Original U.S. WWI 308th Infantry Regiment 77th Liberty Division British-Made Officer’s Musette Bag Named to Lieutenant James P. Schrider

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a very worn and damaged Musette bag named and stenciled to Lieutenant James P. Schrider, Company K, 308th Infantry Regiment, 77th Division. The 308th is notable as the regiment of most men of the Lost Battalion, who were isolated by German forces during World War I after an American attack in the Argonne Forest in October 1918. Roughly 197 were killed in action and approximately 150 missing or taken prisoner before the 194 remaining men were rescued. They were led by Major Charles W. Whittlesey.

The bag is stenciled to Company K of the 308th, which was not part of the Lost Battalion. James P. Schrider was from Missouri, and served with the 308th from July 1918 until the end of the war. The bag is marked under the flap with US and a broad arrow, indicating British manufacture.

The bag is in very rough condition with the leather heavily cracking and crazing. The strap is retained but the buckle for it is gone. The original carrying strap is well-retained and functional.

A very nice example, ready for further research and display.