BACKGROUND: Although considered highly mobilized for its time the German army still utilized a great number of horses through-out WWII with the average infantry division containing roughly five thousand horses. In 1939 the German army also had fifteen, primarily horse-mounted, Cavalry regiments that were mainly tasked with tactical reconnaissance. Even though most of the Cavalry units were mechanized by 1940 they still utilized a large number of horses through-out the war. By 1943 the Germans were experiencing fuel and vehicle shortages which resulted in an increase in the number of horses utilized in the field. Although each division, excluding Panzer and motorized divisions, were appointed a veterinarian company that were responsible for caring for horses, pack mules, dogs and even carrier pigeons there were also specially trained, individual EM/NCO Hufbeschlagpersonal, (Farrier's), personnel who were responsible for the care of horse’s hoofs and combined the basic skills of a blacksmith and a veterinarian. The primary function of the Farrier's was the balanced trimming of horse’s hoofs and the fitting of steel horseshoes. As a result Farrier's were outfitted with special equipment that included specific tools and a tool pouch. Due to the large numbers of horses utilized hoof care was of the utmost importance to maintain mobility. Of Note: Even prior to the war the German’s concern with leather shortages was evident with assorted regulations as early as 1938 prescribing the use of Preßstoff, in the place of leather when practical. Preßstoff, is a simulated leather constructed of layered, condensed cardboard with a protective rubberized or lacquered finish. The Preßstoff was utilized in the production of a wide variety of items that normally would have been constructed in leather and included assorted tool pouches.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 12 1/2" tall, 9 3/4" wide, 1 3/4" thick, simulated, blackened, grained leather, Preßstoff construction Farrier's tool pouch with machine stitched seams and leather, steel and canvas fittings. The pouch has a fold over, top flap with a stitched on, horizontal, blackened leather seam/hinge to the reverse and a vertical, blackened leather closure strap to the obverse with a corresponding, leather reinforced, pronged, steel, roller buckle positioned on the front center of the pouch’s body. The vertical, front closure strap is well marked with a stamped waffen-amt and the manufacturer’s three letter code and date, "cea 1944", indicating manufacture by Heinrich Thiele of Dresden in 1944. The front body of the pouch has a stitched on, semi-circular pocket with an opened top edge, six, small, circular cut-outs and two internal leather loops. The semi-circular pocket is positioned beneath the fold over, top flap when in the closed position. The top side panels each have an integral, stitched on, non-adjustable, woven, tan canvas carrying strap. The interior of the pouch has a single, large compartment and the reverse of the fold over, top flap is well marked with the white printed contents. The printed contents include, "Beschlagzeugtasche für unberittenes Hufbeschlagpersonal", ({Horseshoe} Tool pouch for Unmounted Farrier's), "1 Handhammer mit 300mm lg. Stiel", (I Hand hammer with a 300 millimeter long handle), "1 Hufbeschlaghammer m. 325mm lg. Stiel", (I Horseshoe hammer with a 325 millimeter long handle), "50 Hufnägel", (50 Horseshoe Nails), "1Hufraspel 300mm lg. Stiel", (I Hoof file with a 300 millimeter long handle), "1 Nietklinge", (1Rivet Blade), and more. The pouch is in overall good condition with light age and usage toning and small spots of moderate chafe wear to the Preßstoff. Scarce Farrier's tool pouch.

GRADE ***3/4                             PRICE $298.00