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New thread purely for any post WWI maxim enthusiasts. I would like to kick off with the MG08. Picked up some manuals which are interesting and reflect that the 08 and sled were still held in high regard.

One of the key features of the inter-war sled and MG08 was the ability to configure into an efficient AA set-up. The lock box of the sled was modified to hold the MG spider ring as shown.

I have used these images before but they show the configuration very well.

Is it possible to see a pic of that spider ring by itself?

Neat pics by the way.

Later 42rocker

42Rocker will do.
Images of the range plates and traverse fine tune handle.

Great pics Mark, any idea on the number 08/15s verse MG08s pressed into service for the Reich once things heated up after the adventure into Poland on 1.1.1939?

It is a great question. I have also been trying to identify how many 08's &08/15's were in the possession of France, Poland and Belgium in 1919, and remaining in German service. Maybe Fritz can assist with German numbers still in service by WWII? This sled is a hidden gem and I believe was MADE in 1936! Up until now I thought all sleds were WWI 'leftovers' and converted, so this will add additional confusion to numbers.
Mark

MarkFinneran wrote:It is a great question. I have also been trying to identify how many 08's &08/15's were in the possession of France, Poland and Belgium in 1919, and remaining in German service. Maybe Fritz can assist with German numbers still in service by WWII? This sled is a hidden gem and I believe was MADE in 1936! Up until now I thought all sleds were WWI 'leftovers' and converted, so this will add additional confusion to numbers.
Mark

Dolf talks about the number of Maxim in foreign service in TDPB. There were several arms trades where Poland got 8mm MGs, Finland got 7.62 MGs...etc.

What makes you think the Sled is made in 1936? I would find this hard to believe. I think it was upgraded in 1936. That seems to have been a big year for smallarms in German. Most Interwar Maxim items I have are 1936 if marked. I have two MG08 BSW barrels marked 1936 and the piece I have of the MG08/15 Lafette is marked 1936.

Matt thanks. I will take some photos this weekend showing 'structural' changes. The more I look at the sled the more attractive it is becoming. There are even stamps and the eagle on the 4 wooden ''chocks'' in the legs!
Mark

Great sled find.
If you get a chance please post a pic of the anti air craft sight.

Thanks

Later 42rocker

Some Differences. Feet loops for dragging. Inter-war compared to 'normal' WWI. The inter war 'loop' is larger and not held down with a rivet as per the Imperial example.

Internals of the barrel box.

Top of the water jacket showing AA fixing.

Another obvious difference is the top cover of the elevation mechanism.

Mark
Thanks for posting that. Looks like the MG34 sight also.

As said before Great sled and good find, good luck with all of the details.

Later 42rocker

The chances are it is exactly the same design. The sled has a 1936 stamping so it makes sense for the spider sight to be common to other pieces.
Mark

Yoke fastening 'clamps' are different. The later version does not have the curled up section.

Drag strap bar is also different.