MG1918

Glad you are looking for more MGs Andy. Might be able to help :>) Mark

No problem. still looking for a nice early example. What would be useful here are examples of luger holsters and any modifications as time progressed. For example if no date or maker was present could one determine if it were a WWI or WWII example...luger is effectively the same?! Mark

Nice - see thread Captured Weapons - WWI below. Mark

Chris thanks that is great on the tools but I am actually trying to identify any specific 'minen' oil/ jelly/grease cans. i bought an ammo box and there was included lots of different cans. It maybe that they are not MG specific. Mark

Ed - is it time for you to post images of your collection? it sounds rather impressive. Mark

I suspect a nice drag strap is a better cook than my current wife, but I did not marry her for her culinary abilities! Current value in Europe now for a normal drag strap exceeds Euros1k so who knows what a leather example would fetch. judging by the recent ebay prices for not so rare 08 and 08 parts I would not be surprised if people would bid up to Euros2k.

Mr Williams I am flattered if you think I am 'competition! However Chris, Chip and Eric are the big boys and there are a few key "players" in France and Belgium too. My 'wish' list of items to find is still worryingly too long :>) Mark

Does anyone have a detailed list/image of the tools specific to this weapon? Thanks Mark

Funnily enough I have just posted on the drag straps thread. These are two drag strap fittings on this relic. I added them after seeing a super photo of some captured MG08 combinations showing the straps still attached - whole ones. So just to add some interesting detail to the dug up rig I added these dug up drag hooks. Mark

I have just seen this thread and most enjoyable. Now I know why I have been dreaming about sawing off my first wife's head, anyway drag straps. I have seen quite a few over here in Europe and often the ersatz and cloth examples have a pink stamp, not unlike the pink stamp inside a Brodie helmet. a tell tale sign is also the buckle, all WWI examples have the lengthening buckle inverted ie as a u shape if that makes sense. My leather example has EB stamped deep into the leather, but although in several places, I am not convinced it is a maker but perhaps the owner's initials. The second leather example I have seen had no markings but I can borrow it to photo. So count me in on the box full. One very famous collector in France has many but inevitably he will not part with them. I even offered my current wife but alas.... Mark

I don't know what it means but you must be British with such 'understatement' "I don't really collect these......." says Chris......then shows a superb high quality selection. Crikey! What else do you not collect? :>)

Just thought I would add I love you all too. US$50 for a shield/battle damage relic is a great price. Get it regardless!! The Mons Museum has quite a few body armour sets too so there are plenty around - as Karel says condition is everything. Brussels museum preparing for 2014 Anniversary so their new displays will be I am sure quite stunning. Look out for the WWI British MG post!!! Mark

Typical soldiers - handful doing the work and obviously the rest offering suitable guidance! Great picture Chris. I have picked up a few things recently and will publish soon. I have also now started to slim down so have surplus items. ZFs, ZF cases and ammo/water boxes, tools etc. So before listing on ebay pse let me know if interested. Mark

Had the old 'relic' out too for some air.

Recent postcard purchase.Quite pretty!

Having a stand alone MG08 Imperial thread unfortunately started by me - could the moderator include this into Chris's ''Grips of Death'' as it is all the same subject matter? VMT Mark

Some random images of the MG08 Naval maxim converted for ground use. Looks rather nice I think due to the smaller differences. I do like the top cover holding open device.

I am also looking for this type of cleaning rod. I think this example is broken as all that I have seen have as stated a slot for the flanalette. Mark

As Don knows (And he has been very gracious) I seek examples of original only, so if spares do crop up please shout! Mark

Still here but very envious at all your new finds! I will surface soon once job allows. We do not have a specific inter-war MG section do we Chris? Mark