JensF.

Closeup 1:

Even as a german I really love this beautiful rifle

This is my (deactivated) SMLE from 1918.

I know this belongs to "Imperial German Weapons and Equipment" but this nice "dustbin" is a brass shell case for the M?rser. Caliber 215 x 231R. The case is dated "FEB 1917" and with the maker "Patronenfabrik Karlsruhe".

Maybe you ask how they did all this "heavy shelling"? With the "M?rser" of course His unit was equipped with the huge and feared 21 cm Langer M?rser 1910/16. Here some data and a picture: Caliber: 21 cm Weigth (in "Feuerstellung" = firing position): ca. 15 tons Range: ca. 9400 m Shell types: High explosive, shrapnel or gas Shell weight: max. 120 kg (HE shell with filling of about 17 kg of explosives)

A part of the accompanying paper which described the deeds this officer did to get the EK1. Here is a short sum up in english: -Distinguished himself in august 1916 due fast acting and reports -Gathered (as observer in the second line near Frezenberg) on may 5th 1915 parts of the retreating german infantry and stopped the advancing british troops -Guided the artillery fire of his battery on august 9th 1915 at Hooge (west of Ypres) at a britsh position so well, that the british tropps retreated due the heavy artillery fire. Later General French reported "(retreat)...because of the heavy artillery fire..." -Accomplished a connection to the first infantry line during the Verdun offensive on february 29th 1916 and shelled an enemy position near Haumont (north of Verdun) so heavily that it was taken without losses and 250 french POWs were made -Reserve-J?gerbattaillon 7 thanked the I. Btl./Reserve-Fu?artillerieregiment 7 for this action (the J?ger took the positions near Haumont) -Great achievements as liaision officer at Verdun especially during the assault at Cumieres -Great achievements and artillery observation at the Somme... So we have his unit and the battles he fought in but still no name. If someone has got an idea on how to identify this brave officer? Maybe with a Rangliste of his regiment or with the regimental history of ResFuArtReg 7?

The lid:

The case, inside:

Back:

I want to show you my most beautiful EK1 1914 with case. The maker is "WS" (=Wagner & Sohn, Berlin) and it was awarded to an artillery observer who fought at Verdun, Ypern and at the Somme. Unfortunately I wasn't able to identify this officer yet. The cross:

Wow... I never saw this type. I don't even think it is german. Sorry, but I can't help you with this one.

Lid and foot are moveable. Good german steel...

Here is mine as it was found 1500 m north of Fort Douaumont. The "Grabenpanzer" or "Sappenpanzer" is very rare, especially in that condition. I would consider 800 $ as a "normal" price for a complete one in good condition. But don't forget the helmet armor shield

I think you found the shield at the same place where I found mine Its the same type of shield; I think model 1916. The small hook under the lever for the armored lid of the firing slot was used to attach the foot while carrying the shield.