BACKGROUND: The M34 backpack was based on the Prussian model 1885 and the Reichswehr era M1907/13 backpacks with minor variations and was officially introduced on November 1ST 1934. Of Note: These M34 packs were to be replaced with the M1939 back pack, that was introduced along with the combat Y-straps on April 18TH 1939, but the transition was never fully accomplished and the M34 packs were manufactured through-out the war in limited quantities. During the war the early M34 and M39 "pony fur" backpacks were found to be too expensive and time consuming to produce which resulted in the production of a wide variety of less expensive canvas construction combat rucksacks and backpacks.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Olive drab, water resistant, heavy canvas construction pack with the top opening flap . The pack is roughly, 31cm tall, and 34cm wide, with 4cm deep side panels. The fold back top opening flap has four horizontal leather loop straps riveted on the front. The top edge of the reverse has a stitched on, blackened leather, horizontal reinforcement strip. The leather reinforcement strip has two small metal plates with swivel armed rivets for attaching the integral carrying straps. The reinforcement strip is well marked with impressed manufacturers name, location and date that appears to be, "Sachs & Deisselberg Hamburg 1934." The attached leather carrying straps consist of two main straps with smaller auxiliary straps riveted to the reverse of each with "60" and what appears to be the makers name and 1937. The carrying strap hooks were designed to clip on to leather reinforced, steel quick release hooks which are situated on the bottom edge corners of the pack. The main carrying straps each have a narrow, shorter, additional auxiliary strap riveted to the reverse. The auxiliary straps each have a length adjusting, studded, steel buckle with thirteen, corresponding, stud eyelets and are looped at the ends with a quick release, steel "D" ring. The bottom reverse edge of the pack has an additional, stitched on, horizontal leather reinforcement strip with a small horizontal leather loop which secures a small vertical leather strap with a steel belt support hook. The stitching has let go at the top on the reverse. The reverse, interior of the top flap has one large, light weight, olive drab cotton construction pocket with a single leather strap and buckle attachment. The interior body of the pack has a large compartment with dual, vertical fold over flaps with two horizontal, leather closure straps with corresponding leather reinforced, pronged on magnetic alloy roller buckles. A light weight wooden frame supports the interior of the pack. The pack is in overall fair condition with light/moderate usage and soiling."31.5" is stamped in black ink to the inside cover and rear bottom leather bottom. Also, sewn inside is a cotton tag with red thread " Grunau." The leather straps still seem to be fairly supple.