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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.

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

Pictured from my collection is a Kriegsmarine sea mine timer marked dnt M 4598.

Pictured from my collection is another set of 7x50 power binoculars, but manufactured by Cark Zeis Jena. The Binoculars have original leather neck strap, as well as a ranging reticle in right ocular. Binoculars like this one is pictured on page 233 in in Volume 3 of Die Kriegsmarine Uniforms & Traditions by John R. Angolia and Adolf Schlicht.

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.

Kenny: 4,000 plus views, I am at a loss for the words to express my gratitude. Many thanks to everyone. I look forward sharing other pieces from my Kriegsmarine collection with the Forum. Best regards John R.

Pictured is a signed limit edition print by Tom Freeman entitled 'Attack at Dawn.' The print depicts the U-132, commanded by Kptlt. Ernst Vogelsang, attacking and sinking one of the five ships from the crew's war patrol of 10 June -16 August 1942. Purchased this print years ago, I finally had it framed and delivered today. This fantastic print will hang in my home's guest room. I apologize for the reflection of the bubble rap.

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.

Pictured from my collection is a twelve stamp set 'Heroes of the Wehrmacht' 1943. The stamps are in mint condition, full gum on back. I had the stamp set professionally framed/archived.

Pictured from my collection are two Navigation Textbooks (Part I and Part II) for the Kriegsmarine and Merchant Navy. These books were published at the request of the High Command of the Kriegsmarine and the Reich Ministry of Transport, 1942. Navigation Textbook, Part I . Navigation Textbook, Part II.

Iv'e done some research for you Gildwiller. Charles Henry Parsons born 29 Nov 1882 in Redlynch Wiltshire, Parents John and Sarah Parsons. In 1901 employed as a Footman for the Barry Family of Stowell Park Wilcot Wiltshire, Enlisted on the 4 Nov 1915 in the 2nd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment he was sent to Hove near Brighton for training, later sent to France. He was later given a Class Z rating on 2nd Jun 1919 and later discharged to the Home Service Reserve. In July 1931 he married Florence I Handford Born 6 April 1900 at the age of 48 she was 31 and a domestic servant, they had a son Edward K born 29 May 1932. In the 1939 census they were living in the City of Salisbury, as far as I can tell Charles died in 1964 aged 82. Below are some documents for him.

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.

Pictured from my collection the book entitled 'U-BOOT AUF FEINDFAHRT' that illustrates life aboard a U-boat on patrol in the Atlantic against allied forces in the later part of 1941.

Picture from my collection is a 'Grid System' map of the southern part of the Aegean Sea that is an elongated embayment of the Mediterranean Sea. This system of mapping was used by the Kriegsmarine for locating, reporting, and vectoring its ships and U-boats. See the below link below the image to learn about the German Naval Grid System used during WWII. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Naval_Grid_System

From my collection 0f kriegsmarine antiques is a large chart with pencil notations for navigation. I had this chart professionally archived/framed. and is hanging in my library.

While I fired the 90mm M48A3, this 88 is neat. I have never seen one actually fire. I wonder the cost of one round? They sure did a job on the M4 Sherman (Ronson)

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.

Pictured below from my collection of Kriegsmarine antiques are three lapel pins (i.e., Iron Cross First Class and Iron Cross Second Class (left), Destroyer badge (center), and U-Boat badge (right)) worn by recipient of an award while in civilian attire.

Hi john, that one is original, probably worth around £195 to £225

Dear Gentlemen, Look what just came in, newly acquired 1st class B.H Mayer (26)Maker Marker with Box. Some Detailed Pics were taken with a x60 loupe. There maybe some frosting going on. Enjoy and feel free to comment.

Dear Gentlemen, Thank You for advising, Here is my first acquisition for the NSDAP Party Pin m1/164 RZM Marker, (Buttonhole), Check out the photos . I have put it through under the loupe so you guys can have a better look, for example, in the A & O alphabet you may find holes in it, not sure why is there a hole . Enjoy!!

Finally found the manual/pamphlet that was included in the crate, there were 3 complete sets in the crate, each with its own manual.

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

Usefull information for collectors

A search on the internet leads you to some nice period photographs of the Polish troops taken when stationed in and around Biggar, a few here which shows a parade down the (not much changed) High Street, a podium set up opposite John Lambie's ironmonger shop (it's now a charity shop) at which General Wladyslaw Sikorski took the salute.

Have just ordered this badge recently, RCAF On the lookout for one of these, and a NZ one Have just seen one like this, will order in due time, Brown Bess Also just viewed. I had several in the past. This one is post-WW2 dated, but identical to the period piece. Strap is not original. Replacement straps can still be found. "Au porte bonheur" as some antique dealers say and to complete my WW1 French uniform, also recently viewed, price moderate. I have had several in the past

I had a denazified Iron Cross 1st. Class, the swastika had been strongly hammered down without damaging the surrounds, the swastika was still quite visible, a bargain for 50 Marks in the old days. I added it to an early Unteroffizier fieldblouse, which I unfortunately later traded on.

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.

Ooops, should upload the photo

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.

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.

Well, did some further research, and this is a Peruvian export model M1909, the crest is barely visible on the pommel, I overlooked it earlier and its almost gone. These were identical to the bayonets issued to German units/states but with limited stampings.

No markings. It has a rounded top on the blade. I have seen other models like this with no stamps.

Is there a date or mark at the back of the blade? Accceptance mark, date and armourers mark Regimental markings can be found on most bayonets till 1914

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.!*********

I picked this up recently. A Belgian 1922 FN 1922 pistol, designed by Browning and, in this case, produced for evaluation by the Third Reich. This is a cut-away model for evaluation by the German Heer. It is Waffenampt stamped and has an engraving on the safety trigger saying ‘property of the army (heer)’. A fairly rare piece., I think.

Here is how I store and display my WW1 Medals and Badges.

I thought I would wait a while before I posted this, but I can’t wait any longer. Lorient Shield, 100% correct, got all the background, my mission to collect ALL the shields is complete!! When I have the time Kenny, it might warrant a long post as all of my shields to ensure their history publishing - every one is 100% from the source. if im going to be a perfectionist, I need a small m Cholm - I have the long m as you know. Anyway, big cigar and martini time!! e

Here is my newly acquired Enlisted Interim or Dress Prussian Cavalry Sword M1889. It has a folding hand guard and Bakelite grip. There are faint traces of engraving work on the blade but it is too light to capture adequately. The hand guard and metal parts associated with the handle are Nickle plated, the folding hand guard had a crest for the various German states.

Holy smokes what a rabbit hole, your experience here has been invaluable and I hope my example might help others. The silver test did tarnish so I think that's a plus - but I can't see this as 100% genuine at this point, thanks again. I now have larger concerns about a recently visited store in the UK too, as this isn't the first strike out!

I just spotted this WW1 Pension Card for your man, Angus McLeod, in the "Fold3" section of Ancestry (you may already have it?). It looks like the card's dated 1925 so I guess Angus must have been awarded a post-war pension for wounds or debilitating illness received on duty. The card shows his two Army Cyclist Corps numbers, also a Highland Light Infantry service number, 1772.

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 !