Original Items: Only One Lot of 6 Available. The basic German Infantryman’s webbing consists of the equipment by which he carries the items necessary to survive and fight. It consisted of a leather waist belt with leather Y-straps that went over the shoulders. Later in the war these were supplemented by canvas webbing ones, initially supplied to troops in tropical zones, due to their cheapness and practicality. Attached to this were items such as ammunition pouches (which varied according to the weapon carried), a bayonet (Seitengewehr), an entrenching tool (Schanzzeug), a bread bag (Brotbeutel), a canteen (Feldflasche), a gas mask container (Tragebusche) and possibly even a pistol and holster.
Quite often, the gas mask was ‘disposed’ of, and the container used to carry personal items, extra rations and ammunition. In addition, an assault pack (Sturmgepäck) could be attached at the back using an ‘A-Frame’ and consisted of the Model 31 Cooking Pot (Kockgeschirr), a small bag for carrying additional equipment over which was placed a rolled up poncho with tent pole sections and pegs (Zeltbahnrolle), a blanket and (if necessary) the greatcoat rolled up and placed around the other items in a horseshoe shape and attached by straps. On the march however, the Marching Pack (Marschgepäck) could be attached to the ‘A-Frame’ with the greatcoat, blanket and poncho wrapped around that instead. The Marching Pack was gradually replaced from 1943 onwards with the Model 1944 Rucksack, due its increased practicality.
This is a wonderful assortment of WWII German Army field gear and pouches. They are all in lovely, service used condition and are free of any extensive damage.
The items in this lot:
– x2 M31 Canteens WITH Straps: Both canteens are in lovely condition and does have the expected moth nips present in the felt covers. Both canteen dfo not have any extensive damage present.
– x2 Mauser 98k Triple Pouches: These are very nice German WWII issue black pebble-grain leather triple Patronentaschen (ammunition pouch), designed to hold stripper clips for the Mauser k98K rifle. This was the standard German infantry rifle throughout WWII for all forces, even the Kriegsmarine / Navy. These pouches would be attached to the waist belt, and would be attached to combat suspenders using the rings on the back. Each pocket holds two stripper clips of 5 rounds, so each pouch holds 6 clips, or 30 rounds. Both are in great condition and have markings present.
– Radio Headset: These are honestly one of the best examples we have seen. Surprisingly enough the cloth protecting the wires is nearly 100 percent present, something rarely seen. There are markings on the earcups but they are difficult to read. The wiring in the plug portion is exposed and barely connected, so do not plug these into a working radio if you have one, needs to be repaired first.
– Enameled M31 Messkit: This is a fantastic unmarked enameled example. The enameling is almost 100 percent complete and in fantastic condition.
All items come more than ready for further research and display.