Original Item: Only One Available. 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.

Of Note: As with other armies the Germans had a Kriegskarten- 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 German Reichsamt 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.

This is a lovely unissued example of the M35 Leather Dispatch / Map Case, made from lovely black pebble grain leather. It conforms completely to the mid-late war issue listed in Uniforms and Traditions of the German Army 19330-1945 pages 150-152, by Angolia & Schucht. The case is roughly, 28.5cm tall, and 19cm wide, and 3.5cm 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, steel 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 with an internal quick release pull tab. 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. The case is maker marked with ;RB-Nr. 0/0833/0011 under the top flap, a national business number that has not been identified, but seen other map cases and leatherware during the war.

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!