MG1918

Nice boxes and the large 'carry 8' is a super find. I wonder how many of those ended up as fire wood for the winter in the trench. Some of the standard 250 rd wooden ammo boxes are tin lined and other wooden ones not, but i have yet to pin down what was the colour INSIDE the standard 250 rd tin ammo box. Anybody have a superbly mint example that shows the inside well? Mark

Also the actual straps - how to identify WWI from WWII? Thanks Mark

Sticking to the thread Allied gear/kit in German hands here are a few images. Captured German kit in Allied hands is in a different thread.

Still hunting infantry gear but on bread bags - assuming unmarked/unstamped, what are the differences between WWI & WWII patterns. Especially the strap. Plenty on eBay and seem to be reasonably priced but clearly I am targeting Great War Imperial. Mark

Chris I know this is an old thread and your collection has moved on considerably, but I would be interested to know how the 08/15 was fitted to the sled? thanks, Mark

Do either of you have any images of the Marine/Naval MG08 fitted to a sled. I have bought a Naval MG08 with sled 'conversions' so it has clearly been altered for ground use. I would like to display it with a 'blown up image behind it. It is definately period adaption as I compared it to some British maxims 'sled adaptions'. Rather interesting and should look rather nice on a sled. Mark

As we used to say in the good old days 'quality not quantity' so both you and Eric have a superb collection. I am restoring a few pieces so it will have to be the Summer until I take the family outside. Your details/markings are correct and some of mine are AWS made. I will offer the serial numbers as they may feature on your register too - great thread. Mark

So you have at last tracked down the water drum - very nice Superb display and I on ebay recently I tried winning a helmet cover but was outbid, so I am particularly envious of those. Very tastefully done and come the Summer I will take some images of my bits. I have some catching up to do with you and Chris on the hunt! Mark

I believe so Chris. 3 museum examples I have seen are all 'married'. For collectors of cse to have a matched pair would be something very special.

Superb thread Chris, and whilst we clutch our 'grips of death' we need to have a good old sing song

Chris I am looking to buy a WWI luger holster - any tips? Mark

Certainly the upper end Chris by UK standards but I have always found German prices to be the highest!!!!!! This has been advertised for a very long time so clearly the price will need to be adjusted if it is to be sold. Mark

Chris and Chris thanks. I think all 3 of my representations will be 1916 onwards so no expensive 'pickle' or cover required.....fortunately. So you are right, at some point I need 3 tunics, 3 trousers and 3 prs boots or boot/puttees. I would think proper full length boots will be hard to find too. So if someone is brave enough to say an infanteer Set A would be............... and a stormtrooper Set B would be...... and then a machine gunner Set C... that woud be terrific. Mark

Chris huge thanks for the reply. If anyone would know the German market you would. I am open to advice in what the 'configuration' would be. I would like to assume that for representation purposes the average infanteer would wear 'set A', a stormtrooper 'set B' and a machine gunner 'set C'. So actually if you have time could you offer a view on the items needed? I will send an email too. Mark

Starting from a position of limited knowledge so do not be afraid to treat me like an idiot...then no one is disappointed! I would like to 'build' a representation of a basic German Infanteer with a standard set of personal equipment. Mindful of fakes/repros, could the membership offer any ideas/pitfalls/average costs of equipment and what i should be looking for? Greatcoat v tunic etc. Also I assume patterns of items changed/updated during the war so an idiots guide of what constituted a 1914 'set' up to and including a 1918 'set' would be really helpful. Knowing a little about British webbing; from full marching order to fighting order, I would offer a parameter of 'in the trench or assault' if that helps. VMT - much appreciated. Mark

Being on a military base has its advantages so storage is not an issue and provided all laws are met, both national and military then all is well. Barrels and locks are the registered items so provided there are no means of firing then all is well. Eventually there will be a permanent home for the 'girls' but being still serving a move every 2 years is a challenge! Mark

Mervyn yes I am afraid another addition to the family. Again I was faced with the same problem that as a relic in its original state it was rusting and discoloured. Halting the corrosion only adds to the 'visual colours' so once it was stable I chose to use the outdoor metail railing/fire stove prerving paint. Overall it does look in decent condition, from a distance but it is pretty rough and certainly beyond restoration. Sleds and maxims are not rare enough for me to want to totally repair, and personally I prefer all original. Still quite pretty though I must admit. Mark

Anybody have a spare shield as per above???? Mark

Gordon I have only just seen this post but there are a few of us interested in MGs here . Is this item still for sale as I buy items from Canada? Pse email. Mark

Far more responsive and enjoyable than any doll I know Chris Mark

Inter-war 08/15 images