Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is an excellent example of just a few items the Imperial German soldier would have on his person. Much like the Allies, the average German soldier also had to carry everything on them while in combat. The set features a wonderful early war M1915 leather belt with a fantastic EM/NCO Prussian Steel Belt Buckle. All items are in appealing condition showing signs of faithful use.

Items in this group:

- M1915 Leather Belt with EM/NCO Prussian Steel Buckle: This is a very nice WWI Imperial German Waist Belt, with the correct M1915 Prussian Steel Belt Buckle (Koppelschloß). This buckle features brass construction, with a 45mm, slightly convex, stamped metal box buckle. This features the Prussian Crown, encompassed by a dual rope-like border within which, against a ribbed background, is the Prussian motto GOTT MIT UNS (God [is] With Us), and a spray of laurels. To the reverse is its welded-on buckle catch, and a metal prong bar with dual prongs, for the belt’s retaining tongue, with the original leather pull tab.

The buckle is in good condition, with a nice patina of age, and signs of long service. Most of the paint is missing from the face of the buckle, though it looks like at one point the front was highlighted with gold paint around the motto, and red around the Prussian Crown.

- First Pattern M1898/05 a/A Butcher Bayonet With “High Horns” by Simson & Co: This is a very good example of the M-1898/05 Bayonet (Seitengewehr), which was the most common German Bayonet of the First World War. It was intended for use on the standard issue service rifle of Imperial Germany: the Mauser-designed Gewehr 98 (GEW 98). It features a heavy 14.5-inch steel blade with distinct bulge toward the point, giving extra weight and power to the business end, known as a "butcher blade". This version is known as a/A (alter Art = old model). These early pattern bayonets were made with a vestigial muzzle ring, known as "high horns", and did not have a flashguard on the back of the grip.

Almost all examples of the a/A would later have the "horns" ground away, so it is very rare to find an intact example such as this!

This example was originally produced without a “sawback” so all markings on the spine are still able to be read properly. The blade is dated on the blade's spine 15 under a proof mark of a Crown over W, for Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the year the bayonet was accepted. There is also an inspector proof under the date marking.

- x2 M1909 Ammo Pouches: The M1909 ammo pouch was issued in two design variants: a smaller pattern, intended for use by mountain troops and cavalry, which held thirty rounds of 7.92mm ammunition, and a larger version, for infantry, which held forty-five rounds. Front line personnel would each have been issued two of these. Engineers, motorized troops and foot artillery used the one-piece 87/88 pouch, and reserve, Landwehr and Landsturm units used the 88 and 95 pouches, which the M1909 replaced. All of these pouches were in tanned leather, until 1915, after which they were blackened.

- M1887 Breadbag: Introduced in 1887 and officially designated as a haversack, this canvas pouch was designed for carrying rations, field cutlery utensils and personal items, and was most commonly referred to as the breadbag.

- M1887 Entrenching Tool With Carrier: Shows signs of extensive use, past pitting and oxidation. Unfortunately the leather carrier is torn in a few areas.

All items are in good condition with all leather parts in somewhat delicate condition, so do use caution while handling. The canvas portions are stained, torn and have material loss from service use and possibly insect damage.

This is an incredible set, a perfect candidate for research. Comes more than ready for further research and display.