BACKGROUND: All mounted personnel were issued with a pair of saddle bags instead of the standard backpack or rucksack. Originally the Reichswehr era M26 pattern saddle bags were issued until the M34 saddle bags were introduced on May 7TH 1934. The M34 saddle bags consisted of the right hand side bag designed for carrying the Calvary troopers kit, the left hand side bag designed for carrying the accessories for the horse and a central coupling device. Both of the bags could be detached from the central coupling device and the right hand side Calvary troopers bag could be utilized as a backpack as required when the owner was on foot. Of Note: A new smaller set of saddle bags were introduced on February 15TH 1940 but all three versions were used through-out the war.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Tan leather construction M34 saddle bag with alloy fittings and machine stitched seams, designed to carry the Cavalry trooper’s kit. Manufacture marked along with a 1938 date. Some of the straps are missing. The leather shows usage and wear, but remains supple.