Repop Fire Bottle

[crazydima]

Tovarischi,

Here is my repop of the infamous fire bottle aka "Molotov cocktail" as known by the west.

My repop is based upon research and copies of surviving bottles with labels still intact.

No speculation or conjecture. Just the facts.

i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/crazydima/IMG_0579.jpg

i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/crazydima/IMG_0580.jpg

It took a very short time to actually assemble it and no it will not burn. It is filled with an inert substance but the storm matches are real.

I am making other examples utilizing the other methods of ignition.

Sincerely,

Dima
(one who takes action)

[crazydima]

Tovarischi,

Fire bottles have more research and testing involved than many of us would realize.

There were many configurations used by various countries such as Britain, Germany, Finland, Soviet Union. All sorts of ignition systems were used including "storm matches" (sparklers), self igniting chemicals(sulfuric acid), metallic ignition systems, rags, etc.

I have been fortunate enough to run across many examples of the little jewels on various websites around the world and they are truly neat pieces of technology.

The Finns were the ones to truly develop it as a weapon with a method to the madness. The Soviets learned how to apply this same technology after losing approximately 350 tanks and other vehicles to such weapons during the Winter War.

After research and testing the Finns realized that the perfect bottle was the 1 liter vodka bottle which was produced in the state liquor factory. It utilized a screw cap which worked well.

Estimates are that in 115 days the Finnish factory cranked out approximately 542, 194 "Molotov Cocktails." Not bad.

Some of the mixtures listed as being utilized in the fire bottles included:
Petrol & Tar
Petrol, Kerosene & Tar
Potassium chlorate, Tar and Noulee
Benzene and gasoline
Flame Thrower fuel and gasoline
Waste Spirit and Kerosene

It appears that a lot of mass production was employed in making these lovely little fire makers.

However, necessity is the mother of invention and when there are no "commercially made" products available then it is time to improvise.

The 1941 "Partisans Companion" gives simple but effective instructions on how to craft one in the field using readily available materials.

The various components are as per listed in the following sources:

The Partisans Companion - 1941

The Battle of the Winter War
www.winterwar.com/Weapons/FinAT/FINantitank2.htm

Jaeger platoon
www.jaegerplatoon.net/OTHER_AT_WEAPONS1.htm

Fire and Ice
www.wfyi.org/fireandice/history/weaponry_finnish_ar.htm

Nazarian gun recognition type
www.nazarian.no/wep.asp?id=420&group_id=21&country_id=192&lang=0&p=1

Additionally I believe some of the information I obtained through some WWII magazine articles and first hand accounts I do not have in front of me but on my bookshelves.

I have never been one to rely on conjecture when perfectly good information is already available. Research is full of rewards.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Dima
(preconceived notions are highly overrated)

[jmatchlock]

Tovarischi,
I like to get a copy of the lable for your repop of the infamous fire bottle aka "Molotov cocktail"

[crazydima]

Tovarischi,

Due to the number of responses for the fire bottle label I have set up a place to start storing them for you to download.

Go to his website and you will find the label under the files section. You will find other various jpegs of fire bottles in the photos section.

groups.yahoo.com/group/Dimasarchive/

Additionally there will be other labels of interest for those doing RKKA.

Enjoy

Sincerely,

Dima

[Allenhof]

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