Wow, something actually for sale. But don’t ask me about it, I’m too busy to ship anything.
NOTE: These boots, shoes and gaiters are being offered as historic collectibles and I do not recommend that these be worn. I cannot guarantee that these endure use in re-enactments or other living history events. In addition, I cannot guarantee exact sizes, and going forward I can only give rough size estimates. Due to numerous boots and shoes being returned I will not attempt to measure these for fit, and unfortunately I cannot accept returns because the boots or shoes did not fit you.
Japanese World War II Officer’s Gaiters
While many Japanese officers preferred full boots many opted for shoes and leather gaiters. Here is an early World War II set that is in truly beautiful condition apart some wear to the leather on the inside where the loops close. These came out of an old collection and likely were used in the invasion of China in 1937 and then saved after the war. Examples like this are increasingly hard to come by. It is reasonably priced.
Price: $25 plus shipping
(Click images below for closer view)
American World War I Canvas Leggings/Gaiters
Here is a pair of World War I or interwar canvas leggings. These were likely an officer or NCO item. These show a bit of wear but would be ideal to complete a uniform display. These came out of an old collection and are the real deal.
Price: $10 plus shipping
(Click images below for closer view)
American World War I Canvas Officer Leggings
This American version of the shin protectors – sometimes called gaiters or leggings – is made of canvas and was an alternative version to the far more common leather ones. These canvas ones were only issued at the tail end of World War I and are thus fairly uncommon. This is the first set I’ve seen in quite some time.
These were clearly used, as there is a name written inside – Dewitt T. Brake of the Ambulance Company of Camp Lee Virginia. There is some wear with minor fraying to the edges and some scuffs but given that these are nearly 100 years old they are in excellent condition.
Price: $25 plus shipping
(Click images below for closer view)
British World War I Officer Leather “Gaiters”
Sometimes called “leggings” or “gaiters” these shin guards were worn over ankle high shoes or short boots, and were an alternative to tall officer boots.
These were popular with British and American officers in the trenches of World War I. This pair is in good shape apart from the fact that these have been stored flat. The leather is still flexible enough that the boots could be reshaped for wear or display. These are likely 100 years old, but are free of cracks or tears.
Price: $15 plus shipping
(Click images below for closer view)
