Object Description
A pair of grained leather Neck Saddle Bags lined with a blue and white patterned material.
The bag covers can be fixed into 2 different positions on brass knobs. The covers are both stamped G.S. and the full name of G. Sandeman, 2/Bt Grenadier Grds is also stamped on each bag hidden by the cover. The maker or retailer of ‘Merry St. James’ is also stamped to each bag.
Henry Gerard Walter Sandeman was born in 1885 and in 1905 became an apprentice vintner with the family’s intention that he joined their Sandeman port business. After his father’s death in 1937 he ran the company. On the 21st of May 1915 he enlisted in the Grenadier Guards as a 2nd Lieutenant. In September of that year he became a special reserve, serving with the Honourable Artillery Company as well as the Guards. He was mentioned in dispatches. In 1918 he married the Hon. Phyliss Legh. Sandeman survived the Great War dying in January 1953.
The Saddle Bags are well made with good stitching and in good condition. Circa 1915.