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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 combat infantry soldier making this one of the most widely produced pieces of field gear.

Quote

"In all my years as a soldier, I have never seen me fight so hard." Lieutenant General Wilhelm Bittrich - Commander of II SS Panzer Korps - (Commenting on the British Paratroopers at Arnhem) - September 1944

WWII German M1911 K98 Rifle Ammunition Pouch - Late Pattern Gallery

These are late pattern pouches that have no visible dates. This type of pattern features steel fittings, rivets, and short vertical belt straps riveted to the lower back. RBNr numbers were used instead of manufacturer names starting in late 1942. To date, no one has been able to decode RBNr numbers, although there is some speculation as to the meaning. Latest pouch to be added here is "0/0390/0184".

RBNr - No Date Visible

Black pebbled leather with rivets. All metal fittings are steel. Ammunition clip dividers are all present. Text "R.Btr.Nr. is above number stamp. One outside pocket bottom is crushed with some of the pebbled leather worn off. The belt straps show little to no use. (20070522)

Black pebbled leather with rivets. All metal fittings are steel including "D" style equipment ring. Ammunition clip dividers are all present although stiff from age. "R.B.Nr." text before number string inclosed in a pressed rectangle. Brown leather used on the inside is smooth with no pebbled pattern. Seller stated this was a US veteran bring back. (20080912)

Black pebbled leather with rivets. All metal fittings are steel. Ammunition clip dividers are all present. No RBNr text before number string. (20070718-02)

Black pebbled leather with sewn pocket lids. All metal fittings are steel. Ammunition clip dividers are all present. No RBNr text before number string. Two of the narrower lid straps have been replaced (pre-1945). Pockets are crushed and have lost original shape. Previously unknown RBNr. (20081202)

Black pebbled leather with rivets. All metal fittings are steel. Ammunition clip dividers are all present. No RBNr text before number string. The lid straps appear to have been replaced. (20070718-02)

Black pebbled leather with sewn pocket lids. All metal fittings are steel. Ammunition clip dividers are all present. "RBNr." text over number string. Handwritten symbol "HJ"? inside a pocket lid. (20081211)

Unissued condition. Black pebbled leather with two horizontal rows of stitching for each lid strap. Pocket bottom's are also sewn. All steel fittings used. All ammunition clip dividers present. Alphanumeric text "RBNr 0/0485/0002" is in a straight line. (20061227-02)

Common maker for K98 pouches. Black pebbled leather with two vertical rivets for each lid strap. All steel fittings with rivets used on pocket lids and bottom's. All rawhide ammunition clip dividers are present. White thread used to sew pockets to back. Alphanumeric text "RBNr 0/0485/0002" is 6 mm high and 35mm long. It is in a straight line and has been linked (by double stamp of RBNr and maker) to leather goods made in Jablunkau, known today in the Czech Republic. (20061219-01)

There is no "RBNr" prefix before the number string. Black pebbled leather with two vertical rivets for each lid strap. All steel fittings with rivets. Rawhide divider is attached in left pocket only, the others are loose and inside each pocket. White stitching used to sew pockets to back. Numeric text "0/0485/0002" is 4.5mm high and 27.5mm long. (20061128)

Clear inverted stamp of RBNr "0/0485/0002" on black pebbled leather. All metal fittings including rivets are steel. Rectangular D-ring may or may not be original to pouch although the RBNr had this type of ring. The outer three pocket section has separated from the back, allowing an insight to the construction. The back has a "B" impressed into the leather surface that would have been inside the pocket. All pocket lids are missing. (20071223-02)

Steel fittings with steel rivets throughout. Rectangular equipment ring secured with four rivets on leather loop. All rawhide clip dividers are present. RBNr text is in a straight line; unknown manufacturer. No "RBNr" prefix. (20061219-02)

Choice example of a RBNr marked transitional pattern pouch. All steel fittings painted field grey. Belt straps and equipment loop are held with rivets without reinforcement plates. The "R" in "RBNr." is under the thread providing further evidence that the manufacturer stamps were made before the pouch was assembled. Photos used by permission Joe G of Houston, Texas. (joe_g560)

Unusual construction method (typical of this manufacturer) of vertical stitching on lid straps on each side of vertical rivets. Pouch appears to be in unissued condition. Steel fittings with steel rivets throughout. All rawhide clip dividers are present. Rectangular equipment ring is flat on one side and rounded on the other side. RBNr in straight line, unknown maker. Light impression of the last number makes it very difficult to read. This pouch was discussed on the WAF. Another pouch with the same RBNr was discussed on the MCF. (20061227-01)

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