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Here is another example of the previous one listed.

Here is another enlisted engineer cap, this one has a screw back disk, and is fully lined.

Here is another enlisted cap, this one with an Air Service device. It is interesting also, as it is British made. The US had contracted several countries to make uniforms and related gear to help with the massive troop buildup. Unfortunately the cap has some minor moth damage.

Here is a US enlisted cap, french inspired design. It has no liner which is common for the enlisted side, but has a small cotton sweatband. It has a pin backed "US" disk applied.

Below is another style of cap, this one for a Corps of Engineers Captain. Engineer Officers wore white and red as their branch colors. It has a pin back false embroidered rank pin applied.

5/322 Kitzinger and Illingen I think you mean Kitzingen (that is near Würzburg) NB: There are many towns and cities in the Württemberg region (and elsewhere) with names ending in ingen, there are originally of celtic origin, later settlers were the Schwaben and Allemanen, who settled before the Romans came.

Thanks Fritz, I have corrected the lineup.

This is a US M1912 Tunic, so called because of the changes in uniform design in 1911, resulting in the M1912. These tunics were made of wool, however unlike later models the wool color was more of a tan than green/olive drab appearance. The M1912 is distinguishable from other patterns as it has a double row of stitching along the cuffs. The tunic is also fully lined, something that was cut from wartime production coats. These coats were used in the punuitive expedition into mexico to go after Pancho Villa as well as troops going to france in 1917 and 1918. The stocks were issued until depleted. These coats originally had rank chevrons on both sleeves, however in 1917, the US military decided that only one chevron was ro be worn. This particular coat has an engineer corporal rank on the right sleeve. On the left sleeve there is a diamond shaped patch for railway engineers, followed by an honorable service/discharge stripe and below that is a double chevron denoting two overseas service tours. At the collar are the US and engineer disks. The last picture shows the difference in color, the M1912 is on the left and a later pattern tunic on the right.

Here is another enlisted cap, with the generic "US" disk. This one is British made, as you can faintly make out the stamps on the cotton sweatband.

Another enlisted cap, this one for medical personnel. This cap has a cloth sweatband, and a makers label as well as the owners label.

Here is another enlisted cap, this one with an artillery disk. It has no liner, but is excellent shape.

Ausdauer (800m Lauf, 3000m Lauf, Nordic Walking) Schnelligkeit (Sprint) Kraft (Kugelstoßen, Standweitsprung, Steinstoßen, Schlagball) Koordination ( Seilspringen, Schleuderball, Drehwurf, Weitsprung) Schwimmen in Sprint und Ausdauer FLIZZY Kindersportabzeichen (für Kinder im Alter von 3-6 Jahre) von 10-13 Uhr Hüpfburg Awarded again today, I don't think I would be interested.

That's a well-worn piece, could have been in the field, such as paratroops, ground forces or field division, less likely on an airfield or administration in such worn condition.

I apologize, for some reason the pictures keep posting out of order.

Here are some German notes from August 12, 1914.

Here is my WW2 German Army enlisted side cap, dated 1941. Small sized as usual for that time. The eagle is stitched to the exterior and does not go through the liner.

Normally clothing of the SS had their marks in the lining, later they had their own factories.

The ends should be flush or parallel to the braid, but as these are pre-formed, as best as you can get it. It would tend to leave it like that for now. You say this was a Waffen-SS tunic originally? These have a different shape of collar patch and on the left upper sleeve there would be stitch marks where the arm eagle was - and did not have a breast eagle. The patches you have applied are also the very early ones, they should normally be the 2nd or third pattern, but there were a few exceptions. On the other hand, all uniforms lost their insignia at the latest with the end of the war, and as a prisoner of war, all was removed, apart from the buttons. Very few uniforms have survived with their original insignia, only those that were in the cupboard at the end of the war, or in stores, but ones still in wear, were stripped. One of the lucky ones returning - stripped of insignia.

These are the only British notes I have, both 1 pound.

Here are some WW2 German coins, 5 RM, 2 RM, 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1 Pfennig.

Below is some more WW2 era German Currency.

Below are some wartime German currency from WW2.

Below is a German note issues in 1920, very colorful and detailed.

Below are some of the depression era German Notes after WW1. As the economy collapsed, the money became more and more worthless, even after printing astronomical values on them. These notes are from 1922.

Here are my early German coins. Deutsches Reich 5 Mark, 3 Mark, 2 Mark and 10 and 5 Pfennig coins.

Hello Tankie 1RTR didn't we speak about your grandfather over the phone awhile ago, or was that someone else. Have you tried to find his service records if not there are several sites you could try like Fold 3 or Forces-War-Records/Records most of the WW2 records seem to be held on these sites.

Hello Guys. I am desperately trying to find anything i can about my Grandfather John McGrath, he served as a driver with the Tank Regiment in Oldham Lancashire. he was with the 10th Manchesters when WW2 broke out, as was mobilised. the 10th Manchesters were then converted to an Armoured Regiment. He use to tell me about his war years and when he was in North Africa, after the war he stayed with the Tank Regiment and drove the Centurion Tanks that they had there in the Drill Hall at Rifle street and in the Tank Sheds on Oldham Edge. I believe that he also served on Chuchill Tanks during WW2, also Shermans. IF anybody knew him or could find out anything mentioning his name or even better a photograph, I would even be willing to pay. I served with 1RTR I had to follow my grandfathers footsteps. I am now 65 yrs old and I desperately want this info before I go to the Green Fields Beyond. Thank You Sincerely.

Nice condition, still has the early dark green insignia, here hand-stitched. Normally these caps had a coloured "Soutachewinkel" over the cockade. These were discontinued as from 7/1942, or removed.

1842 - The Great Fire As a comparison the Great Fire of 1842 destroyed the old city almost entirely. Impressions of the fire in 1842.

Here is a item I just picked up, a WW1 era German stick grenade. Now this is a peculiar type, it has the 1915 Brennzunder type head and the grenade handle has the correct profile for this model, however it as the the screw cap end instead of the pull string rounded end. I imagine as the rounded end types were phased out the handles were still being made and were changed to meet the criteria for the screw cap types. So my guess is that this is a very late M1915 type, right before switching to the M16 types. The screw cap is incorrect, this one is for the M24, not a WW1 issue, but I will replace it with a correct one. There are faint markings on the wood handle for the maker (Lachmann Berlin), and the 5 1/2 second fuse. Overall nice condition despite its age, and not very common anymore.

The companion volume to above, covering the remaining Cavalry regiments, by the same author: Die Bayerischen, Sächsischen und Württembergischen Kavallerie-Regimenter 1913/14 Front dust cover depicts Württembergisches Dragoner-Regt.25 Bavarian Schwere Reiter Bavaria, 1.Ulanen-Regt. Bavaria, 2.Ulanen-Regt. Bavaria 6. Chevauleger-Regiment Saxon Garde-Reiter-Regiment Saxon Husaren Saxon Ulanen Württemberg, Dragoner 25 Württemberg, Ulanen-Regt.19

A 1915 Infantry officer peaked fieldcap. Lacquered peak and visor strap. Mid to late war manufacture, a damast silk material has been used to make the lining. Peak is deep red inside, as also fixing ribbon to leather sweatband. Some smaller holes, silk crown lining is somewhat shot, some rust stains to outer crown. A 1915 pattern Feldmütze mit Schirm for NCOs with Hessian cockade. Fine doeskin material, with peak and strap. No internal marks. A textbook example of a 1907/15 fieldcap, Feldmütze or Krätzchen for Garde-Infanterie. 1916 dated, still of good pre-war quality. Maker's inkstamp: Thomsen and size 58 1/2 and K.B.A.G 1916, a further stamp: 3.K. F.B. Cockades were always stitched vertically, and not horizontally on original headdress! Almost mint straight from storage, purchased by my father for 4 pounds in March 1970. A well worn field cap, 1916 undated, with stamp B.J.A.III, Co.11 and size stamp 52, some further illedible stamps. B.J.A. is Bekleidungs- Instandsezungs-Amt - here clothing was either repaired or made from scratch as required. The 3. Army Corps was for the province of Brandenburg, but was issued in Berlin. One small hole to middle of crown, some age discolouring of lining, otherwise very good condition. A well worn 1916 infantry field cap stamped B.A.VI., 1916, this being the Silesian army corps (Breslau), which normally had the Prussian cockade. Cockade is of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen, which does not co-incide with the stamp. This was typical of troop movements of regiments and units or personnel being moved to other army corps. The Cockade is original period stitched, with a strip of white underlaying cloth as always. A perfect example of a 1915 infantry field cap with it's original issued "Tarnstreifen" or covering band. This of ribbed, grey woven cotton material fastened at the rear by a sliding buckle and with a buttonhole fitting concealing the cockade on the band. Issue stamp B.A.XV. (Metz / Lothringen), dated 1916 and with size stamp 56 and maker's mark: A.Grieshaber. Almost mint, slight corrosion to grey-coated sliding buckle. Certainly unworn. This was one of the first steps in rendering the 1915 uniform less conspicuous in the field. The covering band could be easily removed when required. Apparently straight from storage into an auction, purchased many years ago. A textbook example of the 1917 universal pattern fieldcap. Almost mint, possibly unissued, with a later Belgian red ink stamp of a Theater costume company from "Anvers", Antwerpen. Liner stamped with B.A.XI undated, and a maker's ink stamp "Schleiz" Gr. 54. Schleiz is a small town in Thüringen. State cockade was plain black, unpainted, as if unissued, or otherwise the paintwork has chipped off in storage through time. As originally folded. Almost mint with just one tiny pinhole. Purchased in Portobello Road in 1966 for just 1 pound and 10 shillings. Many years ago I restored the white ring on the state cockade, assuming it was Prussian issue. Remaining stocks of these caps were worn by the Reichswehr with only one cockade, and by the police for exercise dress without cockades till at least the end of the 1920s. A version of this with a soft cloth peak was also produced postwar. A formal dress peaked cap for an officer of the Prussian Artillery, etc., ca. 1915. Black velvet band and red piped. Peak inner and sweatband in regulation grey as from September 1915. Handwritten name: Tode. Silk crown liner slightly shot. Reichskokarde was missing (removed after 9. November 1918), since replaced. Artillery field cap marked to B.A.XIV 1915, Baden, but with Prussian cockade A well worn field cap of the Bavarian Artillery. Stamp of B.J.A. Augsburg (Bekleidungs-Instandsetzungs-Amt), some further washed out stamps ga and F.B., rest illegible. Some Ersatzmaterial has been used to complete the liner. Bavarian and Reichskokarde to front., ca. 1915. Reichskokarde was missing (removed after 9. November 1918), now with original correct replacement.

I haven't seen this instruction book before, but a lot of such books do turn up from time to time. Could this be more for use for the political organisations other than the Wehrmacht? That is the impression I get.

improved photos added

Württemberg, Kingdom Kriegsdenkmünze, 1866. Inaugurated by Wilhelm I. in 1840, last awarded for 1866 by König Karl. Bronze, on newer ribbon. Crowned K within a laurel wreath, reverse with crossed swords , within a canopy the inscription Für treuen Dienst in einem Feldzug Silberne Verdienst-Medaille 1892-1918, Silber medal with portrait of Wilhelm II. of Württemberg. The reverse with the inscription Für Tapferkeit und Treue within a laurel wreath, on original ribbon Wilhelmskreuz 1915 Für öffentliche Wohlfahrt - for public welfare. Bronze cross with a crowned W and date 1915, the reverse shows an open wreath without inscription. On a replacement ribbon. There were four variations of this decoration. Charlottenkreuz 1916 instituted January 1916 by Wilhem II. for care of the wounded. Silver celtic type cross within intertwined C and W, the reverse with 1916 within the centre medallion, on correct replacement ribbon. Dienstauszeichnung 2. Klasse 1913-1918 for 12 years long service Dienstauszeichnung 3. Klasse 1913-1918 for 9 years long service Landwehr-Dienstauszeichnung 2. Klasse 1879-1891 (Schnalle) 1st type "K" Landwehr-Dienstauszeichnung 2. Klasse 1892 - 1912 (Schnalle) 2nd type "W" Landwehr-Dienstauszeichnung 2. Klasse 1913-1918 (Medal) 3rd type

all in nice condition, most of these never seen before.

Further examples added

J'aimerai vendre mon horloge mais je na sais pas comment procéder. Cette horloge impeccable est en parfait état de marche. Pouvez-vous m'aider. Merci à vous.

Thanks for the new information on XH helmets, your never to old to learn something new.

Sadly a gentleman near me recently passed away. His name was Commander (retd.) Geoffrey Burrows and he was an engineer with the navy during WWII. He served with Combined Ops during WWII and landed with the Americans on Utah Beach on D-Day. Does anyone know what his role would have been and why he landed with the Americans? His family very kindly gave me all his WWII equipment including two gasmasks. The rubber is mostly ok but some has gone very hard. Is there any way I can reverse this or is there something I can put on the rubber to prevent it from hardening in the other areas?

Here is a private purchase WW1 US Army Medical Corps Captain Tunic and Side Cap. The tunic is a much finer wool quality than the enlisted versions, with a full liner, additionally it has the cellulose based "vegetable" buttons rather than the blackened steel types. There are no tags or markings, another interesting feature is that the sleeves are missing the officer braiding, again, which was not all that uncommon on private purchase tunics, however Officers sometimes wore enlisted tunics (with officer insignia) to blend in better and not become a visible target. The Tunic also has the famous Sam Browne belt which became all the rage with allied officer corps. The side cap has the medical corps braiding of maroon and white, with a smaller cap sized Captain insignia. There is a tag but the ink has faded to where it's impossible to read it. There are no service/wound stripes or overseas chevrons, so I'm guessing this is a very late war tunic or perhaps a walking out or replacement. Still an interesting example of what the troops were wearing.

This is how the correct Aiguillette should look, as worn with parade uniform

A journey into the past.

Rommel in earlier days, far right of picture (with Pour le Mérite and helmet)

Some photo postcards of the aftermath of the raids in July 1943. All postcards by Foto Hugo Schmidt, Hamburg 36, Poststraße 14-16 Street scene with minimal damage and what looks like anti-tank barriers near the centre of Hamburg, possibly Reeperbahn or Neue Pferdemarkt. Ruins around the Nikolaikirche near the Hopfenmarkt. Hamburg, view along the Mönckebergstrasse towards Spitalerstraße and the Hauptbahnhof, ruins A view in the opposite direction from the Mönckebergstrasse towards the Rathausmarkt, ruins, to the left, the Petrikirche Mönckebergstrasse and Gerhard-Hauptmann-Platz, ruins View from a building in a side street over the Mönckebergstrasse showing the scale of devastation. -------------------------- Alt-Barmbek, Soldiers and Luftschutzpolizei clearing the ruins and searching for the missing. KZ-Häftlinge from Neuengamme preparing a house in Altona for demoltion. Sperrgebiet - Betreten verboten! KZ-Häftlinge clearing up the rubble. The area of Hammerbrook had to be walled in, as it had become a dead zone. Remains of the victims could only be recovered on clearing the ruins in the postwar years. Much of Hammerbrook was not rebuilt till the early to mid 80s. It was reported that on one occasion an SA-Mann was shot by Ordnungskräfte for plundering in Ballindamm in the city centre. A view of Hammerbrook or Rothenburgsort, both entirely destroyed. 900.000 lost their homes in Hamburg and were compelled to leave the city. Flakbunker, Heiligengeistfeld Cellars thought safe as air raid shelters became a death trap and inferno Hamburg-Eilbek The aftermath 1945, life in Nissen-Huts

Oberstleutnant Walter Oesau, a popular Hoffmann photo as a postcard, unwritten. Small photo of an unidentified pilot - Flugzeugführer, Uli (Ulrich) born 12.5.1919, failed to return from a mission on 14.10.1941, on Velox photopaper. Dornier Do 215 medium bomber, postcard by Film-Foto-Verlag, Berlin SW68 No. R.194. This aircraft was only produced in small numbers and was also exported to various countries. Heinkel He 111 - Unsere Wehrmacht - Das Flugzeug wird zur Tankstelle geleitet. Kunstverlag Schwerdtfeger, Berlin. Photo: Riebicke Unsere Wehrmacht - He 111 - Startbereit. Schwerdtfeger, Berlin. Photo: Heinke Unsere Wehrmacht - Blick in den Funkraum einer BV 138. Schwerdtfeger, Berlin. Photo: A. Schulze Photo series of a funeral for Luftwaffe personnel, probably Flak, one photo is dated 14.3.1943. No further description

Here's a picture to be seen and never forgotten

further wartime pictures of Bohn family added

I purchased a ww1 German 77mm shell case on Monday at the Good-wood antiques and collectors fair on Monday , an explanation of the markings on this German 77mm shell case POLTE MAGDEBURG = the cartridge manufacturer The number 14 refers to the batch number in which that shell came from, Sp252 =Control/inspection mark for Patronenfabrik Polte Magdeburg AUG 1916= The month and year of manufacture... And marked on the primer, F r i e d Krupp A.G = Friedrich Krupp AG, was the largest company in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century, it just goes to show how much information can be gleaned from the markings on an old shell..................