Breda 30 Pouch Contents

[larrusso]

I'm wondering if anyone has photos or information on the contents of the grigioverde Breda 30 pouch ? It was a tool pouch but I tend to find photos of the 20 round stripper clip inserted into it instead. Any help will be gratefull.
Mike

[ARDITO]

On manual of Breda 30, it is reported the leather gray-green pouch, was used to hold a rechange magazine of 'weapon.
Ciao, Luca.

[Jeff Leser]

On manual of Breda 30, it is reported the leather gray-green pouch, was used to hold a rechange magazine of 'weapon.

This is incorrect. The leather pouch was designed to hold the Breda 30 magazine when it was being carried out of combat (transported). The fixed magazine on the machinegun can be detached by depressing a spring-loaded lever on the front of the magazine. The magazine is then slid off and stored in the pouch. The plate that held the magazine can then be closed to act a a dust cover.

Istruzione provvisoria sul fucile mitragliatore Breda Mod. 30 Roma 1936 - XIV page 23.

Manuale per l'impiego del fucile mitragliatore "Breda" mod. 1930 Milano (no date) page 34.

I posted some pictures here HERE

While a 20 round charger can be placed in the pouch, this is not why the pouch was issued.

Pista!

Jeff

[larrusso]

Many thanks Jeff. I often wondered what the large dimple on the pouch was for. I wonder now was a spare swivel magazine carried in the pouch.

[Jeff Leser]

Larusso

While it is possible the soldier obtained a spare magazine for the Breda during the war, one wasn't issued (at least the manuals don't show a second magazine as part of the issue). The pouch is for transport of the one magazine. When the Breda is placed inside the hemp carrying case (cuffia di protezione), the magazine is removed and placed inside the pouch.

Pista! Jeff