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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.

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.

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.

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.

Over 4000 views in such a short time, I think this post deserves to be pinned

John, you have an amazing collection, really have enjoyed you sharing your items with us.

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.

Pictured from my collection is a Kriegsmarine navigation square marked Dennert & Pape Hamburg-Altona (maker). A square like this one is pictured on page 441 in the book 'Deutsche Kriegsmarine Uniforms, Insignias and Equipment of the German Navy 1933-1945' by Eduardo Delgado.

A small grouping from a WW1 German doctor who I believe died several years after the war from the effects of the campaign

Hi, I recently found 4 of these brass Lewis gun barrel jacks at an old British weapons depot. They are an armourers tool for removing the cooling fans from the barrel. Seem to be extremely rare as I can’t find any other examples online. Does anyone know what they might be worth ? Thanks

I’ve been looking for a nice example of the eastern front medal for a while now what are your thoughts on this one ?

Here's front and rear of my own nice Ostfront medal

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!

Is this a good one guys and any ideas on the maker ? Thanks

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.

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')

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.

Some of my fathers medals and photo's of him which are either training in Iran or the south of Italy. One of the two.

Now that's a monster of a tank.Thanks for posting. Always been impressed on a visual level by the Char B1 as a young lad into WW2. It was that massive cannon & the fact it had 2 guns that did it for me. Still grabs me now. Photo source Wikipedia

This is a Mk14 bombsight, it’s been refurbished post war though as it has the ferranti gyro fitted to it.

I have decided to display some of my WW1 era Bayonets by using resin made stands that resemble the muzzle of the corresponding rifle. I think it turned out nicely. I am just missing one bayonet now to finish the display, the Mauser Kar98A, which are hard to find and heavily faked.

Here is an image from the US Army Signal Corps Museum, you can see the lamp and battery box on top by the sandbags.

Love your VB Launchers. Here is a display of US Rifle Grenades I did for a collector show in 2018.

First of all , can I say thankyou for the membership . I'm currently writing a book on CONTRACTS OF THE USAAF which will give information on equipment and clothing etc used by the USAAF Just a few random photos of my collection , I will, if allowed post more detailed information and photographs

Pictured is a signed limit edition print by Gil Cohen entitled 'The Enemy Above.' The print depicts a U-boat crew at battle stations bracing against depth charges. This wonderful print hangs in my home's guest room.

From my collection is a book about Kapitanleutnant Prien (1908-1941), Commander of U-47, sinking of the HMS Royal Oak at Scapa Flow. on 14 October 1939. Fore the action he was awarded the Knight's cross.

Back a few years ago 2018, I had a very long post on the now gone forum SRF (Surfpusrifleforum.org) about military surplus K98K rifles commonly found on the us market. In the 2000s there was a flood of surplus Mausers. I wrote a post describing the attributes of each specimen with many research links, examples, and mostly details from the rifles I own. None of these are deactivated. I will up date the 14 pages and post the new update information here. Most important, I am in the process of updating all the reference links so they function and can be view a number of ways depending on the age of the reader's computer. Some references are gone, but I saved most to the Wayback Machine Archive. I am providing fresh links. While saved on the archive, I have removed all links to the outdated version. And most important I would like to thank all on this forum for the help they offered.

Picture from my collection are to two mini booklets that features U-Boat Commanders Engelbert Endrass (U-46 and U-567 and Gunther Prien (U-47). Of the 20 Knights Cross (KC ) recipients featured the in Winterhifswerk (WHW) 1943 Heroes of the Wehrmacht series, only Endrass and Prien represented the Kriegsmarine. The WHW, was a German charitable organization, distributed these mini booklets as tokens of appreciation for donations to street collections.

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.

RAD w.J. Zurückstellungsschein for Ingeborg Freiin von Mirbach, Köln dated, 17.10.1939, due to career reasons. Instructions for signing on slip of paper A prominent name

Shown is the Sägebajonett Mod. 1914, or sawback bayonet Model 1914. This one was made by Waffenfabrik Neuhausen. These were used on the K11 carbines and the K31 rifles and used by specialist troops such as engineers, and artillery troops. A very long blade at 480mm, with a total length of 610mm, this one is still quite sharp as well.

The maker and batch number do not coincide with this being an SS helmet, Heer and Luftwaffe HKP M42's dominate this series.

This is a pretty rare grouping with two Queen Carola Medals Saxony War Merit Cross, Civil Merit Medal - Knight’s Cross 1st class, Carola Medal in gold, Carola Medal in silver and Prussian Red Cross medal 2nd class. Carola-Medaille was instituted on 17 Sep 1892 by King Albert on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Albert club, whose patron was Queen Carola. The Medal was awarded for charity during the war and in the peacetime. Awarded in three classes: gold, silver and bronze. Totals awarded - first type: 46 gold, 1000 silver and 1000 bronze; second type: 6 gold, 300 silver and 860 bronze. Diameter - first type - 27.9 mm, second type - 27.95 mm.

Newly acquired M1898 n/A (neuer Art) or new model. This version has the more common two-piece wood handle, unlike the previous model with its one-piece grip. The bayonet is made by Simson & Co. in Suhl. No other visible markings other than a serial number on the cross piece. This bayonet was the first made the G98 rifle and is sometimes called the quill back model.

This is my newly acquired Mannlicher M95 rifle, this particular one was made in the Budapest factory. It has the Imperial acceptance stamp of W-n with an eagle between “18” This is the year the rifle was accepted into service. M95 rifles in general do not have a lot of stamps on the parts. I have highlighted the stamps present, the Budapest stamp is the most prevalent, with the M.95 designation slightly faded. Only main issue I had with this rifle was the front barrel band with bayonet lug, on this rifle the bayonet lug was ground off, but since these rifles are plentiful, I found a period replacement easy enough. The sling is a modern reproduction. The rifle came out of long-term storage in Ethiopia and was quite dirty and required a lot of cleaning to get it to look as it does now. The stock was remarkably in decent shape as were the metal parts. Unlike other Ethiopian surplus rifles I have encountered, this one does not have Ethiopian stamps or markings, at least none that I have been able to see so far. Around 3.5 million of these rifles were made in its service life, with many other nations being supplied with the standard long rifle or the many carbines and variants. The standard infantry long rifle weighed a little over 8 pounds, and was about 50 inches in length, although long it does not feel overly heavy. The stock is not as thick and bulky as other period rifles. The rifle is also unique as it has a straight pull bolt, similar to the Canadian Ross Rifle. The rifle used rimmed 8x50mm cartridges on an en bloc style clip, which would fall out of the magazine well after the last round was used. The Ethiopian purchased M95’s were kept in the original WW1 8x50R caliber while those remaining in Europe were mainly rechambered post war to the 8x56R caliber.

I am a keen collector of dog tags. One thing I like to see on them is wear on either side of the 2 holes that the owners chord went through. Made of soft metal so often showed signs of wear after prolonged use. Good fakers will of course be aware of this, but encourages me when I see it. ***** this is not posted as a Panzer dog tag! The clue being in the RAD! Posted only as an example of the wear described above.!*********

Hi Ian, I have info on Pte Ian Fraser 43183 16 HLI He was my other half’s grandfather. Wanted to ask a few questions though, can I message or contact you directly?

Hello friends ! I`m a new at your forum. My name is Michael. I`m from Russia, Kaliningrad city. Before 1945 - Konigsberg, East Prussia (Ostpreussen). I collected german militaria and civil itemes. Here my Fanta bottles and Penzig/ Schlesien glass lid. All was find in my region ! Fanta bottles are 40, 42, 43 and without year. Some quastions : ---------------------------------------------------------------- - Have you seen bottles of 44 and 45 year ? Is it possible? That a bottle without a year is 45 year of produced ? - I once met a bottle where the year is written like this: "1941" in four digits. Which bottles are rarer - with two digits of the year or with four ? Why was that ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Why is the Penzig/ Schlesien glass lid is interest ? Before registering on this forum, I did not pay attention to these lids. After reading the information about it here, I found one for myself. We have a lot of glass from german cities in our city, which are now the territory of Poland. These are mostly beer bottles. No one appreciates this glass in Kaliningrad. Why are these lids interesting ? What mean "GH" and "54" on it ? And please note that on the lid of Moderator Fritz there are three horizontal dots in the center, and I have four. Does that mean anything ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Looking forward to the answers ! THANK YOU VERY MUCH !

Here’s my Luger - 1915 DWM manufactured - all matching numbers complete with hard leather case dated 1916 and two WW1 issue magazines. The Luger has an interesting story behind it which I am researching at the minute and will comment further on when I’ve verified the facts. However, as it stands, it’s a lovely Luger, in great condition, which may or may not be related directly to Passchendaele.

Pictured from my collection of Kriegsmarine antiques is a second pattern Reich war flag with Eagle over M (Kriegsmarine Ordinance Proof) Dt. (Deutsch 'German') Reichskriegsfl. 'Imperial War Flag' 100x170 (size in centimeters) marked in ink on flag's bunting. A flag this one is on pages 328-331 of Volume 3, Die Kriegsmarine Uniforms & Traditions by John R. Angolia and Adolf Schlicht. Pictured below is an illustration of a first patter Riech war flag (top) and a second pattern Reich war flag (bottonm) on pages 330-331 of Volume 3, Die Kriegsmarine Uniforms & Traditions by John R. Angolia and Adolf Schlicht.

Pictured from my collection is a pair of brown leather gauntlets that belonged to Rudolf Muhlbauer (1919-2000). He served aboard the U-123 and the U-170. During Rudolf's service as a submariner, he was awarded the German Cross in Gold and the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Gauntlets like his are pictured on page 332 in Torpedo Los! The Fascinating World of U-Boat Collectibles.

The Germans also had their share of remote guided weapons, one of which was the Henschel Hs 293. The 293 was designed for an anti-shipping role, one it did fairly well in, sinking or damaging 25 ships. Around 1,000 of these drones were built before the end of the war. Although designed for anti-shipping, they were also used to destroy static land based targets, in this role it was not successful. The allies developed radio jamming devices to limit the capabilities of the 293 such as the British type 650 transmitter. Later models of the 293 were being developed to use wire guided and TV Camera technology, but the war ended before they could become operational. HS 293 being loaded onto a HE-111

Munich · The "House of Bavarian History" is looking for memorabilia from the First World War that tell a personal story. These stories from the life of Bavarian citizens are to be the focus of the new Museum of Bavarian History, which will open in Regensburg in 2018 to mark the 100th birthday of the Free State. Like Simon Gammel's spiked helmet?! The front in Flanders was like a lunar landscape, ripped open by countless grenade hits and furrowed by trenches secured with barbed wire - this was the scenery in World War I in which the incredible story of Simon Gammel happened. The farmer's son Simon Gammel, born in 1892 in Gisseltshausen near Rottenburg an der Laaber in Lower Bavaria, did his military service in the Royal Bavarian 16th Infantry Regiment in Passau from 1913. A week after the German Reich declared war in August 1914, the Passau regiment marched to the western front. After battles in Lorraine, the young soldier experienced the horrors of war in trench warfare on the Somme. The front had been frozen for months and the soldiers had dug in. French barrage rained down on the Bavarian positions as Simon Gammel was hit in his dugout. A piece of shrapnel shredded the leather of his spiked helmet, penetrated his skull, only to exit the back of his head and penetrated the helmet a second time. The shelter collapsed on Simon Gammel, burying him under dirt and wood. One of the support beams pressed against his back with a tremendous load, crushing his lungs. Things were not looking good for young Simon Gammel. "The bum's off!" yelled a comrade and the soldiers shoveled the dirt aside with folding spades in order to get to the buried man. They managed to free the seriously injured man and take him to the next dressing station. From there he was transferred to a hospital. Miraculously, the splinter did not cause any permanent damage, although Simon Gammel remained severely traumatized after the external healing. After his recovery, he was employed as an instructor and later posted back to the western front. After several weeks of positional fighting on the Aisne, Simon Gammel was taken to the Ahrweiler hospital on the Rhine with alleged flu symptoms. It was only there that a doctor realized that the persistent tremors were not due to chills but to war trauma. Gammel was then released to his homeland in Lower Bavaria. He married his fiancé and the couple had two children. Simon Gammel was a member of the municipal council and active in many clubs, but he could not forget his wartime experiences. When the veterans' association organized a trip to the former battlefields on the western front, Simon Gammel refused to take part, saying: "I've been there and I didn't like it at all." Simon Gammel died in 1977 at the age of 84. His granddaughter Christa Rott, who provided the information about her grandfather, and local researcher Franz Moises not only keep an interesting object with the Pickelhaube, but also keep a piece of Bavarian history alive for posterity with the stories about Simon Gammel's fate. Did your ancestors bring back WWI memorabilia that tell a personal story? Then please contact: House of Bavarian History, keyword Museum, Zeuggasse 7, 86150 Augsburg, Tel. 08 21/32 95 130, email museum@hdbg.bayern.de. Source: Munich Weekly Gazette

Thank you all for your comments. Update to my post from Tuesday. It was to my disappointment that Jutta called me this week, and, with a bit of embarrassment, has asked for the return of the posted items. Apparently her brother in Poland wants them. She was a bit surprised as she didn't think anyone in the family was interested in them. Totally understandable. I shall return them to her with your comments. I sincerely hope they stay in her family with all associated documentation and photo's. I have my fathers memorabilia, photos and documentation all framed. He was with the Polish 2nd Corp under the British 8th Army in Iran and the Italian Campaign, notably Monte Casino. I am a firm believer in family relics being preserved along with their Hx. I shall keep you informed of updates concerning the Hx behind these items as I receive them from my friend Jutta. Thanking you all again for your time and info.

It certainly was. The downside, and yes there was one, was cleaning it. We must have gone through nearly a hundred patches.

This must be almost unique, there were very few pieces with such detailed histories recorded in engraving. If anyting, there is the place and date of the award, or maybe even the name or initials of the recipient. This must be worth thousands. This is a personalised inscription, rare to find, and even rarer with so much detail. The recipient has had this engraved: Hauptmann der Reserve Ernst Weichmann, Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment 52, Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment 208 - M.G.-Offizier beim Regiments-Stab 1914 Belgien, Sempst(?), Mecheln, Antwerpen, Yser, Langemarck 1915 Russland Bulgarien Jaroslav Rawa Rusla Pinsk 1917 Chémin des Dames 5.V.1917 - März 1920 1915 - 1920 Frankreich Verdun, Noyon-Roye Somme Orléans, Montoire, Cholet, Chateauroux in Französ. Gefangenschaft So, as can be seen, he was finally a prisoner of war (in France), he served as a Hauptmann of the Reserve with the staff of the Machine Gun Company of Reserve-Infantry Regiment 52 and Reserve-Infantry-Regiment 208 on several fronts. He was a prisoner of war till March 1920. This is a very rare find indeed. If there is no paperwork to go with this decoration, at least all the details are inscribed on the back of the cross, so you know who it belonged to and his history. Possible to research even more about this officer. Details would be at the Militärgeschichtliches Forschungsamt in Potsdam or the Deutsche Diensstelle in Berlin (formerly WA St, Wehrmachtsauskunftsstelle), now Bundesarchiv in Berlin, you can reach them online. Many records were destroyed in February 1945 when Potsdam was bombed for the first time and entirely destroyed, but some records may have survived. There are also regimental histories for most regiments, which were published after World War I, in the late 1920s or early 1930s. You may be lucky to find an original regimental history at a specialised book dealer. The Iron Cross looks like a very good quality. There may be a maker's mark on either the pin or below the pin loop, check this out, and make an extra photo of this. Value: Very hard to estimate, but very high, I would say a good thousand at least. N.B.: Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment 208 was raised on 1. September 1914 in the Braunschweig area, X. Armee-Korps. There is a brief detailed history of Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment 208 found here: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment_Nr._208 Literature: Das Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 208. Fritz Haleck, Verlag Gerhard Stalling, Oldenburg i. O./Berlin 1922 - gibt hier abweichend den Aufstellungsbeginn mit 10. Sept. 1914 an. Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment 52 im Weltkriege: Erinnerungsblätter dt. Regimenter, Gerhard Stalling, 1925

Hi Another story from my late FIL: Sometime around 1943 he helped to test & evaluate the Bren Gun (Mk2 or mk3 perhaps?) It was duly fixed firmly down on a special mount and a full mag was fired on auto at a target, either 100 or 200 yards, I can't remember which. When the target was examined to see what grouping was achieved they were surprised to see only one bullet hole, the rest appeared to have missed. Someone then commented that there was something strange about the hole, sort of slightly enlarged, it was then realised that all the bullets had gone through the same hole! When it was eventually returned it was recommended that a degree of imbalance be introduced to scatter the shot slightly, otherwise it would be wasted ammo.

Thanks. I have quite a bit more, if there is anything specific you would like to see just mention it. I have a collection of buckles, shoulder boards, some uniforms, etc. I understand what you mean when you say I won't find these things again. I have not added anything new to this part of my collection in decades, though I continue to look. The growing interest in Russia in all things Tsarist and the proliferation of reproductions has limited the availability of original items and has made purchasing anything on-line somewhat of a risk.