BACKGROUND: Combat Pionier (Engineers), personnel were issued with 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 in the face of the enemy. Besides the engineer’s assault packs, long handle shovels, picks and axes was the engineer’s explosive tool kit. The explosive tool kit contained a dozen specialized tools designed for use when setting assorted explosive charges including wire cutters and strippers, scissors, files, pliers etc..

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Early pattern, smooth, molded, blackened leather construction explosive tool kit pouch is roughly, 7 1/2" tall, 8 1/4" wide and 2" thick. The pouch features a fold over top flap with two stitched on, vertical leather closure straps. The top flap closure straps affix to leather extended, pronged sheet metal roller buckles which are positioned on the bottom of the pouches body (one is missing). The closure straps have unique circular stitching which is visible on the front of the fold over top flap. The pouch has rounded bottom corners and the outside seams all have dual-ply leather reinforcements machine stitched in place. The front body of the pouch has a roughly, 4" tall, 6 1/8" wide, machine stitched on, patch pocket with expanding side panels and a fold over top closure flap. The patch pocket closure flap has two cut-out eyelets with two corresponding alloy studs on the front body of the pocket. The additional patch pocket is hidden beneath the top fold over flap when it is in the closed position. The reverse of the pouch has two, diagonally angled, stitched on leather loops with circular metal rings for securing the shoulder carrying strap. The integral, tapered, carrying strap is stitched around the metal securing rings and has a pronged sheet metal length adjustment roller buckle. Tip of the strap is missing but ir still buckles fine. The interior of the pouch has one large compartment and the internal tool retaining straps have been removed. Scarce.