MG1918

Changes to the MG08 - modified rear trigger assembly, feedblock alteration, anti aircraft stem fitted and sometimes additional flip sight to the top cover, water drain valve plug and sometimes a white stripe down the side of the body. Images from a manual.

_{Changes were made to the sled mount, the MG08 and some of the accessories.}

_{Even the water can for steam/refill was altered - good view of the screw on cap first photo.}

Understandably a bit of a neglected area. German mastery of both WWI & WWII MG use is well known, but the adaptions to the WWI MGs are interesting. Even today weapon platforms are 'added to' to extend their use or as an interim measure.

Those who know what they are doing - could you post some images of standard Imperial Army bayonets and correct frogs.  I am looking to locate and buy one but so many patterns of leather frogs look the same?

Thanks.

Mark

I hate the auction snipers - so ungentlemanly but it does work so maybe there is no choice...........and then we ALL become 'snipers'!

Mark

by the way is there something wrong with the image uploading process?

Mark

Forgive the absence. Nice view of a trench mount on the wooden block.

Mark

Superb collection and although British head dress is not my theme no one can dispute this is top notch. Do you collect only pre WWI?

mark

Expose the seller!

Please bear me in mind when wanting to sell surplus?

Mark

Superb image. Every British school child should somehow be made to see it.

I think Alfred the archer is a permanent fixture.

Mark

i really want one :>)

Mark

Don't you mean only one at your house? :>)

Thanaks

Mark

Still hoping to identify my assortment of oil cans etc. If they are not MG then they will be available for trade/sale. Of cse any good self respecting machine gunner might keep his 'favourite' oil/jelly can for MG use, whatever its origin, but I need to stick to issue MG material.

Thanks

Mark

Not included in this set, however as superb as Dolf's book is, there are some errors. This appears to be a very very small spanner and small items are the last thing any soldier in any period has in field equipment.

As you say what function it serves is a good question.

Mark

Do you have an image of the spanner you mention Eric?

As to the small tool/armourers chest. I still believe it to be 100% German and for the MG08. You are right that most boxes seem to be marked for the MG08 or MG08/15, but this is a very early box. So for example in 1914 there was only one MG - so no need to mark otherwise! I have seen one image of a similar box that contained 2 locks, with the same marking on the lid.

Anything Finnish I think would be much more 'modern'.

Look fwd to the question on the MG08 tool roll. Do you mean the wrench?

Mark

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.