WWII German M1911 K98 Rifle Ammunition Pouch - SS Gallery
These are K98 pouches from my personal collection that are related to the Schutzstaffel or SS. Through research and the respected opinions of other collectors, it is thought that these are authentic SS markings. I have other pouches that are marked with hand written SS letters/runes and not listed here because of authenticity problems. The latest pouch to be added to this page is "JOS. POESCHLs SÖHNE A.G. 1939". Note: Many pouches that are marked with SS stamps have been faked to increase the value. Use caution when considering the purchase of any SS stamped equipment.
1939
ROHRBACHER LEDERFABRIK
JOS. POESCHLs SÖHNE A.G.
ROHRBACH / OBERDONAU
1939
This is a rare and superb example of a truly unissued early pattern K98 ammunition pouch in natural / tan leather. All aluminum fittings and all the dividers (of course) are present. The ammunition pocket cover straps have never been pulled down over the bottom mounted securing posts! It seems the SS may have been experimenting with a brown color ammunition pouch (other attributes appear to be the same as with the standard black issue pouches). These may have also been for Police issue. All the straps are in excellent condition although there is some slight shrinkage to the securing straps, since they were never stretched to fit over the bottom posts. There is the letter "B" at the (unfinished side) end of the middle lid strap and another "L" at the (unfinished side) end of the left (when viewed from the front) belt strap.
Attached to the rectangular equipment strap “D” ring, there is a twine rope with a test sample “Probe” card marked “Originalprobe” (“original sample”). The tag backing is a black colored card that is about 1.5 mm thick and made of an unknown material. This unique item is a bit color faded, but the printing is fully legible, and a typed notation reads: “für Patronentasche Leder. Art.Nr.253.". According to Bill Shea, this means "ammunition pouch, leather article number 253". The date stamped in ink on the tag is "1. APR. 1942" which is interesting, since the cartridge pouch was clearly manufactured in 1939. The bottom of the tag indicates the facility as being the “Bekleidungswerk der Waffen-SS Dachau” or "Waffen-SS Clothing Works". Below that is the handwritten text "i.V" meaning "in Vertretung" or "on behalf". The handwritten name that appears to be "Gaube" is also at the bottom of the tag. Thanks to "naxos" of the WAF for the handwritten translation help.
The reverse of the card has a hardened, thick brick red wax seal overlaying the tag string. Portions of the seal’s outer edges have broken off and flaked away, but a large portion remains. Having evidence that it was once inventoried in the store rooms of the infamous Dachau concentration camp makes this a historically significant K98 pouch. (20080112)
1941
FR. OFFERMAN u. SOHNE
BENSBERG
1941
Very early, late pattern pouch with all steel fittings, black pebbled leather. Purchased from a seller in Germany. Equipment loop leather is of a different surface pattern than the rest of pouch. Traces of the original gray paint remains on the rectangular equipment loop. All dividers are present. Thread has come loose from the corner of the center pocket lid. One of only two known makers of late pattern pouches dated 1941. Eagle and swastika stamped on the back with the clear letters "ZZA" below the swastika and an illegible character at the end. Two SS runes appear to be before the "ZZA" characters. This is an unknown stamp and I'm researching it. While not relevant for this pouch, known Waffenamt codes for this maker (dkk) have been WaA727 (1939-1940), WaA721 (1940), WaA195 (1942-1944).
Small rectangular hole in the back that has gone through the two layers of backing and made an outward impression on the folded corner of the left pocket. Some of the black outer surface of the leather dye ink has been forced into the sides. The surrounding edges of the hole are raised and appear to be compressed as though the hole was forcibly made. One can only speculate as to what "tool" was used and why. (20071218)