Original Item. Only One Available. These cowhide-covered rucksacks were known as the Tornister (Knapsack) Model 34 (developed in 1934) and this example comes complete with the correct shoulder straps. It looks to have all of the leather components still present, though definitely worn. As the war progressed the design was simplified for economical and practical reasons so the cowhide cover was eliminated making these packs especially scarce on today's collector market. These are often described as being covered with "pony fur", however research shows that this was just a nickname, and was never used on these. The German nickname for these packs was Affe, or ape.

This example of a pre wartime rucksack comes complete with shoulder straps, and is very similar to examples we have seen used by the SS, which had the fur on the side of the pack under the straps, not on the top flap. It is also more of a "mouse gray" color than the ones we see used by the Heer Army, and it is marked on the back with an RZM designation, which was not usually used on items for military use. The upper back is marked as follows:

(RZM) 8 3/282/39

This is not a style of RZM designation that we are familiar with, however the last two numbers indicate production in 1939. We can also see that the interior originally had an identification label on the top flap, however it has been completely removed. It does however have some great personalization on the bottom of the interior on the white frame, which reads:

G. Höpner
Hbg.-Wbg.1 Ernst-Aug.-DEICH 22

We assume the first line is the name, however we do not understand the abbreviations on the second line.

The pack retains over 90% of the pony fur hide and the leather is in very good service condition on the pack. It also looks like all of the buckles and straps are still present and functional. There is definitely overall wear, and the canvas is stained and worn in places. We can also see some areas of tearing around the leather fittings, which is common due to the amount of stress that would be put on the fabric. The leather is a bit worn and cracked, but it is still mostly solid and complete. Measures approximately 13"H x 12"W x 5"D.

A really nice service used example of a hard to find backpack as used by German paramilitary members in WW2.