The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Collapsible carrier pigeon transport basket, to take up to ten or fifteen birds. The split cane basket is attached to a wooden frame with a masonite base. Each side of the basket is attached to the base with metal hinges so that it can be opened out flat for storage when not in use. The top and bottom of each side panel is constructed of woven cane but the centre panel is left bare with the cane uprights forming narrow 'windows' for ventilation and to allow the birds to look out. The woven cane lid to the basket is attached to each side by a pair of leather straps. A small trap door secured by heavy wire and a single leather strap is set into one side of the lid to allow individual birds to be removed. There is a cane bound carrying handle set behind the trap door as well as a leather carrying strap along the opposite long side. The lid has been reinforced and stabilised with lengths of heavy wire.
These baskets were used to transport carrier (messenger) pigeons in the field by Army Signals units. A small number of birds might then be placed in a smaller basket to be carried by a fighting unit or boat operating in coastal waters. Both the large and small versions of the basket had detachable feed and water troughs that could be attached to the long sides. The birds put their heads through the 'windows' to eat or drink.
Small collapsible pigeon basket intended to carry up to four birds. The basket has a masonite base and wooden frame. The corners and sides are reinforced with galvanised steel metal strips held in pla
Collapsible carrier pigeon transport basket, to take four to six birds. The split cane basket is attached to a wooden frame with a masonite base. Each side of the basket is attached to the base with m
Two bird wickerwork pigeon trench basket with a carry handle and a leather strap on the top. Each end swings open and is held in place by a wooden peg attached to the basket with string. Each side of
Cylindrical respirator case with lid, to carry a horse's gas mask. The case and lid are made from multiple layers of open weave recycled cotton/paper 'hessian' appearance fabric glued together. The ou
Brown leather storage case to hold a No.107 Mk I or Mk II Dial Sight for a 25 Pounder Field Gun. There is a short leather strap and brass securing plate stitched and rivetted to each side of the case
Rectangular, blocked and reinforced pack saddle pannier designed to carry Hotchkiss machine gun ammunition plates. The shallow tray is further reinforced with heavy duty brass rivets which hold the hi
