MG1918

Hopefully of interest to the members.

Although the many holes may give the impression of an aircraft vickers! this is definately a ground gun. The ac vickers had 3 ventilation holes on the front face by the muzzle for example. This one has the early drum sight and is an L version with its serial number visible. No unit markings though and for the British unless painted on the tripod it was uncommon to unit mark. However the Imperial Germans regularly stamped (properly stamped) their sleds with Regt markings so often these are still very visible. The relic 08/15 here has no unit markings either. Mark

Have to say I personally lean towards not restoring but for my relics I simply add some pieces and then spray black with a metal preservative paint. Only for visual effect as this black does not look like the blueing effect. The paint can be removed, as can the other 'added' items to return the piece to ''as fond'' condition. I have played it safe on purpose. Vickers images to follow. In the pipeline I have 2 relic MG08s incoming, one on a sled and one with its trench mount and another MG08/15. Mark

Some views of the 08's for interest.

Where is my time machine :>(

Some more 'captured'. Mark

Note super artillery lugers!

100 rd ammo belts for the MG08/15. Apparently there are 2 examples of manufacture - WWI and post WWI. Post WWI often have extensions sewn in - can anyone confirm? Mark

Ammo box view.

Not often we see images of the standard trench mount in use. Mark http://

http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=193&u=15862032 Post WWI image of captured MG08 with Belgian Army.

Just an update but no suprises really. I still have not found the UK Register but the Canadian one still exists. It seems as far as NZ and Australia are concerned massive amounts of captured war booty from WWI has been destroyed by the Govt 'buy-back' mechanisms. The prices were so high that an incredible amount was handed in and literally destoyed. Stories have emerged of large pits/drains/wells being filled, crates dumped at sea and normal 'metal cutting' and melting. It seems the erasure of so much MG material in NZ and Australia has made the German MGs very rare in those 2 countries, and inevitably the prces are very very high when they do surface. Maybe I should offer a table of most costly to lowest price but I am still always amazed at how expensive WWI German MGs are in Germany! Does anybody know anything about the alleged warehoses in Russia containing stil so much captured items, from both world wars? Mark

Chris some considerations before buying? 1. Correctly deactivated and to what standard, or even untouched? 2. Origin ie US dummy side plate? 3. Complete with all parts or basic body? Price valuation depends upon all these things but there are at least 3 in Canada I am aware of for sale, and some pieces are being repro'd. In Uk we have seen in the past 4 months 6 for sale and all vary consierably in price. Mark

Note pouches.

Water Connectors - there are many different patterns and I hope to find an example of each one, but can anyone give a date when the round water drum was replaced by the normal 'ammo box shape water cannister? http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy237/MarkFinneran/MGancilliaries/hungry022.jpg"]http://

Pattern of trench mount for MG08. Still bloody heavy!!!!

A collector's dream :>)

Your wife is a wonderful rare lady Tony. I just know my wife would wonder off..and just not come back Mark