BACKGROUND: The M34 backpack was based on the Prussian model 1885 and the Reichswehr era M1907/13 backpacks, with minor variations, and was officially introduced on November 1ST 1934. The SS-FHA, SS-Führungshauptamt, (SS-Operational Headquarters), and the SS-WVHA, SS-Wirtschafts und Verwaltungs Hauptamt, (SS-Economic and Administration Department) were the two organizations responsible for supplying and maintaining all personnel of the SS. The SS-FHA was responsible for issuing the initial equipment, supply and maintenance of weapons and ammunition, and the supply of technical equipment and transport vehicles. The SS-WVHA, was responsible for issue of clothing and personal equipment items as well as rations including horse and pack animal fodder and personal fuel items. Of Note: These M34 packs were to be replaced with the M1939 backpack, that was introduced along with the combat Y-straps on April 18TH 1939, but the transition was never fully accomplished and the M34 packs were manufactured through-out the war in limited quantities. During the war the early M34 and M39 "pony fur" backpacks were found to be too expensive and time consuming to produce which resulted in the production of a wide variety of less expensive canvas construction combat rucksacks and backpacks. Also Of Note: The RZM, Reichzeugmeisterei, (National Equipment Quartermaster), was official founded in June 1934 in Munich by the NSDAP as a Reich Hauptamt, (State Central Office), and was based on the earlier SA Quartermaster’s Department. The functions of the RZM were not only to procure and distribute items to Party formations, but also to approve chosen designs and to act as a quality control supervisor to ensure items manufactured for the Party met required specification and were standardized. Starting in late 1934 items manufactured for the SS came under the quality control of the RZM and were marked with an appropriate RZM/SS approval mark. In 1943 the Waffen-SS assumed full control over their uniform and equipment production and no longer fell under the authority of the RZM.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: An olive drab canvas pack with leather and canvas fittings, roughly 31cm wide, 40cm tall and 5cm deep, with a fold-over flap that covers its entire front. Straps, buckles and buttons look to be complete. Maker marked and dated for 1938. Faint SS property or unit ink stamp to interior. Sows the expected age and use.