Paar handschoenen behorend tot de uitrusting van een sappeur van de 1e Afdeling Noord-Hollandse Schutterij c. 1800 - 1830

These are a pair of gloves, made by an anonymous maker for a sapper in the 1st division of the North Holland Riflemen. Made of thick white leather, the gloves would have been crucial for protecting the wearer’s hands. Sappers were combat engineers within the military, responsible for tasks such as building and repairing fortifications, and clearing obstacles. Their work often involved handling heavy materials and tools under dangerous conditions, so robust hand protection was essential. We can imagine the process of making these gloves involved carefully selecting and cutting the leather, then stitching the pieces together to form a durable, close-fitting structure. The stiffness of the material speaks to its protective function, while the tailored construction suggests a degree of individual fitting. These gloves remind us of the often-unacknowledged labor involved in military operations. Beyond strategies and weapons, there is a whole world of crafted equipment necessary for soldiers to do their jobs. Appreciating the materiality of these objects can change our perception of military history itself.