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Post by cco23i on Oct 21, 2011 17:11:02 GMT -8
O.K as I am learning all this "new" British items and such, what in God's name does the button polishing board look like for a WW1 British soldier? AND where can I get one?
Scott
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Post by aefstraggler on Oct 21, 2011 19:17:44 GMT -8
I don't think either WPG or MHW carries a repro - so probably on e-bay. I don't think there was a set style (or that the style changed between WW1 and WW2) but I suspect that the common soldier would carry a fairly simple stick. The ones I bought for my son and I are made of brass - about 6 1/2 inches long - 1 1/2 inches wide with a slot cut into the brass maybe about 3/16 inches wide and 5 1/2 inches long. Below is a picture of type I have.  |
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Post by cco23i on Oct 21, 2011 20:15:19 GMT -8
Thanks John I was looking at one like that. Thanks again!
Scott
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Post by rsm on Oct 22, 2011 7:16:58 GMT -8
Ayup! The 'Button Stick' as it is correctly named, had several patterns, depending upon the actual maker. The one which Sgt Harmon has illustrasted is the most basic and oldest of the patterns. The second most common button-stick in use had a representation of the angles to the brass tips of the equipment strap ends. These 'formed' edges helped the soldier in the cleaning of the brass to his equipment.. without getting the 'Blanco' dirty. Woe betide any soldier who had stains upon his webbing equipment during an inspection!!!  Unfortunately, I do not have the means to post any photo's of the appropriate items at present, but will endeavour to update as soon as is possible. A point to note:- Like most British and Commonwealth kit/equipment, the 'Button-Stick' was made/issued/used continueously for some considerable time.... with very little modification. The 'Button-Stick', in its many variations, was used from early Victorian times... to the late 1970's. There are a few variations that can be specifically dated to post WWI, and post WW2, so please do be aware of this. I personaly was issued a variation of the latter type I mentioned.. with pre-formed angles for sliding under the equipment strap end tabs... I still have it ;-) Reproductions and originals are readily available from many sources. |
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Post by cco23i on Oct 22, 2011 10:32:21 GMT -8
Seph, Is it this style (the one on the bottom)?  Thanks! Scott |
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Post by aefstraggler on Oct 22, 2011 16:43:02 GMT -8
I'm going to say yes - the bottom version is what Seph is talking about.
Although they are partially hidden by the top button stick you can see parts
of the two formed edges used to polish the brass tips on 2 inch and 1 inch
webbing.
One would press the formed edge firmly up against the brass, thus leaving
the brass exposed (to be polished) - while protecting the webbing.
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Post by cco23i on Oct 22, 2011 18:40:10 GMT -8
OUTSTANDING! Thanks! Gotta keep the brass looking good for the "old man".  |
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Post by rsm on Oct 23, 2011 9:51:02 GMT -8
Thank's John.... that's spot-on!
Mne Scott... Well done!... Carry on!
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Post by cco23i on Oct 23, 2011 10:30:10 GMT -8
Thanks for the info!!
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montythetommy
GWHS 
GWHS Vice-President
FOR KING AND COUNTRY!
Posts: 128
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Post by montythetommy on Oct 23, 2011 21:06:15 GMT -8
This is one of the items that once getting to the front commonwealth tommies would throw away or leave back in the bunker. As Polishing buttons so your a gleaming target wasn't a very high on the to-do-list or practicle. Also it should be noted that Tommies would put as much mud on their "shinies" (e.i. Helmet ((before covers)), buttons, on tads of the web gear ((buckle/it's buttons)) ) as possible to try'n'concel yourself from the eyes of the hun before going over the top.
Don't worry about the Sgt. Major picking on you with the mud too. Most likely you or he would have be too busy killing nasty germans for KING, EMPIRE, and GOD!
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Post by rsm on Oct 24, 2011 1:43:42 GMT -8
Crikey Monty..... it's taken me an age to get this lot 'spit-n-polished'. Now i've got to start all over again!!! ;-/
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montythetommy
GWHS
GWHS Vice-President
FOR KING AND COUNTRY!
Posts: 128
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Post by montythetommy on Oct 24, 2011 5:24:24 GMT -8
Hehe  Well shine is top priority whilest on parade/impressing all the lasseys back home and out of the trenches/not killing cartfuls of kruats. But if we are to represent true tommies (or any WW1 footman) in trenches, we'd be covered in mud! |
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Post by cco23i on Oct 24, 2011 6:58:15 GMT -8
I understand the needing to stay "low keyed" BUT as everyone knows the British soldier"s morale is judged by his appearance, (Or so the top brass thought). I just want one for keeping my OTHER brass polished too!  Scott |
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montythetommy
GWHS
GWHS Vice-President
FOR KING AND COUNTRY!
Posts: 128
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Post by montythetommy on Oct 24, 2011 8:49:03 GMT -8
That's why we have ENORMOUS trousers! To boost morale.
Haha. See where your going. More important than top brass, are the lasseys back home! They like a man in uniform, not a kid in the mud.
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Post by cco23i on Oct 24, 2011 10:37:11 GMT -8
No problems BUT after doing WW1 back east I NEVER left a trench clean. (Especiallly after midnight raiding parties)
Scott
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