Military equipment of the 20th century

Danish M/1895 water bottle

2012-02-05T00:02:00.000+01:00

The M/1895 was the first aluminium bottle in use with the Danish army.
The leather belt strap is either dyed black, or held in a natural brown finish for the 1903 version. In 1903 they decided to change the colour of the entire leather equipment from black, to natural brown. The quickly changed the colour back into black in 1910.
The water bottle was used until 1940 - 1943 where the Germans first invaded Denmark, and later disbanded the remnants of the army and the police.

The M/1895 was first recorded in the Danish arms registry the 6th August 1895. It replaced the older model, M/1873. The M/1873 was a glass bottle with leather cover. It was made in two version. One for mounted troops, and one for infantry.

This is my own M/1895. It has seen some post war usage with the CF (Civilforsvaret) The Danish civil defence organisation. All they did was adding two faint black CF stamps. The cork is not original, but the water bottle used a cork very similar to the British '08 water bottle.

Some more pictures:

And finally a picture from back in the day:

The Swedish Collection

2012-01-10T17:19:00.001+01:00

M/40 mess tin, M1910 cartridhe belt, M/51 gas mask and carrier, M/23 water bottle, M/37 helmet, map case and another M/40 mess tin.

Not in the picture:
M/39-58 trousers,
M/40 pistol holster
M/21-18 helmet
M/58 boots
M/39 poncho - German zeltbahn copy.

The Swedish collection is coming together nicely

EDIT: (11 / 1 - 2012)
Swedish M/58 uniform and M/41 field cap

Czech FM3d gas mask - Danish civil denfence gas mask "Model F" 1940,

2012-01-09T19:01:00.000+01:00

The FM series masks were used by Czechoslovakia, Germany (after 1940), The Netherlands, France and a few numbers were purchased by Statens Civile Luftværn during WWII.

Statens Civile Luftværn = A Danish governmental organisation that was founded in 1939 as a part of the "Indenrigsministeriet" - the Danish equivalent to the British Home Office, to help the civil population if under aerial attack.

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History:

The FM series masks were produced from the late 1930s into the early first half of the 1940s by the Czech companies: Fatra, Chema, Horak and Kudrnac.

The factory codes for the different companies are:

Fatra: F

Chema: CH

Horak: H

Kurdrnac: K

The FM masks were originally made solely by Fatra since they were the ones with the patent for the masks.

The Germans took over production during the war, and used them for the anti-aircraft units. That is why some FM masks are found with a waffenamt proof stamp.

The Dutch ordered some masks with a 40mm filter instead of the normal 42mm filter. (The Danish masks are only found with a 40mm filter)

In Denmark the civile luftværn was in desperate need of gas masks. The M38 civilian gas masks had not been made in sufficient numbers before the war, and since the Danish government already had bought some helmets from Czechoslovakia for the DSB (Danish Railways), they bought a number of gas masks as-well. They bought the "Dutch" version with the 40mm thread, since all gas masks in Danish service (M31 and M38) already used 40mm filters and we were able to produce replacements filters on our own.

In Denmark the masks was designated: Arbejdsgasmaske Model F

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NB!!

There has been a lot of speculations about, whether the filter contained any harmful materials, or not.
The Danish guide mentions that the filter is made of a carbon filter (for filtering chemicals / gasses) and a paper layer for larger particles. It is however NOT made for carbon-monoxide filtering, and it is useless against smoke produced by an ordinary fire.
There is no asbestos in the original Czech filters, but please do NOT use the filters. They have been bashed around for more than 60 years, and whatever there is inside of them does not belong in your lungs.

If you have to parade around with the mask, always do it without the filter, no matter what kind of filter it is. The British WWII filters DO contain asbestos, and are best kept a long way from children.

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My own FM3d gas mask came in its original container, and the only thing missing is the anti-dimming gel. It is often the only thing missing from the war time gas masks, since it was taken out before the masks were put into storage after the war.

It is absolute mint condition, and there is still talcum on the mask. The rubber is soft and very pliable, and all valves work properly. The filter is still sealed with the original cap and tape.

The shoulder strap is not adjustable, but the pamphlet suggest that you tie a knot on the shoulder strap at the desired length.

The lid is held in place by the shoulder strap.

The mask is a size 2. It is most commonly found in a size 2 or 3. The size 1 is perhaps no more than 5-10% of the total number of FM3d masks found in Denmark.

The inhale / exhale valve without cover

The bottom of the filter.

THe filter is produced by Chema, serial number 289 in 1939.

The Chema company logo is stamped into the metal. I have no idea what the CHF-1 stands for.

The ink stamp on the left, is a Czech governmental proof stamp.

The exhale valve cover. The Fatra company was the only company to put their logo on the exhale cover.

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I've scanned the whole pamphlet that came with the mask. It is in Danish and from 1940.

Enjoy, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Swedish M1900-12 (M1900) cartridge belt - ammunitionsgördel M1900

2012-01-07T22:49:00.002+01:00

Swedish soldiers during WWII - sporting sunglasses and the M1900-12 cartridge belt.

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The primary task of the M1900 cartridge belt was to carry ammution for the Swedish M/1894 Carbine, The M/1864 "Long Riffle", the M/1938 "Short riffle". All based on the famous German M/1893 Mauser.

There is a couple of different cartridges belts our there, but some of the main differences are:

The earliest betls, are without the shovel hook on the left hand side.

The earliest belts are all stitched.

The riveted cartridge belts are a "newer" version, and were used until the 1980's.

The navy belts had only four pockets and no D-rings or utility hook (for the M/1906-12 shovel).

The earliest belts had piping around the pocket edges.

The sides of the pockets are made of a cotton

There is an even older, and more elusive version - the M/1898 cartridge belt.

It can be seen here: M/1898 cartridge belt - without utility hook

As may, or may not have guessed, the earliest cartridge belts had no utility hook. The utility hook was introduced in 1912, at the same time they made a small hole in the top of the shovel. (M/1906-12 shovel) This enabled the soldier to carry the shovel on the belt instead of the usual way. - Strapped onto the rucksack.

There exist a pair of braces for the cartridge belt, but most commonly the belt woud be worn as it is, together with water bottle and bayonet.

The M/39 rucksack have to hooks the fit the D-rings on the inside of the belt, and it help to distribute the weight from the belt onto the shoulders of the user. Much like the German and Danish "webbing" systems at the time.

A small side note: I know this belt is known, on the internet, as the M1910 cartridge belt. I don't know the origins of that designation, and can only back my designation with what I know from the Swedish Army Museum (Armémueseum) in Stockholm.

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My own M1900 cartridge belt:

It is an newer version, with the rivets and the utility hook.

The leather is pliable, but it is well used.

Civil defence helmets - the complete guide - London

2011-12-28T14:50:00.000+01:00

Do you have them all?

Remember to "click" the picture to watch a larger version

Post war M1 Garand bandoleers - Danish home guard

2011-12-28T13:53:00.002+01:00

I purchased these bandoleers a couple of months ago from a fellow collector and they came as a "pair". The unfolded bandoleer contains no cardboard wrappers, but the bottom bandoleer contains six cardboard wrappers and two en-bloc clips with empty brass casings.

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The most interesting about these bandoleers are actually the little cardboard piece pinned to the bandoleer with a black safety-pin.

In Danish it reads:

HJEMMEVÆRNSREGION I

Denne ammunition er beredskabs-ammunition.

Den skal opbevares i aflåset gemme og må KUN tages i brug

efter ordre fra de foresatte befalingsmænd eller i en nødsituation.

A. J. Jørgensen.

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I've never seen anything like it before.

It is mostly due to the fact that these little cardboard "slips" were torn off when the ammunition was issued to the soldiers. Since I know 80% of my followers are from countries outside Scandinavia, I will do my best to translate the message.

In English:

Home Guard region I ( Roman numerals)

This ammunition is emergency ammunition only.

It must be kept in a locked storage and may only be used

if ordered by NCO's or in a state of emergency.

A. J. Jørgensen

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(if any of my Danish readers think another translation would be truer to the original text than my own, I am happy to accept suggestions)

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A. J. Jørgensen was the Lieutenant Colonel of the Home Guard in Home Guard region No. 1.

The 1st home guard region had their headquarters in the major city of Aalborg in the northern part of Jutland. (Jylland).

You can read more about the Danish home guard on their own website

Official home guard website (In english)

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Some more pictures. Enjoy.

2011-09-30T20:34:00.002+02:00

I've been rather busy the past couple of months, and a lot of personal things have happened. I've bought and received a large number of different new items for my collection, but haven't got the time to take the pictures and write the posts. However I have been able to correct some mistakes in some of the older posts, especially the M/59 equipment post. Since I wrote that blog entry, I have received a number of books on the subject, and I had to correct some rather embarrassing mistakes.

I will be trying to resume a regular post schedule as soon as possible, but I cannot promise anything.

But everyone is still welcome to write me if they have any questions!
M55q.militaryequipment@gmail.com

/M55q

Swedish mess kit / Swedish Trangia stove

2011-07-31T23:20:00.005+02:00

A small and compact package. It is much more convenient than the Danish counterpart of the era.

The Swedish stove, is made after a German design, that dates back to at least the first World War.

The mess kit divides into a small pan and a larger pan /pot.

The swedes equipped the mess kits with a wind screen and the famous Trangia stove.

The Trangia company was founded in 1925, and the basic design of the stove has almost never changed since invented.

The company still exist today: http://www.trangia.se/english/2933.the_company.html

The wind shield is a nice addition, and the alchohol stove is brilliant in almost all kinds of weather.

This mess kit is made of stainless steel, and the wind shield is made out of aluminium. The stove is made out of brass. Only the stove and the alcohol bottle is stamped with the army "proof" marks, the three crowns and a date of manufacture. The mess kit is stamped with a manufactures mark: Pressbolaget Eskilstuna

The stove was still wrapped in a piece of newspaper from the 1960s!

The mess kit is designated Kokkärl M/40 in Sweden

The two part mess kit is made out of either aluminium or stainless steel, and the colour of the mess kit depends on when it was made. During the Cold War, the Swedish government planned to mobilize close to 900.000 men if USSR decided to attack, and they produced tons of military equipment. During the later years a lot of this unused equipment has turned up, and it cost almost next to nothing.

Here is some more pictures:

Norwegian M31 helmet (Post War - civil defence)

2011-06-30T20:25:00.002+02:00

This note came with the helmet. It is guide on how to adjust the chinstrap and liner.

It is written in Norwegian.

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NB!! Remember all pictures can be viewed in a larger, and more detailed version! Just "click" the pictures.

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The M31 helmet is sometimes known as the M31 "Baltic" helmet.

Among the Norwegian military helmets there is a confusion between the M31 and the M35 helmet. The only difference is that the M35 has a Lion decal in the front, and the M31 is "born" without a decal.

The M31 was initially made in Sweden and is a hybrid between the Swedish M18/21 and the Swedish M26. The M31 has a raised comb much like the the Bulgarian M36 helmet. Later the helmet was produced at the Norwegian arms manufacturer "Raufoss Ammunisjonfabrikker" that still exists today. I lived next door to it for a couple of years...

What surprised my was that it is very heavy, and the quality of the materials used. The leather is superb, and the paint-job is excellent! All buckles and fittings is of a very high quality. For a civil defence helmet that is very unusual. But then again, this helmet is unusual.

It is perhaps hard to see, but the helmet has a raised comb. Much like the the Bulgarian M36 helmet.

British Mk. II helmet - WWII

2011-05-28T16:51:00.000+02:00

Front of the helmet.. Notice the two red "bars" applied by hand.

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The helmet is a standard Mk II helmet without any bells and whistles.

The only strange thing about this helmet, is the two red "bars" that is applied by hand.

The finish on the helmet is a dark brown paint mixed with sand to reduce reflection. To outer paint job could be post war Danish, but it is hard to tell since the Danish army used the helmets from 1945-1948 and did very little to repaint them in any way.

The liner is from 1943, and is produced by AG & Co

AG & Co. = A. Garstin & Co Ltd.

The oilcloth is very brittle and fragile, but it is to be expected when you consider how old it is.

And now for some more pictures:

Swedish M51 gas mask - Skyddsmask M51

2011-04-07T22:13:00.000+02:00

The Swedish M51 mask is almost the same as the US M9A1 Combat Service Gas Mask. The mask came with all the different accessories that often are missing when you buy surplus gas masks. There is an atropine auto-injector, three pairs of protection goggles, anti-dimming "gel", cloth and gas detection paper.
The mask is brand new and came in a plastic bag, with a blue "spacer" to prevent the edges of the mask to loose its shape.

It is worth mentioning that the Swedish name for a gas mask is Skyddsmask = Protective mask. They do not use the term "gas mask", and it is actually silly to call modern gas masks for "gas masks" because in today's warfare it is more important that they protect against Nuclear, Biological and Chemical threats. It is far too inefficient to use gas on a large scale like in WWI.

As mentioned above the mask is a copy of the US M9A1 Combat Service Gas Mask. But in my opinion the Swedish mask is superior in quality and colour choice. The filter is the same, but I don't know if the Swedish company the made them put something different in them.

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Let's take a look at it:

Gas mask bag front

Gas mask bag back. Notice the belt loop on the right side.

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The bag contained the following:

An atropine auto-injector,

three pairs of protection goggles,

anti-dimming "gel",

a piece of "cloth",

gas detection paper,

the mask and a filter.

The mask and all the other things are in absolute mint condition. It has never been used, as you may or may not tell by this picture.

A close-up on the things.

Anti dimming gel and "cloth".

Gas detection paper. Red = Mustard gas, Yellow = Nerve gas.

The auto-injector.

The atropine auto-injector against nerve-gasses. You remove the safety (the red ring) and then you pull of the white cap and then there is a needle underneath. Stab yourself in the thigh, and Bob's your uncle. In theory it should prevent nerve-agents like Sarin and other nasty gasses to kill the soldier. Often there is not enough time to put on the masks when dealing with powerful agents like Sarin, and you need to be able to help you self when the rest of your mates are suffering all around you, including the medic. Sarin is a colourless, odourless liquid and even small doses of the vapour is able to do permanent damage to the nerve-system. Therefore an auto-injector, like the on above, is crucial. The auto-injector contains 500 mg HI-6 and 2 mg atropine sulphate, however you need to use it fast.

Out of the bag for the first time.

Inside of the mask.

Front of the mask

It is a 65 mm filter.

Danish M/62 fighting knife - US M5 Bayonet

2011-04-06T18:48:00.001+02:00

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I recently bought this never issued Danish M/62 fighting knife.

The knife is exactly the same as the US - M5 bayonet for the Garand riffle, but it was never used for the Garand in Denmark. Instead the bayonet was issued as fighting knife for all personnel not armed with the Garand riffle.

The M-5 is the only U.S. bayonet without a barrel mount ring on the cross-guard, making it look more like a fighting knife than a bayonet. It was designed during the Korean war (in 1953), when the US army found out the (cut down) M-1905 bayonet (the M1 bayonet) was hard to remove with gloves on.

In Denmark we used the Patt.' 37 webbing belt, and the US type "hooks" is useless for the British system. Instead we made a "British" C-hook webbing attachment for the M8 scabbard.

The knife has never been issued, and there is no grind on the blade. It is stamped HTK M/62 on the top of the handle. The Scabbard is only stamped HTK.

British soldiers between 1914-1918 (World War One) - Post cards

2011-03-22T21:19:00.001+01:00

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The post cards are made by the artist Archibald Elliot Hashwell Miller (1887-1979)

He studied at Glasgow School of Art between 1906 and 1909, later he became a probationary Professor at the same place. During World War I he served with the 7th (Blythswood) Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry in Gallipoli, Palestine and France. He was awarded the Military Cross, attained the rank of Captain and continued to sketch and paint throughout the entire war. In WWII he served in the intelligence corps. He managed to become the Deputy Director of the National Galleries of Scotland in 1930, a post he held until 1952.

He is known for his military portraits. He was also a book illustrator,

Truly an unique man.

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Red Army pictures (WWII)

2011-03-22T11:30:00.002+01:00

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Found this great blog with some stunning Red Army pictures from WWII.

Not all of the pictures are correct, (some US pictures and a German picture) but they are good nonetheless.

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http://www.themysteryworld.com/2010/11/red-army-during-world-war-ii-109-pics.html

Danish M58 beret - Black (Combat troops)

2011-03-04T20:12:00.000+01:00

Front with the decal that have been used for almost 100 years now.

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This beret was introduced together with M58 uniform. Prior to this beret we had used a "side cap / garrison cap" This British style beret is made of wool and the liner is made out of cotton.

Black = Combat troops

Maroon = Special forces

Green = "Support" troops (home guard, supplies, artillery.... etc)

Red = Military police

Light blue = Air force

Dark blue = Navy

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How the decal is secured to the beret.

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Danish M59 water bottle cover

2011-03-04T19:43:00.003+01:00

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The last water bottle cover before all the webbing equipment turned OD green. It is actually dated after the official switch from karkee to OD-green as the official equipment colour. But the old LBE (M44 or M59) was still in use with many units for a long time after the official switch in 1961. Therefor Karkee equipment was worn together with OD-green uniforms.

The home guard continued to use even older uniforms and equipment. They were always the last units to receive new equipment since they were based on volunteers that had a normal job / civilian life and trained for a couple of hours a month / a certain amount of time a year.

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To many of my British readers that have written to me and asked about the home guard:
Yes, we still have a home guard, and no there is no real use for them in a "war like" scenario, but they are still a great asset for the society and some is even used to protect bases and VIP's in Afghanistan at the moment. They are used for a variety of situations, and some of them is even as specialised a military police and so forth. At the moment there is aprox. 51.000 men (2010) in the home guard (as opposed by 15.370 in the regular army) but only 30.000 is "active" members on a regular basis.

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Date and stamp. FMI - 1964

The Lift The Dot fasteners are not painted brass as the old LBE, but painted steel.

The end tips on the webbing straps are made out of aluminium and painted green.

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The water bottle in use with this water bottle cover is the M50 aluminium water bottle and cup. The same as the British Patt. 44 water bottle.

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Danish post WWII map case (private purchase)

2011-02-13T19:42:00.002+01:00

This is the predecessor to the M55 map case I previously wrote a post about here ...

It is very similar to the British map case from WWII (the cheap war time version)

This map case is produced by the Danish company KitKat founded by Major A. Hvidt. He was responsible for the all the military equipment Denmark purchased from Mills Equipment Company in the late 40s early 50s. when he retired he founded his own "webbing" factory and became an army contractor + he made camping equipment for the civilian market.

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The back is made of bakelite. The predecessor to the modern plastic. Bakelite is actually invented between 1907-1909 by a Belgian scientist and was used for a wide range of things. Radios, jewellery, different military uses (radios, boxes and obviously map cases) telephone cabinets and so forth.

The "screen" is made out of some kind of cellulose plastic.

Makers mark and date...

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I am not gone!

2011-02-07T09:18:00.001+01:00

I have gotten a wide range of new and exciting things to write about! But for now, this picture of Danish soldiers fleeing to Sweden during the first day of the "battle of Denmark" will have to do!

Merry Christmas everyone!

2010-12-24T14:16:00.001+01:00

I would like to thank al my readers for visiting month after month,
and all the lovely questions you have asked my in the last couple of years!
Keep the questions coming!

I can only recommend this picture. It is brilliant in every way, and the actors are great!

It is especially a good picture to watch during the holidays!

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Danish holster + cleaning rod and lanyard for the M/49 Neuhausen

2010-12-07T16:44:00.009+01:00

It's the equipment for this beauty todays blog-post is all about.

It is NOT my pistol, the picture is "borrowed" from the internet long time ago. Can't remember form where. If any copyright is infringed, I will remove it - just email me.

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Here it all is. All webbing is in the 1961 adopted OD green colour.

Lanyard is supposed to be around you wrist, in order not to drop the pistol when tension is rising and bullets are flying around you...

There is a small compartment inside of the holster to accommodate the cleaning rod.

Cleaning rod...

And lanyard... Not much of lanyard is it? When you consider the one the British used at the time?

This lanyard is from WWI -

But I know for sure they used something similar for a long, long time in the British army...

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The holster is actually a re-dyed, modified WWII British P'37 holster! For the service revolver.

For instance like this one.

Alas I don't have one in my collection, yet.

The picture is from Josephsmilitaria and homefront collection.

And the back...

But what has been modified, you might ask? I'll show you...

(Remember you can always enlarge the pictures by clicking them!!)

At first, the top horizontal hook to attach to the bottom loop of the ammunition pouch is missing.

That is because there is no need for an ammunition pouch any longer.

A spare pistol magazine was sewn in place at the front of holster.

The two new buckles are made of aluminium instead of the brass the two original belt hooks are made out of.

Most Danish webbing (95%) used aluminium fittings and aluminium buckles from the 60's and onwards.

The original button closure is removed, and a "lift the dot" fastener is placed a little bit to left of the original button. Notice the date: M.E.Co (Mills Equipment Company) 1943. "Broad-arrow"

The stamp underneath is a Danish stamp, post WWII. HTK = Hæren Tekniske Kommando

Here is what is left of the old button attachment, that this holster was born with.

The holster have been cut and re sewn in the side as well.

1. A webbing loop has been sewn in place to accommodate the longer handle on the pistol.

2. A rather "sloppy" repair. Made when they cut open the side to sew in the new webbing loop.

Again, the holster has been widened to accommodate the larger handgun.

And finally. On the right, the spare magazine holder is in a different shade of OD-green than the rest of holster. Actually it's a different type of webbing. A thicker, coarse weave webbing.*

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I've updated a previous post!

2010-11-25T10:44:00.001+01:00

http://m55q.blogspot.com/2009/06/danish-m23-helmet-army-version.html

Take a look!

Comment section is now open again!

2010-11-23T15:03:00.002+01:00

I've decided to re-open the comment section underneath the posts! Last year there was A LOT of spammers (China??) and they kind of ruined the whole comment section... But it seems as if Google solved the problem, and now the comment section is reopened!

Danish M/69 gas mask. 1980's

2010-11-23T14:56:00.004+01:00

All the things I bought with the mask. Filter + cloth for wiping the mask after use.

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This is basically the Canadian C3 gas mask in all its splendour and glory. My own mask is in mint condition. It is still covered in talcum! It is a size medium, and is manufactured in 1985.

The Danish Home Guard used these masks up until recently, but as of 2000 they have been redrawn from service as far as I know. (Please correct me if I am wrong)

Size stamp

HMAK stamped filter. 40mm NATO. Dated 1985.

HMAK = Hærens Materiel Kommando - Army Material Command

Date stamp on filter

The voice-box is aluminium, but the "ribs" keeping the net in place is plastic? I guess it is to keep it lightweight? But still... Wouldn't it be more practical to have used aluminium for all the non-rubber components?

The mask is originally designed for a 60 mm filter, but was used with a 40mm NATO filter with an adapter.

The adaptor...

The mask without the adaptor...

And with... I don't know why they favoured the 40mm instead of the 60mm? In my opinion 60mm would ease the breathing when running?

This was the real improvement from the earlier gas masks used in the 50's and 60's by the Danish army. The mouth piece prevents the mask from fogging because the exhaled air is not in contact with the eye glass, thus minimizing the need for anti-fogging discs and the like...

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Purchase date / year: 2010
Price: Approximately 10 $

Condition: Mint - Un-issued.

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Danske drenge af 1848!!!

2010-11-22T22:48:00.008+01:00

I am sorry for my absence, but more pressing things have simply left me with no other choice than quit blogging for the past 1½ month. I have had so much on my mind!
I've got so many new exiting things to show you, but haven't had the time to take some decent photos, yet. But I will return as always.
For the time being, enjoy this picture:

One of my al time favourites. Painted by the Danish artist Otto Bache, and is Danish soldiers returning to Copenhagen in 1849.

My great great grandfather fought in that war, and earned a medal that is in safe keeping with my beloved grandfather.
It is exactly the same as this one:

The soldiers back then had to order their own medals!!! Actually there were no medals awarded during the war, medals were made but never handed out. It remained like this until 1872 - 77, when it was decided that a commemorative medal was to be made and distributed among / sold to the veterans still alive.
40.000 medals were made.

Lest we forget.

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British No 4 Mk. II Spike Bayonet and Mk. I scabbard.

2010-09-19T13:13:00.000+02:00

Alas the frog is a repro'. Still searching for an original one.

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The Mk. II Spike bayonet is a "socket" bayonet. It has no handle and mounts on the end of the barrel, and not as the sword and knife type bayonets in a groove underneath the barrel. The Mk. I spike bayonet had grooves on the side, but to cut down production costs under WWII they made the Mk. II with no grooves. The last bayonet to be used with the No.4 MkI riffle was the No. 9 MkI "Knife" Bayonet.

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You could attach the spike bayonet at the end of the late war entrenching tool handle and thus making it a mine prober.

British Mk. VII Water bottle

2010-09-11T13:21:00.002+02:00

The introduction of the kidney shaped bottle came in 1901 Bottle, water, enamelled Mk V with a belled neck (to facilitate ease of refilling) and the stopper attached by a length of whip cord sewn to the felt cover. In 1903 the shape of the neck returned to the Mk IV style resulting in the Bottle, water, enamelled Mk VI. Although the British army experimented with other styles & materials this model soldiered on until the 1970's (1939's Mk VII only altering the colour of the enamel from blue to green and the stopper attachment position) The bottle was most noticeable used together with the P'08 and P'37 webbing equipment.

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Field / Shell dressings! What a wonderful invention!

2010-07-09T12:27:00.012+02:00

I've quite a number of different dressings in my collection. Most of them being Danish ones. One of the is a rather large one. After WWII the Danish made five different sizes of dressings. Size I, II, III, IV and a V. Alas I don't own any IV, but I have plenty of size I, II, III, and V in my collection.

A size V shell dressing together with a 1942 dated British field dressing.
The size V dressing is for large wounds. (The stomach, chest, legs)
Don't fit that well on the head or on the arms does it?

The four different sizes next to, and on top of each other. Look how large the size V is compared to the size III!!

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The M45-50 webbing equipment (update)

2010-07-09T12:02:00.007+02:00

Today is the day where I finally can announce that my basic set of M45-50 webbing is complete!

Click on the picture to enlarge it!
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The equipment was a mix of old British WWII (Patt.37 and Patt.44) equipment, and US items:

-----------------------------

Belt: UK Patt.37

Braces: A variant of the British 1940 cavalry webbing.
Ammo pouches: Danish designed but to begin with, they were made in Britain. (M.E.Co)
Shovel: US M/1943 - To begin with, the covers were a mix of US covers and home made Danish versions and everything in between. In the end, we used a "home made" version.
Canteen, canteen "cup" and canteen cover: UK Patt. 44 (Adapted for the Danish version of the Patt. '37 webbing = The cover is altered a bit)

Gas mask: UK Light Anti Gas Respirator, Mk 1 (Carriers - Some of them were altered to go vertical on the belt)

Small pack / Haversack: Danish design, but in many ways similar to the British patt. 37 Small pack / haversack.

-------------------

Bayonet:: US M/1905e1, Cut down version. The bayonet was attached to the belt with a special webbing "adaptor". The US didn't use the same system to fasten equipment to the belt as the British, hence the need for an adaptor between the two systems.

Large pack: ( Not in picture): UK Patt. 37 (A leftover from the Patt. '08 webbing)

------------------

Uniform, main weapon and other equipment:

Uniform: British WWII style battledress.
Boots: Brown ammo boots. Rubber soles.

Mess-tin: British M/1925 (From 1950 in a "cut down" version)

British KFS (Knife-fork-spoon)

US Poncho (Adapted ca. 1950)

Helmet: US M1 - Designated the M/48 in Denmark. (Adapted ca. 1948-50. Used until the 90's)

Riffle: M1 Garand (Adapted ca. 1950)

And a lot more equipment. The list is nearly endless!

-----------------

In 1949 regimental badges in bright brass, to be worn on the collar, were authorised.
The large pack (UK patt. 37), greatcoat and blanket roll was generally carried by mechanised transport.

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Prior to 1950 the Danish army used the British WWII helmet ("Turtle" or Mk II) and the Lee-Enfield riffle with the Nr. 4 bayonet... (though it may vary what kind of bayonet there was in use)

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And now the final piece of equipment!!

The canteen "cup"

Almost as good as new, with Danish stamps.

It feels great to be finished! On with the next set of equipment!
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If you have questions regarding the M45-50 webbing equipment, pleace feel free to email your questions to:

m55q.militaryequipment@gmail.com

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Danish insignia (shoulder)

2010-07-08T15:54:00.003+02:00

I have in my collection four pairs of shoulder insignia.
One from the navy (gunner . sergeant ~ same as petty officer in the UK), and three from the army. ( two officers and a corporal)

Petty officer - gunner. You can see it is a gunner because there is a cannon on top of the anchor. Instead there could be a pistol (MP), a torpedo, a propeller (Engineering), and so forth.

"Professional" corporal. Not conscript.

On top: Major. One big silver star.
Below: First Lieutenant, two big bronze stars.
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I'll be back!

2010-05-27T11:40:00.007+02:00

I am away for the next weeks or so!
See you later!
I will return and blog as usual when I get back!

Danish Army: geneva cross armband

2010-05-23T22:18:00.005+02:00

Danish Geneva Cross armband. To be used by medical personnel, to show they are non-combatants under the Geneva Convention.

It is stamped FMI (Forsvarets Materielintendantur)
Indicating this armband is post 1951

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IMPORTANT!!

2010-05-01T19:24:00.001+02:00

Maybe you've already noticed it? Maybe you haven't... But some chinese people write "false" comments to the first blog-post they see on here, and add a mysterious link to it... DO NOT CLICK THE LINK!!!! It is definitely a virus.

Regards,

M55q

UPDATED POST!

2010-04-25T14:36:00.001+02:00

I've updated my previous post on the Danish M44 / M45 Webbing equipment.
The Garand bayonet and frog is added to the post.

Check it out!

http://m55q.blogspot.com/2009/07/danish-m44-m45-webbing-equipment.html

The Linnemann entrenching-tool - Den Linnemannske Spade (M.1870)

2010-04-03T16:10:00.016+02:00

Drawing by Robert Fisch
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The Linnemann entrenching tool is one of the most noticeable entrenching tools of the 20th century. Used by Denmark, Germany, Russia, Austria, France, Britain (For a very short period of time) Norway and a lot of other countries, there is hundreds of hundreds of pictures on the internet, in books, in films and even on paintings... But there is written very little about this export success.

It is actually a Danish invention. Invented by the Danish army officer Mads Johan Buch Linnemann, (1830-89) He graduated as officer on October 26. 1849, and he fought in the 1864 war, were he fought on Als as a company commander.
At the front he invented a spade, capable of a lot of things. It could be used as a saw, a frying pan, knife and finally as an entrenching tool. He was promoted to captain in 1867, and in 1869 his invention was patented, and the spade (a lot more simplified) was introduced in the Danish army (1870). But only 256 entrenching tools pr. Battalion = Every third man received one.
He travelled in 1871 to Vienna where he began manufacturing a Austrian version. The Russians ordered 60.000 pieces and payed him 30.000 Rubles. The Rumanians used it in the 1877-78 war, with good feedback.

The Danish army raised the number of entrenching tools pr. Battalion to 360 in 1879.
It was used in WWI and WWII and in other small wars on the continent aswell as in the European colonies. Some soldiers loved it, and others hated it, but it remained a commercial success.

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My very own Linnemann tool. It is the Danish version. Unfortunately it didn't come with the leather entrenching-tool carrier where you would attach your bayonet aswell.
The condition is "fair", but when you consider its age, and that it has been used to dig holes and all sorts of things for the past 100 years, it is in good condition.
------------------------------------

The front of the spade.

The text says: Capt. Linnemanns Patent

The numbers say: (Top) 7 B (Bottom) 131.
My best guess would be that it is what regiment this spade belonged to.

The back of the spade. Not that the two metal pieces is riveted firmly in place.

Small spots of original black paint is still visible on the head of the shovel. There is no paint on the handle piece or anywhere else.
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Danish M48 helmet / Hjelm M48 ( US M1 helmet and German clone)

2010-03-28T17:34:00.005+02:00

The M48 with helmet net on.

M48 hjelm / M48 Helmet (US - M1)
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In the first years after WWII, the Danish army used two types of British helmets. The "turtle" helmet, and the Mk II. However the Danish army decided to introduce the American M1 helmet instead. It remained the standard combat headgear in the Danish army until 1992 when the first kevlar helmet, produced by Schubert in Germany, and the first flak jacket was introduced.

The M1's were in the beginning surplus WWII helmets. Later the Danish army received German and Austrian produced M1 clones.

In the beginning the helmet liner were the old "resin" ones, but later on, the old WWII helmets were given a hard plastic liner produced in Denmark or Germany. They were of a higher quality that did not dissolve in the humid Danish weather like the resin ones.

The helmets were usually used together with a cotton helmet net. All webbing parts were in a olive green shade. All metal work on buckles etc were kept in brass. The helmets are made of a non-magnetic metal, the so called Mangalloy because of its high impact strength and resistance to abrasion. - Mangalloy

If you want additional information on the M1 helmets, visit Mannie's blog.
http://www.combathelmets.blogspot.com/

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The liner. Everythin is kept in the olive green shade. The sweatband is leather.

The adjustment straps.

This helmets is equipped with rectangular swivel bales that are spot welded in place.

The helmet only got one stamp: 926A
This helmet shell was manufactured by McCord Radiator in the late 40s. Possibly 1944-45.

All metal work is brass.

The liner have a "rolled edge" to lead the rain away from the face.

There is even room for a little decal if only wearing the liner.
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German clone shell:

The next helmet is a German (or perhaps a Danish) clone shell. The metal is magnetic, rendering it useless as a military helmet. It is a civil defence issued helmet. It is stamped with a orange CF symbol in the dome. (Civil Forsvaret)

Denmark made their own clone shells from 1957-1965.

Notice it has got a leather chinstrap instead of a webbing one.
And metal work on the helmets is not brass, but painted steel.

The liner is made of Bakelite. - Resin soaked cloth, pressed into shape and "baked".
Not good under humid conditions. All webbing is held in civil defence grey.

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Danish army insignia. Pre. WWII

2010-03-23T10:11:00.000+01:00

(Click on the picture to enlarge it)

First row (from top to bottom) with the forage caps and pilot wings:
First forage cap is officers and connets.
Second forage cap is officiants and sergeants.
Third and last forage cap, is other ranks.
-------------------------------------------------
First row (cap badges) from left to right:First one: Cap badge general rank (General)
Second one: Cap badge senior officers.
Third one: National Cockade
Fourth one: Other officers and Officiants
Last one: Cap badge NCO's and other ranks.
------------------------------------------------
Second row: Officer shoulder boards:#1: General
#2: Lieutenant general
#3: Major General
#4: Colonel
#5: Lieutenant colonel
#6: Captain (Reserves)
#7: Captain
#8: Lieutenant
#9: Lieutenant (Reserves)
#10 2nd Lieutenant
-----------------------------------
Third and last row - Shoulder boards:
#1: Corps officiant
#2: Staff officiant
#3: Senior officiant
#4: Officiant
#5: Connet
#6: Sergeant major
#7: Sergeant
#8: Corporal
#9: Lance corporal
#10: Helmet badge
------------------------------------------
The picture is taken from: "Lærebog for Hærens Menige" - that belonged to my grandfather.

Norwegian soldiers between 1930 - 40

2010-02-12T16:35:00.002+01:00

The front page
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Found something very very interesting the other day I want to share with my readers!

The Norwegian army between ca. 1930-40! The drawings are from the same time period.

Enjoy! And feel free to ask any questions!

The text on the pictures are in Norsk and Deutsch (Norwegian and German)

Så til dem af jer der kan norsk, bare læs på planchen!

NB!! You can click on the pictures to view them in a larger version!

On the left: General
On the right: Colonel

On the left: Lieutenant in the infantry
On the right: Private in the infantry.

Cavalry "officers"

On the left: Captain in the cavalry

On the left: Private in the cavalry
On the right: Private in the artillery

On the left: Captain in the artillery
On the right: Sergeant in the artillery

On the left: Private pioneer soldier.
On the right: Private in the engineers

On the left: Pilot
On the right: "medic" / Medical officer - Rank: Captain

Cap badges, and uniform buttons

Insignia

Different badges and information and the winter hats.

The following pictures are different regimental flags and the flag from the ministry of defence.

Danish M45-50 Webbing equipment: 1953 dated Binocular case.

2010-02-12T16:11:00.000+01:00

The front with the two very "British" looking press stud fasteners in brass.
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A rather large binocular case designed to be used on the Danish M45-50 Webbing equipment (Patt. '37 webbing equipment) The binocular case is more like a British version on steroids.

Issued to officers, together with a map case.

The sides is reinforced to prevent to binoculars from being damaged.

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Dated 1953 - FKF

Belt hooks.

The inside.

A look into the interior. The binoculars are put in with the back-end first.
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Purchased: 2010
Location: Sjælland
Price: 100 kr. - Ca. 20 $ US - Ca. 12 GBP - Ca. 13,5 Euro
Condition: Good condition.
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Danish M59 Webbing equipment: Signal pistol / flare gun holster. (Early 1960's)

2010-02-09T21:59:00.001+01:00

The front
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I am sorry if it is a bit hard to see what colour it is, but the colour of the holster is a dark olive-green like the rest of the M59 equipment. (The colour was used form 1961, and onwards)

It is made out of heavy duty webbing with nice clean stitches. All metalwork is either brass or aluminium.
Press stud fastener = Brass
Belt hooks and shoulder strap buckles = Aluminium.

The holster is either made for the 25mm Signalpistol M/45-58 or the 26,5 mm SIGP. M/61 signalpistol.

This particular holster is in mint condition, and is only marked with Danish markings. (Crown and HTK)

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The back, with the classical British looking belt hooks.
They don't only look like it, but they are exactly the same belt hooks used
on the British Patt. '37 equipment.

It is possible to use the holster without the webbing belt.
You can use a shoulder strap instead.

The classical "lift the dot" press stud fastener.
Seen on so many different types of equipment.

There is room for three extra rounds.
The HTK = Hærens Tekniske Kommando -->
Army Technical Command

------------------------------------------------------------------

Purchased: 2010
Location: Sjælland
Price: 100 Kr. - 18,5 $ US - 11,8 £ GBP - 13,4 Euro
Condition: In absolutely mint condition.

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British Pattern 37 Webbing - Cartridge carriers

2010-01-09T14:59:00.001+01:00

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Cartridge carriers for use by non infantry troops. (Drivers etc)
Each carrier has two "pockets". Each pocket is divided into two compartments each holding one clip of 5 rounds (Lee-Enfield). It is possible to button the flap in two different positions.

5 rounds (1 clip) + 8 compartments = Forty rounds altogether.

In Denmark they were used by regular infantry. The Danish army equipped their normal infantry men with a pair of cartridge carriers instead of the basic pouches used in the British army at that time. (Pattern '37 Webbing). But by 1950 they were replaced by the M50 utility pouches - produced by M.E.Co. (Mills Equipment Company)

The home guard continued to use them in great number.

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Seen from behind. The brass hooks attaches the carrier to the '37 webbing belt.

The brass buckles were the Pattern 37 braces passed through.

The two brass studs.

This is a Canadian cartridge carrier (the left one). Notice the different texture on the webbing

Again the left cartridge carrier is a Canadian WWII version.

The left one is the Canadian one.

The left one is the Canadian manufactured one. It is slightly larger, making it easier to fit the 10 rounds in the compartment.
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Purchased: 2000
Location: Sjælland - Denmark
Price: Swapped them for another item.
Condition: In good condition. But a bit worn out.

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Danish M54 mess tin

2010-01-09T14:14:00.000+01:00

The two parts of the mess-tin.
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In 1950 the Danish army adopted the British M/1925 mess-tin. (Together with the British M/44 Water bottle and all the other British equipment)
In 1954 the mess tin was altered slightly. Making the mess tin smaller and easier to carry.

The mess tin was produced in Denmark and they were made out of aluminium. At some time in the process they decided to make a mess tin cover. (see the last picture)

The mess tin was carried in the haversack.

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The model number. (M/54) FMI = Forsvarets Materielintendantur

Notice the two different sizes.

They fit perfectly together, reducing the space needed to carry the mess kit

Seen from the side.

The mess tin cover. (In the early cotton khaki version)

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Purchased: 2009
Location: Sjælland
Price: Can't remember.
Condition: Great condition.

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Danish M45-50 Webbing equipment: Map case

2009-12-21T15:10:00.000+01:00

The map case lying sideways on the fence.

The back of the map case.
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This particular pattern was adapted in the early 50's. When the army changed the M45-50 Equipment into the M59 the map case did not change.

It is possible to access the pencil / ruler / paper compartment without having to open up the map, by unbuttoning the two top buttons.

FKF = Forsvarets Krigsmateriel Forvaltning
1955: The year when the FKF received the map case. = The year of issue.

The pencil / ruler / paper compartment.

When opened.

Brass "hooks"

The back of the map case. It is possible to detach the two webbing straps in the top (see right strap in picture above). This eases the access to the map.

A small "loop" created by putting the end of the webbing strap trough the buckle seen clearly on the left strap. Allowing the soldier to carry the map case on the belt.
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Purchased: 2008
Location: Sjælland
Price: 100 kr. - Ca. 20 $ US - Ca. 12 GBP - Ca. 13,5 Euro
Condition: Great, almost mint condition.

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Swedish M37 Helmet

2009-12-21T12:45:00.000+01:00

My own example sitting on the fence on a very cold afternoon
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The Swedish M37 (Or Model 1937) Was in service in the Swedish army from the late 30's onwards, until it was replaced by a ballistic "plastic" helmet in the 1990's.

In Denmark the M37 was used by the Danish soldiers, that were hiding in Sweden under the Second World War. And when they returned home, they wore the M37 together with the British battledress.

Notice the decals. The Swedish coat of arms (Army).

And the other side.

The M37 was relined in the 60's and 70's. The helmets were relined with a web-suspension system and a web chinstrap with brass buckles.

And a closer look on the interior.

On the internet this particular helmet is often sold as an WWII British paratrooper helmet. They are often stripped, and repainted. Don't be fooled. It is actually quite easy to tell that it is a fraud. But beware!

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Purchased: 2000
Location: Sjælland
Price: -- Kr. Can't remember the exact price since it is such a long time ago I purchased it.
Condition: In a great condition.

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Danish M58 uniform and M59 Webbing equipment.

2009-11-29T14:45:00.001+01:00

A young private in the new equipment. Notice the small pouches.

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In 1958 the army adopted a uniform entirely made out of light cotton-duck. The webbing equipment was slightly altered aswell (in 1959). The big universal pouches seen on the M44/45 webbing equipment disappeared, and a smaller pattern, designed to be worn lower on the belt, was adapted.
The tarpaulin / raincoat / poncho, was transferred to a light carrier, fastened to the back of the waist belt.
A new set of boots was adopted aswell. With higher shafts, and thick rubber soles. Designated M58, as the rest of the equipment.

------------------------------------

In 1961 the army decided to alter the colour of the equipment. They changed the colour from the khaki (introduced in 1923) to a olive-green shade. The reason for this was that the olive-green colour did not stand out in infrared light. The colour of the webbing equipment changed aswell. But it is important to remember that the main parts of the equipment didn't change. Actually, the only things that changed was the ammunition pouches. Every time the army changed weaponry, the pouches changed aswell. But shovel, water bottle, waist belt, braces, gas mask bag and the small pack / haversack remained the same as the M44 / 45 webbing equipment.
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My own uniform and equipment:

Uniform and equipment.

Notice the reinforced knees on the trousers.

The M58 uniform without equipment.

A closer look on the uniform jacket. The uniform was nicknamed "Fidel Castro" because the Danish soldiers thought it looked like the Cuban uniforms. (South America in general)

U.S. M1943 Folding Shovel (With Danish carrier)

2009-11-08T20:47:00.000+01:00

The front of the carrier with the shovel inside of it. Notice the closing mechanism. The original U.S.

M1943 covers had a "snap closure".

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Denmark

adapted the U.S. M1943 Folding Shovel some years after the world war. It was a part of the massive Marshall help, granted to Europe by the Americans after the war. In Denmark it was carried "upside-down" with the handle pointing upwards.

Again the front.

A close-up on the closing mechanism. This particular cover is made for the M/45-50 webbing.

The back. Belt went through the two loops of webbing on the back.

The shovel next to the carrier.

Close up on the shovel. It is stamped: US - Ames - 1945
The U.S. M1943 Folding shovel were used by the Danish Armed Forces for several years... Serving through several decades.
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Purchased: 2002
Location: Sjælland
Price: -- Kr. Can't remember the exact price since it is such a long time ago I purchased it.
Condition: In a great condition. No rust or damage of any kind.

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British Light Anti Gas Respirator, Mk 1 - WWII

2009-10-12T14:50:00.001+02:00

The iconic green carrier with carrying strap.
The carrier was in use longer than the mask itself.
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The "Light, Anti Gas Respirator, Mk 1" was designed to free the masked soldier from the cumbersome breathing hose and large box filter commonly used with most early WWII gas masks. (For instance the Service Respirator, Mk. V or the Service Respirator, Mk. IV )

The rubber face piece was derived from the civilian type respirators (the Civilian Duty Respirator in use with the civil defence units)

The mask was fitted with large inhale (60 mm) and exhale valves to reduce breathing resistance.

The back of the carrier. The carrier could be carried on the belt sideways. It made the mask easier to get out in a emergency situation.

The front: Notice the Quick release closure.

Date and stamps on the carrier

Take a good look at the filter in this picture... Yes, that is NOT a British stamp on the filter. It is a Danish one. This particular mask and filter was in use with the Danish civil defence - Civilforsvaret- after the war. The filter entered service in 1954 in Denmark, but on the top of the filter it says: "Broad arrow" - 1943...

And again, red Danish CF stamp, and white British WWII stamps.

The Broad arrow is everywhere!!

The filter.

And finally. Makers stamp and date: 1/44

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Purchased: 2006
Location: Sjælland
Price: 150Kr. - ca 30 US$ - £ 19 (GBP) 20 Euro(I consider it cheap since it some places cost 50 $)
Condition: In great condition. Rubber feels and looks mint, and all valves work. Carrier is in great condition too.

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Danish M38 Gas mask filter (Army version) compared with the civilian filter.

2009-10-12T13:06:00.000+02:00

The military filter is on the left, and the civilian filter is on the right.
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I mentioned in one of the previous posts that the M38 civilian filter is smaller than the M38 military filter... The filter size is actually a indicator on what type of mask it is? Civilian mask = Small filter. Military mask = Big filter. (But the most important is still the eyes. "Plastic eyes" = Civilian. Glas eyes = Military.)

Again: The military filter is on the left, and the civilian filter is on the right.

And yet again: The military filter is on the left, and the civilian filter is on the right.

The military filter is from: 1939, and the civilian filter is from 1942

Autumn...

2009-10-11T18:16:00.001+02:00

Autumn has arrived in my garden...

I will keep on blogging in my warm house, and enjoy looking out my window and follow the transformation from summer to autumn...

Danish M38 Gas mask (Civilian version) - H.t.K Civilgasmaske M.1938

2009-10-11T17:36:00.000+02:00

The cardboard box that contains the gas mask and one filter.
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The M38 Civilian gas mask was developed one to two years after its army counterpart. They were distributed amongst the newly made air raid shelters (1940), volunteer fire-fighters, wardens, air raid personnel etc...

They were distributed by the army, and it was not possible for individuals to purchase their own mask.

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The card board container is painted in several coats of: Army standard green. It has reinforcing grooves on the side.
( In order to prevent it from collapsing if it were subjected to a pressure)

The filter is put inside of the mask when both are put inside of the container.
(The text on the filter says: H.t.K with the royal crown on the top.
Civ-gasm. = Civilgasmaske = Civilian gas mask)

Everything outside the box. The filter dated: 11. 1942 (November 1942)
135068 = Serial number.

The filter attached to the mask. Notice the little cap on top of the lid. It prevents dust and water from getting inside of the filter, when it is not in use.

It is a size four mask.

Some more stamps on the head band.
1941: Year of fabrication.
Civil-ansigtsmaske: Civilian face mask
M. 1938 = Model 1938

And the front of the mask with the filter attached.
Notice that the eyes are made out of a kind of "plastic" Don't know what it is called?
The filter is lighter and smaller than the army counterpart.

The civilian version is found in three different versions:

#1: Cotton cloth covered.

#2: Brown rubber without cloth cover.

#3: Black rubber.

All of them got: "Plastic" eyes and smaller filters.
(The filters protects against: Smoke, dust, and gases developed from burning paint etc. - Not intended to protect against gases like mustard gas. The filter is however able to protect against "lighter" types of gas, that only attacks the lungs, eyes and the nose.)

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Purchased: 2005
Location: Sjælland
Price: 50Kr. - ca 9,8 US$ - £ 6,2 (GBP) 6,7 Euro(I consider it cheap since it some places cost 50 $)
Condition: In great condition... Rubber feels and looks mint, and all valves work. The metal parts have a bit wear and tear, but that is not a big deal.

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Danish M38 Gas mask (Army version) - H.t.K. Arbejdsmaske M.1938

2009-10-04T15:40:00.000+02:00

This sheet metal container is in some ways similar to the German ones from world war two... The small leather flap is to fasten the container to the belt / button on the coat. The shoulder strap is made of light cotton webbing, or in Danish called: Tømmegjord.
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Until the 1930's Denmark had no gas masks of their own. All gas masks were purchased in other countries. Especially the French gas masks (A.R.S.) were popular with the army, because they had a fixed filter instead of a mask with a hose and filter. There were different trials where the army tried to decide what type of gas mask they should order, and what kind of carrier they should use. The army decided to order a Danish copy of the French A.R.S. - M.1917 and a metal sheet container. All masks and containers were produced in Denmark after 1930 / 31.

In the late 1930's the Danish army wanted a new masks. The came up with the M.1938 design. The Danish design is very similar to the German Heeresgasmaske 1924 or the GM30’s. The only major differences is that the Danish mask had a fixed filter The German Heeresgasmaske 1924 had a hose and box filter.
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A closeup on the leather flap and the carrying strap.

The lid on the container. All the stamps is an indicator that this mask served for a long time before it was made obsolete.

Inside look. The mask is put inside the container with the filter first. On the left hand side you can see the spare part canister.
(It contains: Extra filter, 2 - anti fogging disks, 2 - extra rubber rings and a cloth.)

Date stamp: Model 1938, made 1939.

Front look with filter attached. The cloth protects the rather thin layer of rubber.

All the straps, hooks and brass bits.

Inside view. The rubber is a bit fragile.
Eyes are made out of glass.
In the bottom you can see a chin strap.

Side view. Ahhh what a beauty... I don't really care if it is a copy of the German gas mask. I have always thought that this one looked better...

Glossary:

H.t.K = Hærens Tekniske Kommando. - Army Technical Command. The part of the army that purchased whatever the army needed. From spoons and socks to tanks and artillery.

H.A = Hærens Arsenal - Army Arsenal

A.R.S = Appareil Respiratoire Spécial

Tømmegjord = A kind of lightweight webbing. (Cotton)

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Purchased: 2004
Location: Sjælland
Price: 75Kr. - ca 14,7 US$ - £ 9,22 (GBP) 10,07 Euro (I consider it cheap since it some places cost 55 $)
Condition: Fair. The rubber is not in such a great condition. It is however a great display mask. The metal sheet container is missing a part of the closing mechanism, and a bit of the paint. The shoulder strap and the leather parts are however in great condition if you consider the age.

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British Pattern 37 Webbing - Entrenching tool and carrier

2009-09-19T12:38:00.000+02:00

The front of the cover with the helve strapped on to it.
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The Pattern '37 Webbing did actually have a different entrenching tool in the beginning. It was a Danish style entrenching tool - The Linnemann Tool - in a British webbing carrier. Designated Pattern '39

But apparently the army was not satisfied with the Linnemann tool and reintroduced the Pattern '08 entrenching tool and designated it Pattern '37 Entrenching tool. (It was the Mk II Variant that was reintroduced)
In 1944 the helve was altered. It was now to have a metal replica of the No. 4 Rifle barrel on its narrow end. When you attached the No. 4 bayonet at the end, you had a mine prober!! (Clever wasn't it?)

My entrenching tool head is dated 1944 and the helve is dated 1945.

The back of the carrier.

The locking mechanism on the carrier. This type of locking mechanism is normally seen on carriers from late war. (Second issue) On the first issued carriers the helve had a nasty habit to disappear when the infantry was running and taking cover.

The head outside the carrier.

The entrenching tool assembled.

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Purchased: 2009

Location: Sjælland
Price: 150Kr. - ca 27 US$ - £ 19 (GBP)
Condition: In good overall condition. The head has no signs of rust but the metal work on the helve has got some rust on it. The wood is in great condition. The carrier is used a lot, but is holding together really well considered its age.

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Danish M58 Combat boots

2009-09-18T18:45:00.000+02:00

Left and right boot together.
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These boots were bought a sunny day on a flee market from a old man. They were sitting anonymously in a cardboard box and had paint spread all over them. But it surprised me that they look that no one ever had used them. So I asked this old man who the boots had belonged too. He told me they had belonged to his son. And his eyes were filled with tears. I didn't want to ask what had happened, and bought the boots.

Later I found out they were the early model 1958 combat boots. Made out of thick leather and a very thick sole, it is a very heavy boot, but also a very durable boot. When it is kept in order, it will last long.

Notice there are nails in the heel of the boots.

The boots were an improvement over the old low boots previously used with the M44 uniform. (British ammo-boots)

Seen from the side you can see the thickness of the sole. The laces are elasticated.

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Purchased: 2007

Location: Vig marked - Sjælland
Price: 100Kr. - ca 20 US$ - £ 12 (GBP)
Condition: In great condition accept from some paint that was easy to remove.

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British Pattern 37 Webbing - Basic Pouches, Mk III.

2009-09-14T19:41:00.000+02:00

The two identical pouches next to each other, on a very warm and sunny day in September.
They have never been used... It is possible that they have spend the most of their lives in a box on a shelf.
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The pouches are actually Mk. III British Pattern '37 Webbing (Pattern '37 = Model 1937) Basic pouches. The Mk III pouches were made one inch deeper so it could accommodate sten gun magazines also late on in the war they were made with quick release closures instead of press stud buttons.

The back of the pouches.

Notice the buckles on the top were the L - straps and the braces attach to the pouches. They are not similar to the Danish versions of these pouches.

A closer look at the quick release closures. Because the metal work is black you can tell it is a 1950's version.

And when we open one of them op!!! Yes it is from 1953...
Manufactured by Mills Equipment Company...

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Purchased: 2009

Location: Broby
Price: 100Kr. - ca 20 US$ - £ 12 (GBP)
Condition: *Mint* condition

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Danish "civilforsvaret" Winter coat. (1962)

2009-09-06T14:14:00.001+02:00

This is actually not a "military" item. The Civilforsvaret - Civil defence - should take care of the civilians, if Denmark should be attacked by the Soviet Union under the Cold War. Luckily this "doomsday" scenario never happened, but the "civilforsvaret" still got a lot of equipment.

This 1962 dated winter coat, is made out of wool, and the coat is "covered" in flame retardants that should prevent it from catching fire.

Notice that the buttons are made out of plastic... Why make a coat out of wool and prepare it with flame retardants... And then put plastic buttons on it????

The front of the coat... It is possible to button it both ways...

Back of the coat.

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Purchased: 2007

Location: Copenhagen
Price: 300Kr. - ca 57,7 US$ - £ 35,2 (GBP)
Condition: In great condition

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Danish M44 uniform - Garrison cap (Enlisted man)

2009-08-24T17:37:00.000+02:00

The cap is made of 100% wool and if there had not been any cotton covering on the inside, it would have been quite itchy. It is a size 58... In Danish this kind of cap is called a: Skråhue
But if you translate "Garrison cap" it should have been called a: Garnisons hue...

The front of the cap. All the parts are original.
The cap belongs to the uniform I already shown you.

The inside of the cap... After 50 + years, the inside is quite "greased up".
But the original olive-green colour of the cotton is still visible. I can imagine the previous owner used a lot of "grease" in his hair...

The sweatband too, is made of cotton, and a small cotton piece is covering the "pin" on the front decal. (Look in the upper left corner)

A closeup on the two "decals". The red / white one is the national colours... You are able to see this is a Enlisted man since the "national colours" is made out of brass. The officer version was made entirely of red and white threads.

The brass piece with the oak leaves, three lions and nine hearts, is the national coat of arms. It can be found on every cap from 1900's and is still in use as fare as I know.

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Purchased: 2009
Location: Vig flee market...
Price: 100Kr. - ca 20 US$ - £ 12 (GBP)
Condition: In reasonable shape... There is two small holes in it, because it used to hang on a wall...

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Danish M44 (M45) uniform

2009-07-31T13:18:00.000+02:00

Danish soldiers (5. company; The Danish Brigade in Germany 1947)- Lüneburger Heide
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Prior to 1950 the Danish army used the British WWII helmet and the Lee-Enfield riffle with the Nr. 4 bayonet... More detail on the webbing equipment, view my previous posts...
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The uniform in use, was a copy of the British battledress... And why did they use a copy of the British battledress? Well as mentioned in one of my previous posts, a small part of the Danish army managed to continue "under cover" in "neutral" Sweden in WWII. IN Sweden they were issued a copy of the British battledress... Back home in Denmark they decided to continue to use the Battledress as the uniform in use with the Danish armed forces... In 1949 regimental badges in bright brass, to be worn on the collar, were authorised...
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Video about the M44 uniform in my collection. (My uniform is from 1950)

The M44 uniform was used officially by the regular army until 1958 (1959) But it served on in the Home guard for many years past 1958.
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Danish M45-50 Webbing equipment - Full kit list!

2009-07-13T15:48:00.004+02:00

The picture was taken in 1955. Notice that the soldier is dressed in the British battledress, with British anklets / gaiters

and ammo boots.

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The equipment was a mix of old British WWII (Patt.37 and Patt.44) equipment, and US items:

Belt: UK Patt.37

Braces: A variant of the British 1940 cavalry webbing
Ammo pouches: M.E.Co (Danish designed but made in Britain)
Shovel: US M/1943
Canteen and canteen cover: UK Patt. 44 (Adapted for the Danish version of the Patt. '37 webbing)

Gas mask: UK Light Anti Gas Respirator, Mk 1

Small pack / Haversack: Danish design, but in many ways similar to the British patt. 37 Small pack / haversack.

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Bayonet:: US M/1905e1, Cut down version

Large pack: ( Not in picture): UK Patt. 37 (A leftover from the Patt. '08 webbing)

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Other equipment:

Uniform: British WWII style battledress.
Boots: Brown or black "ammo boots". More like a mix between Swedish and UK "low" boots.

Mess-tin: British M/1925 (From 1950 in a "reduced" version)
US Poncho (Adapted ca. 1950)

Helmet: US M1 - Designated the M/48 in Danish service (Adapted ca. 1948-50)

Riffle: M1 Garand (Adapted ca. 1950)

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In 1949 regimental badges in bright brass, to be worn on the collar, were authorised.
The large pack (UK patt. 37), greatcoat and blanket roll was generally carried by mechanised transport.

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Prior to 1950 the Danish army used the British WWII helmet ("Turtle" or Mk II) and the Lee-Enfield riffle with the Nr. 4 bayonet... (though it may vary what kind of bayonet there was in use)

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Here is my own set of M45-50 Webbing...
I am sorry that I did not get my bayonet home in time for the picture...
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Update: Garand bayonet without frog.

Danish stamped Garand bayonet.
Exactly the same as the US - M.1905e1
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Update: Bayonet frog.

Danish officer visor cap (For the M47 uniform)

2009-06-27T16:49:00.002+02:00

The front of the officer visor cap.
Design is ultimately the same as the pre-war version.
The very "British" looking appearance among the officers was kept after the war as well

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There are two oak leaves and one acorn on each side of the "shield" in the middle.
NCOs had no acorns and only one oak leaf on each side.
The cap badge was standardized after 1955, making this cap pre. 1955*

The cap in profile...
There are three lions and nine hearts printed on the buttons...

The interior... The text in the middle says:
Kongelig hofleverandør
C.L SEIFERT
København
Windson
Holmbladsgade
SU. 5477

A small note in back of the cap made by the tailor...

The front again... A nice looking cap...
The cap is almost similar to the M23 visor cap.
Apart from the colour and texture of the cloth, and the fact that visors became cloth covered on visor cap...

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Purchased: 2009
Price: 150Kr. - ca 28,3 US$ - 17,2 £(GBP)
Condition: Great condition!

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Small reminder!

2009-06-24T21:29:00.001+02:00

This M23 helmet belonged to one of the 13 soldiers KIA on 9th April 1940, when Germany invaded Denmark... This proves that even the heavy Danish helmets weren't bulletproof...
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The M23 was (supposedly) able to take a rifle bullet hit at 300 m...

Danish M23 helmet (Civilian version M23 - 41)

2009-06-24T15:28:00.000+02:00

(Freedom fighters, Hedehusene -Denmark - May 1945 / Frihedskæmpere på Hedehusene Station maj 1945... All wearing or having an example of the M23-41 helmet)

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More correctly referred to as M23 - 41, the helmet was produced to protect the heads of civilians, policemen, fire-fighters... and all other non combatants...(And freedom fighters)

The helmet is the same design as the military version... But it much lighter...
The helmet is made out of one single piece of light and thin steel, and offers the wearer little, if any ballistic protection... It is more likely to protect the wearer from falling debris, etc....

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Exactly the same shape as the military version... Notice the rivet...
There is one rivet on each side, securing the liner...

Again: The unmistakeable Danish profile...

As the military version, the helmet got a hanging slot in the rear skirt of the helmet.

The leather liner is thin... (Maybe because of war-time shortages)
The adjustment-cord is not original...

Cork pieces serve as spacers between the liner and the shell.

A good look on the chinstrap buckle... Not the usual high quality buckle...

The liner size stamp...

Some guy once wrote in the helmet...
If any one knows what all these letters are supposed to say?
Please leave a comment down below..

The date is: 7th August 1925

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Purchased: 2003
Location: Bornholm - Denmark (Bought on a flee market)
Price: 50Kr. - ca 9,5 US$ - 5,7 £ (GBP) (Cheap)
Condition: Fair... a bit rusty... But considered it is 84 years old, it is in reasonable shape...

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Danish M23 helmet (Army version)

2009-06-23T11:21:00.002+02:00

(Danish soldiers: 1940's)
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The M23 helmet was introduced the same year as the first real khaki uniform. (More correctly referred to as yellow - brown) It was the first helmet to enter service in Denmark.

They were produced by the company A/S Glud og Marstrands Fabriker in Copenhagen.
Each helmet is made of one single piece of steel.
It weighs ca. 1600 grammes. 3,53 Lbs. (But feels like more)

Notice the front decal. Three lions with nine hearts and leafs around.

A better look at the decal...

The rear of the helmet.
Notice the hanging slot in the rear skirt of the helmet.

The brass plate underneath the liner...
The name of the company, and the serial number (83017).

The chinstrap. Made out of thick leather, and with a "high quality" buckle.

How the chinstrap is fastened together with the liner...

The liner... Notice the eight leather flaps... All in great condition, considered the helmet is minimum 80 years (or more) old...
NB!! The leather adjustment-cord is original!!!

And finally... The unmistakeable Danish profile...
Watch my video about the M23's in my collection

Additional information:

The helmet is designed by Captain in the army HE, Johnsen.

There are two main versions of the army helmet. A size "normal" 90% of the helmets, and a size "large" 10%

The navy had an anchor as helmet decal.

They are made from Swedish steel, thickness = 1,2mm

The first helmets 1.924 made, had two ventilations slots.

In 1924, the design of the liner and some other small features /(chinstrap etc.) was altered slightly.

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Purchased: 2007
Location: Copenhagen - Denmark (Bought from a fellow collector)
Price: 800Kr. - ca 150,3 US$ - 92,2 £ (GBP)
Condition: Great!

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The M45-50 webbing equipment

2009-06-22T20:26:00.001+02:00

(Picture - above: Danish soldiers on Lüneburger Heide - Germany 1947 - wearing British uniforms and equipment)

During WWII the German high command claimed that the Danish army was "wiped out", but a small force of free Danes managed to continue its unbroken existence - as a combined brigade - in "neutral" Sweden in the years 1943-45...
The brigade chose to use a copy of the British 1937 battledress as their uniform.

Back home in Denmark, they continued to use the battledress as the standard uniform.
Between 1945 and 1950 a set of khaki webbing equipment (British m37 and m44 Pattern webbing) was adopted, including the British M/1944 waterbottle and M/1925 mess-tin...

The Swedish leather equipment they brought home after the war was designated M45/S, the British patt. '37 webbing was designated M45/E and the home-grown set was designated M45-50.

Later the American steel helmet (the M1) was adopted in 1950, along with the Garand riffle, the poncho and the folding shovel...

The Danish army went from this in 1940

To this in 1945 - 46

And ended up looking like this in 1950 - 55
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M45-50 - Webbing belt with braces...

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1951 webbing ammunition pouch. (Back)

1951 webbing ammunition pouch. ( Front)

(Back - belt hooks)

( Back - The brass is to fasten L-strap and braces)

(Front - Press stud button)

(Front - Another way of getting the ammunition out... If you needed something on the bottom of the pouch, it is much easier to open this little flap, than taking all the content out of the pouch... )

Stamped: "Crown" - HTK (hærens tekniske kommando) and date: 1951

The left is in a "mint" unissued condition... The right is in a used condition. Both are from 1951.

Remember to check out all the updates on the equipment at:
http://m55q.blogspot.com/2010/02/danish-m44-m45-webbing-equipment-1953.html
http://m55q.blogspot.com/2009/12/danish-m44-m45-webbing-equipment-map.html
http://m55q.blogspot.com/2009/11/us-m1943-folding-shovel-with-danish.html
http://m55q.blogspot.com/2009/07/danish-m44-m45-webbing-equipment.html
http://m55q.blogspot.com/2010/07/complet-m4445-webbing-equipment.html

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Purchased: 2008
Location: Flee market (Sjælland)
Price: 80Kr. - Ca. 15 $ / 9,10 GBP £
Condition: Ok / Fair
Frequency: Common...

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Picture from the movie: Soldaterkammerater på sjov (1961) The actors are wearing the new M58 uniform and the old M45-50 webbing...

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Where it all began...

2009-06-22T18:08:00.000+02:00

As I very you boy, I spend a lot of time together with my grandfather. He was one of the first to join the Danish army after WWII ended.

I always enjoined his war stories... When he talked about German or British planes that got shot down near his home on Zealand (Danish: Sjælland) Or when he talked about the happy days when Denmark was liberated by Montgomery...

My grandfather is a weapons collector...
But one day he came across a Danish M44 / M45 Waistbelt (Same as the British M37 Webbing belt) on a flee market... He bought it as a gift for my birthday, and since that day, I've been hooked on collecting military equipment...

The famous belt that started it all...

Buckles...

Stamped: "Crown" 58 (year of production) FKF (FKF= Forsvarets Krigsmateriel Forvaltning) and (M) = Size - Medium

Join me next time where I will start a chronological posting of the Danish M44 / M45 Webbing equipment...

M55q...