M.G. 08

I'm currently sorting through a substantial amount of MG 08 documents from the German Federal Archives and have found some really neat stuff. While MG's are well above my pay grade, I have been pseudo considering making some parts for a few, including the MG 08. Having original drawings and gauging available makes this much more attractive.

One of the questions I had was the Models and if someone has a website or book or other list detailing the differences between the various models/configurations? I am also looking for a complete parts list, preferably german/english.

I also found interesting that the Germans were still revising the MG 08 in late 1918.

With Chris's air service, and great collections of variants, I thought I would start by posting this from 1918 listing the firms from Zeichnung Nr. 2603 - Stempelvorschrift. I thought if there is enough interest we could use this thread to compile information, links to references, and I will continue posting neat things I find.

Happy to help Nathaniel. I'll get you some scans of stuff I have (manuals, etc ..)- also for a book, I'd recommend the German Machineguns Verlag book. It's great and has nice pictures. Devils Paintbrush is OK too, but B&W and getting dated.

I'll also tag this to the research thread post for easy reference.

I’ve been waiting for a good machinist to start making MG08 and MG08/15 parts. I’m happy to help in any way I can. I’ve got a complete MG 08/15. I can get you any kind of measurements, or do any kind of field testing for you. As for documents I will see what I have. I might have a spare copy of The Devil’s Paintbrush. There was a guy at SOS that was selling repro manuals for all sorts of German weaponry in written English. I think you can get them on Sarco for 10 bucks or so.

I’m also able to model things in CAD if that helps at all.

Primarily I just need someone with stacks of crisp fiat federal notes that wants to pay me to make MG08 parts.



In all seriousness I appreciate the offer. What parts do you think are the top 5 or so that are needed?

Fal Grunt said:

Primarily I just need someone with stacks of crisp fiat federal notes that wants to pay me to make MG08 parts.



In all seriousness I appreciate the offer. What parts do you think are the top 5 or so that are needed?

Click to expand...

Having been scouring for parts for a while now, I’d say the Feed Pawl, Barrel Extension for the 08/15, the muzzle booster assembly, the water jacket plugs, the water hose connector, and the water hose with connecting bracket. The first 2 are the most important as those are needed so the gun can properly function. Those 6 parts are some of the most commonly missing pieces whenever I see a Maxim for sale, whether it be an 08 or 08/15.

OzzMan said:

Having been scouring for parts for a while now, I’d say the Feed Pawl, Barrel Extension for the 08/15, the muzzle booster assembly, the water jacket plugs, the water hose connector, and the water hose with connecting bracket. The first 2 are the most important as those are needed so the gun can properly function. Those 6 parts are some of the most commonly missing pieces whenever I see a Maxim for sale, whether it be an 08 or 08/15.

Click to expand...

Good to know, appreciate that! I'll start making a list.

Fal Grunt said:

...stacks of crisp fiat federal notes....

Click to expand...

Spoken like a realist, - who thoroughly understands modern monetary reality!

have u guys seen the booster stuff apex makes? https://www.apexgunparts.com/mg08-15-booster-cone-flash-hider-new.html

I am wondering to see only "Goerz" as optics firm in this document "Stempelvorschrift". Would be great to see the whole thing.

yellowkid said:

have u guys seen the booster stuff apex makes? https://www.apexgunparts.com/mg08-15-booster-cone-flash-hider-new.html

Click to expand...

I saw that they make several parts, but have not been able to find much, well, ANY feedback or commentary regarding their quality. I noted that some of them are not interchangeable with original parts. Based on APEX's pricing on most parts, I suspect I can offer a better quality part, for a better price, and just cut the middle man out of the equation.

Mikegermany said:

I am wondering to see only "Goerz" as optics firm in this document "Stempelvorschrift". Would be great to see the whole thing.

Click to expand...

Send me an email, or send me a message with your email and I will send you the complete document. I don't think I could resize it enough to get it to post on here. That and I'll send you a link to all the documents. Be happy to hear your input.

Fal Grunt said:

or send me a message with your email

Click to expand...

Done!

Fal Grunt said:

I saw that they make several parts, but have not been able to find much, well, ANY feedback or commentary regarding their quality.

Click to expand...

I have a rear sight spring and it’s top notch. I thought about getting a spare as I hear they’re commonly missing. Always good to have extra parts as well.

I asked a fellow in my local collectors club (he has 2 08/15s) & he was of the opinion that Apex doesn’t really have most of what they show for sale in stock. From your possibles list above, he seemed most interested in the muzzle booster assembly.