The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 2199a:
Description
This historically significant archive documents the service of Corporal Sheldon Gauvreau and his son, PFC Robert G. Gauvreau. The elder Gauvreau served with Co. B, 108th Military Police (A.E.F.) during WWI and on the Mexican Border; his portion includes a pair of original aluminum dog tags, rare Mexican Border-service photos (one featuring him proudly holding an outstretched rattlesnake skin, Camp scene and a row of 3 Ton Liberty Trucks), and his 1933 Century of Progress wallet containing his U.S. Post Office ID and “Personal Liberty” beer ticket, among other paper ephemera. There is a fair amount of paper material associated with his service, including real photo post cards of his Mexican Border service, telegrams to family, Army orders, and several different commercially sold sets of photos from service in France as well as images that feature General Pershing. His son, Robert G. Gauvreau (1924–1997), served as a Private First Class in the 349th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division during WWII. Robert’s collection features WWII dog tags, “Blue Devils” insignia, and several dated Sons of The American Legion (S.A.L.) medals (1938–1943), representing his pre-war involvement in the youth organization. There are also two Honorable Discharge wallets that have letters, paperwork associated with Robert and his service. The lot also contains German “bring-back” souvenirs from both father and son, including a WWI Gott Mit Uns belt buckle, an Iron Cross, and various Third Reich-era badges. There are some 33rd Division material, and other non Army pins, etc that are mixed in the grouping as well. Condition: Paper ephemera shows age-appropriate toning and edge wear; photos exhibit minor curling and silvering; metal insignia show natural patination and varying finish loss. The combination of WWI, InterWar Century of Progress World Fair, and WWII material of a father and son makes this lot a fun one to go through. As it was all spread out it measures approx. H 3″, W 36″, D 24″ Please see photos. Disclaimer: due to the high quality of WWII German fakes, this item is sold as-is without warranty of authenticity.
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