Original Items: Only One Lot of 2 Available. These cowhide-covered rucksacks were known as the Tornister 34 (developed in 1934) and was later fitted with new style straps in 1939. As the war progressed the design was simplified for economical and practical reasons so the cowhide cover was eliminated making these packs especially scarce on today's collector market.

The Items In This Lot:

- 1937 Dated Radio Signalman #3 Fernsprech Tornister: This is a very nice original German WWII Radio Signalman cowhide backpack, known as Fernsprechtornister (Telephone knapsack). The design is based on the M39 "Tornister," but it larger and with dual closure flaps. It also folds out somewhat like a medical back pack or field desk, so that the entire interior is accessible at once.

These backpacks would contain the necessary equipment for the Signalman, such as cable reels and various tools. There were three versions of the backpack, "1,2,3", with each having different interiors for holding different equipment. This pack is marked with 3. It has the standard early war design, with shoulder straps that interface with the pistol belt as well as the bottom of the pack. As the war progressed the design was simplified for economical and practical reasons so the cowhide cover was eliminated making these packs especially scarce on today's collector market.

- 1937 Dated Tornister 34 Cowhide Backpack with Shoulder Straps: This is an excellent condition cowhide-covered rucksack known as the Tornister Model 34 (developed in 1934) which was later fitted with new style straps in 1939. As the war progressed the design was simplified for economical and practical reasons so the cowhide cover was eliminated making these packs especially scarce on today’s collector market.

This example is in excellent condition and comes complete with the 1937 issue shoulder straps. It retains most of the cowhide and the leather is in strong supple condition.

Both come more than ready for further research and display.