BACKGROUND: The K98 rifle evolved from the WWI Mauser Gew 98 model with slight modifications. The main modification was the shortening of the rifle. Due to restrictions of the Versailles Treaty the K98, wasn’t actual produced in Germany until 1934, although the Mauser company had licenced out production rights to other European countries. When issued all K98's were equipped with one or two ammunition pouches. The WWII K98 ammo pouches were based on one of two designs of ammo pouches that were originally developed in 1909 and 1911. The 1911 pattern ammo pouches were originally designed for Cavalry personnel but were adopted by the army as a whole in 1933. Generally front line personnel were issued two of these ammo pouches while second line personnel were only issued one pouch. Each pouch would hold thirty rounds of 7.92 mm ammunition. The pouches were utilized through-out the war with minor manufacturing variations. Of Note: The earlier pattern pouches have the belt loops which fold under the pouches bottoms and attach to the studs there, while the latter patterns have the belt loops which are just stitched or rivetted to the reverse. The latter patterns also usually have steel fittings as opposed to the earlier aluminum fittings. The "transitional" pattern pouches display features of both the earlier pattern, belt loops which fold under the pouch bottom and the later pattern, steel fittings. Also Of Note: Kriegsmarine personnel initially utilized brown leather accoutrements but during the war the leather items were generally blackened.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Transitional pattern, blackened pebbled leather construction, three compartment, ammo pouch with aluminum and steel fittings. The pouch is roughly, 7 1/2" wide, 3 3/4" tall, and 1 1/2" thick being somewhat wider at the top. The three compartments to the pouch each have a fold back, top lid with a stitched, horizontal, hinge to the reverse and a stitched on vertical closure strap to the obverse. All three closure straps attach to corresponding natural steel studs positioned on the bottom of each compartment. The reverse of the pouch has two rivetted and stitched on vertical belt loops, which also fold under the bottom of the pouch and attach to the studs there. The reverse also has a single rivetted and stitched aluminum "D" ring positioned near the top edge of the central compartment. The reverse of the pouch is also well marked with a faint, impressed, Eagle over a swastika, indicating Kriegsmarine issue and the manufacturer’s name, location and date that appears to be, "Sachs & Deisselberg Hamburg 1940". The interior of each compartment has a horizontal catgut band to separate the ammunition stripper clips rivetted in place. The pouch is in overall good condition with areas of light to moderate chafe wear.

GRADE ***1/4                             PRICE $72.00