Original German WWII Melde Kartentasche M35 Map/Dispatch Leather Case With Original Contents Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Map/dispatch cases were issued on a limited basis to specifically designated personnel such as unit commanders, messengers, and observers. The M35 map/dispatch case was based on the Weimar era, Reichsheer pattern map/dispatch case with minor variations. The M35 map/dispatch case underwent a front closure modification in mid-1936, and an additional small front pocket was added in 1938, although the early pattern cases continued to be manufactured through-out the war. The M35 map/dispatch cases were issued with assorted map reading tools, instruments and accessories.

Of Note: As with other armies the Germans had a Kriegskarten- und Vermessungswesen Abteilung, (War Maps and Surveying Department), under command of the OKH, Oberkommando des Heeres, (High Command of the Army). The war maps and surveying department was responsible for all army issue maps and worked in conjunction with the German Reichsamt für Landesaufnahme, (National Land Survey Office). Regulations dictated that army issue maps were exclusively for use of army personnel and that any reproduction or improper usage were punishable offenses. German army maps were generally named and numbered and were issued as required.

Regulations dictated that army issue maps were exclusively for use of army personnel and that any reproduction or improper usage were punishable offenses. German army maps were generally named and numbered and were issued as required.

The case is roughly, 27cm tall, and 19cm wide, and 5cm thick, with folding, accordion, expanding side panels. The case has a fold over top closure flap with a machine stitched on, vertical closure strap with “ladder” closure strap and bale to secure it with the smaller leather strap.

The front of the case features a vertical ruler pocket to the left side, seven central, vertical pencil holders and a small vertical pocket to the right side with an internal quick release pull tab. There are original maps still present in the respective pouches. When in the closed position the top fold over flap covers the top openings of the ruler, pencil and tool pockets to ensure against losing the items. The reverse of the case has two, machine stitched on, vertical belt loop straps with magnetic sheet metal, and pronged length adjustment roller buckles. The natural tan leather interior of the case has two compartments with a central, blackened, simulated leather separating panel. The interior of the case also has protective panels to both of the top side panels positioned underneath the top fold over flap.

A beautiful example that comes more than ready for further research and display.