MG1918

German equivalent of the previous example and some other form of compass viewer. Mark

There is a stamp on the smaller 'ammo tin' and will photo later. Yes you are right about artillery equipments and I suspect only period photos will confirm any MG use. I am working on the principle that in the early days of MG long range, direct and indirect fire, like the British MG users, the only items available were field artillery instruments. As we know the MGC mastered indirect fire long before the Imperial Germans did but there are some German specialized MG kit items, like your lovely cased long arm protractor. Presumably only coming into use in the last year of war their numbers a relatively small. Mark

Eric thanks, but there are collectors out there, including you, who have much more varied and in-depth collections than I. Serial 221 is I thought a German smallish armourers chest but I cannot find anywhere the kit layout or diagram. Here is the outside view:

Sorry last request for help! 2 ammo boxes and one very obviously shorter than the other! No fittings but could it be another 'container' for the elusive 100 rd MG08/15 ammo belt, or is it MG08 specific for aircraft use perhaps?

Another recent purchase from a Belgian collector but not complete, but again does anyone know the correct contents?

I am still desperate to buy some original Imperial German machine gunners badges - but so frightened of fakes and repros. Any 'idiot proof' guidance please? Mark

Nice sunny day so took my wooden friends for a walk.

Also please some info on this? All details in Turkish script!

Recent purchase but cannot find anywhere the exact contents. Any clues please?

Having difficulty posting images at the moment. Anyone else having this problem? Mark

I also look for similar items but I did win the belt loader set from ebay. There are some duplicate items in amongst it so stby. I am trying to find the second bidder though! Mark

Thanks Chip - very useful.

Very nice and all very well, but you cannot beat a wedgewood porcelain if you need a really good cup of tea! However for my education what is the standard sop kit list for a German soldier's "eating" arrangements? Could you photo Eric a set x one for what the chap would have in the field? If not too much trouble, Mark

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