ph0ebus Posted 29 January , 2011 Share Posted 29 January , 2011 I'm happy to take a photo of the box, but if I did it at the moment, using flash, the image would be dreadful. It is a silver metal box measuring 8cm x 4 cm with a depth of 2.5 cm and from the manufacturer's inscription on the base (Warmbrunn Quilitz & Co, Berlin NW) I think it may have contained some sort of precision instrument or tool. I've looked closely at the date which has been scratched on the lid and I can just make out that the owner originally wrote 1.8.17 and changed it to 31.7.17. (or v v) - the 3 showed up under magnifying glass. It's a British 7, not a European one with a cross bar. I know the owner was in the Machine Gun Corps and I believe from his MM that he was almost certainly at Ypres in September. I can't rule out that he obtained the box from elsewhere or someone else. There were some spare anti-dimming lenses for the lederschutzemaske M.1917 in the container with the metal box among a few other bits and pieces. Thus I feel sure that he amassed a little collection of trophies during his service. I know something of his history and I'll see whether I can find any other clues. Many thanks for everyone's help. I'm completely unused to looking at militaria so I'm grateful for all these insights. Gwyn The great oracle (Google) indicates that the company who made the box made equipment for pharmaceutical/chemical research and/or research relating to physical chemistry. Interesting, especially in combination with the gas mask lenses. I look forward to a picture, when one is available. -Daniel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Posted 29 January , 2011 Author Share Posted 29 January , 2011 Aha! I played with the slider-thing at the back of the badge (with some force) and the round disc popped off. What was revealed was: Ie, the slider controls a spring. There is a small pin 5 mm long at the back of the badge and the central pivot (1 cm long) of the round 'button' (for want of a better word) fits over it. Then the spring holds this in place. Thus it could well be pushed through a button hole or similar then secured. The weight of the badge is 10 gr. When snapped together the connecting pin length is 7 cm (approx). I've attempted a photo of the box, but flash renders it too sparkly. I hate using flash. Anyway - Sorry that I keep offering duff information about this badge's structure. I was reluctant to start forcing it. Gwyn Edited to add measurements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ph0ebus Posted 29 January , 2011 Share Posted 29 January , 2011 It may sound weird but if you have a scanner, try scanning the lid. You may be pleasantly surprised at the result. Thanks for the pictures. The mechanism is not unlike a tie tack I have, somewhere... Daniel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Posted 29 January , 2011 Author Share Posted 29 January , 2011 I'm sorry if this is a completely dim observation but I know that the Machine Gunner wore a soft hat with a pompom. Does that help? I'm adrift with uniforms, medals and so on, I'm afraid. I can do buildings and Chaucer, though. Gwyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Posted 29 January , 2011 Author Share Posted 29 January , 2011 I scanned it but Paintshop Pro crashed and lost it. I have to go and buy cat food now, but I'll try again later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 29 January , 2011 Share Posted 29 January , 2011 I'm sorry if this is a completely dim observation but I know that the Machine Gunner wore a soft hat with a pompom. Does that help? I'm adrift with uniforms, medals and so on, I'm afraid. I can do buildings and Chaucer, though. Gwyn The hat you describe is called a Tam-O-Shanter and was worn by all the Scottish Infantry Divisions, including initially and possibly later too, the Divisional Machine Gunners. There are Military Museums that specialise in Prussian artefacts (I believe there is one in Berlin) and if you sent them a photo and a short letter/email, you might well find that they will be pleased to offer a suggestion as to what the brooch/badge relates to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Posted 30 January , 2011 Author Share Posted 30 January , 2011 I don't know what division the machine gunner served with. The card which lists his MM just says Machine Gun Corps. I'm afraid I don't know how to find out any more, because I've never investigated a soldier. The tin scans like this, but I don't think it adds anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 30 January , 2011 Share Posted 30 January , 2011 I don't know what division the machine gunner served with. The card which lists his MM just says Machine Gun Corps. I'm afraid I don't know how to find out any more, because I've never investigated a soldier. The tin scans like this, but I don't think it adds anything. Early on in the war (1915) the machine gun trained soldiers from each battalion were grouped (Army term at that time was 'brigaded') into first Brigade and later Divisional Machine Gun companies whilst still wearing their original cap badges. In 1916 almost all these men were subsumed into the newly formed Machine Gun Corps (MGC). It is quite likely that your man was originally in a Scottish regiment and then re-badged later to the MGC along with his fellow machine gunners from his particular battalion. If you have his service number one of the forum members might well be able to trace him and his original unit from his medal index card (MIC). Ypres in 1917 refers to the infamously muddy third battle, that became identified with the completely demolished village/town of "Passchendaele". That might be where he collected his box and other souvenirs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Posted 30 January , 2011 Author Share Posted 30 January , 2011 Thank you very much for the helpful information on about the MGC. I had heard of Ypres. My grandfather was severely wounded there on 2 August 1917 and I've followed his footsteps to Bellewaerde and back to Dannes Camiers. I meant that, unlike the majority of this forum's members, I had never felt the urge to trace an individual's war service in detail. I spend most of my time on the war in the Vosges or the Drill Halls Project. I have his number but I don't wish to place it or his name on the Internet. His remaining family would be most unhappy with that. I'm happy to communicate privately. Gwyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryBettsMCDCM Posted 30 January , 2011 Share Posted 30 January , 2011 No ! It is merely a lapel badge in the shape of something unique to hussars - a 'sabretache', and so instantly recognisable to fellow old soldiers at that time. I don't see what is so complicated about this. Well Hush My Mouth!!!! My Sincere Apologies For Venturing An Alternative Suggestion.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 30 January , 2011 Share Posted 30 January , 2011 Well Hush My Mouth!!!! My Sincere Apologies For Venturing An Alternative Suggestion.... Not that at all Harry, it's just that it seemed as if you had not read the thread at all. No offence was intended. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Posted 31 January , 2011 Author Share Posted 31 January , 2011 My Sincere Apologies For Venturing An Alternative Suggestion.... I appreciate your input, Roger. You''ve seen far more pieces of militaria than many people have had hot dinners. Whereas this is the first time I've actively possessed something and wondered what it was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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