Johan's collection

[Spanish Freiwillige]

I just love this thread!!!!!

[JS1]

Thank you guys.

I posted the following photos already on the forum, but in a different section, and thought to put them here too. So, up for some heavy stuff, although both are DEKO weapons.

Deutsche Maschinengewehre im Einsatz MG08/15 & MG08


The MG08

The 46kg sledged mounted 1908 heavy machine gun (MG 08) used the same standard cartridge as the rifle, i.e. 7.9mm S-Patrone (.311"). The sledge mount (Schlitten 08) had four legs. In static positions or in the trenches, special smaller trench mounts were manufactured, these include a single hinged support, a low tripod with 12" long legs with a pivot to aim into all directions. The gun fired 250-300 rounds per minute using 250 round belts (Patronengurten) with a maximum firing distance of 2000 meters. Using a flash reducer (muzzle attachment), the flash could be reduced.

Several types of protective shields existed to protect both the gun and it's crew. These are a large shield (Schild 08) and a small shield (Innerschild) which fitted between the two front legs of the sledge mount, both protecting the MG crew. In order to mount the larger shield 08, the small shield had to be installed first. The MG cooling cylinder and the front of the cooling could also be protected by armored shields.
<text>The MG08 and later the lighter MG08/15 were water cooled guns. Water was stored (approx 4 litters for the MG08) inside the mantle around the barrel. During firing, the water started to boil and would evaporate completely after firing off 6 complete belts of 250 rounds. To save water, a rubber hose of 2.5 meters was connected at one end of the gun. Evaporated water would enter the hose and be collected in a round (early model) or rectangular condensation can.





















The MG08/15

A lighter version operated by two men was developed in 1915, the MG08/15. This example has a drum magazine attached to it.










JS1

[Wilhelm]

Fantastic stuff as always! Are these MGs live or dewat? I have yet to shoot an 08. Hope to some day.
Wilhelm

[JS1]

hi Wilhelm

Thanks for your comment. The guns are deactivated according local rules.

JS1

[kenneth wolfe]

WOW what a great collection!

[rommelius2]

wow, congrats really nice collection!!!

regards Peter

[JS1]

hi Kenneth, rommelius2

Thanks for posting.

Here is a new one. Let's deviate a moment and go back to the French cavalry arm. The man is complete apert from his trousers/footwear and epaulettes (simple red ones normally) on the tunic.

Mannequin #27: French Cuirassier in 1914



I wrote a small article on this particular setup.













JS1

[Spanish Freiwillige]

Love those MG´s...

[JS1]

I only collect original items, but for this item I made an exception, because it presents extremely nicely on a mannequin : the German WW1 face mask. Originals are almost never found.

Mannequin #28 : Face Mask (Schutzschild für Scharfschützen)

Although only rarely used, snipers could use face shields (Schutzschild) to protect the face and eyes. These were small rectangular curved plates of approximately 13 lbs (6 kg)7 and 0.58 mm thick with two 1.78 mm long and 0.76 mm wide eye slits. The central part of the shield was curved to accommodate the face, while the outer edges were turned outwards. A small part was cut away into the lower right-hand side so that the rifle could be aimed more easily.



<text>The facemask had leather straps to attach the shield firmly to the head. A surviving example, painted in field-grey can be seen in the Brussels museum. It is supposed that these shields were also painted in the 3-tone camouflage colors, like the steel helmets. The mask could resist standard rifle ammunition at very close range, but was helpless against armor-piercing rounds at 200 meters. The example photographed here is very accurate reproduction I believe.

My father made some leather straps for it.




JS1

[Spanish Freiwillige]

There is something so medieval about the great War, I guesss that is why we are so interested in it...how some remineces of the old warfare were still tried and hit head on with the Industrial revolution....and men got cought in between....

[JS1]

Medieval it certainly is !!!

Hope you like the next one too.


Mannequin #29 The Anti-Tank Rifle


A Pioneer torso from the 12th Bavarian Pioneer Battalion wears a Model 1915 Bluse with its scarlet-piped black shoulder straps. The "soldier" is armed with a Model 1918 13.3mm anti-tank gun (Tankgewehr). This rifle was normally set up with an MG08/15 bipod to steady the fire. The total weight of the rifle and bipod was just over 19kg, so very heavy to handle. A Model 1916 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), leather Leibriemen (belt) with Model 1915 grey metal belt buckle and a P08 pistol complete this figure's equipment.




JS1

[Spanish Freiwillige]

nice indeed with that rifle, reminds me of the evolution of an old musket.....

[Adler 1]

I see you found your 13 mm Tankgewehr... great! Good displays, as always!

Adler 1

[Darin S.]

More great photos as usual of your collection. Well done, very impressive.

[Wilhelm]

WOW! Every time you post I am impressed. What what a fantastic collection.
Wilhelm