Map Reading Gear

Drawing Ruler & Plan Sector (Zeichen-Lineal & Plansektor)

Correct me if I am wrong. I have been searching for a long time for the German names of the map table ‘Planunterlage 700x700mm’ accessories but in vain. Until acquired the ‘Gebr. Wichmann Haupt-Katalog  20. Ausgabe’ found the following information:   Plotting Ruler There are no pictures of the ruler in the catalog, but a…
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RDP Protractor In Action

Putting the protractor in use on the map table. But didn’t want to fold and pin holes on the fragile original 1:25000 map. And dare not to press pins on the restored table top. Just put a piece of plywood board under the map and put a centering pin at the existing fold hole. The…
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Replica RDP Protractor with Pouch for PIU 700×700 Map Table

As mentioned before the PIU 700×700 map table was designated for ‘Measure and Fire control’ and equipped with accessories. It has a curve pouch mounted to one side of the table rim for the RDP (Range Deflection Protractor). And a 68cm long plotting ruler stored at the wooden slot under the table. Let’s concentrate on…
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Reich Ink Bottle (Reichstine)

Everything has its destiny.  Two years ago I bought a ground dug ink bottle from Poland, the seller claimed it was found from a German position. Unlike the smooth open for cork plug, there is screw track at the opening and designed to hold a pen horizontally on its extension platform, that’s a lovely feature.…
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Kartenbrett 34 KB34 by cme

This is my lucky year. After the Map Tables and the Plotting Set came home the most hard-to-find item obtained. Searching it for nearly a decade now the KB34 (Artillery Map board with a RDP protractor) had reunited with its family. This board is smaller than the Heer Kartenbrett in 35 x 24cm. Made by…
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The Unknown Map Board

Recently obtained an interesting map board from a post for sale on the ‘WWII German Signal and communications Equipment’. Maker Franz Kuhlmann Wilhelmshaven (same maker of my PIU 700×700 version one map table) and the WaA 278 army eagle proved that it is an issue item. It is a big piece of board without folding…
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Cartographer Set — Planausrüstung Box Restoration–Completed

The set has been fully restored. It is a well used set throughout the war and still in service after the war to the 50s or 60s. Standard issued items have been consumed and replaced by similar items in different brands and shapes. Most important is the long scissors,  metal squares, the triangle ruler and…
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Map Table PIU 700 x 700 —Transit Cover Version One

The transit cover for the PIU 700×700 map table ‘Version One’ replica was born. It is to cover the wooden table top and the protractor in its pouch. As well as to protect the four edges of the brass angle straps during transit and storage. The details of the original cover is unknown; only one…
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Cartographer Set — Planausrüstung Box Restoration—Internal

Initially he internal of the box seems not too much affected by the bugs. Only holes on the rims, seems an easy fix.   The horror of cosmetic cover up  But later found it is a cover up, should not by the seller buy someone else before he bought. The plate with hinges found two…
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Cartographer Set — Planausrüstung Box Restoration—External

Vacuum clean the entire box at outdoor, hammering every side to forcing the powder out. Expose to hot sun (under shelter) to reach high temperature to kill the bugs . Spraying disinfectant couple of time within days. Should be all cleared, but powder remain was still came out but less and less. Wood powder shoot…
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