BACKGROUND: The first German WWII rifle grenade launcher was a spigot type developed in 1941 in an attempt to provide anti-tank capability to small infantry units but it proved ineffective and was discontinued in 1942. In early 1943 a second pattern, launcher cup type, rifle grenade launcher was introduced and utilized until the end of the war. At least eight different types of grenades were utilized with the launcher including anti-personnel, anti-tank, smoke, flare and propaganda leaflet grenades. The rifle grenade launcher was used with all bolt action rifles and proved to be quite efficient. When issued the K98 grenade launcher came housed in a leather or presstoff carrying pouch. Originally the pouches came with a removable shoulder strap but later models were constructed with an non-removable, integral shoulder strap.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Blackened leather construction K98 grenade launcher kit pouch with an integral shoulder carrying strap. The pouch has a fold over top closure flap with a stitched on, vertical closure strap to the obverse center. The closure strap attaches to a steel stud on the front center of the pouch body, with a corresponding, stitched on, horizontal leather retaining loop. The sides of the pouch near the top edge have a stitched on canvas construction, shoulder carrying strap, with a steel gripper length adjustment buckle, a blackened leather retaining loop, and a crimped on sheet metal tipped end. The reverse of the pouch has a single, wide, diagonally angled belt loop stitched in place. The belt loop is well marked with the manufacturers three letter code and date, "dkk 42". The top opening of the pouch has internal, protective, fold down, side flaps situated beneath the top flap. The interior of the pouch has two, small, internal pockets for the assembly tool and sight. Original assembly tool is included.