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Summary

The three pocket pebbled leather K98 rifle pouch (Patronentaschen 98K) held thirty rounds of 7.92mm ammunition. Two pouches were carried by the infantry soldier making this one of the most widely produced pieces of field gear.

Quote

"Germany neither intends nor wishes to interfere in the internal affairs of Austria, to annex Austria, or to conclude an Anschluss." Adolf Hitler - 21st May 1935

(above) Arrival of the English Foreign Minister Simon at the Berlin Tempfelhof airport on March 24, 1935. Members of the SS Leibstandarte stand in review. K98 pouches, steel helmets, and rifles can be seen on the LSSAH troops. (Bundesarchiv Bild 102-04458A)

WWII German M1911 K98 Rifle Ammunition Pouch - Luftwaffe Gallery

K98 ammo pouches that were issued to Luftwaffe (Air Force) units may have an LBA stamp on the inside of the middle pouch lid. Other Luftwaffe markings exist, as seen on the Curt Vogel pouch below. Pouches with brown thread are generally thought to be for the Luftwaffe.

1935

Luftwaffe marked inside middle pocket lid in ink. Very early original brown pebbled leather. Hardware is all aluminum as is typical with early pattern pouches. All clip dividers are present. Ink stamp inside middle lide reads "Flg. Staffel 1935" and "I" over "B St 35". Excellent condition. Indirectly acquired from a WWII US Army veteran from the 29th Infantry Division, living in Roanoke, Virginia, USA. (20070201)

1936

Luftwaffe unit marked inside middle pocket lid strap. Original chocolate brown pebbled leather. Hardware is all aluminum. All ammunition clip dividers are missing. Impression inside middle lid strap reads "K.Gr.II/255 Leipheim". Also stamped inside lid on either side of strap are the impressions "1937" and "H.K.". Perhaps this is a late 1936 build with acceptance in 1937. Remains of glue that once held a soldiers name tag inside of middle lid. Unusual position of D-ring. It is inverted from the typical orientation, but the leather seems like it was moulded for the usual mounting style. Pouch is a little dirty but solid condition. (20070304)

1937

Luftwaffe marked and named to "Karl Kern".  Dark brown pebbled leather.  Maker mark text in straight line.  All aluminum fittings.  All stripper clip dividers present.  The two vertical belt straps (smooth finish) are under the lower retaining straps. Pouches are owned by Erwin of the Netherlands and the photos are used by permission.

Chocolate brown pebbled leather with brown tread used in construction.  All dividers intact, smooth leather on belt straps and equipment ring mount.  Maker mark text is in straight line over year.  All painted aluminum fittings.  Ink stamp inside left pocket lid "L LNS" (Luftwaffe Nachrichten Schule) or Air Force Training School.

The city of Osnabrück is located in northwestern Germany.  Two-thirds of the city was destroyed by Allied bombings and thousands of civilians killed.  The city was first bombed on September 4, 1939 and ended on March 25, 1945.  The city was captured by the British Second Army on April 4th, 1945.  (20080121)

1938

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