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Here is my Deactivated WW1 Lewis Gun, this particular version was made for the Belgian Army, under contract from the Birmingham Small Arms Company (B.S.A.) in Birmingham, England. Although the Belgians did have a factory (Armes Automatiques Lewis Company at Liege) they did not make very many as most of Belgium was overrun by the Germans. The British could make 6 Lewis guns for the time and cost of making a single Vickers Machine gun. B.S.A. produced a total of 145,397 Lewis guns during World War I. The sling is a modern reproduction as real slings are extremely hard to come by. Original slings had the padding made from asbestos, so this one has a synthetic padded area that simulates the look. This weapon weighed in at 28 pounds and a fully loaded 47-round magazine was 4 pounds. Still a relatively light weapon compared to the static mounted machine guns like the U.S. made vickers (M1915) which weighed 42 pounds for the gun and another 56 pounds for the tripod. Maxim Machine guns weighed about 75 pounds as well. The big advantage of this weapon was its portability, it could be operated by a single soldier, and keep up with the infantry advances. These light machine guns were prized by the Germans who often would capture them and use them against the Allies.10 points
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Here is a Bulgarian M36 Helmet, type C, which was the last version to be produced. Initially these helmets were made abroad, but machinery was moved to Bulgaria to allow for domestic production. The type C was introduced in 1939 and is the most numerous of the various models. The helmet is somewhat similar to the German helmets, but smaller, lighter, and a shorter brim. This particular helmet at a size 54, with the original liner, but missing the chinstrap. I found this at a local estate sale, and it was a cheap pickup.8 points
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Here is my latest find, a VB Launcher for the US M1917 Enfield rifle. This is the twist on type, with a metal spring band to hold the sight and muzzle firmly while in operation. Un-Dug examples are very hard to find. Near the muzzle of the launcher you can see a knurled band, this was so that soldiers could feel the difference at night or in dark conditions. This version and the version for the M1903 Springfield are virtually identical, the M1903 does not have the knurled band however.8 points
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Picture is a two-piece officer''s visor cover for junior grade from my collection of Kriegsmarine antiques. The cap has a hand-embroidered gilt wire national emblem and, cockade, as well as gold wire piping. This cap belonged to Werner Wendt (1916-1988), Captain of U-765. The U-765 was sunk in the North Atlantic on 6 May 1944 by depth charges on its first war parol. Werner and 10 crewmen survived, 37 dead. Pictured below is the underside view of the visor cap. Pictured below is the two-piece visor cover disassembled. In this configuration, a white or blue cap-covers could be worn. Because I do not like to take this cover apart, I used a photo taken years ago.7 points
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Over 4000 views in such a short time, I think this post deserves to be pinned7 points
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John, you have an amazing collection, really have enjoyed you sharing your items with us.7 points
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From my collection are pictures of my Sold-Libellen KM-2 sextant with its original metal storage box. This sextant was manufactured for the Kriegsmarine by C.Plath. The SOLD KM-2 was developed for navigational use aboard U-boats and S-boats at night and/or in poor weather conditions when horizon not visible. For an in-depth review of this type of sextant, visit the link https://sextantbook.com/2013/11/04/the-sold-km2-bubble-sextant/. A view of KM-2 stored in its metal metal box. Note several accessories from the storage box are missing, but the original inventory label is present on inside of one of the two lids (not pictured). Top of metal storage box with access secured with side latches. The handle sides of KM-2 Sextant were the identification plate was once mounted but removed. View of the dial side of KM-2 sextant. The plate on dial is marked J.B., indiscernible mark, Geprütt Deutsche Seewarte (German Naval Observatory). Another view of dial side of KM-2 sextant. Topside view KM-2 sexton.7 points
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Hi John333, It took me a long time to find a DECENT Ostfront medal. My advice would be to go for the shown medal if the price is reasonable to you as it is quite a nice example. Especially as it has a makers mark on the suspension ring. You can always keep looking for a better conditioned one and upgrade at a later date. So, if you don't have one yet, go for this one with an eye to upgrade at some point in the future. REALLY GOOD examples of this badge do not come up very often, and when they do they are snapped up quickly!7 points
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Fritz: The answer to your question "I assume the buttons on the leather crew jacket are probably of gilded glass? " is "No." All the buttons on the black leather jacket in my collection are of two-piece metal construction with a fouled anchor gilt front and the backs are marked BESONDERS HALTBAR 'Particularly Durable' with makers symbol. A black leather jacket like mine with gilt fouled anchor buttons can be seen below on page 263 of Volume 2, Die Kriegsmarine Uniforms and Traditions by John R. Angolia and Adolf Schlicht. Pictured below is the back of a two-piece metal fouled anchor button on my black leather jacket. Note that various manufactured produced buttons that were used in making black leather jackets for the Kriegsmarine. Along with my black leather jacket having metal gilt buttons pictured below, note that this jacket has the Kriegsmarine ordnance mark (Eagle over M) between two fouled anchor buttons. The Kriegsmarine proof mark like the one on my jacket is pictured below on page 265 of Volume 2, Die Kriegsmarine Uniforms and Traditions by John R. Angolia and Adolf Schlicht. The collar of the neck was closed up by a metal clasp like the one below on my jacket. Note the front corner of the low standing collar are rounded and the button holes are reenforced with a narrow leather trim. Pictured is the interior of my jacket, which is lined with wool. Also I have enclosed a picture of the back of this jacket. For further information I havedenclosed page 288 of Deutche Kriegsmarine Uniforms, Insignia and Equipment of the German Navy 1933-1945 by Eduardo Delgado.7 points
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Hi Eddie, I'm afraid the serial number is just a batch number so would not identify the U boat. Sometimes you will find the letter N which would identify them as belonging to the German Navy North Sea Fleet. Sorry can't help much more. Here is a list of the makers codes but no list of serial numbers as far as I'm aware. b e h ERNST LEITZ. WETZLAR GERMANY b e k HENSOLDT WERK FUR OPTIK UND MECHANIK HERBORN GERMANY b l c CARL ZEISS, MILITARABTEILUNG JENA JENA GERMANY b m h JIRASEK (not in Walter) PRAGUE CZECH b m j M. HENSOLDT & SOHNE, A.G. WETZLAR GERMANY b m t C. A. STEINHEIL SOHNE, GmbH MUNICH GERMANY b p d C. P. GOERZ, GmbH VIENNA AUSTRIA b v f C. REICHERT VIENNA AUSTRIA b y g JOH. WYKSEN, K.G. KATTOWITZ POLAND b z z I.G.-FARBENINDUSTRIE, CAMERAWERK MUNICH GERMANY c a d KARL KAHLES (telescopic sights) VIENNA AUSTRIA c a g D. SWAROVSKI WATTENS/TIROL AUSTRIA c a u KODAK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, DR. NAGEL WERK STUTTGART GERMANY c c x OPTISCHE UND FEINMECHANISCHE WERKE, HUGO MEYER & CO. GOERLITZ GERMANY c l b DR. F. A. WOHLER KASSEL GERMANY c l n ED. SPRENGER BERLIN GERMANY c r h FRANZ SCHMIDT & HAENSCH BERLIN GERMANY c r n HANSEATISCHE WERKSTATTEN FUR FEINMECHANIK UND OPTIK, FRIEDRICHS & Co. HAMBURG GERMANY c r o R. FUESS, formerly J. G. GREINER & GEISSLER BERLIN GERMANY c x n EMIL BUSCH, A.G. RATHENOW GERMANY d d v OCULUS (optometrist equipment, possibly gunsights) BERLIN GERMANY d d x VOIGTLAENDER & SOHN, A.G. BRAUNSCHWEIG GERMANY d k l JOSEF SCHNEIDER KREUZNACH GERMANY d o q DEUTSCHE SPIEGELGLAS A.G. (telescopes, lenses) LEINE GERMANY d o w WAFFENWERKE BRUNN A.G. (1943-OPTICOTECHNA GmbH) PRERAU CZECH. d p g ADOX KAMERAWERK GmbH (cameras) WIESBADEN GERMANY d p v ZEISS IKON A.G. DRESDEN GERMANY d p w ZEISS IKON A.G. GOERZWERK BERLIN GERMANY d p x ZEISS IKON A.G., CONTESSAWERK STUTTGART GERMANY d y m RUNGE & KAULFUSS RATHENOW GERMANY d y s HEINRICH ZEISS, UNIONZEISS K.G. ('apparently optical' BERLIN GERMANY d z l OPTISCHE ANSTALT OIGEE GmbH BERLIN GERMANY e a f MECHANOPTIK GESELLSCHAFT FUR PRAZISIONSTECHNIK, AUDE & REIPERT BABELSBERG GERMANY e a w R. WINKEL GmbH GOETTINGEN GERMANY e e d KURBI & NIGGELOH (photographic equipment) RADEVORMWALD GERMANY e s o G. RODENSTOCK MUNICH GERMANY e s u STEINHEIL SOHNE GmbH (telescopes & optics) MUNICH GERMANY e u g OPTISCHE PRAZISIONS WERKE GmbH WARSAW POLAND f c o SENDLINGER OPTISCHE GLASWERKE GmbH BERLIN GERMANY f j t PHOTOGRAMMETRIE GmbH (aerial recon. cameras) MUNICH GERMANY f l n FRANZ RAPSCH A.G. (sights, often subcontractor to Busch) RATHENOW GERMANY f v s SPINDLER & HOYER K.G. GOTTINGEN GERMANY f v x BECK & SOHNE KASSEL GERMANY f w r OPTISCHE ANSTALT SAALFELD GmbH SAALFELD GERMANY f x p HANS KOLLMORGEN GmbH BERLIN GERMANY g a g F. MOLLENKOPF STUTTGART GERMANY g k p RUF & Co., formerly CARL SCHUTZ KASSEL GERMANY g u g UNGARNISCHE OPTISCHE WERKE A.G. BUDAPEST HUNGARY g u j WERNER D. KUEHN BERLIN GERMANY g w v ERNST PLANK NURNBERG GERMANY g x l FRANKE & HEIDECKE (photographic equipment) BRAUNSCHWEIG GERMANY g x p HOMRICH & SOHN (photographic equipment) h d v OPTISCHE WERK OSTERODE GmbH OSTERODE GERMANY h f o VALENTIN LINHOF OHG (photographic equipment) MUNICH GERMANY h k m CARL BRAUN KG NURNBERG GERMANY h n a KORELLE WERKE, G.H. BRANDTMANN & Co. (photographic) DRESDEN GERMANY h r w HOH & HAHNE (photographic reproduction equipment) LEIPZIG GERMANY h w t IHAGEE KAMERAWERK, STEENBERGEN & Co. (cameras) DRESDEN GERMANY h x h A. KRUSS HAMBURG GERMANY j f n TETENAL PHOTOWERK, Dr. TRIEPEL, K.G. (photographic equipment) BERLIN GERMANY j f p DR. CARL LEISS BERLIN GERMANY j n h F. TUTEMANN (lens holders & optical equipment) LUDENSCHEID GERMANY j o n VOIGTLANDER-GEVAERT (cameras) BERLIN GERMANY j u x NEDINSCO, NEDERLANDSCHE INSTRUMENTEN, (vehicle & aircraft instruments?) VENLO NETHERLANDS j v e ERNST LUDWIG WEIXDORF GERMANY j x n HELMUT KORTH BERLIN GERMANY k h c OTTO HIMMLER (microscopes, optical equipment) BERLIN GERMANY k l n ERNST & WILHELM BERTRAM (photographic equipment) MUNICH GERMANY k n a DER ROBOT, BERNING & Co., K.G. (photographic equipment) DUSSELDORF GERMANY k q c JOS. SCHNEIDER & Co., K.G. GOETTINGEN GERMANY k r q EMIL BUSCH A.G. (assembled from foreign components) RATHENOW GERMANY k w c GAMMA FEINMECHANISCHE & OPTISCHE WERKE BUDAPEST HUNGARY k x v A. JACKENROLL GmbH BERLIN GERMANY l a e HEINRICH ZEISS, UNION ZEISS K.G. GOSTINGEN l f n REFLEKTA-KAMERAFABRIK, C. RICHTER (cameras) THARANDT GERMANY l m q CARL ZEISS (assembled from foreign components) JENA GERMANY l w g OPTISCHE WERKE OSTERODE GmbH (assembled from foreign components) OSTERODE GERMANY l w w HUET ET CIE PARIS FRANCE l w x OPTIQUE ET PRECISION DE LEVALLOIS, PARIS LEVALLOIS-PERRET FRANCE l w y SOCIETE OPTIQUE ET MECANIQUE DE HAUTE PRECISION PARIS FRANCE m b v I.G. FARBENINDUSTRIE, A.G.; AGFA (cameras) BERLIN GERMANY m c a FOTOWERK, Dr. C. SCHLEUSSNER, GmbH (photographic equipment) FRANKFURT GERMANY m t q PHOTOCHEMISCHE FABRIK ROLAND RISSE GmbH (photographic equipment) FLORSHEIM GERMANY m t r VOIGTLANDER & SOHN, A.G. (cameras) BERLIN GERMANY m t u A. LORENZ (MTU also used for AEG electrical equipment) GUTENFELD m t v A. LORENZ DRESDEN GERMANY n m s RICHARD HOLZ BERLIN GERMANY n x t S.A.I. OTTICO MECCANICA E RILEVAMENTI AEROFOTOGRAMMETRICI (stereoscopic aerial photography equipment) ROME ITALY o c p AKTOPHOT GmbH (photographic equipment) PRAG-SABECHTLITZ o c v W. KLAZAR (precision engineering; reportedly photographic equipment) PRAG o k c HAUFF A.G. (photographic equipment) STUTTGART GERMANY p v f C. REICHERT VIENNA AUSTRIA r l n CARL ZEISS JENA GERMANY A.G. = AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT; JOINT STOCK COMPANY GmbH = GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRANKTER HAFTUNG; LIMITED COMPANY I.G. = INTERRESENGEMEINSCHAFT; UNION OF INTERESTS K.G. = KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFT; LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OHG = OFFENE HANDELSGESELLSCHAFT; PRIVATE FIRM (literally, 'open trading company')7 points
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Hello all Another new member seeking Historical WWII information. I recently inherited some German WWII memorabilia from a close family friend whose husband just passed away. They emigrated here to Canada in 1980. Their parents and relatives were part of the war effort in Germany during WWII. Her father was in the Luftwaffe and his items are displayed en mass in one photo. Her uncle was in the 5th SS Wiking division and his items are in the second and third photo's. I will be receiving more information and possibly photos when she receives them from her mother who is still alive in Germany. I am not an expert on these types of items however I do have a keen interest in WWII Hx. Any info or referencing to other sources would be hugely appreciated. I am looking to preserve these items in frame along with my families war memorabilia from that era. Thanking you all in advance.7 points
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Pictured from my collection is an optical gunsight for a 3.7 cm anti-aircraft gun (Flak M42) manufactured for the Kriegsmarine. The code for this manufacture is 'dow' (Waffenwerke Brunn A.G. (1943 - Opticotechna Gmbh, Prerau Czech.)). The optic has a wide field of view with a ranging reticle. Even though designed to withstand harsh environments, this optic was made to be removed from the weapon system mounted on an U-boat .6 points
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Pictured from my collection of Kriegsmarine antiques is a 7x50 power binoculars manufactured by Ernest Leitz (beh). Binoculars have original protective lens cover, as well as a ranging reticle in right ocular. Binoculars like these are pictured on page 232 in Volume 3 of Die Kriegsmarine Uniforms & Traditions by John R. Angolia and Adolf Schlicht.6 points
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Here are the medals to a soldier from my home town who lived less than a mile from me, he lived in the village of Lees. James Edward Barnes Private No 13437 of 11th Battalion Manchester Regiment Born 16th May 1884 in Lees, son of Thomas and Rachel Barnes of Andrews Street Lees, Thomas was a Cotton Cardroom Hand and James was a Cotton Spinner, they both would have worked at one of 5 local Cotton Mills in the area. James married Eliza Mary Frost ( born 11th April 1883 ) at the Oldham Register Office on 17th March 1906, they later had a daughter called Hannah and lived at 18 Butler Street Lees. James enlisted on the 31st October 1914 in Oldham an did his training at the 63rd Regimental District Aston-Under-Lyne Barracks. He was attached to the 11th Battalion M/C Regiment part of 34th Brigade of the 11th ( Northern ) Division which was formed at Ashton-under- Lyne in August of 1914 as part K1. Moved in April 1915 to Witley Camp near Godalming, on the 30th June 1915 the Division sailed from Liverpool on the ships Aquitania and the Empress of Britain, going via Mudros to Suvla Bay Gallipoli disembarking on 6th August 1915. Order of Battle of the 11th ( Northern ) Division. ( 32nd Brigade ). 9th Batt the West Yokshire Reg. 6th Batt the Yorkshire Reg. 6th Batt the York & Lancaster Reg. 8th Batt the Duke of Wellingtons Reg. 32nd Machine Gun Company ( Formed March 1916 ). 32nd Trench Mortar Battery ( Joined 17 July 1916 ). ( 33rd Brigade ). 6th Batt the Lincolnshire Reg. 6th Batt the Border Reg. 7th Batt the South Staffordshire Reg. 9th Batt the Sherwood Foresters. 33rd Machine Gun Company ( Formed March 1916 ). 33rd Trench Mortar Battery. ( Joined July 1916 ). ( 34th Brigade ). 8th Batt the Northumberland Fusiliers. 9th Batt the Lancashire Fusiliers. 5th Batt the Dorsetshire Reg. 11th Batt the Manchester Reg. 34th Machine Gun Company. ( Formed March 1916 ). 34th Trench Mortar Battery. ( Joined July 1916 ). ( Divisional Troops ). Pioneers. Mounted Troops. Artillery. Engineers. Train A S C. 22nd Mobile Veterinary Section. 213th Employment Company. 11th Motor Ambulance Workshop. The landing at Suvla Bay on the 6th August 1915 was done in lighters towed by destroyers, the first to land was the 11th Manchester Battalion along with the 9th Lancashire Fusiliers. They both came under heavy fire immediatly after being cast off by the destroyers, on landing they were to clear the Trenches by bayonet only, they had little food and no water for the first few day. Later they would push the Turks back and clear the trenches on the ridges The Battalions deserve credit for the way they stuck to their task. on 19/20 December 1915 they were to Evacuate Gallipoli and move to Imbos and on the 26th Jan 1916 the Division moved to Egypt landing at Alexandria. On the 2nd Feb they moved to Sidi Bishr for re-training and on the 19th Feb the Division took over a section of the Suez Canal Defences. Below are a few Photos from other sources and documents. 1. Map of Gallipoli. 2. Photo of Evacuation from Suvla Bay. 3. Medal index card. 4. Letter from his wife. 5. Photo of Medals. Part Two to Follow.6 points
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Pictured from my collection of Kriegsmarine antiques is a Flotilla pennant marked Floottillenstd 'Flotilla Standard 0.5X0.7 (size in centimeters) in ink on bunting. A pennant like this one is pictured on page 350 in Volume 3, Die Kriegsmarine Uniforms & Traditions by John R. Angolia and Adolf Schlicht.6 points
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Pictured from my collection of Kriegsmarine antiques are pair of senior NCO sew-in type boards for the career/rank of Helmsman-Coxswain/Oberfeldwebel (left) and senior NCO sew-in type boards for career/rank of medical/Feldwebel (right). Career/Rank designation from pages 87-89 of Die Kriegsmarine Uniforms, Insignias and Equipment of the German Navy 1933-1945. by Eduardo Delgado.6 points
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Some more interesting photos Nr. Name, Dienstgrad bei welcher Einheit Abschüsse bis Kriegsende (x) 1 ? 2 Alfred Gerstenberg, Leutnant Jasta 11 - 3 Otto von Breiten-Landenberg, Leutnant Führer Jasta 11 5 4 Hans Joachim Wolff, Leutnant Jasta 11 10 5 Friedrich Friedrichs, Leutnant Jasta 10 21 6 Erich Just, Leutnant Jasta 11 6 7 Max Kühn, Leutnant Jasta 10 1 8 Siegfried Gussmann, Leutnant Jasta 11 5 9 Scholz Edgar, Leutnant Jasta 11 6 10 Karl Bodenschatz, Oberleutnant Adjutant JG 1 - 11 von Conta, Leutnant Jasta 11 - 12 Erich Löwenhardt, Oberleutnant Führer Jasta 10 54 13 Hans Weiss, Leutnant Jasta 10 16 14 Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen, Rittmeister Führer des Jagdgeschwaders 80 15 Wilhelm Reinhard, Hauptmann Führer Jasta 6 20 16 Paul Wenzel, Leutnant Jasta 6 10 17 Johann Janzen, Leutnant Jasta 6 13 18 Franz Hemer, Leutnant Jasta 6 18 19 Hans Kirschstein, Leutnant Jasta 6 27 20 Robert Tüxen, Leutnant Jasta 6 2 21 Georg Wolff, Leutnant Jasta 6 - 22 Heinz Graf von Gluszewski, Leutnant Jasta 4 2 23 Hermann Bahlmann, Leutnant Jasta 4 1 24 Hans-Georg von der Osten, Leutnant Jasta 4 5 25 Viktor von Pressentin gen von Rautter, Leutnant Jasta 4 15 26 ? 27 ? 28 Heinrich Dreckmann, Leutnant Jasta 4 11 328 Abschüsse ingesamt6 points
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Still a hero Captain Tom Moore has finished walking 100 lengths of his garden to raise money for the NHS, as his fundraising efforts top £12 million. The 99-year-old veteran, who lives with his family in Bedfordshire, completed the last of the 25-metre laps on Thursday morning and was cheered as he finished the 100th lap.6 points
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Currently I have 4 lamps, which are all in working order, the 3rd lamp (L-R) is still in its original brown wrapping paper. The next image shows how the lamp connected to the boxes. These lamps had a belt clip that could be worn on the operators belt, and just hand held, however the handle was hollow allowing for a wood shaft to be used to increase elevation.6 points
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Here is my WW1 German Luger. It has all matching parts, except for the magazines. Serial Number 5841, made in 1918 at Erfurt. Real nice condition with the bluing covering the majority of the parts. The holster is dated 1911, so not original to this pistol, but it displays well. Very good craftsmanship, well made piece. Still shoots straight to this day.6 points
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It is indeed 14-18, my Great Uncle was a Lewis gunner during WW1 and he used it to full effect, welcome to the forum6 points
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