German Sniper/Infantry Shield

[chrisftk]

Hi Gang, I thought I would post an accessory I recently picked up. I haven't seen one previously posted here so i thought it might be good for the reference thread.

While these seem to be relatively common in Europe, they are much more scarce here in the US, particularly complete and functional. (I would assume because of practicality of bringing back) I got this from a collector in Virginia and it's one of the more decent ones I've personally laid hands on. I've had the opportunity to buy a couple before, but they were either repainted with garrish colors or were a bit too "relic-y" for me. There is an indentation from a bullet strike, though it's not easy to see in the pics.

If anyone here can fill in gaps regarding specifics, my understanding is that this model was introduced in 1915- it weights about 30 lbs. The front edges flare out to help mitigate ricochets. As ammunition advanced and steel core bullets became more widely used, a heavier and thicker model was employed that weighed in closer to 50 lbs and had a different configuration.

In any case, I have it displayed near my snipers and it makes a nice addition. Thanks for looking.

 

[MrB]

Very nice Chris. I look forward to your posts as you always find some really great stuff.

 

[chrisftk]

Thanks! Hope to see you again at SoS

 

[JMC02]

Hello everyone
Very nice item !!!!
Does anyone know the original color of these armor plates? Feldgrau? camouflaged like helmets?
Thank you
cordially
Jean Michel

 

[chrisftk]

Hello everyone
Very nice item !!!!
Does anyone know the original color of these armor plates? Feldgrau? camouflaged like helmets?
Thank you
cordially
Jean Michel

Ive seen them painted feldgrau, similar to the door on mine.There are traces of paint on my shield, but mostly flaked off. It seems the paint wore quickly though. I've also seen some with the camo patterns, but beleive those are collector enhanced.

 

[JMC02]

thank you for these valuable informations

 

[Blackpowderresearcher]

Neat acquisition. I don't think the Germans made any during WW II but they weren't hesitant against using captured ones.

 

[Dave Roberts]

Something You do not see very often or in this condition . Thanks for sharing it !!!

 

[hale1940]

That's one cool piece of steel. Very neat addition to your collection Chris.

 

[Muncher 1953]

Neat acquisition. I don't think the Germans made any during WW II but they weren't hesitant against using captured ones.

Possibly due to political influence, such a device might be considered ‘defensive’ & so like the dedicated fighter planes that were needed, not made, or converted to something less effective for the purpose. (like hanging bombs off jet fighters…….)

 

[biggymu]

Nice score Chris, while looking for scopes, ebay has 2 of these in basically relic condition (and a few spare parts were for sale like the swinging door). Looks like an awkward piece to move around. As practical as the Germans were, it seems funny they didn’t include a handle somewhere to make it more portable. Although it is more practical then the 20 lb plate that fits on your helmet!

 

[chrisftk]

Nice score Chris, while looking for scopes, ebay has 2 of these in basically relic condition (and a few spare parts were for sale like the swinging door). Looks like an awkward piece to move around. As practical as the Germans were, it seems funny they didn’t include a handle somewhere to make it more portable. Although it is more practical then the 20 lb plate that fits on your helmet!

Thanks Rick! Yeah it's pretty unwieldy, I think certainly more practical than slapping 20 lbs on the front of your head, but still not exactly ergonomic LOL