BACKGROUND: Map/dispatch cases were issued on a limited basis to specifically designated personnel such as unit commanders, messengers, and observers. The M35 map/dispatch case was based on the Weimar era, Reichsheer pattern map/dispatch case with minor variations. The M35 map/dispatch case underwent a front closure modification in mid-1936, and an additional small front pocket was added in 1938, although the early pattern cases continued to be manufactured through-out the war. The M35 map/dispatch cases were issued with assorted map reading tools, instruments and accessories. Of Note: Luftwaffe personnel initially utilized brown leather accoutrements but during the war the leather items were generally blackened. Also Of Note: As with other armed forces the Germans had a KuVA, Kriegskarten-und Vermessungswesen Abteilung, (War Maps and Surveying Department), under command of the OKH, Oberkommando des Heeres, (High Command of the Army), and the OKW Oberkommando der Wehrmacht, (High Command of the Armed Forces). The war maps and surveying department was responsible for all army issue maps and worked in conjunction with the German Reichsamt für Landesaufnahme, (National Land Survey Office). Regulations dictated that army issue maps were exclusively for use of army personnel and that any reproduction or improper usage were punishable offences. German army maps were generally named and numbered and were issued as required. The Luftwaffe also utilized maps produced by the KuVa.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Smooth finish, chocolate brown, leather construction, later second pattern, (Circa 1936-1945), M35 map/dispatch case with a modified front closure an additional, small, front pocket and natural aluminum fittings. The case is roughly, 10 3/4" tall, and 7 1/4" wide, and 2 1/2" thick, with folding, accordion, expanding side panels. The case has a fold over top closure flap with a machine stitched on, vertical closure strap with a rivetted on, natural aluminum tip. The lower edge of the fold over top flap has a small, vertically rectangular, natural aluminum plate, with three, small, horizontal, cut-outs, rivetted in place. The case body, beneath the top fold over flap has a small, horizontally oval, natural aluminum plate with a raised, horizontal bar, rivetted in place. For a secure closure the raised horizontal bar would be inserted through the appropriate horizontal cut-out slot and the top vertical closure strap would in turn be inserted through the raised bar. The front of the case features a vertical, ruler pocket and a small eraser pocket with an internal quick release pull tab to the left side, seven central, vertical pencil holders and a small vertical pocket to the right side with an internal quick release pull tab. When in the closed position the top fold over flap covers the top openings of the ruler, eraser, pencil and tool pockets to ensure against losing the items. The reverse of the case has two, machine stitched on, vertical belt loop straps with natural aluminum, pronged, length adjustment, roller buckles. The natural tan leather single compartment interior of the case has had the standard, central, two compartment, separating panel removed with stitch holes remaining as evidence. One of the interior side panels has a glued on leather repair. The interior of the case has protective panels to both of the top side panels positioned underneath the top fold over flap. The front body of the case is well marked with impressed, manufacturer’s name, location and date, "Franz Brehme Walsrode 1936". The interior of the top flap is also well marked with the faint, stamped designation, "L.B.A.", indicating Luftwaffen Bekleidungs Amt, (Air Force Clothing Depot). The case is in overall very good condition with spots of light chafe wear and the leather is still fairly supple.