The oil tank had a storage capacity of 4.2 gallons (about 19 litres) and weighed just over 70 pounds (31.7 kilograms) fully laden. The pressurising valve, pressure gauge and propellant filling point are all located externally at the top of the tank these are protected by a metal cover (missing on this example). A dispersal lance on a flexible tube was attached to the angled outlet pipe at the lower right of the tank. The propellant pressurised the oil prior to firing.
It consists of a welded steel cylinder for oil storage, incorporating a small internal chamber in the top of the tank for propellant storage (different propellants were used - usually carbon dioxide or nitrogen). This unit was originally developed in 1912 as the kleine (small) Flammenwerfer (Kleif). It carries a crown on one side and the initials 'JR' on the reverse.ġ917 modification of the medium (mittlere) Kleif version of the First World War German Army man-pack flame thrower (Flammenwerfer). A pair of side legs extend from the lower end of the backplate to curve down under the tank - these are shod in rubber and are designed to provide additional support to the unit when not being worn.Ī lead seal, attached to a ring of twisted wire, is attached to the upper right shoulder strap support. A pair of supports, made from metal strapping designed to wrap around the wearer's waist are welded to the backplate.
Fitted to this are a pair of adjustable buckled leather shoulder straps, 45mm in width, held to either side of the tube with a washer and split pin. There is a vertical plate welded to the tank, padded with black felt, to which is screwed, at its highest point, a horizontal tube. It is impressed with the following details: (central) "1343 / LETZE DRUCKPROBE / 14.12.16 / HOCHST BETIEBSDRUCK / 25 ATM 11 KUGEL" and, around the circumference "FIEDLER FLAMMENAPPARATE GESELLSCHEFT m.b.H BERLIN 1916".Ī set of carrying straps are attached to the body of the tank. Welded to the lower right side is an outlet port to which is screwed a curving outlet pipe, 278mm in length, ending in a brass release valve with actuating handle.Ī circular maker's plate of mild steel is welded to the upper centre rear of the tank. An oil filling tube with a brass screw cover is welded to the upper left side.
However, the lower section of the cover hinge and the clamp strap on the opposite side still remain. A steel collar surrounds these, originally to locate the (now missing) protective cover. A brass pressurising valve, brass needle pressure gauge (both with knurled wheels) and propellant filling point are all located at the top of the tank. Three ball support feet are attached to the base. The oil tank is made from a heavy-gauge steel tube 330mm high with domed ends welded top and bottom, and painted black overall. This is the medium version of the German 1917 model flamethrower.
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