WW1 German Cartridge Bandolier

A very rare WW1 German ammunition bandolier in blue cotton . Contrary to popular belief , these bandoliers were not a late war item & were already in service before the outbreak of war in 1914. Actually conceived in 1908 , they were an important part of German ammunition issue & saw much use in the trenches of WW1. Made from varying shades of blue cotton material this example is in used condition & has a few rust stains to the cotton from the clips of German ammunition that were originally found within them. The imprint of these rounds can still be seen on each compartment ,which were made to take the chargers with tips downwards. A papercloth strip was simply sewn in place across the top to hold them in place. A remaining strip of this paper type material at one end appears to bear a date of '7 2 18' . A near impossible to find item of equipment of the WW1 German soldier.