MG 08

[MG1918]

[MG1918]

[MG1918]

[MG1918]

[MG1918]

[jluetjen]

I can't help but think that something looks off in this picture -- which leads me to suspect that it might be a picture of modern reinactors.

I can't specifically fault the contents, but the image itself looks too sharp and balanced to be a 100 year old photograph. Usually pictures from that era are a bit washed out from the emulsion aging, or in some cases a bit dark and lacking contrast because the negative has aged. This picture looks too sharp, and the facial expressions also seem out of character for the WWI era.

Looking at the contents, I've never seen a WWI era photograph where a German soldier was carrying his rifle over the shoulder while holding the barrel. Also the fact that they all have their gas masks hanging out also seems off. Gas masks were fairly delicate and their lives depended on them being in good shape. Casually wearing them like that doesn't seem consistent with how solders would be taught to protect their equipment.

Also the scaling looks wrong. The solder on the right with his back to the camera seems to be too big to be year average German of c1917. Look at some of the other pictures which are clearly from the period and you'll see what I mean. People were generally built much slighter in the early 20th century.

Something just doesn't seem right.

[MG1918]

Does anyone have this photo in super sharp focus. There is one piece of evidence that will answer the question, but I need a better picture :>)

[MG1918]

[MG1918]

[Attrition]

Does anyone have this photo in super sharp focus. There is one piece of evidence that will answer the question, but I need a better picture :>)

Is it the bloke sitting behind the gun with his walkman wires hanging down?

[MG1918]

I do agree about the staging. I have seen no other period photo that has the 'subjects' standing around in such a manner. It cannot be a personal/mates photo as surely they or some would look at the camera. If it were therefore an official photo again would they be seen to be just standing there? I just need one clear image...or of course someone to be on this web site and say yep that's me !!!

[Terry Duncan]

I do agree about the staging. I have seen no other period photo that has the 'subjects' standing around in such a manner. It cannot be a personal/mates photo as surely they or some would look at the camera. If it were therefore an official photo again would they be seen to be just standing there? I just need one clear image...or of course someone to be on this web site and say yep that's me !!!

Well it isnt me in the image, but it certainly does look modern. Sadly the image isnt of high enough quality to be sure, but the equipment looks pretty pristine, there is no scuffing on scabbards or mask cases, and the masks look more like they have been handed out as part of a modern 'experience WWI' session. The other odd part is the previously mentioned 'walkman wires' which look very much like ear defenders handed out as safety equipment routinely today, but lacking in WWI.

The image itself does look too sharp in detail on the people whilst also having good depth of field that allows details on the trees to still be partly in focus. Usually in an old photo, the depth of field is limited, or the image is blurred on animate objects such as people that tend to move slightly which results in blurring due to the longer exposure time needed to capture such detail. Obviously this isnt proof its a modern image, but I would say I am 95% sure it is not of WWI vintage.

[Attrition]

Did German squaddies wear puttees?

[MG1918]

Attrition if you have time, look at the postings of machine gunners before this 'genuine/fake' photo - yes puttees were widely used. I guess as an economic measure due to leathe shortages but also for mobility. Many of the 1918 'storm troopers' seem to have favoured ankle boots and puttees. Hopefully a uniform expert will tell us when the Imperial German Army introduced puttees.

[Attrition]

Thank you.