1898 Bandolier

[Duane Hansen]

I picked up a 6-pocket Bandolier that is dated 1898 and was mfg by Remington Arms UMC Co. It has all the cardboards in the pouches but no Ammo. Lettering is light but still readable. I plan on selling it but do not have a clue what to ask for it. Any thoughts or ideas?

[Dick Hosmer]

Full ones, with good markings and the safety pin (!) seem to trade in the $120-$150 range, but I have no idea what a faded empty would bring - $35-$50 maybe? I think that Frankford Arsenal ones are probably more desirable.

[Duane Hansen]

Thanks Dick!

[Rick the Librarian]

Dealers Warehouse sold the "loaded" ones with (I believe) 1917-1918 stamps on the bandoleers for about $50-60 some 8=10 years ago. I got one and wish there was a way I could see what is on the cartridges without having to pull off the thread holding them shut.

[Dick Hosmer]

I'd suspect they would be RA 17 or RA 18.

The pockets and webbing were solidly machine-sewn as to their basic construction, but were only 'whipped' closed with a rather thin khaki thread, by hand, stitches are not at all regular - I'd think that a near-perfect restoration would be entirely possible/feasable with most empty ones, expecially if one has all the liners.

[Rick the Librarian]

I've got the "original" one with cartridges but hated to open them for obvious reasons. Hmmmm... maybe my wife who is handy with needle and thread... :)