Is This A Maxim??
 

I can upon a WW1 postcard that is facinating!

Might be! What do we think the doo-jigger stuck onto the muzzle in the post card pic is--maybe an impromptu dust cover/cap?

It's an MG 08 the German machine gun based on Maxim's patent.

George is correct. It is mounted on the pressed steel mount, which had a wide arch of vertical adjustment for trench use.

I found another!
 

What is this?

What Are These Bad Boys
 

What are these and what were they used for? ~~Eric

Found a few more!

A great grouping!
 

A whole group of Germans outfitted! Looks like an artillery up front! Can anyone please translate?

The thing normally found on the muzzle is a booster. Without it they are basically single shots. Increases blow-back to operate the mechanism. However the top photo is curious. They did issue trench armour plating, including a disc for the front of the gun, however that looks like a coffee can.
That first one is on a sled mount, a very versatile and adjustable mount. Also very heavy, and moving one around was the job for the big guy in the platoon.
The mounts in the last photo are interesting. They look like the wheel mounts that the Russians used in WW2, but on legs.
I'm an old Maxim gun enthusiast so these photos are fun. Dolf Goldsmith's "The Devils Paintbrush" is a great book on the subject. I'll have to get mine out and freshen up a bit.
dju

Eric:
Are those Germans or Turks?
dju

Sorry I don't remember my German! The site is"German World 1 Photographics Postcards 1914- 1916" I'm sorry I don't know how to post! It has 2 part, a gold mine and free to save! Maybe someone could attach the site! ~~~~Eric

Hi David, The card says " The Turkish Crown Prince and his staff on an inspection tour of Gallipoli"
Regards, Norm

Cirelaw
Very interesting website.
Lots of postcards of the various German and Turkish leaders.
Here is the link
http://www.allworldwars.com/German-W...ds-Part-I.html

Take care
Bob

Still look like MG08's that are being used for anti-aircraft with those high arc swivel mount bases!

I Found This One Interesting
 

German spotters!

The "anti aircraft" photo is the same pressed steel sled mount placed onto wooden saw horses for more elevation. The Russian style wheeled mount was called a "Sokolov" mount. All the guns pictured are Maxims with different mounting options.

The muzzle device in the first photo might be the issue filling cup for the water jacket, (it looks very similar). It looks like it is doing yeoman service as a muzzle cover to keep out debris.

Besides the Germans were there any other armys using these? Could they be used on German aircraft? Is this a Vickors

Cirelaw
I also thought that was a very cool picture.I had no idea the Germans where using portable search lights in WW1. That horse drawn caisson must have the generator in it. :)
It was also fascinating to look at various scenes from the German Eastern front.
I never realized how much Poland had been devastated in WW1.
Then the Germans allowed Vladimir Lenin safe passage back to Russia. That little train ride changed the course of history for millions of people and the consequences reverberate to this day!:crying:

Bob

The Austrians used them as well. Most German WW1 Aircraft used Spandau machineguns. Initially modified ground guns then specifically designed aircraft machineguns.

The Maxim also fielded the MG08/15, which was meant to be a portable "light" MG, but was barely adequate for the role. It consisted of a standard MG08, but with a bulky pistol grip and buttstock added, along with a front bipod on the waterjacket. Even more unwieldy was the spool type "Drum" added to the side to keep ammo out of the dirt and more or less coiled on the side of the gun.

This ones for You!