Is this a maxim machine gun ammo box?

[cricketchris1944]

Looks like you were right.
chris

[MG1918]

Kradspam asked the right questions. Sorry for the delay I have been away. This is a WWI 'adapted' MG08 ammo box. WWII patterns were made but with different handle configs on the lid. This one has had its normal fastener removed and inner divider, so for me clearly a WWI box that saw service in WWII, probably for tools or something similar. Hundreds of these still appear in France where farmers have cut out the middle and still use them, indeed only last week i saw one strapped to a tractor!
Mark

[cricketchris1944]

Very nice Info.
I like the story about the tractor.
chris

[MG1918]

I attempted to follow the tractor but through typically "brilliant French evasive driving" he escaped me.
Further to the previous threads there are many double ammo boxes surfacing on the auctions with all sorts of modifications so with such changes occurring nearly 100 years ago after WWI it is so difficult to tell. there are even people changing normal ammo boxes into WWI MG armourer chests so one has to be very careful.
Mark

[cricketchris1944]

Thank you for the info.
Good stuff.
chris

[Hoss]

The right box one in the photo looks like a rare puppy.

Eric

[cricketchris1944]

The right box one in the photo looks like a rare puppy.

Eric

It does look interesting.
chris