BACKGROUND: The WWII K98 ammo pouches were based on one of two designs of ammo pouches that were originally developed in 1909 and 1911. The 1911 pattern ammo pouches were originally designed for Cavalry personnel but were adopted by the army as a whole in 1933. Generally front line personnel were issued two of these ammo pouches while second line personnel were only issued one pouch. Each pouch would hold thirty rounds of 7.92 mm ammunition. The pouches were utilized through-out the war with minor manufacturing variations. Of Note: The earlier pattern pouches have the belt loops which fold under the pouches bottoms and attach to the studs there, while the latter patterns have the belt loops which are just stitched or riveted to the reverse. The latter patterns also usually have steel fittings as opposed to the earlier aluminum fittings. The "transitional" pattern pouches displays features of both the earlier pattern, belt loops which fold under the pouch bottom and the later pattern, steel fittings.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Early pattern, blackened pebbled leather construction, three compartment, ammo pouch. Catgut bands used to separate the ammunition stripper clips are complete. Eagle over "M", indicating Kriegsmarine issue. Maker marked and dated for 1940. Nice!