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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 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.

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.

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 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 is a thirteen stamp set 'Heroes of the Wehrmacht' 1944. The stamps are in mint condition, full gum on back. I had the stamp set professionally framed/archived.

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 of Kriegsmarine antiques is a book about the exploits of Kapitanleutnant Hans Bartels (1919-1945), awarded the Knight's Cross on 16 May 1940 for his naval action in during the Norwegian campaign . Great art dust cover of book. Art of Kapitanleutnant Bartels on deck of minesweeper M1.

Pictured from my collection the is the book 'Deutschlands Wehrmacht' published 1 April 1938 that describes and illustrates the oder of battle for Germany's Army, Air Force, and Navy . The front cover of 'Deutschlands Wehrmacht' Germany's Armed Forces. This page from the book shows the Rank and Career structure for the Kriegsmarine.

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.

Pictured from my collection is working 8-day 'Radio Room' clock manufactured by Junghans for the Kriegsmarine.

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

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.

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.

Part Two ( Onward to France ) On 17th June 1916 the Division were given orders to move to France, the move was completed by the 8th of July when they arrived in Marseilles. And by the 27th July the Division had taken over part of the front in Third Army Sector. The Division then took part in the following operations. The capture of the Wundt-Werk. The Battle of Flers-Courcelette ( 15-22 Sept 1916 ) In Reserve Army ( Gough ) 11 Corps ( Jacobs ) The Battle of Thiepval ( 26-28 Sept 1916 ) In Reserve Army ( Gough ) 11 Corps ( Jacobs ) Phases of the Battles of the Somme 1916. 1917 Operations on the Acre Actions within this phase of fighting included In Fifth Army ( Gough ) IV Corps ( Woollcombe ) The Capture of Munich Trench (10-11 Jan 1917 ) The Battle of Messines ( 7-14 Jun 1917 II Army ( Plumer ) IX Corps ( Gordon ) and the Capture of Wytschaete. The Battle of Langemarck ( 16-18 Aug 1917 ) In Fifth Army ( Gough ) XVIII Corps ( Maxse ) Also Actions in the Battle of Menin Road (20-25 Sept 1917 ) In Fifth Army ( Gough ) XVIII Corps ( Maxse ) The Battle of Polygon Wood (26 Sept-3 Oct 1917 ) In Fifth Army ( Gough ) XVIII Corps ( Maxse ) The Battle of Broodseinde ( 4 Oct 1917 ) In Fifth Army ( Gough ) XVIII Corps ( Maxse ) The Battle of Poelcpelle ( 9 Oct 1917 ) In Fifth Army (Gough ) XVIII Corps ( Maxse ) Actions in the Second Battles of Arras 1918 Phase The Battle of Scarpe ( 26-30 Aug 1918 ) In First Army ( Horne ) XXII Corps ( Godley ) The Battle of the Canal du Nord ( 27 Sept-1 Oct 1918 ) First Army ( Horne ) Canadian Corps ( Currie ) on the 27th Sept 1918 James Edward Barnes was wounded in action with a gun shot wound to the Knee. He was discharged from the Army on 19 Jan 1919, he returned to his old job as a Cotton Spinner and Died in 1965 aged 81.

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

New addition, a nice condition map accessory pouch. This pouch usually contained the grid scale tools or similar items.

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.

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.

Just picket up a document lot to the same chap. Born 1895 Started WW1 in IR35, Bavarian Fusiliers, and then became a member of Sturm Battalion 4 , which along with the 5th were the first original elite stormtroopers (I’m led to believe)……..was at the Somme, Cambrai and Verdun! Joined a horse squadron in WW2; then joined the Organisation Todd/ Legion Speer. He was a Sonderfuhrer who received the ‘ Fuhrers thanks’ which transpired to be a basket of fruit! Let me know if you want to see more of the entries, all the books are profusely stamped.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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 !