IrishGunner

Learned something new...about something old.

I'm curious too. My first thought opening the topic about the one on the left was "it's fake" I'm familiar with the one on the right and have one in my collection. However, a quick Google search turned up a couple of the "eyelet" version for sale. So, now I'm not sure... Anxiously awaiting the experts to answer.

Simple, but very nice. I have to add a Red Cross medal to my collection - I hope I can find a similar bar.

Very interesting decoration. The dragon is particularly impressive. I found limited info regarding details Google. Perhaps you can provide more insight on the award criteria, rarity, etc?

Not sure of date, but I immediately thought Polish vice Prussian A quick Google search suggests WW2 vintage. Is there any makers mark on the back?

I like that Jüterbog piece...

Thanks for this. With the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli coming up this year, this is a worthwhile read.

Interesting bit

You are setting the market for bugles!

That's no fork! Very nice.

Centenary News looks ahead to some of the major First World War anniversaries which will be remembered in 2015. Among them: Second Battle of Ypres Przemyśl battles Lusitania sinking Italy declares war / Isonzo Front opens Dardanelles/Gallipoli Which battle/event interests you most? About which battle/event do you think the biggest GMIC discussions will occur? I've always been interested in the Isonzo Front. So, I'll be looking to read more and have discussions about that part of the war this year. Second would be the KuK Army and the Russians at Przemyśl.

Thanks Brian! But don't forget, "less is more" For example...

Joe, this is excellent. While I knew the artillery symbols, some of the others are enlightening. Thanks!

Thanks!

I understand from the thread what "FP" was/is, but what do the initials stand for... ?

I knew you'd appreciate that splendid coincidence!

Eric, you are quite right about the camouflage issue. That's a very consuming study. And you are also right, many pieces painted camo today, are not original. It's good to be skeptical. That's why the document trail becomes important. I agree, even if the West Point gun's paint is original, that doesn't prove anything regarding the claim of firing the first round. We need documentation. Oh, and not all Bridgets are so bad...

Actually, we need "Freikorps GMIC"!

Don't forget to show her the cannons!

So, here's some additional trivia. The last US artillery round fired was by the 11th Field Artillery at 1100, 11 Nov 1918. It was a 155mm French Schneider M1917 of Battery E named "Calamity Jane." Interestingly, the 11th FA was formed in the summer of 1917 from a contingent of soldiers transferred from the 6th Field Artillery! I've searched the internet, but can't seem to find if this gun also was sent back to the US as a trophy. Here is an alleged photo from the internet: A short quasi-official history describing the last shot is here.

Although it's a good webpage showing both guns, unfortunately, Art, that website is not the US Army Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen's website, but rather an individual's personal site with photos from the museum.

Gentlemen, I applaud (indeed I rejoice) your enthusiasm about Artillery in the First World War, but let's not get all "Night At The Museum" about it... Let Indiana Jones save the world, we're just trying to solve a contradiction. As Art states, there are two different guns. The camo gun at West Point. And old gray lady Bridget of internet fame - last seen at Aberdeen Proving Ground (and now probably at Fort Lee, VA). They both have been described as the gun to fire the first US artillery rounds in the First World War. Hoss, I've already noted the ubiquitous photo on the internet of Bridget in Post #22. And I still believe that photo is staged. Let's not forget many historical moments have been staged after they actually happened - for example raising the flag by Marines on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima. That famous image is a staged photo, but it is indeed the most well known. I suspect that Bridget gets her reputation from that staged photo seen on the internet. Hopefully, Art's email to West Point will yield some documented evidence of their gun's provenance. I will then contact the museum at Fort Lee to ask them for their evidence. In the meantime, let's tap gloves and return to our corners. PS: I think there is some angle to buy a round of beers here somewhere...

Don't be so hard on youth Mervyn. Every journey begins with a single step. If a youngster fails to take that step, then perhaps it is we old timers who have failed to lead.

I also appreciated the part about Norway/Narvik. This was a gap in my knowledge and now my curiosity is piqued. While unrelated to the period of this installment, I found this interesting: How a young Winston Churchill fell for Islam If not for your series on Churchill, I very likely wouldn't have clicked on the link when it came through my daily news feed.