what else do I need for my 1917a1 display?

Question and opinion regarding Living History / Reenacting.
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Andy Cole
Sergeant Major of the Gee
Sergeant Major of the Gee
Posts: 474
Joined: Wed Dec 24, 2008 6:36 am
Location: North Carolina

what else do I need for my 1917a1 display?

Post by Andy Cole » Mon May 13, 2019 6:47 am

I have a semi 1917a1. I have most ( I think ) of the major parts and pieces. I use it for living history displays only. Never in reenacted battles.

I have the following:
gun
cradle
tripod
water can
hoses
several ammo boxes, both wood and steel.
belts
belt filling machine
crates for cans
boxed ammo crates, with cardboard boxes
asbestos mit
clinometer
spare parts box with parts
canvas gun cover
canvas cradle cover
several spare barrel covers and barrels
tools
canvas tools and spare parts rolls.
period binoculars
compass and compass pouch
assortment of small odds and ends.

I generally portray an infantry private of the 30th Infantry Division.

I know I need a one piece bass cleaning rod, and possibly some aiming stakes.

What else would a heavy machine gun crew need? What else should I find?
What else would help add to the display?

I normally haul it all in a 1/4 ton trailer behind my '43 MB. However I'd love to have a hand cart.
1917a1 display 4.jpg
1917a1 display 4.jpg (72.87 KiB) Viewed 2915 times
1943 Willys MB285433 D.O.D. 12-3-1943
1951 M100 trailer D.O.D. 3/51
1951 M37 Truck D.O.D. 5-28-1951
M3 37MM ATG
M3A4 Hand Cart
Wife D.O.Delivery 7-21-1979
Boy D.O.Delivery. 2-15-2007
Girl D.O.Delivery. 4-9-2009
Girl D.O.Delivery. 10-23-2012


Greg Lalonde
G-Command Sergeant Major
G-Command Sergeant Major
Posts: 233
Joined: Thu May 24, 2012 7:37 am
Location: napa valley ca.

Re: what else do I need for my 1917a1 display?

Post by Greg Lalonde » Sat May 25, 2019 5:18 pm

i do living history displays during our annual mvcc spring meet in cal.we like to use sand bags for our 1919a4 and our 81 mm mortar displays.we dont use sand,way to heavy.we use garden type small tree bark,which really looks good.use the 27 buy 14 inch burlap.their light and stack very well..look on the mvcc web site(mvcc news .net)go to the gallery page and look at 2014 at tower park spring meet.youll see our mortar display.also if you look at a few different years, youll see a 1917 with our sand bags.hope this helps.

Andy Cole
Sergeant Major of the Gee
Sergeant Major of the Gee
Posts: 474
Joined: Wed Dec 24, 2008 6:36 am
Location: North Carolina

Re: what else do I need for my 1917a1 display?

Post by Andy Cole » Wed May 29, 2019 7:39 am

I have sandbags, but rarely take them. I should do that more often.

I have recently acquired an original 1944 dated compass, and have a 1944 dated map/courier case coming. It has a map of France. Also happen to be adding another Machine gun oil can from the same source.

I need a manual FT 0.30-A-4 which is the table of fire for indirect fire.
1943 Willys MB285433 D.O.D. 12-3-1943
1951 M100 trailer D.O.D. 3/51
1951 M37 Truck D.O.D. 5-28-1951
M3 37MM ATG
M3A4 Hand Cart
Wife D.O.Delivery 7-21-1979
Boy D.O.Delivery. 2-15-2007
Girl D.O.Delivery. 4-9-2009
Girl D.O.Delivery. 10-23-2012


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