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 Cavalry 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 Cavalry 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: Central coupling device for the left and right saddle bags. Leather and tooled steel construction. Roughly 43cm x 13cm. Complete with all hooks and straps. Maker marked and dated for 1938. Shows period use and age.