Military Memorabilia

[Cybermat47]

I was wondering if anyone here had any military memorabilia.

 

A friend's boyfriend lent my family the binoculars that his grandfather used when he commanded a U-boat in WWII:

 

The friend also lent us an album of photos that her grandfather, who flew recon over Europe in the RAAF and ended up in a Stalag Luft, took, but seeing as that was somewhat personal, we didn't take any photos.

 

Apparently when the two grandfathers met, the U-boat veteran asked the RAAF veteran if he'd been responsible for any of the many sinkings he'd endured throughout his career

 

I have some WWII German banknotes that I bought from an aviation museum's restaurant, as well as a copy of War Illustrated that the owner of the museum's restaurant gave to me. I'll post pics of these soon.

 

But my favourite has got to be my replica of a Corinthian Helmet:

 

 

This was the type of helmet that Greek Hoplites often wore in the Classical Age, until it was replaced by the Chalcidian Helmet and Phrygian Cap.

Edited July 21, 2014 by Cybermat47

[FlatSpinMan]

If you're interested in Greek warfare, there's a fantastic book by Victor Davis Hanson. I think it's called "The Greek way of war". It details, very clearly and readably, what it was like to have fought in the phalanxes, what kind if people formed them, how did they actually fight like that, etc. I highly recommend it.

[MarcoRossolini]

If you're interested in Greek warfare, there's a fantastic book by Victor Davis Hanson. I think it's called "The Greek way of war". It details, very clearly and readably, what it was like to have fought in the phalanxes, what kind if people formed them, how did they actually fight like that, etc. I highly recommend it.

There's this fascinating (and messy) debate on how Phalanxes actually fought. I say this because Hanson is one of those authors who are strongly on one side of the debate to my memory. It's worth reading the other side.

 

If you're into ancient warfare then "Ancient Warfare Magazine" is highly recommended and their podcasts are free! Just google it on itunes.

[FlatSpinMan]

That sounds ideal. Thanks for the tip. I listened to a few history courses on iTunes U. Great resource.

[sallee]

I have Heinz Marquardt's copy of of "Horrido - Des Jaegers Schiessfiebel".

It obviously worked for him.

[Sternjaeger]

it's a dangerously addictive hobby... 

[LukeFF]

Well...

 

 

And that's just a few of them. 

 

 

[Sternjaeger]

Well...

 

And that's just a few of them. 

 

oh mama! :D

 

Is the K98 matching numbers? 

 

Going back to the OT, when you said "he lent us", you mean that you're planning on giving it back?! 

Edited July 21, 2014 by Sternjaeger

[Cybermat47]

Going back to the OT, when you said "he lent us", you mean that you're planning on giving it back?! 

He already has them back.

 

I died a little inside when we gave them back

[LukeFF]

oh mama! :D

 

Is the K98 matching numbers? 

 

It's a force-matched example that was refurbished in Yugoslavia after the war. So, while it's not a true "original-matching" K98k, its numbers do match in its current form. 

 

At one time I did own an all-original, factory-matching K98k built in 1944 in Brno. The thing was absolutely gorgeous and looked like it was just pulled out of the shipping crate. Alas, I had to sell it when I hit hard times financially.  

[javelina]

Well...

 

DSCN0378%5B1%5D.jpg010.jpg001.JPG

 

And that's just a few of them. 

I have the first and third.  Then a few other Mosin model types, a French MAS, a couple Enfields.  Love the WWII bolt action rifles...

[javelina]

It's a force-matched example that was refurbished in Yugoslavia after the war. So, while it's not a true "original-matching" K98k, its numbers do match in its current form. 

 

At one time I did own an all-original, factory-matching K98k built in 1944 in Brno. The thing was absolutely gorgeous and looked like it was just pulled out of the shipping crate. Alas, I had to sell it when I hit hard times financially.

My K98 s/n's all match up.  a cool rifle! 

[LukeFF]

 

 

Then a few other Mosin model types, a French MAS, a couple Enfields. 

 

Yep, I have a whole bunch of Mosins, plus two Lee-Enfields. They are all very fun to shoot.

[MarcoRossolini]

Blimey! Good stuff! 

 

Don't know about the details on US gun laws, I assume SMGs and MGs aren't exactly legal?

[Sternjaeger]

He already has them back.

 

I died a little inside when we gave them back

 

yeah man, that was a true act of trust on their end! Do they care for it more for its family value or because of its actual value?

 

It's a force-matched example that was refurbished in Yugoslavia after the war. So, while it's not a true "original-matching" K98k, its numbers do match in its current form. 

 

At one time I did own an all-original, factory-matching K98k built in 1944 in Brno. The thing was absolutely gorgeous and looked like it was just pulled out of the shipping crate. Alas, I had to sell it when I hit hard times financially.

 

Those are normally v good shooters, and it's a shame about the one you had, I was in a similar situation some years ago, and I've regretted selling some of my collectibles ever since..

 

My K98 s/n's all match up.  a cool rifle! 

 

Nice, can I ask what maker/year? :-)

 

Blimey! Good stuff! 

 

Don't know about the details on US gun laws, I assume SMGs and MGs aren't exactly legal?

 

It varies from state to state really.

[LukeFF]

Some of my other stuff:

 

Romanian contract Vz.24:

 

 

Yugoslavian M24/47 (probably my favorite of the three Mausers I own, in large part because they put brand-new barrels in these during refurbishment and then packed them away):

 

 

1943 M44, which makes this one of the few pre-production (i.e., 50,000) examples made. And yes, it does have a bolt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Cybermat47]

Quite the collection there, Luke

[MarcoRossolini]

I know inevitably this'll detract into a discussion on US gunlaws thing, but honestly, with these weapons they're more pieces of history than weapons per se these days (though obviously I guess they can be fired)

 

It's pretty impressive that most of these weapons were (with some modifications) effectively 50 years old by the time of the second world war.

[Sternjaeger]

I have an SMLE Mk.III* which is almost 100 years old, and I can assure you that in capable hands it's still a lethal and accurate weapon to at least 300 yards..

Uh, the M44, got one of those little mules, it kicks like a mofo! 

[MiG21bisFishbedL]

image.jpg

 

This was the type of helmet that Greek Hoplites often wore in the Classical Age, until it was replaced by the Chalcidian Helmet and Phrygian Cap.

Bad. Ass.

 

I have a few "historic" fire arms. Notably an M91/30, Vz.58 (I'm a weeaboo for Czechnology), and a pair of very valuable pistols I inherited from my uncle when he died: An M1911A1 and a Luger P.08. I keep them in a case and haven't fired them. I can't bring myself to do so, I think they're way to precious as artifacts to subject to the stress of actually putting rounds through them.

 

I feel differently about the Mosin; it is a weapon of many talents and uses.

[Sternjaeger]

Bad. Ass.

 

I have a few "historic" fire arms. Notably an M91/30, Vz.58 (I'm a weeaboo for Czechnology), and a pair of very valuable pistols I inherited from my uncle when he died: An M1911A1 and a Luger P.08. I keep them in a case and haven't fired them. I can't bring myself to do so, I think they're way to precious as artifacts to subject to the stress of actually putting rounds through them.

 

I feel differently about the Mosin; it is a weapon of many talents and uses.

 

you only live once mate, and if they're in good state they are absolutely fine to shoot, that's what they were intended for in the first place