WWII German Luftwaffe, K98 Collectibles

The Luftwaffe Balkenkreuz (beam cross) was found on the upper wings, lower wings, and the fuselages during WWII.

Germany began focusing its industry on military rearmament in the early 1930s till the end of WWII in 1945, producing nearly a decade of WWII military items. Any surviving items would later become WWII collectibles. Here are just a couple of those categories.

WWII Luftwaffe

Luftwaffe is a generic term used to name an air force in the German language. During World War II, the German Luftwaffe was a powerful and experienced air force team in the entire world. Only the British RAF Super marine Spitfire proved to be a rough competitor to the Luftwaffe.

The air force always had twin engine bombers and the team of dice bombers along with the tactical fighters managed to provide Germany the early successes, however, since the Luftwaffe were not as successful in the development of four engine bombers it failed to hold onto the opposition of Russians and the western threats.

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was often considered the most versatile fighter aircraft in the Luftwaffe. You can find a complete collection of WWII Luftwaffe Collectibles.

German Mauser

From the 1870’s to present day, Mauser, remains the top German manufacturer of action pistols and rifles. In addition to being a civilian firearm, the Mauser rifles are licensed to other countries besides Germany.

There are many series of rifles listed in the Mauser range. However, the most famous models during World War II was Karabiner 98k that was used in the middle of 1930s, and was first used in World War II in 1935 by Wehrmacht. The next model used for WWII was Mauser HSc with a .32 ACP.

WWII German k98

The Mauser military rifle, Karabiner 98 Kurz abbreviated as K98. The German Wehrmacht used this rifle as the standard rifle during 1935. Although during World War II, this rifle seemed to be inadequate to restrict the forces of the Soviet armies and Americans as they used semi-automatic rifles, German troops still continued to use it.

As Soviets were experiencing shortage in war equipments they started using K98 that were captured during encounters with the Germans. German soldiers used “Kars” as a nickname for the rifle. During post WW II the Soviets made it a point to refurbish the K98 into a more effective firearm.

WWII German Helmet

German army started to replace their boiled leather Pickelhaube in the imperial times with the Stahlhelm meaning “Steel Helmets.” The design of the helmet makes it easy to recognize. On the onset of WW II this helmet was tested against various factors so that the casualties resulting in World War I because of head injuries could be reduced.

There were also many variations introduced with the German Steel Helmet over the years. Some regular collectors of the Stahlhelm will generally collect the M1956 version of this helmet.

Posted in Article, WWII Collectibles, WWII German | No Comments »

M1 WWII Collectibles

A M1 carbine, some made in Grand Rapids, Michigan, used by US during World War II.

M1 is a common designation found when collecting WWII military items. Although I have no firm source most sources say M often refers to “Military” or “Model” and the 1 refers to “First” or the first model. In addition to those listed below some other common M1 WWII collectibles include the M1 pouch, M1 Winchester, M1 scabbards, and the M1 knife.

M1 Carbine

During the World War II a standard firearm of the US military was the M1 Carbine. This gun is a lightweight semi-automatic carbine and it was manufactured in an assortment of modifications. Whether for the civilians, the US or any other foreign military, the M1 carbine has been used by many of them.

Generally a carbine is a short version of a parent rifle. However, the M1 carbine has only a single part in common with the M1 rifle, a short butt plate screw. It even uses a different cartridge.

During World War II, this small carbine was perhaps not the best gun to use by the soldiers because of its reduced power. However, it was a good front line weapon because of its lightweight and small size.

M1 Garand

The M1 Garand was the first semi automatic rifle used during World War II as well as the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In fact, during World War II, this rifle was declared as “the Greatest Battle Implement Ever Devised.”

Although the US was the official user of this rifle, especially the army and the marine troops, the country also lent the M1 to many of its allies. Also, the civilians can now get their hands on the M1 Garand in the original .30 and .60 chambering and in a .308 Winchester as well.

M1 Bayonet

Before 1943, US army personnel were using the bayonets M1905 and M1942, however later on in 1943 the country decided that a shorter bayonet was probably more useful and hence came the M1 Bayonet which is about 10 inches long with the handle being 4 inches in length.

The US military forces used these shorter M1 Bayonets largely during the Second World War and the Korean War. Also many of the M1905 and M1942 were reissued with reduced blade lengths for their use in World War II.

M1 Helmet

Today many of the people would be acquainted with the PASGT helmet for the US military. However, initially the M1 helmet had been in use from the time of World War II in around 1942 till the beginning of 1985, giving it over 40 years of use.

The M1 helmet can rightly be called an icon of the US military and these have now become quite difficult to find by the military collectors. This helmet had the unique design of “one size fits all” and was also referred to as the “steel pot.”

There is plenty of M1 information on wikipedia.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Article | No Comments »