JensF.

One of my newest acquisitions is this french Berthier model 1907-15.

This beautiful and very long rifle, over 1,30 m, has the french standart caliber 8 mm Lebel (8 x 50R) and can be loaded with 3-cartridge loading frames (like the Mannlicher or the obsolete german Gewehr 88). However it is, in my opinion, not the best rifle. It hasn't got a safety and to remove the bolt you have to remove a screw in the bolthead with a screwdriver. No comparision to a german Gewehr 98 with its perfect bolt system which can be removed in 1 second.

This is a deactivated decoration rifle matching the german laws. For example the cartridge chamber is closed (welded).

This is what I call QUALITY! Wonderful, no... fantastic details on that medal! Whoever was the die-maker, he was a real master in his job!

Back with number 50060:

My only Red Banner screwback:

Back with number 32360:

The "highest" soviet award I have in my collection (except some Red Banners).

There is not much to add. The "Bew?hrungsabzeichen" was awarded for two years continuing service at the front, so everyone who got it was a real frontfighter who distinguished himself for several deeds of bravery. It is a rare award and as you can see in the set this guy got himself a second badge for the buttonhole ribbons and a small one as ribbon device. I think he was very proud of it.

My statistics say, that the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse 1914 from Braunschweig was awarded about 8000 times. Below is a picture of the KVK 1. Class:

Back 6:

Back 5:

And finally this unique privately purchased example. I never saw a similar badge! Screwback with mark "800". This is not a badge, it is jewellery but we should never forget, what a Woundbadge means. Especially a golden badge for 5 or more wounds in combat...

Back 4:

After silver comes gold Here a Golden Woundbadge made from gold plated silver with "800" mark:

This badge is made from silver plated iron.

A silver "D.R.G.M." example. I still search a golden one:

The well known crest:

Back 3:

Next one is a real Silver Maybauer badge with a little repair.

Back:

Continuing with silver. Here a cut-out real silver badge with stamp "Silber" on the pin:

The small safety lever for the pin:

Back with stamps on the pin:

Another Black one in real silver. Back with mark "800", maker "KM" which is maybe short for "KMST" and a strange pin safety.

Back 1:

Here are some from me. First a cut-out Black Woundbadge made from oxydized silver. Screwback and "800" mark.

Btw. this is the page of the "Regimentsgeschichten auf CD" guy. I bought some and can really recommend them.

http://www.geocities.com/FJ_VF168/dindex.html