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1613 - Grouping of Commando 4 Kieffer Jean Couturier.
See original version (French)

Estimate €1,800 - €2,500
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Description
Grouping of Commando 4 Kieffer Jean Couturier. Comprising a Bergam rucksack in heavy khaki canvas. All straps are present, as well as the metal frame on the back. Name inscription under the flap Couturier Jean MTC 14624 FM 43 155. Manufacturer's markings illegible. A complete individual tool. Wooden and metal handle, still with 20% original paint. Metal part oxidised, dated 1944. A compass pouch in heavy webbing, all straps present, made by PSS 1944, handwritten markings CJ 155. A compass pouch in heavy webbing, the press stud is functional, made by PSS 1944, handwritten markings CJ 155. A MKIII compass, dated 1943, made by TG CO London. A rubberised canvas lifebuoy, all straps present, mouth inflation hose present. Manufactured by VRC 1944, bearing the name of its nickname La Couture 155. A metal nail bayonet with scabbard, canvas gusset marked CJ 155. A pair of metal wire cutters, showing signs of oxidation, markings illegible. A heavy webbing cutter cover, the press stud is functional, handwritten markings CJ 155. A khaki enamelled metal water bottle, stopper present, khaki cloth cover complete. Canvas harness with carrying strap, marked CJ 155. A British 1907 bayonet is included. Metal fittings, partially oxidised, wooden plates. Metal and leather scabbard, beautiful blade in its original 90% colour, made by Lithgow 1919. A thick rope toggle rope, wooden handle, no visible markings. A honeycomb camouflaged canvas scarf typical of commando units. Although they were found in Jean Couturier's bag and there are no name markings, we cannot guarantee that the bayonet, toggle rope and scarf belonged to him. There is some wear and patina to the items. Condition II+. Although Jean Couturier's military history ends at Belfort, the story of his equipment begins there. One day, he gave his Bergam bag and the equipment still inside it to a local resident. This friend, who was a cycle dealer, had a son who was a collector. Back in civilian life, Jean Couturier became an electrician fitter at Alsthom from 1947 to 1968. Our cycle garage was right opposite the factory, which explains the close friendship between the two men. This soon-to-be-forgotten gift lay dormant in an attic for years, until it was rediscovered in 2023 when the family home was emptied and put up for sale. All these items, including the bag, bear a handwritten name. The canteen, compass, individual tool and nail bayonet are C.J. 155. The buoy is marked "La Couture 155" and the Couturier Jean bag 155 as well as MTC 14624 FM 43. The number 155 corresponds to the first badge number given to him when he joined the 1st Battalion of Fusiliers Marins Commando integrated into the N°10 Interallied Commando (N°10 Commando). After being wounded on 6 June and when he joined Commando 4 on 10 October, he received a new badge with a new number, 215. So it was with this badge number that Jean Couturier landed on 6 June 1944. La Couture was his nickname. The indication on the rucksack is his regimental number, which is undoubtedly his, as it has been checked. MTC stands for Matricule. These memorabilia are absolutely exceptional and would appear to be the only known lot in a private collection to have belonged to a member of the Commandos who took part in the landings. Grouping attributed to Jean Couturier of No. 4 Commando Kieffer Commandos. Comprising a Bergam backpack manufactured in heavy khaki canvas. All straps are present including the metal back frame. Named inscription beneath the flap Couturier Jean MTC 14624 FM 43 155. Manufacturer markings no longer legible. One complete individual entrenching tool. Wooden and metal construction retaining approximately 20% of its original paint finish. Metal parts oxidized and dated 1944. Heavy web canvas carrier with all straps present manufactured by PSS in 1944 and bearing the handwritten marking CJ 155. One compass pouch in heavy web canvas retaining its functional snap fastener. Manufacturer markings illegible with handwritten marking CJ 155. One MKIII compass dated 1943 manufactured by TG Co London. One inflatable life belt in rubberized canvas complete with all straps and oral inflation tube. Manufactured by VRC in 1944 and bearing the handwritten nickname inscription La Couture 155. One spike bayonet with scabbard and canvas frog marked CJ 155. One metal wire cutter showing oxidation marks with illegible manufacturer markings. One heavy web canvas wire cutter carrier with functional snap fastener and handwritten marking CJ 155. One khaki enamelled metal water bottle with cap present and complete khaki cloth cover. Web harness retaining its carrying strap marked CJ 155. Included is a British Pattern 1907 bayonet. Metal fittings partially oxidised with wooden grip scales intact. Metal and leather scabbard. Fine blade retaining approximately 90% of its original finish manufactured by Lithgow and dated 1919. One toggle rope in thick rope with wooden handle without visible markings. One camouflage scarf in honeycomb pattern fabric typical of Commando units. Although discovered inside Jean Couturier's Bergam backpack and in the absence of nominative markings it cannot be guaranteed that the Pattern 1907 bayonet, toggle rope and scarf personally belonged to him. Overall the items display expected wear and patina. Condition II+. While the military history of Jean Couturier ended at Belfort the history of his equipment began there. He later gifted his Bergam backpack and the remaining contents to a resident of his hometown. This acquaintance who was a bicycle dealer had a son who was a collector. After returning to civilian life Jean Couturier worked as an electrical fitter at Alsthom from 1947 to 1968. The bicycle workshop was located directly opposite the factory explaining the friendship that developed between the two men. This forgotten gift remained stored in an attic for decades until 2023 when it was rediscovered during the clearing of the family home prior to its sale. All of these items including the backpack bear handwritten nominative markings. These include CJ 155 on the water bottle, compass, entrenching tool and spike bayonet. The life belt bears the inscription La Couture 155 while the backpack is marked Couturier Jean 155 together with MTC 14624 FM 43. The number 155 corresponds to the first badge number assigned to Jean Couturier when he joined the 1st Battalion of Fusiliers Marins Commandos attached to the Inter Allied No. 10 Commando. After being wounded on 6 June 1944 and upon joining No. 4 Commando on 10 October he received a new insignia with the number 215. It was therefore under badge number 155 that Jean Couturier landed on D Day on 6 June 1944. La Couture was his nickname. The inscription found on the backpack corresponds to his verified service number. The abbreviation MTC stands for Matricule. These relics are absolutely exceptional and would appear to constitute the only known grouping in private hands attributed to a member of the Commandos who participated in the Normandy landings.
See original version (French)
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About the sale MILITARIA :The Arms of France - Military memorabilia, Commandos Kieffer, and Insignia
Auction location
Auction time 06/14/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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