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Welcome to a
detailed walk
through the details and specifications of the famous Patronentrommel 34
The
photo above is one of the very few original photos I have managed
to find that shows the Patronentrommel 34 in use. It appears that the
gun has been put into the AA-role, as the AA-sights are in place and
the gunner has his eyes on the sky. The observer with the binoculars is
watching the horizon though. Might be a early campaign photo from
Poland
or (most likely) from a pre-war exercise.The double decal helmets and
dark collared M36
uniforms supports this theory.
The overall view (or what is actually what!)
According
to the Heeresdienstvorschrift (Field Manual) 127/1 from 1936: "The
Cartridge drum ensures the supply of cartridges during shooting at
air-targets, and can be used towards ground targets
if a state of high readiness during advancement is needed.
Capacity is 75 rounds."
The MG34
originally came with a very wide range of accessories, but as the war
progressed the number of accessories manufactured dwindled. The
Patronentrommel 34 (PT34) is special, as it appears that it wasn't just
decided to stop the manufacturing of it, but the existing numbers of
the PT34 must have been withdrawn from service and then re-circulated
(as in destroyed!) during
the war. According to the text above the PT34 was obviously meant
for the Mg34 in the AA role or as a static gun.
It also saw use on the Zwillingsockel
36, in tanks, on armoured
cars (SdKfz 221 above)
and halftracks.
(Picture by courtesy of Carles
in Barcelona)
The above picture shows a burnt out SdKfz
251 half-track vehicle. Note that both the front and rear (although
fallen into the bottom of the vehicle) MG has been set up with
the PT34. 5 burnt out Patronentrommel 34's can be seen on the inside
wall just in front of the standing soldier.
The
above picture shows a experimental tank turret set-up (note the turret
is on a wooden-stand). The MG34 used are of the standard type,
and
not the "Panzermantel" normally found in tanks of later production. The
Trommelhalters in use are of the "Model 1", with the MG15
release-button-safety!
This wall-chart show the different accessories available for the MG34
in 1941 when it was printed.
The MG34 could be fed either by a 75 round magazine
(PT34) or with a belt (Gurt).
The belt was normally a 50 round belt, but could be linked together to
any desired length. There was also a manufactured 250 round belt (as
visible in the picture above), the Gurt 33. When on the move or when an
assistant
gunner wasn't practical, the 50 round belt encased in
a Gurtrommel 34 was used. The Gurtrommel 34 proved very practical
and saw use until the end of the war, also
with the Mg42.
 
But what is important to understand is that the Gurtrommel
34 is NOT a magazine. It simply holds a curled 50 round belt to stop it
from snagging, twisting and getting stuck!
The Patronentrommel 34 is indeed a magazine
and a rather complicated one as such!
It holds 75 loose rounds in two spring-powered spirals twisting in
opposite direction, feeding the chamber from opposite
sides in turn.
Compared to the Gurttrommel
the positive effects are of course that the gun will not lean to one
side, as the magazine loose its
rounds in an
even way, and you have 25 more rounds at your disposal. The negative
effects are of course the added weight of the complicated mechanism,
the complicated mechanism itself that needs to be held "tuned" to
obtain the correct spring pressure, and the fact that you can't switch
to belted ammo once your heavy magazines runs out of juice! Once the
Gurttrommel is empty, the gunner
can simply switch to belts carried in boxes or around the neck (as the
HJ-gunner above!). When the
Patronentrommel is empty, another heavy Trommel
is needed, or the cover had to be switched and a feed tray
installed. In addition, the reloading of belts can be done by
hand, while the Patronentrommel 34 needs
tools to be reloaded. Due to this, the PT34 was primarily meant to be
used with the Dreibein
34 in the AA role, and only secondary as an assault magazine.
The
big confusion
So, now we know the
difference between a Gurttrommel 34 and a Patronentrommel
34. The next problem to sort out is the MG-15 / MG-34 saddle drum
trouble! The MG15 was
designed as an onboard gun and was used in many of the Luftwaffe's
bomber, transport and recognisance planes. The only magazine
ever made for the MG15 was the Doppeltrommel 15 (D-T 15). As
the war progressed and the number of available LW aircrafts dwindled,
the
MG15 was put into service on the ground. This was achieved by adding a
butt
stock
and a MG34 bipod mounted on a special jacket bracket, as well as new
sights.
 
The D-T 15 is now available in big numbers in mint condition, as a
large batch
of these guns (MG15) with accessories was exported to Bulgaria during
the war and then
re-exported to the USA post-war as parts kits. The PT34 is obviously
based
on the D-T 15, but redesigned to fit and function properly on the MG34.
A D-T 15 will not fit on a MG34, but a PT34 can be used on a MG15.
The PT34 is approximately 250 grams lighter than the D-T 15.
Mostly due to a simplified spring mechanism.
  
The
above
photos show a D-T 15 (top) compared with a PT34. I must apologize for
the condition of the
PT34. It is a "Wasserfund" (found under water),
but these things don't grow on trees... I know a few other collectors
with mint examples though!
The
re-design (from the D-T 15 to the PT34) was done so that the basic
design of the D-T 15 (of a 75 round saddle drum) could be utilized on
the newly developed
MG34.
First of all, in order to make this happen, the release latch design
had to be changed. The function of this latch is to assist the gunner
in removing the magazine. Used in combination with the strap only
one hand was needed to install and remove the magazine.
The D-T 15 latch has a flat top and a lower edge that has been
bent slightly outwards. The PT34 has a
latch with a straight, narrower front edge and a bulge on top.
Width
is the same. In
addition, the PT34 latch is missing a reinforcement
rib which is on the D-T 15 latch on the rear end.
This redesign was crucial, as the D-T 15 handle would not fit
on the MG34. (See below!)
As can be seen on the above photo, the D-T 15 will not go all
the way forward as the magazine release latch prevents the full
depression
of the magazine needed to lock it in the correct position. This can be
remedied by removing the latch altogether. This does not give you a
fully operational magazine though!
Secondly, the spring pressure on the D-T 15 magazines proved too tight
for the MG34 bolt spring, so reliable functioning was not achieved.
This was remedied by substituting the clockwork spring
mechanism with a new and much simplified coiled spring. It is
possible to
shoot a MG34 with a D-T 15 if the locking latch is removed and the
magazine is only half-full.
The
magazines look identical at first glance, but the easiest way to tell
them apart is to study the drum axis. On the front end of the housing
the D-T 15 has 4 screws which hold
the internal clockwork spring mechanism drum attached. The centre
of the axis is in plain view, and a
engraved radius line will show any movement of the axis. The
PT34 has a circular cover attached with two tiny screws, as well as
some markings. For further details about the cover markings, see the
drum-adjusting section.
The rear end of the axis also shows differences, although not as easy
to spot. On the D-T 15 the housing plate has a reinforcement
ring
riveted with 4 rivets around the axis hole. On the PT34
the housing plate has no reinforcement
at all, the hole around the axis is larger and the spring cover plate
inside has 4 depressions easily seen from the rear.
Markings
on the Patronentrommel 34 and Doppeltrommel
15
The
markings on the two
models vary slightly. The PT34 has a maker logo (alternatively a
three-letter code), a date (year) and a serial number. The same
information can be found on the front cover. The D-T
15 is marked in the same way, but in addition it has the abbreviation
"D-T 15" (model designation) and it has also got the Luftwaffe item
stock number "Fl. 46300" on the top, which can not be found on the
PT34. The D-T 15 lacks the year on the front cover, and only some have
the maker logo/code
here as well. Markings vary according to date and manufacturer.
The rear lip of the magazine opening is marked with a army WaA,
while the D-T 15 magazines have a LW
acceptance mark in the same position. There is also a tiny LW
acceptance stamp above the WaA on both PT34 specimens I
have studied! In the left photo below it can be seen above the "W" in
WaA. This tiny stamp can also be
found on early D-T 15 drums, but not the later ones. It is stamped on
the rear locking lip, a part which is riveted to the magazine housing.
It would be fair to assume that the production of the D-T 15 and the
PT34 drew accepted parts from the same pile, although they were LW
accepted only!
The Patronentrommel 34 has a set of adjusting instructions on the front
cover that can't be found on the D-T. 15. See the adjustment section
for more details!
Both drums have inspection
holes for
0-25-50-75
rounds on the right drum with the numbers stamped by the hole and
painted red, but only the holes for 0-75 rounds can be found on the
left side, and only “0” has been
stamped
and painted. There are a
lot of smaller inspection markings and
the
likes on all parts of the PT34, but significance is lost! On my
specimen all parts have a circle with HASAG and a number within a
circle.
Well,
with the number of exisiting PT34's rising day by day (as fast as they
can be fished out of lakes!) I am not going to try to put a "current"
value on them. But I have managed to lay my hands on the "J
Gerätverszeichnis
Infanteriegerät, Teil 2, Maschinengewehre, Berlin 1938"
which actually lists the prices of both complete units and parts, and
also lists all parts for the PT34!
(Above
list supplied by courtesy of Bernd
Birkholz)
Der Trommelhalter
The
use
of the Patronentrommel 34 is of course closely linked with the
Trommelhalter. The Trommelhalter substituted the
normal cover with the feeding mechanism and the feed
tray when in use, thereby switching the gun from
belt feeding to magazine use.
The picture above is from TM E9-206A German 7.9-mm Dual Purpose Machine
Gun MG34, 1943. The German designation has been translated to "Magazine
holder", which is very correct!
The Trommelhalter
came in two different models. The "J"
list mentioned above states that "MG34's with the factory number of 300
to 2300" was issued with a special Trommelhalter. This should indicate
that the guns numbered 1-300 wasn't issued with
a Trommelhalter, the
guns numbered 301-2300 was issued with the Model 1, and that the guns
numbered 2301 and onwards was issued with the "Model 2". This "Model 1"
is special as it has no dust doors and a magazine release safety lock
copied from the MG15.
The D.127/1 from
1936 shows a Model 1 Trommelhalter and
a prototype cooking handle with a knob. As the locking latch appears to
be machined (and not stamped like production units) my guess is that
the gun in this illustration is a pre-production prototype.
The
following pictures shows a standard Trommelhalter (Model 2).
The
Trommelhalter
normally has a serial number with or without a
index letter. It is still unclear if this number is indeed matching the
gun it was once issued with. If so, was there a Trommelhalter
for every gun manufactured in the early years of production? The
Trommelhalter
itself has several parts, and according to early German WW2
craftsmanship, the serial number’s last two digits can be found on most
small parts of the Trommelhalter.
The
picture above shows the Trommelhalter broken down in parts. Picture
taken from "D124/1 Maschinengewehr 34, Teil 1, Waffe"
The aforementioned "J"
list also list the parts for both the Model 1 and Model 2
Trommelhalters with prices. Note that exchangable parts with the
standard feed cover (Zuführer) was not listed!
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| Model 1
Trommelhalter |
Model 2
Trommelhalter |
The
Patronentrommel 34 in use
War-time
photos of the PT34 in use appear to be
very rare. Pictures showing it in use are mostly from pre-war
manoeuvres.
The picture
above shows a Mg34 on a Dreibein 34 equipped with a
Patronentrommel 34. Note the fallen camouflage and the
leather pouch on the gunners left hip. This is the Klapphacke
(Collapsible pickaxe)
carried according to regulations together with his P.08 and the MG
Werkzeugtasche (Gunners tool
box).
According to the HDV
127/1 Schütze 4 (Gunner
#4) was supposed to carry the Dreibein
34, together with the Trommelträger
34 with two Patronentrommels,
a entrenching tool, a P.08 and a Zuführertasche
m. Zuführer oder Tromelhalter.
The Zuführertasche
was
a brown leather pouch carried on the belt, in the shape of a top cover,
but with a slightly wider pouch on the top front containing the
cartridge board. I have a set of pictures of a surviving specimen, bot
I am
not allowed to reproduce the pictures here. Up until now I have had no
original pictures of the Zuführertasche, but as always, these things
surface sooner or later!
Meet Schütze 4!
(Picture
by courtesy of Gabor in Budapest)
This
picture is from a pre-war manouver, note the Drillich trousers! Easily
identified is the Schütze 4 (Gunner
#4) on the far left in the picture. According to the HDV
127/1 he carries the Dreibein
34 slung across his back, a Patronentrommel 34 (he should have had a
Trommelträger 34 with 2 PT34!), a P.08 and a Zuführertasche
m. Zuführer!
An
enlargement shows the mysterious Zuführertasche even better!
Actual use?!
Here
follows a how-to guide for
the lucky owners!
Install the Trommelhalter. Place
the left hand under the strap on the magazine, place the magazine in
the Trommelhalter,
front end down, and press it down until the latch on the Trommelhalter
snaps into
position. Make sure the strap has returned to it's "flat" position!
To
remove the PT34, cock the
gun and set the safety at "Sicher".
Place the left hand under the strap on the magazine, and remove the
magazine by pressing the hand against the strap and pushing with the
fingers against the latch on top of the magazine.
(Picture by courtesy of Ed S)
The
picture above shows a NCO at the firing range. Note how the top-strap
is interfering with the line-of-sight, as it hasn't been depressed
properly after the installation of the magazine. The same problem can
be viewed on the first picture on the next page.
This picture was taken from the D.127/2 and shows the MG34 with a PT34
in the AA-role on a Krupp Protze
truck, mounted on the Fliegerdrehstütze
36. Note use of sunglases by the gunner, as described in the MG34
operator's manual!
The
Patronentrommel 34 in
manuals and period publications
The
PT34 and Trommelhalter were well described in all the
early war manuals published by the Wehrmacht on the subject of the
MG34. Especially the D.127/1 "Anleitung für die
Bedienung
und Verwendung des M.G. 34,
Teil 1, als l.m.g.", from 11 Oktober 1936 goes heavily into
details about the PT34. The D124/1 "Maschinengewehr 34, Beschreibung,
Handhabungs- und Behandlungsanleitung, Teil 1, Waffe" from 1. August
1941, also
has lots of information about the PT34, the accessories and the
Trommelhalter. But, when the
same publication is re-released two years later on 1. September 1943,
absolutely all mentioning of the PT34, it's accessories and
the Trommelhalter has been removed. So it
appears that by mid-43 the PT34 was no longer in
use at all!
On May 25,
1943 the Military intelligence service of the War Department issued a
handbook called "German Infantry Weapons" (Special series, no 14). It
appears to be based on observers, enemy documents, published propaganda
pictures, British publications and wherever possible; actual
examination and operation of the weapon concerned. It covers
the MG34 in depth, and also covers the use of the "75 round double
drum".
The picture above is taken from the handbook discussed
above. What is interesting is the fact that the release latch
was missing when the picture was drawn. It is highly likely that the
gun examined did not come with a PT34 at all, but a D-T 15!
A D-T 15 with the latch installed would not be possible to use
on the Trommelhalter.
In addition, the drawing shows the typical
tensioning ratchets of the D-T 15, and not the
PT34 which has a larger centre
hole and thinner-walled axis bolt. The same manual also have a
interesting note on the MG42:
"It is not known whether a special feed cover to take a 75-round
saddle-type drum is made for this gun". Keeping in mind that
this book was released long before most German units could even dream
about receiving any MG42's it's not a bad guess, although the PT34 was
probably already
history for the Mg34! W.H.B.
Smiths “Small arms of the world”, 1948 edition has what I believe to be
a Aberdeen Proving ground picture of a MG34 with accessories, showing a
saddle drum with the release latch missing, and yes; it is a D-T 15.
Most likely the studies for the handbook above were based on this
actual captured weapon with accessories!
Another publication, obviously not known to the writer of the handbook
above was released on 13 April 1943: TM E9-206A German 7.9-mm Dual
Purpose Machine
Gun MG34. This TM is relatively accurate on the subject, and it is
beyond doubt that the writer has had full access to both the PT34 and
the Trommelhalter.
(Note
non-correct use of hand
strap
in the picture above!)
The German publications from 1936 to 1941 are stuffed with pictures of
the drum and accessories.
Carrying the
Patronentrommel 34
The PT34 is a heavy object,
especially when
filled with cartridges. The Germans invented a device to ease the
transport of the PT34's in the field. The carrying handle mounted on
each PT34 is too stiff to aid in this function and is only practical as
a hand-support when attaching the PT34 to the Trommeldeckel, or when
only carrying 1 single PT34.
The answer was the Trommelträger
34.
Apart from
pictures in manuals and the accessory wall chart
(above) I have never seen a picture of a Trommelträger
34 in "real life". But, a good friend in Germany has now shared these
photos! Although not the Trommelträger 34, it looks
very similar!
(Pictures
by courtesy of Bernd Birkholz)
The
above photos show a carrying frame for the Patronentrommel 13, the
Trommelträger 13, that appears to be ground-dug. The
PT13 has not been discussed in this article as it is fundamentally
different in shape, and also extremely rare! The Trommelträger 34 and
Trommelträger 13 are quite similar though!
The Patronenträger 34 was constructed to take two PT34, carried across
according to the
photo above, and would function very much the same way as the
Gurtrommelträger, but
considerably heavier!
 
These pictures
show the Patronenträger
34 on bicycles, with the Patronentrommel 34 inserted in the carrying
frame.
Note how the use of the AA Dreibein
34 is linked with the use of the PT34.
This picture
shows the stowage of
2 full Patronenträger 34's onboard
a
Krupp Protze truck.
And just to avoid any confusion once again! The D-T 15 also
had a carrying frame, but is much simpler than the Trommelträger
34. It has a
capacity of 3 D-T 15.
Post-war
use & copies
As the
PT34 and the Trommelhalter appears to have been
removed from active duty approximately mid 1943 very few examples of
the PT34 appears to have survived the war. It appears that no post-war
army actually had any numbers of these. But as the collector market
grows more and more aware of the scarcity of these, more and more
appears to "re-surface". Just a few years back, known examples could
only be studied at museums, but lately several fine
examples can be found on collector's hands! Some are fished out of
lakes and others are ground dug. But late 2008 a very fine specimen was
found in a garage sale in the US. So they are out there!
I saw my first Trommelhalter back in 1985 in
"Regimentals" in London. There was a nice pile of unfinished (in the
white) Trommelhalters resting on the
shelf, but of course copies! Until the start of this millennium
originals remained
"Chicken-teeth" rare. Then an unknown number of them
(according to rumour) was rediscovered in a old Russian army depot in
the former Königsberg area. These covers (or
magazine holders!) are all genuine, and are easily identified by the
fact that the three large WaA's placed on the top are "X"'ed
out,
due to their clear swastikas. Apparently, covers not destroyed by the
end of the war must have been gathered up and stored away by the
Russians. But without the PT34, they saw no further use post-war!
Copies of
the Trommelhalter
have
been manufactured steadily over the last decades, but never in a large
scale. Sadly, I have no photo of these. The PT34 has not been copied to
my knowledge, but almost every second Militaria-dealer selling D-T 15's
also claim they will fit the MG34! Modified D-T 15 magazines are now
also available in the USA, which will fit and
function on the Trommelhalter and the MG34.
So,
how do you fill and adjust a Patronentrommel 34? Check out my Adjusting
the PT34 page!
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