Kreta Sixpack

[J Melvin]

Other than the unusual colors (and combination), I can find no fault in this sixpack. But, I'd like to hear some other views on it.

[J Melvin]

The Reverse

[J Melvin]

The loader pouch in what is almost breadbag green.

[guil103]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

very good !!! you have a luck !!

[J Melvin]

John, Willi, where are our Luft field equipment guys???

[John Hodgin]

Hi Jack,

I know that these were being faked fairly well in Germany in the late 1980's so be careful. They are so rare, that I've not seen enough real ones to get a handle on all the variations; of which there are some strange examples. Note the one in the studio portrait in Jean-Yves 'Green Devils.' The age of this one looks good, but then I was once fooled by a pair of standard 38/40 pouches that had been artifically aged. I'd prefer them to have markings, but in this condition it makes sense that the markings could be gone. The construction looks correct, as does the stitching of the leather straps, so I lean towards it being a good one. I hope others will comment, Chris has seen several examples I believe.

John

[J Melvin]

Here are a couple of more photos. Maybe it will smoke out another reply or two.

[J Melvin]

A close-up.

[Willi Z.]

Hmmm.....I must say that I am just not sure. I have seen a bunch of originals over the years and have never seen one made from this style of fabric. Usually the 6-pockets match the fabric used by the 3-pocket ones and MP44 pouches. The only tan color ones I have ever seen was made from the standard late-war style of tan found on MP40 and MP44 pouches. The repros are made very well, and some are made from original fabric and leather from other pieces of gear. I like the construction. I don't like the fact that the leather straps on the back are not marked. I would feel better if they were. Is there any evidence of mags having been in those pouches? Used pouches usually have some rust or wear indicators that mags had been in there. I just can't point my finger at any clear bad sign. I must say that when I see a real pouch my first impression just jumps out at me. I am just not too excited about these, yet they don't jump out as being bad. Wish I could be more absolute. Will check some things out. I can say that known originals are very expensive and repros have been flooding the market recently.


Willi

[Willi Z.]

There is something about the inside construction of the flap that bothered me, so I had a look at some known originals. Here is a quick view of the insides of 2 pouches.

[J Melvin]

Willi, thanks for the reply. There is a fairly clear line of grit and grime across the inside of the flap where the magazines would have touched it when closed. There are some construction differences from yours in the finish of the end flaps and the main flap. But, nothing that I feel is out of the ordinary. Last feature, it's got "the smell" to it. Smells like a musty breadbag. I've owned this pouch for about 4 or 5 years now.

Willi, can you shoot a front shot of the front of the green pouch up where the leather strap is sewn?

[John Hodgin]

Hey Jack,

Don't go by the smell, the repro pair of standard 38/40 pouches were musty too, and very well aged.

I have to agree with Willi on the fabric, it is non standard, but odd fabrics were used in construction of ammo pouches sometimes. I also strongly agree on the side flaps added on the large flap. You didn't post this detail until later, and it bothers me a lot! The large folded edges on these side flaps are not like Willi's, or mine, and would tend to catch on the outer mags when opening; not typical good German design..........IMO big red flag.
John

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Jack, now I have never handle a set of these pouches in my life, but I do know one thing. The material used is a very good match for that used on WW2 Soviet pouches. I have a couple of F1 grenade pouches that match. I will photo one them and add the pics to this thread.
Cheers, Ade.

[J Melvin]

That's good Ade, I'd like to see them. I've tried to determine the source of the material from German items and haven't been able to. So, whatever you got that might be the material, I'd like to see.

[djpool]

MP 44 Pouches

That's good Ade, I'd like to see them. I've tried to determine the source of the material from German items and haven't been able to. So, whatever you got that might be the material, I'd like to see.

Hi Jack,

Here are several pictures of MP 44 pouches using what appears to be a similar fabric. Even though they're being sold as real I don't think so. The fabric comes in several shades and is used to make every concievable variation of the MP 44 pouch.Jim