Original Item: Only One Available. Map cases were issued on a limited basis to specifically designated personnel such as unit commanders, pilots, and observers. The M35 map/dispatch case was based on the Weimar era, Reichsheer pattern map/dispatch case with minor variations. The M35 map/dispatch case underwent a front closure modification in mid-1936, and an additional small front pocket was added in 1938, although the early pattern cases continued to be manufactured through-out the war.

Made of a light brown leather, this early pattern M35 map case is in good 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 a central leather separators. The leather is still in very good shape, supple with some small tears, and the stitching is almost fully intact. Overall the case measures approximately 10 ½"H x 7 ½"W x 2", and is really a great example, which has a pencil and ruler in the pockets to add to the display potential.

There is no map insert inside this one, however it looks like this was owned in the past by a collector, who put in a printed history of the II. Fallschirm-Korps, as well as some email correspondence. There is also a full size facsimile of an original U.S. Army Map of Bastogne, which is from the "Dead Man's Corner Museum" in Saint-Côme-du-Mont, Normandy, and looks to have been retailed / published by "D-Day Publishing" in Belgium. We assume the previous owner made a trip to France, and picked up the map, possibly with the idea that the map case could have been captured and used by a USGI.

A very nice piece of genuine German WWII field gear, complete with a great reproduced map from WWII. Ready to research and display!