Original German Pre-WWII 1937 Dated Officer M35 Leather Dispatch Map Case marked “Stalingrad 1943” Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Map cases were issued on a limited basis to specifically designated personnel such as unit commanders, pilots, 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.

Made of a light brown, pebbled leather, this early pattern M35 map case is in good service used condition! It features a fold-over top flap with a vertical closure strap, as well as various pockets for a ruler, pencils, and various other map accessories. The rear has two vertical belt loop straps and buckles. Interior has two compartments with a central leather separators.

The interior of the case has some ink stamps on the inner lid, which is also marked & dated by maker SACHS & DEISSELBERG / HAMBURG / 1937. This same marking looks to be on the end of one of the two belt loops. The outer lid of the case has some very interesting markings, which are unfortunately quite faint. The top however we can read, and it is marked Stalingrad 1943, with more underneath that we cannot quite make out. We have left the map case 100% as found, as any cleaning might obliterate the markings on the lid.

Condition overall is good, especially considering the age. The leather is still mostly supple, though a bit dusty in areas. Unfortunately the seams have mostly given out in many areas, especially on the right side of the case and the bottom. There is also some leather splitting on the closure strap. Inside the case are some colored pencils, but we do not know if they are period.

A very nice piece of genuine German WWII field gear, ready to research and display!