Original Item: Only One Available. This is a wonderful example of a Tropical DAK Issue M31 Haversack, also known as the “bread bag”, complete with an original DAK shoulder strap. The bag itself does appear to be complete and has all original buttons, clips and leather securing tabs retained. The canvas body still has a lovely color to it, which is the correct Olive green for a tropical issued bread bag, and many of the leather straps and fittings are replaced with the iconic tan DAK webbing.

There are still leather straps on the interior, however they would be protected from the elements inside. All of the external fittings are web. It is in fantastic condition, though the leather interior straps do show some wear from age and use. There are some stamped markings on the inside of the bag, as well as on the short strap on the top with the hook, however we are not able to read these.

The included shoulder strap is a nearly exact color match for the bag, showing light to moderate wear, and it has the same gray painted metal hardware as the bag. The end reinforcements are DAK tan webbing, not leather, so this is definitely a DAK issued shoulder strap.

A lovely Tropical example presented with some great original canvas and correct Tropical shoulder strap. Comes more than ready for further research and display.

Several items of field gear were carried over from the First World War by the German military. One of the most well-known is the breadbag. This was a small bag which fastened to the belt and was used as a general purpose carry all bag for the most basic needs of a soldier. The same basic design was used for nearly 100 years by the German military, police and political organizations.

During WWII, the standard pattern bag was known as the "M31". This featured minor changes from its WWI predecessor. The SA, HJ and a plethora of political and government organizations also had their own models but those will not be dealt with here. Most varied only in color and the number of loops on the flap from the standard M31.

Breadbags came in a variety of colors and fabrics. Generally, early and pre-War bags are made from cotton canvas which tends toward a gray or fieldgray color. 1940-42 dated bags are often more of a khaki-olive. At the same time, cotton shortages led to the introduction of a coarser linen or hemp canvas. This fabric is usually olive green, though shades of khaki and brown exist.

In 1940, a version of the bag was issued for use in hot climates. The bag was the same as the standard M31 except that some or all leather straps and fittings were replaced with cotton webbing pieces.

Late in the War, the M44 Breadbag was introduced. It was simplified for faster production and a small pocket was added to hold the rifle cleaning kit. Finally, a Volksturm model was made in 1944-45.