doesn't show the details of an original.
An online search for "M1881 US Army Dress Helmet" will show many photographic examples.
scott
Thanks Scott ....so it's just some kind of repro piece that probably was used as a pursue by someone. That's kind of what I figured. It was just an impulse buy on the cheap. :)
Mike-- if you can take/ post a close up of the Eagle plate; I'd be happy to look at it again to confirm it is a cast reproduction.
scott
Done and done Scott...You read my mind ! :)
Ugly-- VERY poor quality.
The originals are crisp and made on thin STAMPED brass. Your plate looks to be cast and just doesn't show the details of an authentic piece. Additionally, the number should be a second attached piece vs. an integral part of the casting (like your plate).
Here is an example on here posted by chris:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/166595-u-s-army-model-1881-dress-helmet
scott
Not surprised Scott I think they were going for an old worn surface antique look and the rivets look out of place too. So that means the case is bogus as well and this wasn't just tacked on as a decoration.