M.G. 08/15 Oil Bottle in butt

[Seaforth72]

QUESTION 1 - Does anyone know WHEN the vertically mounted 08/15 butt oill bottle came into use? I know of a 1917 Erfurt one that has the metal oil bottle but all historical photos found so far shown these on post-WWI M.G. 08/15 guns.

QUESTION 2 - Owner is looking to see if the butt has a serial number that matches the rest of the gun. Was there a SN on butt, and if so, where might this be located on the butt?

[IMBLITZVT]

1. Well this is still up for debate. I think late WWI but some think post WWI. However seeing how many are in the USA and how little post WWI stuff is in the US, I think it had to have come in late WWI. However historical pictures are not good in showing this.

2. Yes they usually had a serial number a couple inches back from the sling slot on the left side.

P.S. I have some stocks for sale if you need a new one (or any other Maxim parts). phiteshe@vt.edu

[nomadr]

I know of a MG08/15 Spandau 1917 with a matching number butt stock that has the oil can provision. (if the rectangular hole in the rear of the butt stock is what your referring to)?

The Gun was a WWI bring back so it was not messed with post WWI. I know this because it was a late relative that brought it back after the war, and is still in the family.

Bob

[IMBLITZVT]

I know of a MG08/15 Spandau 1917 with a matching number butt stock that has the oil can provision. (if the rectangular hole in the rear of the butt stock is what your referring to)?

The Gun was a WWI bring back so it was not messed with post WWI. I know this because it was a late relative that brought it back after the war, and is still in the family.

Bob

Rectangular hole? I don't know there but it sounds like you are talking about the missing plug in the rear of the stock. The oil cap should be on top. Here is an example of what we are talking about (actually for sale on my list right now).




Just because its matching will not tell you if its a post WWI replacement stock numbered to match. Its a hard thing to prove either way.

[nomadr]

Thanks for the photo for clarification! Guess we are talking about different locations.

The rear of my butt stock is hollowed out with a 1"x3" rectangle hole. Like you said, It's probably missing the plug? The MG08/15 butt stocks Ive seen look solid at the back. What dose the "plug" look like?

Not my expertise, sorry. Still learning.

Bob

[IMBLITZVT]

That hole should be an oval shape. Its about 3/4" thick and shaped to the back of the stock with checkering.