IrishGunner

Wow, Simon, this is a tough one. Sometimes its difficult to narrow down the model of a gun even when you can see the entire piece - there being variations and modifications. But I'll venture at least a couple guesses. I think this tube is less than 120mm. And possibly even a coastal defense gun converted for field use.

There were some German coastal 10cm candidates, but without seeing the carriage it's difficult to say for sure. From my references, it looks most like the barrel of a British 4.7in QF field gun (which was a converted naval piece). But again, difficult to be sure. The bunker has more of a German look to it - to my eye anyway - than it does a British battery position. I've looked at many artillery photos and it just seems more like the German one's I've seen. So, that would point back to the Germans. Of course, a lot of fortress guns were pulled out and used by the Germans; so, it could be a fortress piece that is a bit odd and not in common references.

The disc could indeed be part of the gun; a few had base plates upon which to traverse. Considering this piece is in a bunker with limited traverse, they just might not need it in this position. And the gunners figured that was a good place to put it out of the way.

The chain is a real conundrum. And certainly is temporary since it would greatly hinder the exit of a shell and result in a blown barrel. Are you sure it's not just an optical illusion?

Sorry, I can't add more than mere guesses. You could try posting it on the Landships forum. There are some particular keen cannon experts there that might give better answers.

It is still worn in Number 2 dress by sergeants above the chevrons.

Thanks for the assist Paul.

It does have a "jeweler" look to it...

Any other opinions?

Around WW2 it became cloth, but I don't think it is still used as part of the rank insignia for sergeants. I understand that it is, however, still worn by Master Gunners.

Another one.

The ring gives me a lot of pause; it appears thinner than I would expect.

I have my concerns, but would like some other opinions. Too much shine - glantz?

Frank, the crown-less one is a "gun badge". This is a sleeve badge worn above three chevrons as part of the rank insignia to designate a sergeant. It also can be worn by warrant officers on their sleeves to designate "Master Gunner".

In case, you are interested... (Waiting for Chris' comments... )

"THE CAP BADGE OF THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY

The gun badge for all members of the Royal Regiment of Artillery was introduced in 1902 to be worn in the Service Dress Cap by all ranks of the Regiment (Regular Army).

The design of the badge derives from the Coat of Arms of the Royal Regiment of Artillery which was granted to the Regiment in July 1832 by His Majesty King William IV. The Royal arms and supporters with a cannon and the motto "Ubique quo fas et gloria du######". This was amended in 1833 to "Ubique" and "Quo fas et gloria du######", which translates to "Everywhere" and "Whither right and glory lead".

The gun used is said to be a Smooth Bored Muzzle Loading 9 pounder with a wooden trail, the trail was changed to steel in 1872.

The gun badge has both mottoes of the Regiment UBIQUE (EVERYWHERE) on the upper scroll and QUO FAS ET GLORIA DU###### (WITHER RIGHT AND GLORY LEAD) on the lower scroll. A modified design was worn by members of the Territorial Force (laurel spray replaced UBIQUE) and the Volunteers (the word VOLUNTEERS replaced UBIQUE).

It was made in brass for Soldiers, also bronze and gilt with a raised wheel for Officers.

The Bronze version is worn on the Service Dress Cap and on the flap of a brown leather pouch attached to a brown leather shoulder belt worn by Officers in Service Dress.

The Gilt version is worn on the Number 1 Dress Cap and on the flap of a black leather pouch attached to a shoulder belt worn by Officers in some forms of dress.

A plastic version was produced during World War 2 for wear by Other Ranks on the Cap General Service (a large khaki gabardine beret).

A brass version with a revolving raised wheel was produced privately for sale through the canteens, the Royal Artillery Association sells a similar version in anodised aluminium.

In 1954 the crown was changed to the St. Edward's Crown.

Marc J Sherriff © April 1997" (re-copied from Great War Forum)

Two more

Nothing special or exciting about these badges, but they are the newest additions. Funny I've not had these long before this...

It's a full Colonel of Artillery. I wanted something I could display with a bit of glitz and this fit the bill.

But of course, only a Colonel of Artillery could give you that proper bit of glitz.

Very nice; something of which to be proud. :cheers:

The medal is stamped "BRONZE"

Why would a silver medal be stamped "bronze"?

I dont agree with everything they say,

Well, that's all I need to be convinced they are 100% accurate.

Agreed; good series. Some great artillery footage.

As has been said, eBay is a study in "unpredictability" - I can watch something I think is pretty innocuous go for $100 + (thinking I'd bid $20) and then snag a "gem" for half of what I'd be willing to spend because the seller didn't give it a good description, but I had a bit of knowledge that gave me an inside edge. There is no telling with eBay. So, many factors at play; inflated starting prices, inexperienced bidders, sellers without real knowledge, buyers who know how to cherry pick, plain dumb luck. I overheard a guy the other day at a pub talking to his friend; he said that buying on eBay is like gambling. There is the thrill of chance and the bitter taste of defeat. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Probably the same for sellers as it is for buyers. But like gambling; the house usually wins. Be cautious and only bet what you are willing to lose and rejoice in your bargains because others weren't as clever as you.

You seem to be quite knowledgeable in this arena.

Chip is definitely "da man!" I wish I knew half of what Chip knows...

PS: I hear ya about "just" missing one on eBay; I was 2 d*mn bucks short of my first Fuss-Artillerie strap this weekend.:speechless:

I think the question was about the pouch on the right and the answer about the pouch on the left. But I could be turned every which way too... :whistle:

Nice pic... some impressive whiskers there!!

Yea, I see the story behind this trio: old kanonier is the battery screw-up; old guy on the left takes a liking to him though 'cause of the 'stache and 'cause he knows the guy is always doing his best to stay out of trouble and never succeeding; until the day the young guy makes a mistake that almost gets them all killed and the screw-up saves the day. EK2s all around.

The writing on the back:

"In memory of the Field Campaign 1914/15" is the first three lines (Zur Erinnerung um dem Feldzug 1914/15)

But I can't make out the last line...

One of my latest artillery photographs; a kanonier and two others with ranks I'm not sure I've seen in my photos before. Disclaimer upfront; I can't get a detailed scan of the shoulder straps - I've tried. The photo is a "metallic" sheen and it just won't scan in detail. However, under x6 magnifying loupe I can make out details.

The older man seated on the left might be a Offizierstellvertreter; his has metal numeral and a metal bomb on his strap. It's difficult to see if there is also braid around the strap, but there clearly is a "line" down the center of the strap (sort of like in Russian shoulder straps, but I've not seen this before on a German strap). The number looks to be a "5" but it isn't exactly centered on the "line" - as is the bomb - so there could be a digit in front of the "5" that is not clear in the photo.

The younger man seated on the right might be a Feldwebel-Leutenant; he has officer shoulder straps, but also has NCO braid on his collar. It looks like only a bomb on the strap; but I can't be sure.

The kanonier has only an embroidered bomb on his strap.

Nonetheless, they all seem to have newly awarded EK2's - a great photo for that alone in my opinion.

Any comments on the ranks from the experts?

You sure those aren't two former GMIC members? :whistle:

SOS is this weekend, anyone out there attending? If so please post some pictures. Scott.

Man, why couldn't this be a couple weeks later. My wife decided on one day's notice to go to Florida to see one of the last Space Shuttle launches (photography and space are a couple of her hobbies). And her mother lives in Florida. So, I said, "Of course, dear, why not...sounds like fun!"

Now I have a golden ticket - this would have been a good choice.

We in the Artillery like to keep things confusing. So, for Feld-Artillerie units it's Abteilung and Batterie; for Fuss-Artillerie it's Batallion and Batterie. (German spellings).

Thanks again, guys. Appreciate the assist and discussion.

According to the Ehrenmal des preußischen Offizier-Korps, Major Kurt Gudewill was still serving with Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr. 9 at the time of his death on 22 August 1914 at Tirlemont. He was wounded on 18 August and died four days later. As he was not the commander of the regiment, I assume he was still commanding the II. Abteilung of the regiment.

Mike

Major Rudolf Rogge was commanding I./FAR 9 and Major Kurt Gudewill was commanding II./FAR 9. Major Erich Opitz was the senior Major or second in command denoted by the St (Stab).

Regards

Glenn

Thanks gentlemen for the info. FAR 9 saw some serious action that first month of the war. I think Maj Opitz is KIA later in the war.

Well, those images do muddy the water somewhat, don't they? Probably ruling out the idea that it's a simple religious charm. I certainly think the red/blue/yellow ribbon is a replacement - it is too much like modern medal ribbons - specifically the Marshall Bagramian medal I've posted elsewhere on this forum.

I'm still reluctant to believe this is a bravery medal from the 1918-22 Democratic Republic of Armenia, but it's certainly possible. I've sent an email to a colleague in Yerevan; hopefully he can shed some additional light.

Kev, do you remember how much this was selling for in Romania?