Original German WWII 1941 Dated Tornister M39 Cowhide Backpack with Heer Army NCO School Markings Original Items

Original Item. Only One Available. This cowhide-covered rucksack was known as the Tornister (Knapsack) Model 39 (developed in 1939), which was developed from the earlier Model 34. Unlike the M34, the M39 does not have attached shoulder straps, and is instead intended to attach to the infantry Y-straps using the quick release clip rings that are fitted at the four corners of the knapsack, much like an A-Frame.

This example is in great shape, and looks to have all of the leather and metal components still present. As the war progressed the design was simplified for economical and practical reasons so the cowhide cover was eliminated making these packs especially scarce on today’s collector market. It retains virtually all of the fur on the cowhide cover and the leather is in very good service condition on the pack.

It still has an original maker marking on the rear between the upper clip ring fittings:

K.W.K.
1941

Additionally, the inside indicate that it saw service at the German Heer Army Junior NCO school in the Marienwerder region:

Heeresunteroffizierschule (J)
Marienwerder
3. Kp.

This would indicate it was in use by the 3. Kompanie (3rd Company) at the school. The pack definitely does show some wear, but definitely looks to possibly have stayed at the school, which helps explain why it is in such nice condition. We do not see any tears, and the leather is still supple, with just a bit of wear to the finish. The metal hardware shows some loss of the gray paint and oxidation. Measures approximately 12″H x 11″W x 4″D.

A really nice example of a hard to find backpack as used by German soldiers in WW2.