MG 08 635

[bbigbore]

The wait is the hardest part, but finally getting it in my hands and taking a close look it was worth the wait! I would have had to wait so long if the NFA banch hadnt lost the original paperwork. Its a scary feeling to check on the status of a Form 4, and be told "That serial number isn't in the NFA database"!
All the little number match except of course for the lock and feedblock.
I cant find a date anywhere, but I think its prior to 1910, and the MG unti tag makes it even cooler.

[dwmmg08]

Very nice gun!!!! Congrats on getting it in at last!!!! What is that plug on the front of the gun?? That's not the gland nut, it looks like someones made that- but it looks like it would work just fine.

Neat gun. What year is it? Is the fusee cover marked? Congrats again!!

[amafrank]

It appears that the fusee cover has been replaced also....the guns produced prior to 1917(I think it was 17) had the manufacturers information and date of production stamped on the fusee cover and the topcover would only have the model on it, ie MG08 as seen in the picture. At some point in 1917 both DWM and Spandau started putting the makers info and date on the top cover along with the full 5 digit serial number and model. The serial number on the left sideplate is normally a 4 digit number with a small letter suffix. This serial method is the same that was used on the lugers and 98 rifles where serials 0001-9999 were stamped as is but serial number 10,000 is marked 0001a, 20,000 is 0001b, 30,000 is 0001c and so on. By looking at the sideplate serial you should be able to get some idea of the date of the gun. As dwmmg08 noted the muzzle gland is non standard for the MG08 but could have come from an earlier type or from a different country as most used the same thread and diameter for the muzzle attachments. The MG08's were normally shipped with an octagonal muzzle gland nut and a booster assembly. Most used the booster in the field. If memory serves the MG99 and MG01's used a muzzle gland similar to what you have. A copy of the Devils Paintbrush should be a top priority for acquisition.
The gun looks lovely on the Swiss tripod. That will make an excellent shooting platform and will display nicely too while you look for a proper sled.

Nice pictures.

Frank

[www.Prussia.us]

Now that is what I call functional art, outstanding MG

[IMBLITZVT]

One thing I have noticed from selling lots of parts is that DWM marked every MG08 part! So if you don't see DWM marks then its Spandau. Also DWM did not use the a,b,c,d thing for the 10k, 20k,30k,40k thing. They wrong out the whole number.

So its probably Spandau gun. Yes, checking the sideplate should give you the a, b or c...etc. If it is Number 653.... Its VERY early!

Yes replacement fusee for sure. You are missing some retaining rings for some of the pins. I see complete pins on my email list. If you want to be on it, email me at phiteshe@vt.edu

You also have something off for the steam port. The brass thing sticking out is probably custom made.

Finally the retaining springs for the rear grip oilers are missing.

Very nice and maybe very early gun you got there! Please tell us more!

[42rocker]

That just looks way to nice!!!!

Congrads on getting it and the paperwork..

Later 42rocker

[bbigbore]

The only number on the side plate is 635, no prefix or suffix letters. The sideplate number is to the left of the unit tag.


I have the retaining pins for the grip oilers, just no pins to hold them in place. I have the Devils Paintbrush, its a great book, but seems to be missing the specific info or pics on what I'm looking for.

[IMBLITZVT]

Man, thats got to make it one of the earliest MG08s out there. I would be pretty sure its a Spandau gun #635 I will have to check what year that makes it when I get back home.

What info do you need that's not in the book?

[bbigbore]

When I get the gun I though the muzzle gland and steam port seemed odd. Looking though the book there really isnt much discussion or any pics of muzzle glands or steam ports. Its a great book, just missing the stuff I'm looking for in particular to this gun.

[IMBLITZVT]

Thats why God made gun forms

IMA has repro Steam hose connectors and hose. Originals are pretty hard but until one turns up...
http://www.ima-usa.com/product_info.php ... ts_id/1038

I would just look for a MG08 booster not muzzle gland. They turn up. I will see about getting some pictures.

[dwmmg08]

I would agree on just look for a booster!

The gland nut you have ought to work fine, it just doesn't seem right to me, I haven't ever seen a german one like that- Although Frank may be right, that may be one from the older MG99 or MG01, if so it almost would have to be marked somewhere, as those pre-war guns are usually marked all over. Matt's got a good eye on the grip oiler springs being missing, are you saying you have the springs but not the rivets? Any aircraft mechanic shop ought to have a vast # of rivets, so you can get them attached; the question would be if they have little tiny brass rivets like that, I suspect most don't; the last time I tried that, all we could find was alum. ones, but try it. We wound up having to make them out of brass, it didn't take long.

Is the indicator missing on the fusee cover? It looked like it? If so, Matt may have one of those? A small screw may work for that. It looked like you're missing the bottom screw on the telescope base also.

Neat gun!!! I would tend to agree it's got to be a Spandau gun, as the DWM ones are marked as such all over, not just on the fusee or topcover. 635 would be pre-war, a neat piece! Is the waterjacket brass or steel, or painted?? In some of your pics it looks odd, is that the picture?

Odd steam fitting, but you can replace that. It just screws out, then you can replace with the right thing!

Nice gun!

Glen

[bbigbore]

I already orderd the steamfitting and hose from IMA. Yes, I meant to type I have the retaining spring, but not the rivets. when I received the gun they were held in place with paperclips.

I should be able to source the missing parts and information on the gun soon. I emialed these pics to a friend, and in a reply emial I just includes the forwarded responses from Frank Iannamico, and Dolf Goldsmith. As mentioned above the adapter for the swiss mount is Dolf had made up. It looks like I got all the right people helping me out here. And of course, you guys have a been a bunch of help.

[bbigbore]

Is the waterjacket brass or steel, or painted?? In some of your pics it looks odd, is that the picture?

I thought the jacket was brass, but I just stuck a magnet to it. I dont know what the finish it, as it doesnt seem like paint at all. Perhaps its just the patina?

[IMBLITZVT]

Yeah all MG08 are steel. It was probably painted at one time.

Can you take a picture of the rear sight? Top and side? Thats early enough it should have the early style sight. I will explain more later when I have a chance to take some pictures.

[bbigbore]

[MarkFinneran]

Just to add comments - superb condition gun. Great find!!! Irrespective of how many thousands were made I am sure all the members here when seeing such pictures all get a warm feeling inside

Although recently I did get a reality check when showing a small group of vets an 08/15. I was clearly excited and infused when talking specifically about this German MG, and speaking on my limited knowledge on German quality, marksmanship and tactics. One British man then asked how could I be so in admiration of something that had dispensed so many of our own British infantry. It did sort of ruin the atmosphere but we discussed and eventually came to some agreement.

I only offer this out of interest as there is no shame in admiring the equipment, of any nation, and what incredible things the boys did or endured on both sides, but it did remind me that when all is said and done these are just simply machines designed to kill. I think it is fair to say that all memebers here appreciate that, despite the beauty of the German maxim.

Anyway great gun, great serial numbers and very envious for when you get to squeeze the 'trigger'.

[dwmmg08]

Wow, I don't know that I agree that it's a machine designed to kill... it's designed to shoot a lot of bullets downrange quickly. Whether it kills or not is up to the operator, not the machine.

If my 08 or my 08/15 were asked about being killers, and could talk, I think they'd probably look at you blankly. They were in one vicious war 92 or more years ago. My 08 was probably only in the war for less than 6 months. They spent most of their lives calmly resting in the darkness of closets, safes, and attics until they got to me, and Ive probably done more with them than anyone in their whole existance.

I've had my 08/15 for 18 years now, and haven't killed anything but bottles, cans, boxes and the occasional car with them.. So I think they'd probably relate stories of that, the other was a long long time ago.

[bbigbore]

It appears that the fusee cover has been replaced also....

I just pulled the cover off and its also stamped with the SN of the gun like all the other parts.

[bbigbore]

is there an edit button on this forum? I cant find it? Anyhow. Inside the cover, on the back of the sliding scale thing - its also numbered 635.

[dwmmg08]

Whoa, wait a minute, I've heard of MG08s being marked on both fusee cover and the topcover, but they were usually only marked on the topcover or the fusee cover with the year and factory of manufacture, but your topcover and your fusee cover are unmarked for the year and maker??? That's really odd, do I have that right???