This is one of only two First World War items that I own. Bought on a whim just prior to the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, during which one of my great-great uncles died. It’s a visually striking piece, and a mainstay of British field artillery throughout the conflict. Apart from the ding to the rim of the casing, it’s aged nicely. I also have a shell head and fuse, both purchased separately. Due to the dent in the casing, however, I can’t display them all in one piece.
I’d like to know the significance of the markings on both the base of the casing and on the fuse. The Second World War is more my forte, and so I’m at a loss as to what any of these markings denote.
I just wanted to share with everyone an interesting helmet I recently acquired. It is a 1916 model German helmet with an interesting swastika painted on the front. the paint appears to be period done as it is very old, and has been on the helmet for the majority of its life. Although it is impossible to know exactly when the swastika was applied to the helmet, it is likely that it was done during the third Reich period as the back rivet holding the liner in place was produced during WWII and has obviously been there for the majority of the helmets life. I believe that this helmet may have been used in the early stages of the war by the SA or similar organizations before the production of the model 1935 helmet. as always, any opinions are welcome.
Just, here is my latest acquisition, a 1957er Schnellboot-Kriegsabzeichen [E-Boat War Badge].
Instituted on 30 May 1941, the Schnellboot-Kriegsabzeichen was created "in recognition of the feats of the German E-boats, which had undertaken many pushes against the enemy with seamanlike boldness and relentless initiative and in their dashing offensive missions had sent many a British warship and merchantman to the bottom of the sea".
In order to qualify for the badge, an E-boat crew member had to have participated in at least 12 attack missions. The badge could be awarded prior to fulfilling this requirement if individual operations were particularly succesful, if a crewman had particularly distinguished himself or posthumously if he was killed in action. It could also be awarded to surviving crewmen of boats that had been lost to enemy action and in special cases to men who had been wounded in action.
Prior to the institution of this badge, E-boat crewmen had been eligible for the Zerstörer-Kriegsabzeichen [Destroyer War Badge], which had to be returned upon receipt of the Schnellboot-Kriegsabzeichen.
The badge was originally designed by the artist Ernst Peekhaus. Initially, the bow of the boat and the waves did not protrude beyond the wreath. In 1943, this was changed in favor of a more dynamic and aesthetically pleasing design in which the bow of the boat and the waves were extended. The 57er version is based on this second model minus the eagle-and-Swastika originally found on top of the wreath.
Here’s the badge now. It’s a later piece, but still of nice quality.
For those of you who remember the halcyon days of Mr Pickersgills Yahoo Helmet Collectors Forum you may recall a thread we did on the variety of Brit-used helmets from the Falklands conflict. We came up with quite a list (which Ive since lost) and Id like to have another go at. I should add that Ive found a thread on para helmets and coverings which this may sit well with….sorry if it’s in the wrong place!
Ill start with the obvious ones (and Ill use non-techie names please lets NOT get tied up with names as Ive yet to find OFFICIAL ones for all the variants !):-
Para plastic with smooth shiny bolts & web straps
Para plastic with wide green vinyl straps
Para steel
Marines and ship-board crew - AFV / RAC (Steel para shape)
Rapier Crews ? (guessing here!)
Scorp crew presumably Dan Dare style (cant find my pic of mine sorry) by Amplivox
Infantry MkVs (poss some MkIVs???) and a selection of Mk6 trials models???…. this bit should be interesting……
+ others???
I seem to remember us getting to around 17 last time but I may be wrong ..
Can we complete the list?…and add period photos to create a definitive list???
I’ll kick off with a few pics (they’re not all Falklands items)……’not exhaustive…..
