'08 Pattern Webbing Opportunity

[arkwright]

I thought I'd flag this eBay listing up.

cgi.ebay.co.uk/Genuine-WWI-British-1908-Webbing-set-1918_W0QQitemZ140345765609QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectables_Militaria_LE?hash=item20ad426ee9&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

The seller is a Stephen Petroni from Malta. I spotted his first similar listing some weeks ago and went on to buy myself one of his large sized webbing belts, braces & ET cover. The kit is genuine ME co stamped and dated 1919. The transaction went through without a hitch & I mentioned him to a few contacts. I understand the GWS are engaged in purchasing a serious quantity from him. I can confirm the kit he has come across is in excellent unissued condition with moderate tarnishing of the brass work as might be expected. Having formed the opinion I'd never get a good condition large belt, let alone one in mint condition (some 80 years after they were made), this trader dispelled those fears and completely satisfied me. Finds like these surely can't crop up many more time?
Dave Upton

[oldcontemptible]

How much is he selling full sets for David?

[arkwright]

Unfortunately he does'nt have 'full sets' to offer, ie: no ammo pouches in particular. I understand he's only got what you see in the eBay listing; waist belts, cross straps and ET covers. The unusual thing is the quantity & condition as already explained. Apparently this lot has been in store somewhere in Malta since it was laid down, and from the date stamps, could have been around 1919. When I spotted his first listing some months ago, the ad was for a belt but it didn't specify what size it was, so I sent him a question. To my surprise he asked me what size did I want, because he had lots! He confirmed he had a number of Large one's so I asked for a picture. Good job really as the picture he sent me was of one of those special issue type, with the 1" buckles on the inside of the belt. He hadn't noticed the difference at that time so sent me another picture of a standard large belt (see attachment). Although his listing was open to offers, he told me I could have belt & matching braces (all date stamped) for $230 or £140 inc of postage. A lot of money, but bear in mind I've been look round for a decent belt since last April & never seen anything quite like this - ever. I obviously took him up on the opportunity and after it became apparant the GWS were in negotiations with him, he offered me a matching ET cover for the sum of the postage only - $20 or £12!
As I say, the only sad thing is he hasn't got full sets. Having said that, all my replacement webbing (except the above) has been on order from SK since last April and only yesterday he told me it's about done.
DU

Attachments:

[arkwright]

Front of belt, and original picture as sent of 'special issue' type.

Attachments:

[arkwright]

Front of my belt again!

Attachments:

[arkwright]

I dont know if any other members noticed but another set of belt, braces & ET cover has just sold on eBay for £310; I kid you not....
Dave Upton