I think that it was less restrictive in WW1, or at least less administered. Dewatted Maxim guns were awarded purchasers of bonds, and stories abound about soldiers sneaking guns thru the inspection on the return trip. My grandfather split up an Artillery Luger rig among his buddies to get it thru in pieces, but I have no idea what good that did him, as he did end up with it all.
Another soldier mentioned giving several souveniers to fellow soldiers to get thru the inspection, but I've never heard of WW1 bring-back authorizations.
dju
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