Could you educate me a little-I have never seen "authentic WWI hobnail boots" and would like to know how you can tell that is what they are? The style looks fairly modern to me, so it shows I don't know much about footware.

*************** What follows is sig line************* I collect fine cannon models, full-size antique cannons and artillery accouterments.

What nationality does this collection represent? Maybe an indication that it was American, British, German, etc. we might be able to help better. The nationality affects the value. I have some reference books which might include these (or similar) but have no idea where to start. BTW: Boots like this are still worn in Europe and a note of all markings might help (the photos make the boots appear to be fairly modern).

George E. Keith was in Brockton MA and was in business from late 1800's thru post-WWII era sometime. They certainly could have produced shoes under Quartermaster Corps contract for either World War. I can't tell from the markings anything about the date of manufacture, unfortunately.

*************** What follows is sig line************* I collect fine cannon models, full-size antique cannons and artillery accouterments.

cyber: All info is important at this point. I noticed these are size 8 ("NO. 8") boots. "O.M.C.U.S.A." is probably "Q.M.C. U.S.A." (Quartermaster Corps, United States Army). "SPEC NO. 1257 CONTRACT 233" seems to indicate ca. WWI at this point, a date should be listed in the area - perhaps this is one of the "more numbers and markings". "No.15 M.C.U.S.A." can really mean a number of things at this point. All the writing has to be put into context still. SA is the resident expert for contract info. I'm going to look these up in my library, but it may be a while before I get the answers.

I think I found a pair on a website but it doesn't give a value!

Here is the site:
http://www.oryansroughnecks.org/uniforms.html

They look like the "Field Shoe"

Well your shoe looks very much like the M1917 Field Shoe pictured in the link in post no. 9. I can't pick out any significant differences. The heel cleat and the hobnails look very similar, as does the leather piecing.

Your pair is in remarkable "new" condition for a leather product made during WWI. I hope they wind up in a museum somewhere!

*************** What follows is sig line************* I collect fine cannon models, full-size antique cannons and artillery accouterments.

>trunk full of WWI uniform clothing and gear. I have 2 pairs of pants, 2 jackets, 1 overcoat, 3 pairs of leggings, 1 gas mask, 1 mess kit, 1 pair dogtags, 2 hats, 1 helmet, 1 hood, 1 pouch with ammo, 1 empty small pouch, 1 larger pouch with a metal container (don't know what it is), This sounds like a very attractive grouping to me, especially since the dogtags will identify the original owner. I think you should do a bit of research on the man to identify his unit, its history, etc. I think that would enhance the value of the grouping, since usually an identified "grouping" such as this will sell for more than its parts. Borrow a manikin to wear the items for pictures if possible. I would do a featured auction (worth the extra $20. in this case) and consider putting a modest reserve on it so it isn't outright "stolen" if the serious WWI collectors happen to all be on vacation that week.

*************** What follows is sig line************* I collect fine cannon models, full-size antique cannons and artillery accouterments.

I have no idea what the rest of the stuff looks like, so I can't advise at all on price questions. If the original owner had a colorful history you can find out about, this would be reflected in pricing. What's on the dogtags? Bet someone would track down something based on that if you post it here.

*************** What follows is sig line************* I collect fine cannon models, full-size antique cannons and artillery accouterments.

I don't know what size the boots are but if they are anywhere around 10 they would likely get around 300 to 500.

If they are very small, under 7 you won't get as much interest if they are larger you will get more interest.

Several factors will affect this:

They are authentic period shoes
They are accurately presented as such in a credible manner
The right buyers are looking at the time you offer them

Contrary to what may seem logical some of the items that you think are more desirable in your grouping aren't necessarily more valuable. Footwear gets good money because a lot of it was worn out after the war while the uniform items were hung up in closets or packed up in trunks.

Unless you have an personal interest in researching this type of thing you would probably do just as well making a good presentation of the lot and let words and pictures do their magic, you won't have a lack of enthusiastic bidders.

How does a person find out information regarding the unit or person? I am trying to look online but can't find any info. I have the pictures taken and want to try to list the stuff tomorrow but would like to find that information if I can. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks!
Cheryl
Here is link to the pictures:
http://www.cyberspacecollectibles.net/wwi/wwi.htm

Just looked at other side of the gas mask bag. Apparently Homer R. was part of the gun crew of "Howlin' Tom" the 8-inch howitzer sketched on the bag. I thought the shoes would be the centerpiece of the collection but it is really the gas mask bag with all of the inscriptions on both sides. Good artillery-related groupings are a lot scarcer than infantry, so should bring more money.

I'd hope to see the collection bring somewhere in 4-figures, but I don't have a good guess beyond that. You might want to put something like a $750. reserve on it. I think very few serious bidders would be deterred by the reserve from bidding on this very special collection.

*************** What follows is sig line************* I collect fine cannon models, full-size antique cannons and artillery accouterments.

Thanks again for the info!

I am going to list the boots seperate with obvious reference to that auction number, do you think I should do the gas mask seperate too or put that in with everything else?

Have you ever heard of "Howling Tom" before? I know on the website you listed, it shows a howitzer with the T marking...do you think that is "Howling Tom"? I talked to the site owner and he said that I can put a link to his site on the page. He was able to get some personal information also on Homer that he also said I could include.

Any special "keywords" on my title that I should be sure to include? I am planning to list today or tonight and writing it up now. Have so far:


WORLD WAR 1 WWI DOUGHBOY PERSONAL UNIFORMS-EQUIPMENT +
Many Items- 70th Artillary CAC -All Excellent Condition


What do you think??

Thanks again for all of your help, I so appreciate it!
Cheryl