Intriguing Set of Leather G3 Magazine Pouches

[Guardian 5]

Team – I came across this intriguing set of ammunition pouches yesterday at a Concord, New Hampshire, USA, gun show. Appearance wise, they bear a striking resemblance to the “Pleather” G-3 ammunition pouches fielded by the Bundeswehr from 1959 until the appearance of the Flecktarn load-bearing rig. They were positioned on the dealer’s table beside a couple of sets of the Pleather G-3 pouches.

The fact that they are so beat up however, makes me think that they were fielded on active service with another G-3 equipped army and not the Bundeswehr. Portugal, Turkey and Pakistan come to mind. They were exposed to great heat at one time or another and have undergone numerous field repairs. Interestingly enough, a repair to the rear carrying strap appears to have been made with Wehrmacht type pigskin. Unlike Wehrmacht or even BW/NVA leather gear however, the metal parts are made of brass. Aside from a few illegible scrawlings in blue ink, there are no maker marks.

Well folks, what do you think? Is this set the Granddaddy of the Pleather G-3 magazine pouch previously unknown to this Bundeswehr lover or a foreign copy that saw hard service with another G-3 equipped army?

Thanks - TJ

[Guardian 5]

The pouches were originally finished in natural brown leather. Here is a rear view. Note the repair to the left carrying strap of the left pouch. It appears to have been made with a strip of black pig skin leather with stout white cord in a manner similar to Werhmacht field repairs. Note too, the different sized brass D-rings.

[Guardian 5]

A comparison photo with a "Pleather" G-3 magazine pouch. The construction details are very similar.

[Guardian 5]

Rear comparison view.

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View from the bottom of the pouches.

[Guardian 5]

Last view; side by side.

Your thoughts?

Thanks - TJ

[sgtmonroe]

I believe they are Turkish. I am trying to find an old image I had of a Turk with a G3 and magazine pouches very similar in design to the German ones. The photo was in black and white and I can't remember if the pouches looked leather.

[Guardian 5]

sgtmunroe - Turkey sounds like a good candidate. I've never seen these in photos of the Turkish Army, but the brass/leather workmanship is supportive of Turkish manufacture.

Thanks - TJ