WW1 Rifle Mud Covers: Lebel & Gewehr 98
This video explores the often-overlooked dust covers designed for World War 1 combat rifles, specifically examining French and German examples. It details the French 'couvre culasse,' a simple sheet metal shield for the Lebel and Berthier rifles, noting its integration and subsequent removal from certain upgrades. The video also discusses the German military's attempts to develop an effective dust cover, starting with an ill-fated cloth model and progressing to metal versions that faced challenges with material shortages and design practicality. The focus is on the historical development and implementation of these protective accessories in the harsh trench warfare conditions of WWI.












