BACKGROUND: In 1931 the German army introduced the M31 clothing bag for issue to all EM/NCO personnel with the main purpose being the storage of non-essential personal items that weren't deemed necessary in the field. Front line EM/NCO personnel were issued with a backpack or rucksack, which they carried themselves and a single clothing bag while EM/NCO personnel serving in rear areas were issued two clothing bags, and didn't receive the backpack or rucksack until transferred to the front. Front line personnel's M31 clothing bags were stored and cared for by the units supply train under the control of the units Quartiermeister, (Supply HQ unit/Quartermaster), and were exchanged for the backpack/rucksack when personnel were on furlough from the front. Of Note: Officer ranks were also outfitted with a deluxe clothing bag that was considerable larger then the EM/NCO version. Officers and certain Senior NCO's ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and most of their equipment including the clothing bag and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the army's Kleiderkasse, (Clothing Account), system. Officers had the choice of storing their clothing bags with the units supply train but more often preferred to carry it with them under the care of an assigned batman/Adjutant.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 38cm tall, 40cm wide, olive drab canvas construction M31 clothing bag with leather and steel fittings. Berlin/unit property stamp to the interior. Shows the expected period use and wear but overall nice condition.