Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic named example of a lightly used M31 Haversack, also known as the “breadbag”, which comes complete with the original strap. It also has some fantastic markings, which are still mostly clear, making this definitely one of the best Luftwaffe breadbag offerings that we have ever had!

The bag itself does appear to be complete and has all original buttons, clips and leather securing tabs retained. The blue canvas body still has a lovely color to it and is similar in appearance to all other M31 breadbags. It shows some just a bit of fading from use and age, and the leather is still supple on all of the fittings. As far as we can tell there is nothing missing, though some of the leather closure straps are stretched out with some finish cracking. The metal hardware is aluminum, and still in really good shape. The attached breadbag strap is also in great shape, with fully functional clips and buckles, and both parts are maker marked, with a 1938 date on one portion.

Under the lid of the bag are some REALLY great markings, including a faded maker mark with a 1938 date, and an L.B.A. (S) 38, which indicates it was inspected at the Luftwaffebekleidungsamt (Air Force Clothing Office) in Sonneberg, Germany in 1938. This marking is only seen on pre and early war Luftwaffe items. There is also another 1938 date in a box, and a boxed regimental marking, which reads:

III. / Stuka 165

This indicates that the breadbag was most likely used by the the ground crew and other personnel related to Sturzkampfgeschwader 165, a Luftwaffe Dive bombing wing during the war, specifically the Third Group. The bottom half of the bag shows a German WWII name tag reading Lang P., so it is possible that if the roster is looked up, the owner could be identified!

Really a fantastic named and regiment marked Luftwaffe breadbag in lovely condition.. 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, an all-cloth bag was issued for use in hot climates. The bag was the same as the standard M31 except that the leather straps and tabs 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.