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- Karabiner 98 (K-98)
- Gewher/Karabiner 43 (G-43/K-43)
- MaschinenPistole 40 (MP-40)
- Stick Grenade Model 39
- Bayonet, Frog & Scabbard
- Stahlhelm
- Cartridge Belt & Buckle
- Cartridge Belt Suspenders
- Combat Assault Pack
- Model 1938 Gasmask & Canister
- Entrenching Tool
- Zeltbahn
- Breadbag Model 1931
- Messkit Model 1931
- Canteen and Cup Model 1931
- Butterdish
- Soldbuch
- Identification Disc
LENGTH = 43.6 INCHES
WEIGHT = 8 LBS., 9 OZ.
MAGAZINE CAPACITY = 5
Introduced in 1898, this rifle (Gewher) was the standard infantry weapon of all German forces. Kurz means "short". The length was shorter than the WWI weapon, had a different front sight, and had a curved, rather than straight bolt action handle. The Kar 98 k was introduced in 1935. This weapon, despite plans to replace it with weapons of greater firepower and lower production costs, remained the primary infantry weapon for the entire conflict.
CALIBER = 7.92 mm X 57mm PATRONE RIFLE CARTRIDGE
LENGTH = 44 INCHES
WEIGHT = 9 LBS., 9 OZ.
MAGAZINE CAPACITY = 10 IN A DETACHABLE BOX MAG
The need for a weapon with greater firepower was recognized early in the war. The Mauser and Walther companies were issued design contracts for this goal. The unsuccessful G-41, with its complicated muzzle gas cap system was scrapped after delivery of approximately seventy thousand rifles. After examining captured Russian auto loaders, the gas system of the Tokarev (SVT40) was incorporated into the new rifle, while retaining the Mauser extraction system. The new rifle was introduced into service on 30 April 1943. Approximately three hundred fifty thousand were delivered by 1945.
CALIBER = 9 mm PARABELLUM
LENGTH, STOCK FOLDED = 24.75 INCHES
LENGTH, STOCK UNFOLDED = 32.75 INCHES
WEIGHT = 9 LBS.
MAGAZINE CAPACITY = 32 ROUNDS IN A BOX MAGAZINE
OPERATION = BLOWBACK, AUTOMATIC FIRE ONLY
The MP-40 is an improved version of the MP-38 submachine gun. The MP-38 was intended for use by the paratroops and by armored vehicle crews, the MP-38 was intended for simple mass construction. Total production is unknown, though more than a million guns were produced in 1940-1944.
STICK GRENADE MODEL 39
The M39 stick grenade was the standard hand grenade of the german army throughout the war. The grenade consisted of a thin, metal, explosive filled, cylindrical head that was screwed onto a hollow wooden handle. A friction pull igniter activated the timed fuse when a cord (ending in a porcelain ball) was pulled. The grenade was kept in the "safe" position by use of a screw off end cap on the wooden handle, which kept the cord and porcelain ball safely in the wooden handle. The M39 could be used as an offensive grenade, designed to injure or kill the enemy with concussion, not fragments, in order to allow the safe advance of German forces. If fragmentation was desired in defensive action, a smooth or segmented steel sleeve could be slipped over the grenade head. The fuse time was 4-5 seconds.
BAYONET, FROG & SCABBARD
The bayonet frog was used to carry the scabbard on the cartridge belt. It was constructed of leather and came in two styles: mounted and dismounted. The mounted version had a leather tab that would secure the grip of the bayonet to the frog. The bayonet is the final pattern 84/98 Mauser bayonet. The handle was constructed of either wood or bakelite plastic. The scabbard is made of stamped metal and has a ball on the tip to prevent the scabbard from getting caught on the trouser leg.
The 1935 "steel helmet" style, with its rolled edges is easily distinguished from its 1942 brother. Style 1942, in order to ease time and cost of production, simply had its edges flared outward. This factor usually wore out helmet covers more rapidly than its counterpart did.
The leather cartridge belt had a clasp attached to it to be secured at the buckle. The buckle was constructed either of aluminum or steel. The buckle was either unfinished or painted green. The inscription you see is "GOTT MIT UNS" god is with us. The eagle denotes that this buckle belongs to a Wehrmacht unit. Other services had different inscriptions and eagles on the buckle.
In 1939 testing began on externally worn cartridge belt suspenders. By taking the straps from the model 1934 field pack and replacing the sewn on leather pack attachment tabs with "D" rings, the external cartridge belt suspenders were created. By late 1940 the new suspenders were being placed in use with the foot soldier. By 1943 the transition from internal to external suspenders was complete. The suspenders were produced in two different styles: the dismounted and the mounted. The foot soldier was normally be issued the heavier, dismounted style. The dismounted is identified by the wider shoulder straps, heavier construction, D-ring attachments on the rear of the shoulder harness, and attached lower pack straps which were used for securing the bottom of any attached pack.
The combat assault pack or "A" frame was constructed of a canvas web shaped like a capital "A". This pack was designed to carry essential equipment into action. The "A" frame was designed to be used specifically with the dismounted style of leather cartridge -belt suspender. When used, the pack provided places for carrying the shelter quarter, the mess kit, the greatcoat and/or blanket. These items were strapped to the pack with black leather straps.
The German soldier was issued the model 1938 gasmask, or GM38. The GM38 was made of synthetic rubber and was fitted with either the FE37, FE41, or FE42 filter elements, which screwed into the snout of the mask. The GM38 had two vision ports. Besides the five elastic straps used to secure the mask to the face, there was a long canvas web strap used to suspend the GM38 around the neck in a ready position. The fluted metal canister, with a spring loaded lid catch, contained the mask when it was not in use. A small box, on the inside of the lid of the canister, contained two pairs of replacement eyelet covers. A cleaning cloth was also housed in the canister.
The e-tool was manufactured in two versions: folding and non-folding. The non folding was from WWI design and had a square blade. The folding e-tool was designed as a replacement for the older version and began to appear on the belts of soldiers in early 1940. The folding blade was pointed and could be adjusted by means of a bakelite nut to open at a ninety or one hundred-eighty degree angle to facilitate the soldier's constant task, digging in. Both versions were stored in carriers which were suspended from the cartridge belt. The e-tool was used by experienced soldiers as a close combat weapon, having its edges honed down to a sharp edge for slashing their enemies.
The zeltbahn (shelter quarter) or rain poncho, was primarily used for inclement weather protection and/or camouflage. Made into the shape of an icososles triangle, it had 62 buttons. When four were buttoned together, it produced a "four man tent" that was pyramidal in shape, however only three could squeeze into it while the fourth man stood sentry duty. The intrepid German soldier found a variety of uses other than listed above, such as litter bearer, lean to, means of transporting a wounded comrade to the aid station. The camouflage pattern is known as "splinter" type.
The breadbag was carried by every German foot soldier. This satchel was used for carrying a soldier's rations and small items: the butterdish, the fork-spoon, the tablet-fuel stove, the individual weapon cleaning kit, the field cap, dust goggles, extra matches, tobacco, playing cards or anything else that would not fit into the service tunic pockets. The outside of the bag flap could be used for securing the mess tin and canteen.
A mess kit was carried by every German foot soldier. The kit was constructed of two pieces of painted aluminum, which were designed to fit tightly together to form a single container. The lower "bail" portion was used for soups and stews, while the upper "plate" portion was used for more solid fare. The mess kit sections, when clamped together, could be used to transport rations for future consumption. Both pieces could be used for cooking, but this quickly destroyed the flat, field-grey or olive drab painted finish. The subject of food is very close to the heart of every soldier. Any item that contains food is highly revered. It was in this spirit that many German soldiers engraved their name or initials on their mess kit. The engravings ranged from simple initials to elaborate works of art.
The canteen model 1931 was carried by every German foot soldier. It was an oval shaped aluminum bottle with a capacity of about one quart. The bottle was carried in a brown felt cover which was snapped around it. The cap was made of machined aluminum and secured by a chain. The drinking cup was made of pressed aluminum, which was painted black and secured to the canteen by a leather strap. The whole canteen was then secured to the breadbag for carrying in the field.
The butterdish or fat container was constructed of bakelite plastic which was made of two pieces and screwed together. Part of a soldier's daily ration was fat such as butter, margarine or lard. These fats were spread on the bread ration. One favorite fat of the soldier was known as "schmalz". Schmalz was a great morale builder on any cold morning, and it could be made by any foot soldier. Schmalz was usually made from frying onions, the n melting fat, usually goose fat in the same pan and then pouring into the butterdish to cool. The butterdish was normally carried in the breadbag.
The soldbuch or soldier's pay book was his identity package. This book was on his person at all times. Entries were made such as place of birth, name, equipment numbers, pay records, leave papers, photo id, money, mementos of home ie. Pictures, letters of family, wives, girlfriends etc., battles that were fought.
Every foot soldier was issued, and was required to wear at all times, his i.d. disc. This is the german equivalent of the U.S. "dogtags". The i.d. disc was oval in shape and comprised primarily of zinc. The disc was divided in half by perforated slots, and a cord inserted through the holes and worn about the neck. The information on the disc consisted of the soldier's personnel roster number which was also recorded in his soldbuch, the unit he was assigned to, and his blood type. This was recorded identically on the other half of the disc. In case of death, the disc was broken in half. The portion with the cord stayed on the body and the other half went to his family with his other personal effects for later identification.
