Stg/ Mp 44

[SOLDAT1]

Hi All
i continue to try and obtain some original mp43/44 pouches i have these on inspection altra rare! two pouch set.
i checked them with a UV light and the stiching where the straps are stiched on the front glowed sugesting post war, and the othere thing was that all the othere leather was plain on the back and the straps on the front where dark dyed on the back, this sugests to me the pouches are original but the straps have been replaced what do you all think
Rob

[SOLDAT1]

or total fake?

[SOLDAT1]

UV light test

[9SSHohenstaufen]

deffinately appears as though the straps have been replaced, although you have some excellent looking pouches there! nice find and a rare one at that.

[SOLDAT1]

Hi 9SSHohenstaufen
Yes they are nice except for the replaced straps, could i live with this being so rare maybe,still have time to think, thanks for your thoughts anybody else like to coment?

[RayG]

Rob, just some thoughts, why would they need to replace the straps when the pouches look like they have not seen much use.? Also are any stitch holes visible which could indicate there were other straps on it at one time? Ray

[9SSHohenstaufen]

leather can become quite fragile over time, i have a mint clothing bag in which the leather strap looked fine, but snapped in half when i buckled it do to the dryness of it. that could very well explain what happened to these straps.

[Willi Z.]

I have to ask.... What do you guys like about these pouches? Are they marked? Is there any finish on the 2 studs? Is there paint on the side ring? When did they use 2-pocket pouches? When was that style of fabric used?

Just some things to ponder.....original pouches (the 3-pocket type) are EXTREMELY rare and very valuable.

Willi

[SOLDAT1]

Hi RayG
that is a very good point there seems to be no evidence of stitching before maybe just did a good job or these where unfinished pouches? i will proberly send them back as i still feel they are ok but they are restored,
Hi 9SSHohenstaufen
good point you make, but thinking of what Ray said no marks from previous stitching.

Thanks

Robert

[SOLDAT1]

Hi Willi
the pouches are marked"bml45" and WaA marked the ring is dark metal no paint, no finish on studs, the story is these where made by bml that made mp40 pouches and in the last months of the war made these for the mp44 in the style of mp40 pouches.
saying that i think they will be sent back as not totaly happy due to replacmet straps mainly.

Rob

[RayG]

I think returning them is a good decision. Why buy something you have to make excuses for, Ray

[SOLDAT1]

Hi RayG
yes best to return them as i would never be happy, well the hunt continues for a 100% pair!!

Robert