Above and below: A further selection of finds from the Gothic line area of Italy this year, including a broken Hautengiftungsalbe bottle. These orange bakelite bottles replaced the earlier Losantin tabletten issued at the outbreak of war. They were in turn carried in a small container in which swabs of material were held to assist in the wiping of affected areas in case of a gas attack.
There is also a Luftwaffe alloy belt buckle, which has lost the eagle and wreath motif. It is shown in detail below. The small buckle below the belt buckle is part of a German rifle sling buckle. The item at the bottom right being the remains of a German egg grenade.
Below: Further discoveries from the Gothic line area. From the top is a German aluminium tent spike in excellent condition. The fork is of Luftwaffe issue, although the markings have been eroded, an example of murphys law for detectorists it would appear!
The button is also of Luftwaffe issue, the small igniter possibly from a 2cm Flak gun. Part of a pen knife, and a rare cartridge case find from an MG131! Originally the cartridge also had the explosive bullet still attached, this was safely dispose of.
A nice personal item, probably worn by a Catholic GI. Did St. Joseph look after him we wonder?
