2014 Carboot Finds Etc

[garys39]

I thought I would post my finds for this year, from bootsales and local auctions, etc.
I went to my local village auction yesterday and was fortunate to pick up the the following trunk, from an estate clearance, the contents were from a Captain Despaigne 214078. There was stiff competition and bidding for it, but I eventually came through with a £40 bid. From the same estate there was also a Snider Rifle, the lock is marked Tower 1871 (and a crown), but I think it is a private purchase one rather than military issue. Condition is fair, but it appears to have a replacement hammer.

[garys39]

Jackets and trousers are cotton, labels have been removed from the trousers, dated 1944 mosquito net, 1943 US canvas/rubber soled boots, these items make me think far east use ?

[CBH]

Nice find ! Great wedding , almost a total display in a box .
Cheers

[pitfighter]

Cool jungle boots.

[thorne83]

He was with SOE and went to SE Asia late in the war. Here's his obituary:

Obituary: Harry Despaigne - People - News - The Independent


Cheers, Tom

[robin morley]

Hello, I was issued a pair of boots that from your photo's appear identical to yours. The boots were issued to me during a tour of Belize in the mid 80's. I didn't rate them very highly, the sole seperated from the uppers after the first 3 day patrol. After that I reverted back to the good old combat high.

[guns ltd]

great looking finds.


John

[RH1941]

Nice find well worth it

[pitfighter]

What a great story -
Carcasonne is where we spend our holidays, a beautiful part of France, but the only thing I found there was a rusty Lewis magazine -
Your collection is really a treasure to find - are you going to put it on a mannequin?

[garys39]

Thankyou for your replies, it would appear this trunk is from the time when Harry Despaigne was in Force 136 in the Far East. It will make a good display piece at some time in the future. It would be good to find photos of this period and maybe some of Harry himself maybe.
Regards Gary