Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very rare totally genuine WWII Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) tropical canvas web bayonet frog (Seitengewehrtragetasche). These are very hard to find, and usually are in very poor condition. This example looks to have seen moderate service, showing wear and overall staining, but no major damage. There is a faded maker marking on the back, which we rarely see, however we can only reliably make out the date of 1942 on the bottom.

The leather normally used for these items proved to be a poor match for the hot climate in Africa, so the bayonet frogs and other field gear were switched to thick web construction. It has the correct stitch reinforced frog button eyelet and securing strap slot, which are stretched out a bit, but still have intact stitching. It is in very good service used condition overall and will fit well with a bayonet, the only issue being overall staining and wear. Measures approximately 8 5/8" long.

Overall a lovely example of a very rare bayonet frog from the Deutsches Afrikakorps, DAK!

History of the German Africa Corps

The Afrika Korps or German Africa Corps (German: Deutsches Afrikakorps, DAK) was the German expeditionary force in Africa during the North African Campaign of World War II. First sent as a holding force to shore up the Italian defense of their African colonies, the formation fought on in Africa, under various appellations, from March 1941 until its surrender in May 1943. The unit's best known commander was Field Marshal Erwin Rommel.

The dry climate of Africa proved to be an issue with much of the standard leather field gear that the German Army usually used. It would dry out and crack quickly, and become unusable. To deal with this, the standard field gear such as belts, Y-straps, A-frames, bayonet frogs, and other items, were issued in special tropical web versions.