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The Feldfunksprecher f was developed to meet the need of the Panzergrenadiere to have a portable radio that would put them in direct communication with the tanks they were supporting. The FU5 set in the tanks (Ukw.E.e + 10 W.S.c) operated from 27 to 33 MHz, a much lower frequency than the previous b and c versions. The capacitors and coils in the oscillating circuit were redesigned to adapt to the new frequency, the Feldfu.f covered a range from 28 to 33 Mhz. The longer wavelength of 10 m required a much longer antenna, the ideal length of 2.5 meters was halved again by using a lengthening coil in the antenna circuit. The Feldfu.f used a 1.20 meter long strip antenna. As before the Feldfu.f followed the now familiar design of the front panel to the side of the radio housed in a bakelite box: All the controls were identical to the other Feldfunksprecher models with the frequency dial at the top, the removable remote control with volume and receiver fine tuning controls in the centre and the battery charge checker on the left of the headset sockets and finally the on/off switch at the bottom. Unlike other Feldfunksprecher models, the frequency scale of the "f" is calibrated directly in MHz: 280 stands for 28 MHz while 330 stands for 33 MHz. A calibration channel is marked in red at 32 MHz. Whereas the tuning control of the b and c models clicks in place of the separate channels, the control of the "f" model is continuous. Note the slightly different frequency control indicator used on the Feldfu.f. When looking at the casing of the Feldfu.f, a few differences with the other models emerge. The first is the angled antenna base to deal with the significantly longer antenna length. The longer antenna could no longer be folded to be stored inside the bakelite housing, so a separate antenna bag was required, connected to the D-rings on the housing. Note that most Feldfu.f's were supplied in the later "thick rim" box introduced at the start of 1944 although some early production "f"'s used the "thin rim" box. Unlike the Feldfu.b, whose name was changed to Feldfu.b1 with the introduction of the new box, the name of the Feldfu.f was not changed. In late 1944 the Feldfu.f did follow the change to the two-valve design of the Feldfu.b2, this version became know as the Feldfu.f1. A white angle feeler shape is apparent on the top of the box and as usual the Feldfu.f legend is painted on top of the box. The white identification theme continues on the back lid, a white circle and the Feldfu.f legend are painted on the back lid. Note the two part hinge of the rear lid also introduced on the Feldfu.b1 model. The rear of the radio shows of the "thick rim" design clearly, with the rubber buffers connected to the housing. The D-rings would carry the antenna bag or in operation could support the A-frame, which was further secured with the leather strap on the bottom. A closer look at the antenna shows the 1.20 meter "Bandantenne" and carrying bag. The antenna bag is made out of thin "Ersatz" leather and holds the antenna folded in three. A small press stud closes the bag at one end. Two loops with carbine hooks are sewn to the bag to suspend the bag from the Feldfunksprecher casing: A close up reveals the length stamped onto the antenna. Note that the antenna does not have the metal hooks used on the shorter Feldfu antennas to fold it. Also note that the white colour coding is not used on the antenna. The same antenna was shared with the Feldfu.h model which used an orange colour coding. Apart from the antenna, all the accessories are as per the other Feldfunksprechers: the Rückenstütze lumbar support, battery, remote control cable, Dfh.f and Kmf.c could be packed into the back of the casing when required: Also the "Sturmgepack" A-frame could be attached to the back of the radio. If the A-frame was worn, the antenna bag could no longer be attached. When the radio was in operation this was not a problem, as the empty antenna bag could be folded and stored inside the radio: The following pictures show an impression of a Panzergrenadier NCO with the Feldfunksprecher f. Usually the Feldfunksprechers were carried by a messenger, but in some cases officers or NCO's chose to wear the radio themselves: As usual the cables of the headphones and throat microphone are clipped to the remote control cable and pass along the belt. Because there is no space on the belt due to the MP40 pouches, the NCO has fixed the remote control to his Y-straps, Note how the angled antenna is kept well away from the wearer's helmet. Even if the Panzergrenadier lies down, the angle of the antenna will allow communication to continue: The Feldfunksprecher f was introduced relatively late in the war compared to the other models. There is some evidence that the Feldfu.f was first used during the Kursk offensive (July-August 1943), most Feldfu.f's found today are 1944 (thick rim) production models. The Feldfu.f was part of the radio installation of the Panzer and Panzergrenadier command halftracks and would allow the commanders to stay in contact when outside their vehicles. When introduced, the Feldfunksprecher f would have had a major impact on infantry-tank cooperation; at last the Panzergrenadiere could act as the eye and ears of the Panzer crews, and the Panzers could provide the heavy support to the Panzergrenadiere when required. Feldfunksprecher f's are a relatively rare find today with the antenna and antenna bag proving hard to find accessories.

I've just left just about any page on Feckbuck and deleted all my threads in the process,starting with Vincent's.After chatting about that on the phone with a close buddy we've come to the conclusion,no matter if wrong or not,that those pages,especially the ones where dealers sell on a regular basis,are the collecting world's equivalent to the mafia,from back alleys to keyboards! I think that Lenny's page(s) and this forum are the only clean spaces remaining

I was very happy to receive this Protec Bump Helmet that is said to have been SF used as part of a grouping that I purchased last year from an advanced US collector.. Protec Bump helmets were used by US Special Forces ,Delta and Navy Seals for many years and saw extensive service in Mogadishu, Panama and during the first Gulf War and can be seen in period images being used in this configuration with the black liner shown in this example and a water friendly white foam liner as well... There was also cut down version and the ear protectors were removed ... The cut down version can be seen being used in the film Black Hawk Down by the Delta team members... and This of course is the full uncut version and it has been over painted in desert tans and shows extensive use with abrasions scrapes and scuffs to the exterior of the helmet body just the way I like them used and not abused... Regards Mark

I don't think myself as a collector per say. More like a caretaker. Most of my stuff has been found items or small purchases at sales where the person either has no knowledge of what they have. I see history that is being forgotten by all but a few. I guess that is in the grand scheme of those who strive to re-write the past. My prize is a IJN torpedo gyroscope and prop that a ww2 sailor brought home . His family was sending him to a nursing home and I was called to haul away unwanted items. He told his son he wanted him to keep it,but the son said he didn't want any junk. That probably took another 10 years off his life. Mad,he ask me if I was a vet. And offered it to me.I saw how much it meant to him . Clearly his days aboard the USS Baltimore fearing Japan torps. was still in his mind. Other items I keep for the practibility. My 10 buck squad stove is used regularly as is wool sleeping bag. Some things I can't pass up ,need or not. That's how I got my m1c helmet recently. Heads up-That will probably get posted for sale on site in future. I'm 56 years old and hail from Xenia,Ohio. Served as Combat Engineer in US Army Currently Commercial Truck Driver. I enjoy all history about armed conflicts.

Stunning,STONE MINT(see the ankle laces still tied up!) pair of late-War M43 trousers. This pair is very interesting and unusual and would better be "read" by the most advanced and old collectors to be fully appreciated. The cloth this pair is made of is the feldrgrauer dickerstoff used until 1942 and it's both comfortable and of the highest quality and the tailoring is top notch but that's just about it,in fact a number of shortcuts have been taken before hastily consign these trousers to the Munich Bekleidungsamt;namely the lack of pocket closure buttons,the lack of the internal side loops with snap fasteners (often replaced by closed loops of fabric),no internal horizontal cloth loops on the back inner waist to secure the suspenders straps when not used,some simplified buttonholes and,last but definitely not least,we can assume that that top fly buttonholes were amongst the last steps in making these trousers,since they're different as day and night from the other ones and look identical to the "slits"reinforced with hastily made hand stitchings seen on many period Italian uniforms. All the buttons are metal and made of two halves pressed together and the upper part of the trousers is sewn with black thread.No less than twelve different types of cloth scraps have been used for the lining of these trousers...call that recycling! One of the side adjusting buckle is a later,smaller,cheap and lightweight one ,whereas the other is a beautifully made,sturdy Solide "Prima" as used on trousers made before the War which has most likely been recycled. I think that these Rundbundhose are amongst the most interesting ones you can possibly find! Bottom Line;if you've read so far without falling asleep you're a true collector!

Here's another project that I am currently manufacturing, it started with an idea for a re-enactment display and hasn't ended. Nothings original, its all been made by me and apart from the 2cm gun cocking or firing everything works. I will add some more picture later. Jon

Hi Cut Ballistic Compo sporting a custom made hessian and scrim cover IMO this particular example was produced by MSA...The helmet weighs in at 1593 grams so just over 1.5 kilo's it has been fitted with a Fast Ops Core OCC Dial up liner with EPP padding, And a fit band head loc four point harness system with glass case and ballistic glasses. As seen in the images below the helmet band is sporting a British service/Zap number with blood typing ,It is a known fact that certain elements of the British Special Forces used these particular types of helmets for a period of time...It has been suggested by a knowledgeable friend and collector that it may have seen service in the SBS, The NVG mount on the front was designed for use on the ACH/MICH DE,and is now fitted with a Rhino Night vision mount with J arm and is sporting a dummy AN/PVS-14 Night Vision Monocle to use for the purpose of display.. As well as being outfitted with a Harris under the helmet tactical earpiece and microphone headset... Regards Mark

On second thought I wonder how somebody who never post to save his/her life is an Ubersturmgeneralissimo,just curious!

Very good introductory level document describing different German cipher machines and how they work. german_cipher.pdf

And thats why I will not give them any other details regarding phone numbers etc

"This was the last time that General's fckin mutt pissed on my jeep's tyre...but if i don't find a replacement soon i'm so screwed...:("

"That deer was already dead when i ran over it. Now give back my driving license!"

I'm thinking of an award system in general, although these tend to be paid for addons to the board. its in hand.

Just a note for this, could have different patches for different branches of the military? Or (Might be pushing it) Different country patches for each branches, such British Inf would have a different patch to say American Inf?