A scarce pair of WW1 British Territorial Force Issue “Trade” Pattern Boots.

Prior to WW1 all British Territorial Force Regiments were clothed and equipped by their respective County Associations. These purchased from various trade outlets their own patterns of uniforms and equipment which, whilst following the patterns of Regular Army units, still often differed slightly in design.

The “Trade” Infantry Boots offered here are of a distinctive pattern known to have been commissioned by Territorial Force units. They are easily distinguished by the shallow V “seagull” shaped stitch seaming to the side of the Boot. The front of the boot then having a typical WW1 flat square toe.

Such boots were issued by Territorial Regiments up until the British 1915 equipment crisis was over after which time Territorial units were issued with the same boots as the rest of the army.

The inner tongue to each Boot has split in places but aside from this they remain in very good service used condition. They appear to have their original laces and still retain all their original infantry hobnailing and toe plates.