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Showing content with the highest reputation since 21/04/12 in all areas

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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.
    7 points
  6. A small grouping from a WW1 German doctor who I believe died several years after the war from the effects of the campaign
    7 points
  7. 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
    7 points
  8. I’ve been looking for a nice example of the eastern front medal for a while now what are your thoughts on this one ?
    7 points
  9. Here's front and rear of my own nice Ostfront medal
    7 points
  10. 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
  11. Is this a good one guys and any ideas on the maker ? Thanks
    7 points
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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.
    7 points
  16. 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
    7 points
  17. This is a Mk14 bombsight, it’s been refurbished post war though as it has the ferranti gyro fitted to it.
    7 points
  18. 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.
    7 points
  19. Here is an image from the US Army Signal Corps Museum, you can see the lamp and battery box on top by the sandbags.
    7 points
  20. Love your VB Launchers. Here is a display of US Rifle Grenades I did for a collector show in 2018.
    7 points
  21. 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
    7 points
  22. Here is an interesting item, a WW1 era US Signal Corps battery powered signal lamp kit. I love oddball items such as this by the way. So this kit was used pre-WW1 and probably would have been used into WW1 if not for advances in radio and field telephones. Although this and other obsolete items were still in the manuals of the time, realistically it most likely was not used in WW1. This kit typically consists of a leather belt and suspenders, a small leather box capable of holding 1 battery and a key switch, this was used to communicate Morse. Additionally a spare battery box was worn that held 4 extra batteries, and sometimes a larger shoulder strap leather box could be used that held 5 batteries and had a lamp hook up and signal key (shown on back of mannequin). I got this kit complete in the original packing crate, which held 4 lamps, and several leather straps, as well as extra batteries, which were wrapped in paper, and spare bulbs (these are particular hard to find spares for). The batteries were 3 volt and lasted about an hour if constantly used. I did test one of the original batteries, added water and charged it, and it still worked!
    6 points
  23. John, you have an amazing collection, really have enjoyed you sharing your items with us.
    6 points
  24. One of the rarest buckles to find (that is original) An Organisation Todt one piece steel belt buckle with a silver wash. One this example, nearly all the wash is missing from the front of the buckle but it is present on the back. Marked Org Todt under the hinge post- a rare beast, there are lots of copies around.
    6 points
  25. 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
    6 points
  26. New addition, a nice condition map accessory pouch. This pouch usually contained the grid scale tools or similar items.
    6 points
  27. Usefull information for collectors
    6 points
  28. Hardly understandable that Germany exported such modern bayonets, as there was later an accute shortage of bayonets after the war broke out in 1914, hence the use of Ersatzbajonette.
    6 points
  29. Here is my newly completed WW1 French replica trench periscope rifle. The periscope is original, the rest is newly made. This was based upon period photo's as I could not find anyone with a real one for detailed examination. However this one functions just as a real one should, last image is of a period model. Trench periscope assemblies are very difficult to find today, and I am lucky enough to have one original (German model).
    6 points
  30. It's quite a long time ago but (probably) the most interesting SS cuff title I ever owned came from yourself, Kenny, an issued and nicely worn condition embroidered RZM pattern "Frw. Legion Norwegen" title. I had popped into your shop on a rare visit to Glasgow and you had it up for sale along with a similar embroidered Frw Legion Niederlande title, it was also used condition but still stitched together in a loop, right off the sleeve. Both were totally original titles - wish I could have bought them both but could only afford one at the time. Really rare things in collecting terms.
    6 points
  31. Hello, I would like to share with you one small group I have from a Saxon officer who received medals from Hesse. Leutnant d. R. Otto Steinmetz from IR 107. He received the following medals : - knight cross of St Henry of Saxe - knight cross 2nd class with swords of Albert of Saxe - iron cross 2nd class - the general honor decoration for bravery of Hesse-Darmstadt - iron cross 1st class - the warrior's honor decoration in iron of Hesse-Darmstadt
    6 points
  32. Pictured from my collection is a booklet (top) and postcard (bottom). The booklet provides information about submarine and service in the Kriegsmarine. The postcard contains the Kreigsmarine Standard over a U-boot. I apologize for the reflection in images. Prior to archiving this booklet (top) many years ago, I took a picture of the front/back covers folded out, fantastic art work.
    6 points
  33. All: Hello. At this point, I have shared approximately 1/3 of the pieces in my collection of Kriegsmarine antiques with you. I trust you have enjoyed viewing, as much as I have sharing, my collection, more to come. Best regards, John R.
    6 points
  34. Pictured from my collection is a flag of water sports vessels. Kriegsmarine owned sail boats and yatchs were. required to fly this flag. A flag like this one is on page 361 in Volume 3, Die Kriegsmarine Uniforms & Traditions by John R. Angolia and Adolf Schlicht.
    6 points
  35. More period images of the CSRG
    6 points
  36. Men of French 107th regiment posing with several chauchats. Note the spare magazines and leather wrist holder for the pocket watch.
    6 points
  37. It's definitely a British Mk I helmet. I don't think FKS has been definitively pinned down, but most sources say it represents Firth & Sons Ltd. The insignia is for the US 77th Division.
    6 points
  38. Here is a nice early grouping for all you panzer guys. Leo Schramm, 5th Kompanie, 11th Panzer Regiment, saw action all through Poland and France in 1939/40, won the PAB when it was know as the Panzerkampfwagenabzeichen, received his Service in the West certificate. He was part of Panzer Regiment 11 who were in turn part of the 6th Panzer Division. He was associated with Panzer 35 (t)’s. He was killed on 26th June 1941 at the Battle of Raseiniai, where the GermanPanzer 35(t)’s were no match for the Russian heavy tanks and were effectively routed. This grouping consists of his fully filled out Wehrpass, his passport (minus front cover), his service in the West Cert, and his Panzer badge citation made out as the Panzerkampfwagenabzeichen which was the name of the PAB prior to June 1940.
    6 points
  39. Uniformrock des Generalfeldmarschalls Prinz Leopold von Bayern, wohl im Bayr. Armeemuseum zu sehen (?)
    6 points
  40. Here is my KM Narvik shield.
    6 points
  41. Great to see that these items have been kept together so far and tell a story - as mentioned above, the SS Wiking items are very collectable - for me though, the value is in keeping these items (and any other items related to them) together as a contemporary record.
    6 points
  42. Alexander Beveridge No 1191 1/6th Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, born 3rd Feb 1892 Eastwood Renfrewshire to parents George and Elizabeth one of six children living at 24 Bengal st Pollokshaws Glasgow. At the age of 17 yrs old he enlisted on the 22 March 1909 in the Princess Louises 1/6th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders at Pollokshaws he was a printer by trade. From 1909 to 1913 he did Annual Training and Drills, he was Embodied in to the Regular Army in 1914 and given a new No 250430. In May 1914 the 1/6th Battalion was part of the 152nd Brigade in the 51st ( Highland ) Division, and in Sept were moved and stationed at Bedford doing Coastal Defence work. In April 1915 the Division crossed the channel between 30 Apr and 3 May to France and by the 6 May had concentrated at Lillers, Busnes and Robecq. It was later hurried to the defence of Ypres. And later moved again South to an area North of the river Somme and relieved a French Division near Hamel. Alexander was employed as H Company Cook and on 1st Dec 1915 he was admitted to hospital suffering with Myalgia = ( Repetitive Strain Injury ), he rejoined his Battalion on the 13 Feb 1916. On the 26 June 1916 the 1/6th Battalion was transferred to the Divisional Engineers and Pioneers in 5th Division and became a Pioneer Battalion. Alexander was wounded on the 26 Sept 1916 with a G.S.W. ( Gun Shot Wound ) to his right thigh and arm and admitted to Hospital and later sent by ship to the Kitchener Hospital in Brighton on the 13 Oct 1916 and granted a Furlough from 1 Nov to 10 Nov 1916, after he had recovered from his injures he Joined the 1/5th Battalion in Egypt on the 11 Aug 1917. He saw action in the following battles the First, Second, and third battles of Gaza. In the Spring of 1918 the 52 Lowland Division was moved to France to help stem the mighty German Offensive. In June the 1/5th Battalion left the 52 Division to join the 103 Brigade of the 34th Division which concentrated at Senlis, and came under orders from General Petain, he was in command of the 30th Corps of the French 10th Army on the Marne Front, during the Battles of the Soisonnais and Ourcq 20 July to 2 Aug 1918. Alexander was wounded on the 29 July with a gun shot wound to his right hand,on the 2 Aug he was sent back to the UK on the Hospital ship Warilda sailing from Le Harve to Southampton. On the 3 Aug 1918 the Warilda was sunk by UC49 in the English Channel and 123 persons died with Alexander being one of them he is remembered on the Hollybrook Memorial Southampton, and on the Pollokshaws Burgh Hall Memorial Cross.
    6 points
  43. the obvious way to see a fake /space filler is that the original ones had cast names standing up wheras the repro's can only be engraved into. the repro specialists would not consider worth casting the name in individually on a one off basis wheras multiple casting blanks is cheaper. although you call them fakes they are being sold by dealers as space fillers while waiting for the original to come up. Collectors know but unsuspecting family members probably will not until they come to sell them. on the BMF, I keep the plaque list updated , currently there are over 3800 requests for missing plaques for collectors.
    6 points
  44. Good day This looks like a good EM buckle in nickel by Overhoff & Cie of Lüdenscheid but is it? Many thanks
    6 points
  45. A British 18-Pounder shell head with fuse, purchased at the official stand at the offices of the South African War Memorial at Delville Wood in 1982. The copper bronze fuse has the lot number 1069 and date 1916. The driving band has the grooves of the barrel rifling. Overall deep pitting, overpainted as purchased. One of the many duds discovered and de-activated, hollow and empty, the fuse cap was loose and has been stuck in place.
    6 points
  46. More stuff here. https://nfknowledge.org/contributions/millersford-arde-superintendent-the-lancaster-crash-and-an-unrecognised-hero/#map=10/-1.7/50.96/0/24:0:0.6|39:1:1|40:1:1 My late FIL assured me that he witnessed the crash, caused by the last in line of a group of low flying Lancasters of the Dam Buster Squadron losing control in the turbulent slipstream and turning left into clear air, the pilot then had to steepen the turn to avoid a line of electricity pylons, unfortunately he clipped the ground with his port wingtip and cartwheeled. Crew very lucky to survive.
    6 points
  47. Here is another WW2 German Bottle, this one if for Fanta, a drink I still enjoy to this day. The U.S.’s entrance into World War II meant that American companies had to immediately stop all business activities with the enemy. In addition, the German government was threatening to seize “enemy-owned” businesses. Coca-Cola HQ in Atlanta also cut off communications with Max Keith (German Coca-Cola Company Subsidiary Owner) in Germany and halted the export of Coca-Cola’s 7X flavoring (the long-mythicized, top secret formula for Coca-Cola syrup). To keep production going during the war, Keith patched together a recipe within the limitations imposed by wartime rationing. It was basically made from the leftovers of other food industries: fruit shavings, apple fibers and pulp, beet sugar, and whey, the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained during cheese production. To name this concoction, Keith told his team to use their imagination. Joe Knipp, a salesman, pitched “Fanta,” shorthand for the German word for “fantasy.” It stuck. Fanta saved Coca-Cola GmbH. Sales rose gradually during the war, particularly as other choices became harder and harder to find. It wasn’t simply drunk either. Fanta was popular as a sweetener for soups due to severe sugar rationing, since the drink’s renown earned it an exemption from the rationing after 1941 (though Keith had to use beet sugar). It was likely used for a variety of other cooking and baking needs as well. In April 1955, Coca-Cola reintroduced Fanta with a new recipe, this time as an orange-flavored drink. It debuted in Italy, before making its way to the United States in 1958. This bottle has the following on this front "Fanta, Schutzmarke, Brauselimonade mit Fruchtgeschmack" On the bottom it reads "MG, 0.25L, 42"
    6 points
  48. The steel helmet worn by Ernst Jünger (Pour le Mérite) as he was wounded, 18 wounds! He received the Pour le Mérite and survived to become a famous author. He served in the Second World War as a Reserve Officer. His most famous work was "In Stahlgewittern", the account of his experiences in the Great War. The helmet is in the collections of the Marburger Literaturmuseum. Ernst Jünger died at the age of 102 in 1998 in Wilfingen. He also had served in the French Foreign Legion before World War I. During WW1 he served with Infanterie-Regiment 77. After the outbreak of war in 1939 he served on the Westwall, where he won the 1939 bar to the Iron Cross 2nd Class 1914 for saving a wounded soldier. After that he served on the staff of the Military Governor of France, Generaloberst von Stülpnagel till Summer of 1944, leaving the city after the Allies began their Operation Overlord, along with the evacuating German troops, and returned to Kirchhorst in Lower Saxony, where he was dismissed from the regular Wehrmacht. At the end of the war he commanded a Volkssturm unit, but ordered no resistance against the advancing allied troops. Ernst Jünger at the head of his company, the march to France, 1940 A portrait by Stefan Moses A postage stamp commemorating Ernst Jünger, 1998 A recent edition of his most famous work. The war diary of Ernst Jünger
    6 points
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