BACKGROUND: Map/dispatch cases were issued on a limited basis to specifically designated personnel such as unit commanders, messengers, 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. The M35 map/dispatch cases were issued with assorted map reading tools, instruments and accessories. Of Note: As with other armies the Germans had a Kriegskarten- und Vermessungswesen Abteilung, (War Maps and Surveying Department), under command of the OKH, Oberkommando des Heeres, (High Command of the Army). The war maps and surveying department was responsible for all army issue maps and worked in conjunction with the German Reichsamt für Landesaufnahme, (National Land Survey Office). Regulations dictated that army issue maps were exclusively for use of army personnel and that any reproduction or improper usage were punishable offences. German army maps were generally named and numbered and were issued as required.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Blackened, pebbled leather construction, first pattern, M35 map/dispatch case with natural aluminum fittings. The case is roughly, 10 1/4" tall, and 7 1/4" wide, and 2" thick, with folding, accordion, expanding side panels. The case has a fold over top closure flap with a machine stitched on, vertical closure strap which attaches to a leather reinforced, aluminum, pronged roller buckle which is machine stitched to the bottom center of the case’s body. The front of the case features a vertical ruler pocket to the left side, seven central, vertical, cylindrical pencil pockets and a small vertical tool pocket to the right side with an internal quick release pull tab. The quick release pull tab is intact. When in the closed position the top fold over flap covers the top openings of the ruler, pencil and tool pockets to ensure against losing the items. The reverse of the case has had both of vertically extended belt loop straps cut away but the leather reinforced pronged, aluminum, length adjustment roller buckles are still intact. The natural tan leather interior of the case has two compartments with a central, vertical, blackened, simulated leather separating panel. The interior of the case also has protective panels to both of the top side panels positioned underneath the top fold over flap. The interior of the top flap is well marked with the faint, stamped manufacturers name location and date that appears to be, "Otto Breitschuh Eisleben 40", and two additional handwritten names. The case is in overall good condition with areas of light chafe wear and the leather is still quite supple.

GRADE ***3/4                             PRICE $119.00