Karabiner 43 pouches

[koenig.blix]

Karabiner 43 pouches

Over the last few months I’ve picked up several types of the Karabiner 43 pouches. Most of them are from eastern Europe and all have been fairly inexpensive, on average 50 USD. I’m under the impression that these are authentic, but after talking to some more experienced collectors, they weren’t sure, which leaves me in doubt. What exactly is the story behind these pouches? Below I’ve attached the three different types I have.

bla 1944
cny WaA14 1944
ros 1944

[me6_130]

They look good to me. From that hoard that came out of Ukraine or Russia some years ago. I've got a couple of black ones. Have a look at Claus Espeholt's web:

http://claus.espeholt.dk/g43_pouches.html

Carles

[Bill Grist]

100% Original WW2 German made. When I purchased my first set of pouches back in the 70s they were 200$ if you could even locate a pair. In 1980 I purchased a G-43 with 1 pouch yellow in color from a Veteran (99th. Division), the pouch had two yellowish cammo. magazines in the pouch, the pouch was dated and coded on the leather belt straps on the rear of the pouch BILL

[HENRY BUCKI]

I bought( 4a. Black, thick pig skin ) from Claus for i think around $300 listed on his site a while back when they where hard to find.

[MP41]

Your G/K43 pouches are all original.

Back in the 90's these pouches were extremely hard to find, and therefore very valuable. I recall them being in the $300-$500 ranges (again, back in the 90s!)

Then came the flood of Russian Captures. (which is what you have btw). These are unissued minty pouches that came in from the Ukraine and Russia in the late 90's-early 2000's.

I even know one guy who purchased guns and gun parts from Russia, and instead of using packaging materials (like bubble wrap), to ship them, they used K43 pouches like this!!!!!! True Story!!! I saw the box!!!!
Then the prices were around $200 each. Now, I've noticed them dropping quite a bit, and are not hard to find under $100. At $50 I think you did well

Good find!

Matt