Jon Smith Modellbau - German Mauser Anti-Tank Rifle Set

Some of the German equipment / weapons are from the Anti-Tank Gunner figure - this depicts an officer from the Prussian 27^th Reserve Infantry Regt Inf.-Regt. Prince Louis Ferdinand von Preußen (2. Magdeburgisches) Nr. 27 in an action, which took place in September 1918. Part of the original combat report, with the English translation is included in this infosheet.

27.09.18 ...erste Erwähnung von Tankgewehren während der Abwehrschlachten vor Cambrai. Eine neue Gefahr entstand im Laufe des Gefechts duch das Erscheinen von Tanks, die schon in den Morgenstunden von unseren Posten im Anmarsch gemeldet waren. Anfangs hatte man die Richtigkeit dieser Meldung bezweifelt. Lt. Freytag hatte vorher Tankmunition angefordert. Er war im Besitz von 20 Tankpatronen. Plötzlich stieß aus der Flanke ein großer englischer Tank, von Beaucamp aus an der Stellung der 1. Kp entlangfahrend, gegen den alten Kampftruppenkommandeur-Unterstand vor. Infanterie und MG-Feuer vermochten ihn nicht aufzuhalten. Kurz entschlosen und mit sicherer Hand nahm Lt. Freytag persönlich mit einem Tankgewehr im letzten Augenblick den Kampf auf. Er eröffnete auf etwa 150 Meter Entfernung das Feuer. Nach dem 11. Schuß stand der Tank zum ersten Male, etwa 60 Meter vor unserer Linie. Der Tank erholte sich aber nochmals und wurde von Lt Freytag mit dem 17. Schuß auf etwa 20 Meter Entfernung zum Stehen gebracht. Die Besatzung des Tanks bestand aus sechs Mann, von denen der eine tot war. Die übrigen wurden beim Verlassen des Tanks niedergeschossen......Der Tank hatte eine starke Panzerung.

Translation:

27.09.1918 ...first reports of tank-rifles during the defensive battles by Cambria. A new danger became apparent in the course of the fighting with the approach of tanks reported from our sentries during the early hours. Doubts were at first raised at these reports. Lt. Freytag had already ordered up more tank ammunition. He just had 20 rounds. Suddenly a large English tank appeared on the flank, from the direction of Beaucamp, along the position of the First Company, heading towards the old command bunker. Infantry and MG fire were having no affect. Lt. Freytag instantly decided there and then and with a steady hand personally open fire with the tank-rifle. He opened fire at 150 meters. After 11 rounds and approx. 60 meters in front of our line the tank stopped for the first time. The tank resumed and was stopped with Lt Freytag's 17^th shot, approx. 20 meters distance away. The tank-crew comprised of 6 men, of which 1 was dead. The others were shot down whilst leaving the tank...the tank had strong armour.

Steel Helmet: Stahlhelm M.16. This helmet, which first entered service in 1916 was designed by Professor Friedrich Schwerd and made from high quality chrome-nickel steel. Weighing between 950 and 1200g, depending on size - more heavier than the Allied helmets, but giving a better protection to the face, ears and neck. The horn venting bolts on each side enabled the fitting of an extra armoured shield over the helmet (also available in 1:15^th, 120mm from JSM, winter 2008) for sentries, snipers or other more dangerous employment. This weighing around 2000g was seldom used; although a total of 50 000 were produced.  Colour: the helmet was issued in field- grey, but was sometimes repainted at the front with a four- colour camouflage scheme - red- brown, ochre (brownish- yellow), green and blue- grey. Some helmets had these patterns also outlined in black. Helmets were also covered using the light brown sandbag material, or the issued helmet-covers, seen particularly in the later war period.

The M.17 & 18 helmets followed with only slight differences to the inside and chin strap fasteners. The last model to see service during the war, if only in small numbers was the M.18 Ohrenausschnitt, or Helmet with ear cut-outs (also available in 1:15^th, 120mm from JSM, winter 2008), more commonly (and stubbornly) known as the Cavalry or Telegraph Helmet. In fact the cut-outs were a further design feature of the M.18 to improve the hearing ability of the wearer.

Note: The rim and underneath edge of the helmet can be thinned out, giving a more realistic appearance of the original item - for casting reasons this has to be thicker. The brown card supplied can be used to represent leather or material chin straps etc. Cut the card approx. 1.2mm wide and 22 mm long and flatten or rub down on a hard surface with a blunt tool (handle of a modelling knife is ideal). Bend the strip around a pencil to give a natural curve and glue into position on the figure. The colour, thickness and texture achieved from rubbing down the card gives a good reproduction of leather in this scale.

Ammunition Holder: Munitionstashe. In accordance with German Army Tank Rifle regulation the Gunner No.1 would carry a holder with 20 x 13mm rounds of ammunition. Gunner No. 2, or the reserve gunner is issued 2 holders (1 on each hip) and carries a wooden crate with an extra 79 rounds. These canvas holders are a rare and sought after collector's item. The holders were modelled from pictures taken of an existing item at the Army Museum in Brussels, Belgium. It is made out of khaki canvas and has 2 metal buttons at the front. One of the holders has the flap lifted up revealing the brass 13mm rounds inside. A simple canvas strap would normally be with the holders - this has not been constructed.

The Gunner No.1 was also responsible for a tool bag. One would assume that in his haste Lt. Freytag would not have had the time to obtain this item of equipment. Also, up until now it has not been possible to acquire this original article (pictures, drawings or the measurements).

Mauser Tank Rifle: Tankgewehr Mauser M1918. Designed and produced in the Mauser factory at Oberndorf as a short-term answer to the new tank problem. This single shot bolt-action weapon was the world's first anti-tank rifle. Total length 168 cm, weight with 08/15 MG bipod attached 17.1 Kg. Nicknamed the Elefantenbüchse, or Elephant-rifle at the Mauser factory this weapon was too heavy, the recoil too strong and the penetration when used against armour insufficient. (Most of the allied tanks were stopped by direct or indirect artillery fire).

In action these rifles were used either with the 08/15 MG bipod (the original bipod designed for this weapon was seldom employed) or mainly without - the rifle being placed on top of the trench wall/parapet. Due to the considerable recoil and when practical the gunners would change over roles after every 2 - 3 rounds, engaging the enemy armour at as close a range as possible.

In the instruction manual for the rifle it is stated that both the gunners No. 1 and 2 should be chosen for their size and strength. They should be determined, cool-headed and also good shots. The employment of the T-Gewehr in groups of 3 or individually depends on the tactical situation and lay of the ground. The use of the T-Gewehr in combination with the MG 08 or MG 08/15 using special armoured piercing SmK rounds (SmK - Stahlmantel mit Kern) increases the success. 

Common sights on original guns are the small indents/damages on the left hand side of the wooden butt (just behind the narrow part) caused by the rim of the gunner's steel helmet denting the rifle on recoil. On the model rifle this has been reproduced. The separate bolt can either be built in the open or closed position. Either separate the bolt and fix accordingly, or even better drill out the rear part of the breech (2mm hand drill). Here a small central indent has been placed for assistance. If possible and if the drill bit is long enough, drill out into the rear of the barrel a few mms as well. This will enable the bolt to function as in the original. The 13mm rounds supplied with the figure will in fact fit into the breech. At the front end of the bolt are the 3 discharge vents, which enabled excess gasses to be released when firing. Colour: the wooden stock and pistol grips were of a dark wood. All other parts were a dark gun- metal, the bolt, especially the handle were generally shinier.  13mm case - brass. Bullet head - dark copper.

Tip: in order to achieve a smoother function of the bolt moving in and out of the chamber one can apply some sanded down pencil lead with an old paintbrush. This will not only lubricate the parts, but also give it a natural shiny appearance, just like the original.

Loose 13mm Anti-Tank Ammunition: The empty cartridges can be hollowed out at the top using a small hand drill and knife. Colour: Brass with copper heads.

Standard MG 08/15 Bipod: MG08/15 Zweibein. This entirely new pressed-steel lightweight bipod was to replace the large and heavy sled mounts used with the MG 08 and allowed for a 180° traverse. It had a universal attachment fitting, which could be fitted to the Mauser T-Gewehr - Mauser anti-tank rifle. Colour: dark green.

Mauser C96 Pistol: At the outbreak of hostilities the 08 Pistol (Luger long barrel version- the Germans never called this weapon the Luger - this is an anglicised name) could not be issued quickly enough to artillery and auxiliary units, so the German Army purchased a large number of C96s, which also had the extended wooden butt. Although originally put through trials 1 year before the war, the C96 was not taken on. The calibre is 7.63, with a 10 round capacity in the magazine, which was later changed by the Mauser Company in 1916 to the standard 9mm. In order to avoid mix-ups with different ammunition, a figure 9 was carved into the pistol grip and painted out in red. The tool on the side of the leather holster is the cleaning rod with a wooden handle. The small pocket at the front holds a spare ammunition strip. Normally, the pistol is carried attached to the belt, on the left hand side. A sling was also supplied to enable the person to wear the pistol over the left shoulder with the weapon resting on the right hip. The ring attached to the bottom of the pistol grip can be hollowed out.

Although originally intended for issue to artillery units these pistols found their way into many other parts of the army and were particularly popular with soldiers and NCOs serving in the front line units (Officers would normally have smaller pistols). Also, these pistols were well liked with Stormtrooper units for their reliability and robustness.

Colour: leather supporting rig - natural leather, wooden should stock/holster - brown wood, gunmetal - dark metal colour.

Stick Grenade: Stielhandgranate M.15. The second type of German stick grenade to be issued (in greater numbers from 1916 onwards). The turned wooden handle would have the fuse duration stamped on one side, along with the makers name and production date. This grenade had the advantage of a screw cap, covering the porcelain ball and pulls cord igniter-system, keeping it dry and free from dirt. Most stick grenades were set with a 5.5 or 7-second time delay. The cap crown has 8 knurled indents to enable a better grip in wet/muddy conditions, or when wearing cloves. The metal clip on the side of the explosive charge is for attaching to equipment etc. On some original photos it can be seen that the screw caps have already been removed, ready for instant use if needed. The original master model was made using a fine grain wood to reproduce the surface of the handle. Colour: Metal parts - green/grey. Wooden stick/handle - untreated wood starts turning grey after a length of time when exposed to the elements.

Note: with a bit of care and a thin, sharp blade it is possible to hollow out the gap behind the clip and the explosive charge, not forgetting to leave the bottom part of the clip still attached.

Multi Charge Grenade: Geballte-Ladung. Made out of 7 stick grenades and generally used against enemy dugouts and strongpoints. These multi charges were made by the troops themselves at the front. Original photos show the middle grenade surrounded with 6 grenade heads without the handles, secured by several loops of wire tied under the metal belt clips. The shape of the grenade heads means that they do not sit snug together on account of the protruding bottom rim. Due to

moulding techniques the areas in between the heads are filled out. Colour: Metal parts - green/gray. Wooden stick/handle - untreated wood starts turning grey after a length of time exposed to the elements.

Note: with a bit of care and a thin, sharp blade it is possible to hollow out the gaps behind the clips and the explosive charge heads, not forgetting to leave the bottom part of the clip still attached.

Ball Grenade M 1913: Kugelhandgranate M 1913 a. A. (alte Art - old type). This grenade was made out of cast-iron with large external segments. The friction delay fuse was activated by pulling the twisted priming wire - for this there was an extra wrist lanyard with a snap hook. Later types of Kugelhandgranatn had a more simplified outer casing and were sometimes issued painted green. Colour: Grenade - mainly black. Fuse - brass. A twisted priming wire can be constructed using a thin wire or similar and inserted into a small hole drilled at the top of the fuse.