Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good original German WWII M35 Meldekartentasche, or map and dispatch case, manufactured in 1938 from light brown pebbled leather and later named to a serviceman with the surname Ramstorfer. The case retains its early aluminum hardware, internal map and accessory compartments, rear belt loops, and a clear E38 Army depot acceptance marking, identifying inspection or acceptance through Erfurt in 1938. It is additionally inscribed with FP Nr. 09457A, a wartime Feldpost number associated during part of the war with Fla-Bataillon 612.

Made of a light brown, pebbled leather, this early pattern M35 map case is in fair service-used condition! It features a fold-over top flap with a vertical closure strap, as well as various pockets for a ruler, pencils, and various other map accessories. The hardware is all aluminum, correct for early production, and this also prevented any interference with using a compass. The rear has two vertical belt loop straps and buckles. The interior has two compartments with central leather separators, with no contents. The leather however is still in very good shape. Overall the case measures 10 ½"H x 7 ½"W x 2".

This example is faintly stamped with a maker and depot stamp, and the maker uses a three-letter name that we cannot identify, but we can make out that they were located in Thüringen and that the case was manufactured in 1938. There is a depot stamp, E38, denoting 1938 inspection in Erfurt, correct for one made in Thüringen.

Over this marking is a soldier’s inscription:

ObHn. Ramstorfer
FP Nr. 09457A

The first word is the rank and Ramstorfer is the surname. The second line appears to be a feldpost number. There are some minor holes in the flap at the bend, and moderate wear across the piece.

Feldpost references identify 09457 with Fla-Bataillon 612 during the wartime period. A surviving registered Feldpost cover dated April 1943 identifies Feldpostnummer 09457 specifically with 1. Batterie, Fla-Bataillon 612, while another Feldpost compilation likewise records the number for that battalion in 1942.

This example is particularly noteworthy for the combination of its 1938 Thüringen manufacture, E38 Erfurt depot acceptance, early brown pebbled leather construction, aluminum hardware, Ramstorfer ownership inscription, and surviving Feldpost Nr. 09457A marking. The Feldpost information provides an especially useful avenue for further research into the serviceman who carried the case and the unit to which he was assigned during its wartime use.