Don't shoot the photographer...

Vlim · 06-04-2005, 02:55 PM

Recently purchased this photo in Belgium.

It shows a number of servicemen on target practice, one of them is taking aim at the photographer, blurring his luger in the process.

This is also mentioned in writing on the back of the photo:

'Zielubungen mit Pistole 08. <illegible> ziehlt auf den Fotografen'

'Target practice with Pistole 08. <illegible> aims at the photographer'

The photo regrettably was glued into a black-paged album, obscuring some of the writing on the back. I succeeded in clearing most of the writing, but the name or designation of the shooter is lost.

(the blurring on the left side of the photo is present on the original, which is about 1.5 by 2 inches in size)

Paul L · 06-04-2005, 03:39 PM

Gerben,

Neat photo, can you discern the timeframe of the photo, as in what era ????

You certainly do come across some great photos across the pond..........

Regards, Paul

Rod WMG · 06-04-2005, 04:00 PM

He looks as if he means it. Wonder if the cameraman survived?

Dwight Gruber · 06-04-2005, 04:56 PM

An empty gesture perhaps, it appears that he may be holding the magazine in his other hand.

And yes, a neat picture.

--Dwight

the gunman · 06-04-2005, 05:32 PM

Gerben what a great photo. You sure have a knack for finding these wonderful photo's

Karl · 06-04-2005, 07:08 PM

Gerben,
You might be able to recover part of the illegible name with your digital camera. Try adjusting contrast in a photo editing program like photoshop, also try taking an infra-red photo.
There is another word, perhaps in pencil?, on top of the passage you cited. Looks like it begins with a capital "R," ends in "f"?

Pete Ebbink · 06-04-2005, 07:11 PM

Looks like a few fellows have their trigger finger on the trigger already and they are not even pointing down range at the target yet...wonder if many accidents occurred that day...?

Vlim · 06-05-2005, 09:07 AM

Karl,

You are correct, there is a word written in pencil, which seems to read as 'AUF'. Probably just a note to remember to stick this one in the album.

These albums were common items and were used to remind drafted soldiers of their service time.

If I have to guess at the timeframe, the early nazi-era, around 1935. Uniforms are old style and equipment isn't really up to date. The Velox photo paper isn't much help, as this was in use from the 1920s until the 1980s.

Sadly, many of these albums are being torn apart, as the individual images make more money than complete albums...

Here are some examples of such an album, still in complete untouched shape, dating from 1936.

MarkC · 06-05-2005, 08:40 PM

Just my opinion but the enlisted mans belt buckle seems seems to be Weimer era with a raised "crown".

http://www.p38guns.com/Weimer.htm

Mark

06-04-2005, 02:55 PM	#1
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,989 Times in 1,205 Posts	Don't shoot the photographer... Recently purchased this photo in Belgium. It shows a number of servicemen on target practice, one of them is taking aim at the photographer, blurring his luger in the process. This is also mentioned in writing on the back of the photo: 'Zielubungen mit Pistole 08. <illegible> ziehlt auf den Fotografen' 'Target practice with Pistole 08. <illegible> aims at the photographer' The photo regrettably was glued into a black-paged album, obscuring some of the writing on the back. I succeeded in clearing most of the writing, but the name or designation of the shooter is lost. (the blurring on the left side of the photo is present on the original, which is about 1.5 by 2 inches in size)

06-04-2005, 03:39 PM	#2
Paul L User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Monroe County, SE Mich. Posts: 76 Thanks: 5 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Gerben, Neat photo, can you discern the timeframe of the photo, as in what era ???? You certainly do come across some great photos across the pond.......... Regards, Paul

06-04-2005, 04:00 PM	#3
Rod WMG User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The Edge of Texas Posts: 514 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	He looks as if he means it. Wonder if the cameraman survived?

06-04-2005, 04:56 PM	#4
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,902 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,318 Times in 431 Posts	An empty gesture perhaps, it appears that he may be holding the magazine in his other hand. And yes, a neat picture. --Dwight

06-04-2005, 05:32 PM	#5
the gunman User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Leland NC 28451 Posts: 1,017 Thanks: 1 Thanked 13 Times in 12 Posts	Gerben what a great photo. You sure have a knack for finding these wonderful photo's

06-04-2005, 07:08 PM	#6
Karl Lifer - Twice Over Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Savannah Posts: 522 Thanks: 0 Thanked 271 Times in 118 Posts	Gerben, You might be able to recover part of the illegible name with your digital camera. Try adjusting contrast in a photo editing program like photoshop, also try taking an infra-red photo. There is another word, perhaps in pencil?, on top of the passage you cited. Looks like it begins with a capital "R," ends in "f"?

06-04-2005, 07:11 PM	#7
Pete Ebbink User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The USA Posts: 5,919 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Looks like a few fellows have their trigger finger on the trigger already and they are not even pointing down range at the target yet...wonder if many accidents occurred that day...?

06-05-2005, 09:07 AM	#8
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,989 Times in 1,205 Posts	Karl, You are correct, there is a word written in pencil, which seems to read as 'AUF'. Probably just a note to remember to stick this one in the album. These albums were common items and were used to remind drafted soldiers of their service time. If I have to guess at the timeframe, the early nazi-era, around 1935. Uniforms are old style and equipment isn't really up to date. The Velox photo paper isn't much help, as this was in use from the 1920s until the 1980s. Sadly, many of these albums are being torn apart, as the individual images make more money than complete albums... Here are some examples of such an album, still in complete untouched shape, dating from 1936.

06-05-2005, 08:40 PM	#9
MarkC User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 478 Thanks: 1 Thanked 109 Times in 26 Posts	Just my opinion but the enlisted mans belt buckle seems seems to be Weimer era with a raised "crown". http://www.p38guns.com/Weimer.htm Mark