Multiple Eras Coldstream Guards: Share Any Original Militaria

[GCCE1854]

Starting a thread for everyone to share any photos/finds of all types of militaria from the Coldstream Guards. This can include everything and anything that was used by a Coldstream Guard -- uniforms, helmets, caps, badges, buttons, letters, medals, weapons, etc. 

 

It's always so much nicer to see some real items when researching, so let's share some photos (from your own collection or anything you can find).

 

To start off with, here are some really great photos of a Coat. This was only listed as "Early Genuine British Coldstream Guards Dress Uniform with Belt" - no year given. I'm not experienced enough to date it, but these are some great photos!

This coat was sold for $200.00 at Worthington Galleries (Gallatin, TN) on 19 May 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[GCCE1854]

A beautiful set of medals belonging to Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Armytage of the Coldstream Guards. His four-clasp Crimea Medal, French Legion of Honour, Turkish Order of Medjidie and a British-issued Turkish Crimea Medal. These were auctioned in 2012 and appear to have gone to a private collection.

 

[GCCE1854]

Here's a pair of leather ankle boots that are marked "Coldstream Guards, 1856". They're listed as worn and polished fairly dark brown. This style of half boots was adopted by British Infantry (rather than the previously worn shoes) in 1823 -- at which time they were not made with a left and right foot design. The wearer was supposed to alternate which boot was worn on which foot, in order to spread wear evenly. Another interesting fact was that they came without lace holes, and the wearer made the holes himself in order to put the laces in a comfortable position for his build. It wasn't until 1850 that the boots were made on specific shoe lasts to give a right and left foot, as seen on this pair, which is part of the collection at the National Army Museum.

 

 

[GCCE1854]

Been doing some looking at Pith Helmets lately and came across this beautiful Coldstream Guards example that I thought I'd share. 

[Proud Kraut]

I do not have any CG militaria but I do admire how the British Army maintains military traditions. Thanks for sharing some fantastic militaria from the oldest British Regiment!

[Jack the Collector]

A dealer in London I have dealt with before has a sword on eBay for sale.His description follows.

Coldstream Guards Officers sword, with Henry Wilkinson blade numbered 6121= 1855 to the back of the blade and with Battle Honors Waterloo, Peninsula, Barrosa, Talavera, Egypt, Lincelles and Alma, Inkermann, with Royal Cipher. Is housed in original steel scabbard with number 6121. 

Blade length is 86 cm. Overall length is 101 cm. 

 

If you can't find it I can message you the link.

[GCCE1854]

@Jack the Collector Thanks for pointing to that. I was able to find it. Here's the link as well as some of the photos. Some collector out there is going to end up with a real beauty!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/233595157461?hash=item36635b3bd5:g:CCEAAOSwg~lexuB5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[GCCE1854]

I just realized that this thread has been going for awhile -- without a post about the Coldstream Guards' iconic Bearskin Helmet. I have it on authority from several acquaintances who have served in regiments with helmets like these that they are a lot more comfortable than they look! Regardless of comfort, they do look impressive.

This is a nice example that sold a bit ago. It's not dated, but I'm sure that someone who knows more about this could tell the era by the shot of the inside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[GCCE1854]

This fantastic photo really shows off the colours of the Coldstream uniform -- even if it does only date from the 1990s (much newer than my usual posts)! This belonged to Colour Sergeant B. Crook who served in 1991.

 

[SFC]

[GCCE1854]

A nice example of an older undated (and without hallmark) swagger stick with a beautiful silver top featuring the Coldstream Guard insignia. This sold on eBay recently. The stick had no identifying marks on it at all, but it's a real beauty!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Gunner87]

28 minutes ago, GCCE1854 said:

A nice example of an older undated (and without hallmark) swagger stick with a beautiful silver top featuring the Coldstream Guard insignia. This sold on eBay recently. The stick had no identifying marks on it at all, but it's a real beauty!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wonderful. My Drill Sergeant Major (DSM) in training was a Coldstream Guard and, despite striking fear into every Junior Gunner, who he would watch like a hawk from 'his' parade square, was a highly talented and skilled drill instructor.

 

This wonderful photograph is the DSM in full regalia, in company with the Commanding Officer, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Artillery, a Captain from the Royal Artillery and the Regimental Sergeant Major, on our passing out parade. 

 

Should it be of any interest I have also attached a short clip for the parade which highlights the standard of drill taught by CG DSM.