1918 Mauser Tankgewehr

[Slash]

A couple of original projectiles for the Tankgewehr. Both bear the stylized P stamp for Polte to the recessed base. Note there are two distinct styles of the marking - Right is thin font within a circle - Left is a thicker font without circle.

 

[S.B.]

Thank for sharing this!
Steve

 

[banjomike]

I have owned 2 T Gewehrs . One matched with a 1908 15 bipod and another one MM that I kept. The one I still have is #5809 and the bolt is 5123. It has the correct tube bi pod. Its on display at my shop in Ossipee NH Regards Banjomike PS Years ago I saw sold a spare bolt that was a paper weight on a Generals desk!

 

[Slash]

I have owned 2 T Gewehrs . One matched with a 1908 15 bipod and another one MM that I kept. The one I still have is #5809 and the bolt is 5123. It has the correct tube bi pod. Its on display at my shop in Ossipee NH Regards Banjomike PS Years ago I saw sold a spare bolt that was a paper weight on a Generals desk!

Thanks for this information. Do you still have the serial number information for the matching example or the spare bolt? Thanks in advance .....

 

[chrisftk]

Since this thread was bumped back up, I thought I'd share that I stumbled on a proper bipod for this one. (lucky break!)

Slash was right. It really completes the look.

 

[banjomike]

Thanks for this information. Do you still have the serial number information for the matching example or the spare bolt? Thanks in advance .....

I'm sorry to say that the second T Gewehr was sold. I was surprised to not have been told.

 

[Fal Grunt]

I saw talks on Mauser 1918 Tank rifle and to add to this I have learned that Fidel Feederle and Mauser Director Doll were the designers of the Tank rifle. To settle debate on how many were made here is part of serial number list form he Kern book that shows plainly that that there were 2 runs of the Tank rifle first 10,000 with no letter block than 2nd run with an A letter. As for inventory parts used for Pressure test rifles here is a French Translated copy of Mauser firm Handbook for a large Unit to test large caliber rounds from 13mm and over. I have seen in my Mauser Offer books from late 1928-35 period orders for these systems. Regards, Jon

 

[Fal Grunt]

I went through my Offer books and found 2 interesting items in regards to 13mm Tank rifle actions for Pressure test unit from IG Farben in 1934 and from RKM Berlin asking about makinf new 13mm Tank rifles in 1936

 

[chrisftk]

I saw talks on Mauser 1918 Tank rifle and to add to this I have learned that Fidel Feederle and Mauser Director Doll were the designers of the Tank rifle. To settle debate on how many were made here is part of serial number list form he Kern book that shows plainly that that there were 2 runs of the Tank rifle first 10,000 with no letter block than 2nd run with an A letter. As for inventory parts used for Pressure test rifles here is a French Translated copy of Mauser firm Handbook for a large Unit to test large caliber rounds from 13mm and over. I have seen in my Mauser Offer books from late 1928-35 period orders for these systems. Regards, Jon

Thank you as always for the fantastic info from our friend overseas---much appreciated.

 

[Slash]

Since this thread was bumped back up, I thought I'd share that I stumbled on a proper bipod for this one. (lucky break!)

Slash was right. It really completes the look.

Great score to source the bipod Chris! Congrats! Not easy to find by any means. I've only seen a couple offered over the years on their own .....

 

[chrisftk]

Great score to source the bipod Chris! Congrats! Not easy to find by any means. I've only seen a couple offered over the years on their own .....

Thanks Lance-- definitely caught a lucky break-- right place, right time!

 

[Slash]

I am Bas Martens from the Netherlands and I make an arms magazine for which I am preparing an article on the T-Gewehr. I can offer some information and have some questions.
- Serial number 6500a is in the collection of the military museum in Prague, with great provenance and marked '1918' instead of Mauser. I believe all the a-suffix guns have '1918'. Anyone knows other serial numbers without the word Mauser?

Agreed regarding the a block rifles with 1918 Banner (without Mauser). I personally believe that some of the last guns in the first run may be marked in this manner as well. In answer to your question ...... Can confirm that 68a and 6474a are 1918 Banner marked only.

You mention preparing an article on the Tankgewehr 1918. Has this been completed? Would like to obtain a copy if available. Thank you .....