Machine Gun Memorabilia: V22N6
By Robert G. Segel
German pre-World War I porcelain veteran’s regimental stein. 0.5 liter measuring approx. 11 inches tall. Marked, “8. Bad. Inf. Regt. Nr.169. Lahr. 1912-14,” “Dauerfur ist unser gruls!” (Full automatic fire is our greeting!) and owner’s rank and name “Gerfreiter Krieg.” (8th Baden Infantry Regiment No. 169, Lahr 1912-14. Private first class Krieg.) Central image is of Kaiser Wilhelm II, and other image is of Grand Duke Friedrich II. Four different machine gun side scenes. Unit roster at rear. Other markings in German loosely translated read, “Whether on foot, whether on horse or behind cannon, we guard the home, hearth and the sovereign’s crown;” “The strongest of all armies can do nothing without us. The goddess of victory does not laugh until the machine guns roar;” “Where the machine guns crackle and sow death on death, we stand firm and watch the dawn of victory;” and “In remembrance of my service time.” Griffin thumb lift. Pewter-hinged lid with Maxim machine gun finial. Markings on lid read, “Brothers, let us toast the reservist’s health” and “May a full glass be dedicated to him, who has served his time loyally.” The 8th Baden Infantry, Regiment No. 169, XIV Corps, 29th Division, 84th Brigade was based in Lahr 1912-1914.
Japanese red lacquer wood sake cup with gold rim and kanji with central image of an early Hotchkiss Model 1900 machine gun on tripod. Cup commemorates going to war with Russia (a reference to the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905) with the Imperial Guards Division, 3rd Machine Gun Unit. With original wooden presentation box. The Russo-Japanese War was the first time early machine guns in substantial numbers were used against each other. The Japanese used Hotchkiss guns, and the Russians used Maxims. (The Japanese decisively won that war.)
World War I Austrian army K.u.K. machine gun advanced level proficiency badge. Imperial Austrian crown atop three dragons spitting fire signifying a machine gun. Rear has sheet brass tongue for attaching to pocket. Maker marked MSB inside a three-leaf clover. 1.75 inches in diameter.
U.S. World War I machine gun company officer’s overseas cap. Captioned inside to “A. Bon Temp.” (A good time). Blue (infantry) piping. Right side of hat has gold bullion stitching marked, “102 INF” over “M.G. Co.” Left side has gold bullion stitching of the “YD” symbol of the 26th Yankee Division from Connecticut and Northeast area.
Slouch hat badge for the 8th South African Horse Machine Gun Section. Brass cut out with two lugs to rear.
World War I-era crested china from England. Maxim machine gun on tripod. Two-piece construction allows the gun to swivel. Gold highlights. Crest atop water jacket is of “Ayr” Scotland. Front of tripod head marked, “Rd No. 66144” (a patent). The left side of the water jacket is marked “Model of Machine Gun.” Bottom is marked “402” and “Savoy China Stoke on Trent England” and logo.
World War I trench art hat made from a cut down 4.5-inch Howitzer shell. Affixed to the front is a New Zealand Machine Gun Corps brass collar badge. Above the visor is a copper driving band used on the projectile. Full markings on shell top including date 1915.
This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V22N6 (June 2018) |
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