Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive early German Luftwaffe M35 leather map and dispatch case, manufactured by Heinrich Sohn of Neu-Ulm and dated 1938. Particularly desirable are the numerous surviving interior markings, including the maker and date stamp, the Luftwaffe depot marking L.B.A.B. 37, and the unit marking L.d.L.N.S. / 3.A.Komp.. Constructed from light brown pebbled leather with early aluminum hardware, the case remains in good service used condition and measures approximately 10 ½"H x 7 ½"W x 2".

Map and dispatch cases were issued to personnel whose duties required the regular carrying and use of maps, documents, plotting tools, pencils, rulers, and related equipment. These included officers and other personnel involved in command, aviation, observation, communications, and staff work. The M35 pattern developed from earlier Reichswehr map case designs and underwent several changes during the 1930s, although earlier configurations continued to be encountered during the wartime period.

This is an early pattern example constructed from light brown pebbled leather. It features a large fold-over top flap secured by a vertical closure strap, together with multiple exterior compartments intended for rulers, pencils, and other map or writing accessories.

The hardware is aluminum throughout, a feature associated with early production. The use of non-ferrous hardware was also advantageous around magnetic compasses and other navigation equipment.

The reverse is fitted with two vertical leather belt loop straps and their corresponding buckles, allowing the case to be secured to the wearer's equipment.

The interior is divided into two principal compartments by a central leather separator. These compartments would have accommodated maps, documents, map holders, and related materials required in the field or during flight and staff duties.

The underside of the top flap carries a particularly interesting group of original markings. At the top is the faint maker and date stamp:

HEINRICH SOHN
NEU-ULM
1938

This identifies manufacture by Heinrich Sohn of Neu-Ulm in 1938, a known wartime producer of leather goods.

Below the maker marking is the Luftwaffe depot stamp:

L.B.A.B. 37

This is consistent with a Luftwaffe clothing depot inspection marking from 1937, commonly interpreted as referring to the Luftwaffen-Bekleidungsamt Berlin. Markings of this type are especially associated with prewar and early war Luftwaffe clothing and equipment.

Below the depot marking is an additional unit inscription:

L.d.L.N.S.
3.A.Komp.

The supplied attribution identifies this as Luftflotten-Nachrichtenschule 3, 3. Ausbildungs-Kompanie, or 3rd Training Company. The survival of both depot and unit markings gives the case considerably more historical interest than an otherwise unmarked example and indicates that it passed through Luftwaffe administrative channels before being assigned for organizational use.

Overall condition is good, particularly considering the age and intended service use. The leather remains mostly supple and is largely free from significant surface cracking. There is localized wear through the brown finish, consistent with handling and use.

The stitching has been carefully inspected and, as far as we can determine, remains fully intact. This is particularly desirable on an early leather item, as deteriorated or missing stitching is frequently encountered on heavily used examples.

For the Luftwaffe equipment, officer field gear, or communications collector, this is a particularly appealing early map case. The 1938 Heinrich Sohn maker mark, L.B.A.B. 37 depot stamp, additional L.d.L.N.S. / 3.A.Komp. unit marking, early aluminum fittings, intact internal dividers, and strong original leather condition give it excellent historical and display value. The light service wear and finish loss are fully consistent with age, while the unusually complete set of markings makes this example especially desirable.