WW1 British War Department Leather Mitten / Gauntlet – Dated 1917

WW1 British War Department Leather Mitten / Gauntlet – Dated 1917

An original British War Department leather mitten/gauntlet, clearly stamped and dated 1917, from the First World War period.

Constructed from heavy-duty leather, this example is designed in a mitten form, offering protection and warmth while allowing practical use in harsh conditions. Items of this type were typically issued to specialist roles rather than standard infantry, including Royal Flying Corps personnel, artillery crews, tank crews, and ordnance handlers.

Surviving examples are increasingly scarce, particularly those retaining clear War Department markings and wartime dates.

Details:

Origin: United Kingdom

Period: First World War (1914–1918)

Date: 1917 (War Department stamped)

Type: Leather mitten / gauntlet

Material: Heavy leather construction

Markings: War Department stamp with date

Condition:
Good original condition. Showing age-related wear consistent with service use, including creasing, surface wear, and patina. Remains a strong and displayable example. Heavy stitching.

Historical Context:
Unlike standard infantry equipment, gloves and mittens were not universally issued during WW1, but were more commonly supplied to specialist units requiring hand protection.

Leather gauntlets and mittens were particularly associated with:

Aircrew (RFC) for protection against cold at altitude

Artillery crews handling hot gun components

Tank crews operating machinery in confined conditions

Ordnance personnel handling shells and equipment

Examples of similar leather gauntlets with mitten construction and reinforced designs are recorded in period use, often with separate trigger fingers or heavy cuffs for added protection.

Notes:
Single surviving gloves or mittens are not uncommon, as items were frequently lost or separated over time. The presence of a clear War Department stamp and 1917 date adds significantly to the collectability of this piece.

Ideal For:

WW1 militaria collectors

Aviation (RFC) collectors

Artillery and armoured warfare enthusiasts

Display or study collections

A scarce and characterful piece of First World War personal equipment, representing the harsher realities of specialist service roles.