BACKGROUND: The German army utilized a wide variety of assorted anti-personnel and anti-vehicles mines as well as assorted demolition charges. The mines and demolition charges were generally handled by Combat Pioneers, (Engineers), troops. As a result the Engineers were issued assorted specialized equipment designed to meet their needs as the spearhead troops tasked with destroying enemy obstacles and creating forward defensive positions for their own troops. Along with the engineer’s assault packs, long handle shovels, picks and axes and explosive tool kits the engineers were also equipped with a wide variety of explosive charges, mines and the appropriate detonators and igniters. The ZZ35 igniter was most commonly utilized with the Smi35 (Shrapnel Mine model 35),and the StoMi43, (Stock Mine model 43), anti-personnel mines. The ZZ35 igniter could be activated by direct pressure or in conjunction with a pull cord.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 1 1/2" tall, 5" wide, 3" deep, field-grey painted, magnetic sheet metal construction case for the ZZ35 mine igniters with a removable, friction fit top lid. The top lid has a glued on white paper label with black printed script and inkstamped particulars, now fairly worn. The interior of the box has a near perfect label. The script to the label includes the contents, "15 Stück Zug-Zünder 35", (15 Pieces Pull-Igniter 35), the date, "19 MRZ 1940", a waffen-amt inkstamp and additional script that indicates that if there are any problems with the igniters to report it to the appropriate authorities. The label also has the stylized manufactures logo consisting of two, "R"s with one reversed indicating manufacture by Richard Rinker of Iserlohn. One end of the case also has the matching stamped manufactures logo as on the label with the date "1940". The case retains about 85% of its original field-grey paint.