Original German WWII M35 Black Leather Dispatch Map Case with Antitank Unit Marked Plastic Insert

Item DescriptionOriginal Item: Only One Available.Melde Kartentaschen(lit. Report Map Pouches) Map/dispatch cases were issued on a limited basis to specifically designated personnel such as unit commanders, messengers, 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. The M35 map/dispatch cases were issued with assorted map reading tools, instruments and accessories.This is a lovely service used example of an M35 Leather Dispatch / Map Case, made from attractive black pebble grain leather. It conforms completely to the mid-late war issue listed inUniforms and Traditions of the German Army 19330-1945pages 150-152, by Angolia & Schucht. The case is roughly, 28.5cm tall, and 19cm wide, and 5cm thick, with folding, accordion, expanding side panels, so when full the size and shape could change a bit. The case has a fold over top closure flap with a machine stitched on, vertical closure strap which attaches to a leather reinforced, aluminum pronged buckle which is machine stitched to the bottom center of the case's body.The front of the case features a vertical ruler pocket to the left side, seven central, vertical pencil holders and a small vertical pocket to the right side, which originally had an internal quick release pull tab, now missing. When in the closed position the top fold over flap covers the top openings of the ruler, pencil and tool pockets to ensure against losing the items. The reverse of the case has two, machine stitched on, vertical belt loop straps with magnetic sheet metal, and pronged length adjustment buckles.The natural tan leather interior of the case has two compartments with a central, blackened, simulated leather separating panel. The interior of the case also has protective panels to both of the top side panels positioned underneath the top fold over flap. There is a good amount of wear to the leather interior, which shows staining as well as peeling, which would have removed any maker markings present.There is a lovely transparent plastic and leather map inert sleeve inside the case, which measures about 21.5cm tall, 16cm wide, and 2cm deep, used to hold maps and mark them up with grease pencil on the plastic. There is currently a notepad inside, which has some German writing on it. The sleeve is maker markedJ.H. KOFLER Jr. / BAD HOMBERG / 1937on the upper right, a known maker of these sleeves. Even better, there is a unit marking stamped to the left of this, which reads:1. / Pz. Abw. 30IThis is the abbreviation for 1. Kompanie / PanzerAbwehr 30. Infanterie, or the 1st Company, Antitank Battalion, 30th Infantry Division.Condition is excellent, with just a bit of wear in areas from storage. the leather is still mostly supple, though one of the belt straps on the back does show some surface cracking through the finish due to age.A beautiful unissued example that would be very hard to improve upon!Of Note:As with other armies the Germans had aKriegskarten- und Vermessungswesen Abteilung, (War Maps and Surveying Department), under command of the OKH,Oberkommando des Heeres, (High Command of the Army). The war maps and surveying department was responsible for all army issue maps and worked in conjunction with the GermanReichsamt für Landesaufnahme,(National Land Survey Office). Regulations dictated that army issue maps were exclusively for use of army personnel and that any reproduction or improper usage were punishable offenses. German army maps were generally named and numbered and were issued as required.Shipping RestrictionsThis product is available for international shipping.Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or GermanyPayment OptionsNot eligible for payment with Paypal or AmazonLegal InformationDue to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.