Chip

Perhaps off subject, but since we're talking about Kraftfahrer and Tanks and Munich was mentioned. Here is the reverse of a photo card of mine. I've never been able to fully understand the abbreviations. The letters are "B.B.H.d.R.". Any ideas?

Yes, this is curious. One wonders why he has Swedish cuffs. As far as I know, up until the simplified barrel cuffs were introduced in 1915, the only infantry units (without cuff Litzen) still wearing the Swedish cuffs were the Württembergers. Chip

I agree with Chris. It's a 17mm Minenwerfer with a canvas protective cover on it. Chip

I don't think its a unit mark, but rather a manufacturer mark. It could be a post-war case. They did continue to make these for domestic and export sales. Chip

It's like a bloom'in hardware store!

I've got a shovel, but now I know where all the carriers are. No wonder I can't find one!

Ed, Here is another example. I have the name of the doctor that wore this one.

Mentioned example.

These armbands are not that easy to find. Personally, I wouldn't buy one unless it had and imperial era unit stamp. I only have one extra example at the moment, but the circumference is small, so I imagine it was worn by a female nurse. Price-wise, I think you are looking at $100-$200 depending on how clear the unit mark is. Chip

...but seriously, most imperial era neutrality armbands are marked with unit ink stamps. WWI era armbands were constructed in many different ways. The width of the band, size of the cross and materials were rarely the same in any two examples. I say this based on period photos and my own collection. Chip

Imperial markings!

Ah, the dreamer, the Don Quixote. But who am I to take his dream away? Join hands with those in quest of the black skull and skip down the road of possibility.

There is no such thing as a Bavarian Heavy Brigade Curassier Belt Buckle. First of all, there were no Bavarian "Curassier". This is just a standard steel wartime Bavarian belt buckle. There were several different die patterns for these buckles. Cavalry troops normally did not wear box type buckles, but rather the open mounted troops pattern. This may have changed in regiments that became dismounted "Schützen", but that would be due to their eventual issue of infantry type gear. Regards, Chip

I think that is a sword for Train troops. He also wears the mounted troops belt buckle. I also think that thing above the neutrality armband is just a flaw. The Sanitäter patch would have been worn on the right upper arm. Chip WhoooHoo 2,000 posts. Now I'm up to one tenth of Chris's number! :)

Mark, I only wish I was in that bunch. You guys have the heavy hardware. All I have are a few accouterments, but thanks all the same. Chip

Chris, Very nice pair from a seldom seen manufacturer. Only about one in twenty that you see are complete with original neck strap and protective cover. I think you now officially collect these.... :)

Very cool. I love the von Rango signature and the unit stamp. Chip

You can also tell the difference by the size of the bottom plate that the filter canister screws into. The one on the earlier mask is noticeably larger in diameter. Chip

Personally, I think Chris is crazy, but it has nothing to do with filters. I wouldn't buy a filter that had rust damage, unless it was one of the more rare examples. If you keep your home temperature controlled, you should never have a problem. Keeping them from rusting can also be accomplished by leaving the metal cap and paper cover on and leaving them in the taped can! I've known guys that have pulled the original paper covers off! Chip

Eric, You're right. Here are some pictures from a friend's collection. Chip

Hoss, I don't think "Trikofabrik" is actually a word in German. The shirts were made of Trikot (jersey), but "fabrik" does not mean fabric. The other cotton material that shirts were made from was called "Körper", which in German translates to twill, but we would just call it cotton linen. Unterhosen were also made from both materials (weaves). Chip

Amen brother!

Joe, Due to their unissued condition, I would say that is a pretty good bet. I got mine in a trade with Tony Meldahl in 1991. He had brought a bunch of stuff back from Germany. Perhaps he had more than one? Chip

Yeah, some of them are getting a bit tight.

Only after I take them off.