Don't shoot the photographer...
 

Recently purchased this photo in Belgium.

It shows a number of servicemen on target practice, one of them is taking aim at the photographer, blurring his luger in the process.

This is also mentioned in writing on the back of the photo:

'Zielubungen mit Pistole 08. <illegible> ziehlt auf den Fotografen'

'Target practice with Pistole 08. <illegible> aims at the photographer'

The photo regrettably was glued into a black-paged album, obscuring some of the writing on the back. I succeeded in clearing most of the writing, but the name or designation of the shooter is lost.

(the blurring on the left side of the photo is present on the original, which is about 1.5 by 2 inches in size)

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload...mera_small.jpg

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload...back_small.jpg

Gerben,

Neat photo, can you discern the timeframe of the photo, as in what era ????

You certainly do come across some great photos across the pond..........

Regards, Paul

He looks as if he means it. Wonder if the cameraman survived? ;)

An empty gesture perhaps, it appears that he may be holding the magazine in his other hand.

And yes, a neat picture.

--Dwight

Gerben what a great photo. You sure have a knack for finding these wonderful photo's

Gerben,
You might be able to recover part of the illegible name with your digital camera. Try adjusting contrast in a photo editing program like photoshop, also try taking an infra-red photo.
There is another word, perhaps in pencil?, on top of the passage you cited. Looks like it begins with a capital "R," ends in "f"?

Looks like a few fellows have their trigger finger on the trigger already and they are not even pointing down range at the target yet...wonder if many accidents occurred that day...?:rolleyes:

Karl,

You are correct, there is a word written in pencil, which seems to read as 'AUF'. Probably just a note to remember to stick this one in the album.

These albums were common items and were used to remind drafted soldiers of their service time.

If I have to guess at the timeframe, the early nazi-era, around 1935. Uniforms are old style and equipment isn't really up to date. The Velox photo paper isn't much help, as this was in use from the 1920s until the 1980s.

Sadly, many of these albums are being torn apart, as the individual images make more money than complete albums...

Here are some examples of such an album, still in complete untouched shape, dating from 1936.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/album.jpg

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/album2.jpg

Just my opinion but the enlisted mans belt buckle seems seems to be Weimer era with a raised "crown".

http://www.p38guns.com/Weimer.htm

Mark