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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.

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!!

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 an optical gunsight for a 3.7 cm anti-aircraft gun (Flak M42) manufactured for the Kriegsmarine. The code for this manufacture is 'dow' (Waffenwerke Brunn A.G. (1943 - Opticotechna Gmbh, Prerau Czech.)). The optic has a wide field of view with a ranging reticle. Even though designed to withstand harsh environments, this optic was made to be removed from the weapon system mounted on an U-boat .

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

Pictured from my kriegsmarine collection is an emblem and a badge used by the Ubootwaffe as tradition cap insignia. The emblem for the National Socialist League of the Reich foe Physical Fitness( left) was worn as an U-Boat cap insignia by the crew of U-274, as was the Edelweiss gap device of the German Army Mountain Troops (right) by the crew of U-124. Examples of the these tradition badges are on page 77, page 81, and page 83 of 'Torpedo Los! THE FASCINATING WORLD OF U-BOAT COLLECTIBLES' by Gordon Williamson. Pictured from my collection is a U-Boat tradition cap insignia 'Swordfish spearing an enemy sip' for the U-441 being worn by its Commander, Klaus Hartmann (white cap). All 51 hands, including Hartmann, died when U-441 was sunk by Allied depth-charges on 30 June 1944.

Pictured from my collection is on more 7x50 power binoculars, but manufactured by Ernest Leitz (beh). The Binoculars have original leather neck strap, as well as rubber armor. Binoculars like this one is pictured on page 423 and 424 in Deutsche Kriegsmarine Uniforms, Insignias and Equipment of thw German Navy 1933-1945 by Eduardo Delgado.

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.

Gildwiller1918, 72usmc, Fritz, phantom, KennyAndrew, Eddieq, and leon21: Hello. Thank each and everyone of you for all the recent likes, greatly appreciated. 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 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.

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.

Pictured from my collection s the german naval yearbook 'Nauticus' for 1942. This book contains over 450 pages that document the exploits of the Kreigsmarine.

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

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.

Ltn. Josef Jacobs, Staffelführer of Jasta 7 (15 May 1894 – 29 July 1978)

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.

Hey Gentlemen, If given the chance both NSDAP membership vs party pins comes with the same price, which one is more significant & desirable to collect? Thank You.

Given a choice between the two badges I'd purchase the one marked "BOERGER & CO BERLIN S.O 16. GES. GESCH", it's an earlier, pre-RZM party badge and a much rarer badge to find than the later M1/102 marked badge. It's also a personal preference, I like the earlier badges which often had slightly quirkier, chunky type faces on the lettering as opposed to neat, slim typefaces often used post-RZM.

Usefull information for collectors

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.

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.

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

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 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.

Very nice Eddie, I would agree this is a rare item

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

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?

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!

Never seen one at a gun show in the US. Very nice find.

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.

Hi, I compiled most of the books written on the Baron into a website: www.meettheredbaron.com The site puts events during his lifetime on a timescale, and on a map. Enjoy

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 !