Rewriting MG08 Production History! The Spandau 1918 MG08.

[IMBLITZVT]

Well I got a bunch of 08 and 08/15 top covers in a large lot of parts I bought. I found something that I don't think has been seen before. Its been assumed that Spandau did not produce MG08s in 1918 but now we know that was not correct. The previous high number Spandau MG08 was 4163e (54163) from 1917. As you can now see have 5309e (55309) from 1918. So thats another 1146 more guns at least and put them producing them into 1918!

I keep a list of Maxim Production numbered based off TDPB numbers but updated with several I have found: http://www.maximmachinegun.com/

I also picked up the Erfurt 08/15 TopCover 7952a which is the last one we know of that Erfurt produced in 1917. Its interesting that Dolf had this serial number recorded but not the MG08 Top cover above!

[42rocker]

Thanks for the info share. Good Luck in your finds.

Later 42rocker

[IMBLITZVT]

So, has anyone else seen a 1918 Spandau MG08 before?

[fractal]

I used to own a Spandau MG08 dated 1918. It came to me as a dewat that someone had fairly well destroyed, including taking a torch to the trunion and denting in the right sideplate. It was gun number 5743d. It took me about two years to get it running again.

Joe

[IMBLITZVT]

Joe,

Can you please provide a picture? A xxxxd serial number should be a 1917 production gun if made by Spandau. That is or it could be a 1918 DWM production gun. Please see: http://www.maximmachinegun.com/

[fractal]

I looked at my old paperwork and the serial number is actually 5743e, not d. I have just a few crappy photos but fortunately one is just enough to see the top cover. I wrote to Dolf about this gun, but it was too late to be added into the revised book. The photos show the top cover, the gun on the day I took posession and a shot of the torched trunion to show some of what had to be undone to get her running again.
Joe

[fractal]

Noting that the top cover photo is terrible, here is the serial number blown up. I apologize for the early digital quality...
Joe

[IMBLITZVT]

Noting that the top cover photo is terrible, here is the serial number blown up. I apologize for the early digital quality...
Joe

Joe, That is very interesting! Do you no longer own this gun? I would love to get a better top cover pictures if you can. However that is great info! I will update my website with the info! Its odd that the DWM 1918 guns are most common but we have only seen 2 1918 Spandaus!

[fractal]

Sad to say that I no longer own the gun. I'm holding out hope that it will return home some day. It was a huge challenge to get it running again!