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Happy New Year all! Recovering from Cervical spine surgery, in my Bunker in Sunol Cal. Wishing you all, the best for the New Year! Happy collecting! (smiling through the pain! lol)

I picked up this can for cheap awhile back, had a split seam in the front and an ugly coat of "baby jobby" green (only way I can describe it. ) So I decided to try my had at Brazing/welding. After a little work I got a satisfactory bond, I smoothed it out with a grinding wheel on my Dremel tool. And repainted can in German Field grey .

Guys, as stated above.

Guys, This short engagement was recorded in the Ulrich Saft book Kriege in der heimat. These photos were taken post war by a young boy that used to play on the wrecked tanks, what a play ground he had! He is now in his 80s and has recently rediscovered these pictures taken before 1949 but after the war. It shows two of the tanks from the battle although he tells me there were 3 British tanks in a row in column of march and they were destroyed on the North South road that goes past the Hotel Kroepke which is still there today. those tanks were on the road circa 3 to 400m South of the hotel just before the slight bend in the road. The Tiger was further South and I will confirm the locations later. The flak was to the North East of the road described above. The old boy (Albert) has offered to walk the locations with me but he is not in the best of health. I will do it as soon as I and he can. Rich

It's gone quiet on The forum again! Where is everyone?? Well, I will be the 1st to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and Holiday season! Cheers all!!

Guys, been a bit busy and a lot drunk. back to work now! Hope to post more this year, got a few leads to chase down but time is always flying by unfortunately. Best Rich

Hi Does anyone know of a collection of the 8th Army News? My Grandfather appeared in an edition once when, as part of Operation Market Garden. Was photographed handing out chocolate to children from his Bren Carrier. I would be really interested in seeking out if there is a collection of photos that were taken at the same time in case there are any others with my Grandfather in them. I have looked on-line but only come across the same one each time. Any help or advice would be very much appreciated. I have attached the photo below for those interested. My Grandfather is the one sitting in the middle at the back with his goggles pulled up. I love this photo. Regards Ben

I love rock and roll! Let's jam! R.

Hi, I have already learnt something. So the "turtle" helmet shape, of which this of that style isn't it? Was issued as early as WWII. I never knew that. Looking at the elastic version of the chinstrap compared to the later webbing type it does make sense. I have never owned one as the ones I usually come across are shells only and dated quite late. Now I know a little more about their history though they are more interesting. Great job on cleaning the paint off. Truly good work. thank you for sharing.

Only just joined and failed to see this string before asking a similarly related question concerning the state of health of the network. Having been collecting for many years now and, only just finding out about your network by accident. I would be absolutely devastated to find that I have been too late. Been reading some of the posts on the forums and this site definitely is required. Forums with like minded people; are for collectors like the AA are for alcoholics. Collecting is purely for the obsessive and no level of detail or breadth of knowledge can ever be too much. Military collecting is incredibly personal and there needs to be a plethora of sources available like yours. I am so excited that I cannot work out where to start with questions for anyone who is a collector of WW1 items. I was at the recent Detling Military Odyssey show and it certainly looked like collectors are still out there. I think that the Covid time drove a lot of collectors underground to internet only purchasing. I have certainly seen more people out and about in terms of meetings, fairs etc. So chin up and keep up the great work. Regards Camelspank aka Ben

BVK on his jacket, must have been some sort of civil servant post war. Rich

Top one definitely, a Staff Sergeant. Best Rich

Thank you for the explanation!

Excellent Rich!

Guys, this was what I salvaged, 2 more jackets and trousers that were too far gone with moth. The denim work jacket survived the collar is a bit eaten but ok. He was an officer in Stalag 9a which you can easily find online. Rich

Tidied these pair up a bit at work, got rid of the moth tracks with packing tape. Found a coin and paper in the jacket pocket.

Sorry for his passing Rich. Thanks for sharing the story and the great photos!

I just have the 3 remaining patches. The top right is early theater made. These are 3 variations. I had quite a few at one time, including a MK II helmet with the flash.

Are you keeping them or are you up for a swap? You know that is my old Bde, back then Div. Best Rich

That would make sense. Thanks Rich! Rob

He is a tight fit now on the window sill, only a year later, they grow so quick... He likes to swim, I don't hence Army not Navy... He is mental with water, no fear at all... Rich shaggy1.mp4 shaggy2.mp4

Gorgeous dog…

Not surprised to be honest.

metall button with a diameter of 13 mm, on which are: a gear, a hammer and a capital letter N. I'm assuming it's a HJ or sapper organization button. help please... szarski@helmuzeum.pl

TENO, Technische Nothilfe. Rich

They are preparing the next one......

Cheers @lach470, appreciated. It's hard work getting people back onto forums sadly.... Thanks @Camelspank, really appreciate the donation... thanks for the offer of creativity, are you a graphic designer?

I am a great believer and advocate of "preservation".

My present knowledge on helmets can fit inside the bowl of a coffee spoon, so I'm seeking help in identifying this helmet that I purchased for $40 at auction. I'm thinking that the 515 refers to the 515th Infantry/Parachute Training Regiment. The helmet seam is in the back (late WWII?). I find no identifying marks or numbers. Thanks in advance for any help.

I can say for certain, $40 was a good deal. Im thinking Korean or vietnam era due to web color and fittings but I am no expert either. There should be a maker/date stamp on the liner, under the crown webbing. Hope that helps. I am sure some of our US helmet collectors will chime in. At any rate the price was good.

I also miss the forums. There used to be TONS! Life is busy between my day job and music gigs at night - but I have started checking in when I can. I'm still here gentlemen - and I'm happy to spead the MCN work to get more 'recruits' on board. Cheers! Rob

Looking good @Afrikakorpsrat64 and as you say, if no original paint then why not?

I was a "Roadie" years back. Also good in a fight, I'm in!

The Afrikakorpsrat64 has your back, Field Marshall!

I took these with my Samsung Galaxy S22 phone. has a great camera.

It’s an expensive business running a web forum and we’re still behind in raising money for the web hosting and forum licence costs. I've just paid the software licences for the forum again and pushing content on the website so I'm really trying to kick start the MCN again. If you’ve benefitted from the MCN, please consider donating… https://www.militariacollectors.network/donations/donate-to-the-mcn-2023/

Hi, I am an American living on the North end of Lake Konstanz and about 14 Kilometers from the nearest border crossing to Switzerland. I retired twice (military and civilian) and decided to stay here since I had really no roots in the States. I am a hunter and fisher with a big interest in military knives. My most recent acquisition is a Bulgarian combat knife I was able to purchase in Bulgaria. It is one of the blued ones, not the chrome parade version. I have attached a photo of 4 consecutively numbered E. German KM66's I picked up a few years back SS

I am a collector of all things WW1 and have a pretty healthy collection of items. Based in Surrey in England I am a member of the WFA as well as several WW1 war poet associations. I have previously given talks to Scouts and Guides groups on the Battle of the Somme. I have also presented on my personal experience of being a collector and all the plots and subterfuge involved in receiving items into your home with a wife who not all impressed with another piece of "WW1 Crap". Happy to help anyone struggling to identify something, requiring history of items, and due to my collection I can always post photos if that would help. I have items including; a water pump, screw pickets, rifles, bayonets, helmets, medals, postcards, recruitment posters, ordnance, swords, field gear, badges, manuals, newspapers, ammunition boxes and loads more. So feel free to ask me anything in case I have one and could help with identification, scale, history etc. I am an amateur historian who likes to actually hold the item in my hands and feel the weight, the material and the engineering. I know, speaking like a possessed person. Forgive me as I am excited to have found this website. regards Camelspank aka Ben

Ok, I know I've not been on and I'm the boss... but anyone still here?

Ive been AWOL for ages! i do apologies. Hope all well?

It's quite disheartening, I don't know what the solution is.... I suppose it just needs a few dedicated individuals to make it work...

By the way.....this is what it looked like when I got it. Someone had painted this on the rear (probably thinking it was the front). Using acetone, cotton swabs and water, I was able to get this writing off. Happy with the end result. I think it's safe to assume that this was not related in any way to the military? Rob

Hi All, I am looking for help in securing a Livens Projectile tube for my collection. I have had issues with people letting me down when using shops (on-line and off). Anyone out there who knows of anyone looking to get rid of one please do let me know. I am based in the South of England in Surrey if anyone local is out there? Ben

i am here

THE HELMET ITSELF IS GOOD, HOWEVER I DON'T WANT TO SAT OK ON THE DECAL. NOT SAYING IT IS REPRO BUT, IN TODAY MARKET THERE ARE WAY TO MANY FAKES PASSED AROUND. BEST TO WAIT FOR OTHER COMMENTS TO CHIME IN. IF I MAY ASK- WHERE WAS IT FOUND?

Hi, no idea but if you believe it might be it is better to let the experts handle suspected UXO? Explosives become more unstable the older they are. Good luck! Rich

Is this a WW1 bomb that was dropped from a plane???

Too small really , copper bombs were 24 lb and made of cast iron or steel . that was my first thought too.

The M39 Tornister, was part of a major update to the soldiers equipment, and was implemented in 1939. The new system was a more versatile equipment type, wich could be used in different variations, and would allow the transport of more equipment in the Tornister. The main difference was the introduction of the Y-straps and the A-frame (Sturmgepäck) The Y-straps was to be worn on the field uniforms at all times, and was used as extra relieve for carrying the weight of the standard equipment on the combat uniform. (Taking the strain of the internal carrying straps and the belt hooks on the combat tunics) The introduction of the Y-straps ment that there was no more use of the integrated carryingstraps on the Tornister. Instead the Tornister was issued with (adjusteable) leather flaps with hooks, to hook them onto the D-rings on the Y-straps. Here is a very nice, 1940 dated M39 Tornister. The first thing you notice, when telling the difference on a M39 versus M34, is that the M39 has a leather strap with stud-button mounted on the lower parts of the outside lid of the Tornister. This leather strap is there to secure the A-frame to the Tornister. And of corse, the lack of carrying straps, replaced with hooks for attaching to the Y-straps instead. The M39 Tornister, also has D-rings attached to the top of the Tornister. These are for hanging the hooks of the A-frame. The M39 Tornister also have the loops for the button-on Mantelriemen - equipment straps. It does MOSTLY look like the M34 Tornister on the inside, but it does no longer have the integrated pocket for the messtin inside, The messtin was now to be worn outside of the backpack, mounted on the A-frame. This Tornister is in more or less un-used condition, and I do have a matching 1940 dated Y-strap from the very same factory for it: ..And with the A-frame with pouch and messtin, Wehrmacht blanket and a tentsheet mounted on the outside: