Machine Gun Memorabilia: V22N10
By Robert G. Segel
Original artwork watercolor memorial of time in service for a soldier in Company A, 7th Machine Gun Battalion, 5th Division. Wonderful rendering of an American eagle perched atop a Hotchkiss M1914 machine gun with ribbon banner in his mouth with the name “A.N. Fogelstrom” to the left and “World War 1917-18” to the right. Beneath the eagle is a ribbon that reads, “Germany 1919.” To the center is a large shield flanked by blue flags with stars. The shield has the 1st Army “A” in a circle insignia patch. To the center is a large “7” with “MGBn of Co. A.” To the left is “USA” and to the right “AEF.” At the bottom of the “7” is the French War Cross of 1918 medal. Beneath the “7” is the insignia patch of the 5 Division and beneath that three gold service chevrons indicating between 18 and 23 months of overseas service. Ribbons beneath the shield read left to right, “Chateau Thierry, Ainse Marne, Somme, Champagne Marne, 1st Army, A of O Germany (Army of Occupation), St. Mihiel, and Meuse Argonne.” Painting signed by artist E. Gammon.
British World War I sweetheart brooch for the Royal Naval Air Service armoured car section. Brass and enameled red king’s crown surmounts a light blue oval and dark blue Talbot armoured car with a mounted Vickers machine gun in the turret. Pin back. Maker marked, “Fattorini Bradford.”
Trinket or snuff box. Brass two-piece, pre-Revolution Imperial Russian box with tsarist double eagle engraved to domed top lid and dated 1915. Bottom of box has engraving of the king’s crown over a Maxim machine gun over the number 2. Approximate translation at top says, “For Excellence” and below “Machine Gunner.” Or “For achievement by the 2nd Machine Gun Company in machine gun marksmanship.” Approximately 3 inches in diameter.
World War I Canadian Bordens Armoured Battery pickled copper cap badge. Badge shows front on view of armoured car marked “BAB” on radiator grill. This armoured car is equipped with the Colt Automatic Gun in the turret. The banner below simply reads, “Canada.” In...
This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V22N10 (December 2018) |
| SUBSCRIBER COMMENT AREA |
Comments have not been generated for this article.
