Early BGS Fieldgear Reference

[Klaus1989]

Acquired another variant of the coconut/Ritter-Flasche. Straps are made entirely from postwar webbing and close with a press stud. Material is same as the 1955 BW coconut canteens, which the strap construction also resemble. Bottle and cup are identical with the coconut with web strap in post 22.

[Klaus1989]

Comparison with the other canteen, which use WW2 webbing and metal parts for the strap.

[Collectinsteve]

I am so glad you're sharing all this info and pics with us, Klaus. This is a massively under documented area. You've managed to accumulate some very impressive items.

Thanks!

Steve

[Klaus1989]

thanks! It is something, that i meant to do for awhile, but delayed, because it take much time to photograph and write about it! Still have more to come! I hope it help others as very basic reference for this area, since sadly BGS lack any reference books for fieldgear like exist for BW or NVA.

Klaus

[Klaus1989]

Rg34

BGS issued its own copy of the Reinigungsgerät 34. Unlike many BW examples, this one lack the pressed reinforcements on the side. And yes there was actually a GDv for it! Only a few pages, so why it was not combined with something else is odd.

[Klaus1989]

finally found unmodified 1st model Brotbeutel! Thought none escaped update with attachments for messkit in mid 50s, but was wrong! The decision to adopt a breadbag without messkit attachment seem like a step backward to the imperial times and a bit strange. Very faded, almost bleached. Maker stamp on back of belt hook strap, but can not read. One of the internal straps was never sewn on! No traces of one, but button for it is present. See post 12 for period photos of this type.

Another 1./GSAB-Süd breadbag, but was also issued to the 3. Hundertschaft at one time. Interesting is the designation "mot." (motorisiert) in the unit name - BGS was full motorised from beginning, so seem purposeless to specify that. Must be very early, when this was still new concept.

[Klaus1989]

With 1951 canteen. The steel and paint finish are almost exact match, so would not surprise me, if breadbag was made ca. 1951 also.

[Klaus1989]

Belt D-rings

Like the Wehrmacht, BGS issued belt loops to support y-straps, when no pouches were worn. Also used with the early Beretta pouches, which not have their own D-rings. Very similar with WH model, but no maker stamps and often higher quality leather. Can encounter with white and black thread.

[Klaus1989]

Schlagstock (Baton)

BGS had also a police role of course and so was issued a baton. The baton is hard rubber with carbine hook attachment for belt. This model was also used by the Landespolizei in some Länder. Normally worn during border patrols and police duties, but sometimes can see during training. "JW" seem to be the maker. Numbers are probably batch and mould numbers.

Not easy to obtain, because old batons are normally destroyed instead of sold, so it required some connections.

[Klaus1989]

Good view of the baton worn secured to the spade like traditional bayonet wear method! This appear in a few period photos.