Model 1944 (M44) K98k Ammo Pouch Reference Thread

[Aaron]

Since so many of these have popped up recently, I have decided to create a reference thread containing all examples in one thread. I'm going to refer to these reduced backing layer pouches as "M44" pouches from now on because I suspect that with 1944 dated examples surfacing, plus the number of these known to exist increasing quickly, its likely production of these started earlier than original suspected (January 1944 in the Kriegsmodell book).

The M44 pouch is a reduced pattern of the standard M1911 pouch that involved removing the back stiffening layer of the K98 pouch in an effort to save leather. this can be identified by seeing 2 layers of leather when looking from the bottom or sides of the pouch, or by seeing a half layer of leather on the interior. Link is to pouches posted by other forum members: https://www.k98kforum.com/threads/1944-pattern-ammo-pouches-reference-thread-with-links.53226/

 

[Aaron]

A very good ammo pouch acquired from a local military show, riveted construction and marked RBNr. 0/0390/0069 for Dresden Leather and Canvas Factory, Gebr. Hast. This example is dated 1944 interestingly enough, and has earlier style thick contoured steel studs for the straps. Leather is incredibly supple and feels brand new, but is very thin throughout and very floppy.

 

[Aaron]

An excellent ammo pouch acquired from an ebay seller I met in person, sewn construction and marked with a unique abbreviation for Reichsbetriebsnummer, RB(t?)r.Nr. 0/0267/0001 for Gustav Schiele, Loburg. This example is a more traditional mixed sewn and riveted construction. Leather is incredibly supple and feels brand new. Interior is typical undyed leather.

 

[Aaron]

An absolutely fantastic ammo pouch saved from a reenactment, riveted construction and marked with RBNr. 0/0365/0012 for Richard Ehrhardt, Pößneck. Each cell of the pouch uses a different rivet type from left to right being "large solid", "medium hollow", and "small hollow". The bottom is quite unique as well, with NO sewing or riveting whatsoever, which I have never seen on a pouch before, it is simply tucked under and sewn in place at the sides. Leather is incredibly supple and feels brand new. Interior is dyed black completely.

 

[Aaron]

One pair saved from a reenactor blanket sale and another acquired at SOS 2025. A nice group of 3 of single layer backed pouches made by an unknown maker in Stuttgart (1/0750/0112). All have mixed stitch and rivet construction (done differently), with one having brown leather ring tab, one black, and one pebled black. One pouch has riveted sides while the other 2 are sewn. One pouch also has a rivet with a different crimping method from all the others. These are truly flimsy leather pouches, with my others being relatively thick still. I love the completely botched stitching row on the all black pouch, that has a row of punched holes that were re-punched then sewn.

 

[Aaron]

I got this pouch for cheap enough that it was worth it even with the damage at SOS 2024. Sadly ,internal dividers all removed and remnants of foam padding glued in place, along with the middle strap being torn. Undated 1944 style pouch with smooth back leather.

 

[Aaron]

Unmarked 1944 type ammo pouch, removing the reinforcing layer of leather in the back to address material shortages, internal dividers are all present, supple and very good condition leather.

 

[Aaron]

Marked RBNr 0/0560/0101 for Koch & Benning KG, Wuppertal, 1944 type ammo pouch, removing the reinforcing layer of leather in the back to address material shortages, internal dividers are all present, supple and very good condition leather.

 

[Aaron]

Unmarked 1944 type ammo pouch, removing the reinforcing layer of leather in the back to address material shortages, internal dividers are all present, supple and very good condition leather, interesting pebbled wrinkled leather construction.

 

[Aaron]

Marked RB-Nr 0/0465/0010 for Wilhelm Möller, Hameln (Hannover), 1944 type ammo pouch, removing the reinforcing layer of leather in the back to address material shortages, internal dividers are all present, supple and very good condition leather.

 

[Aaron]

1944 pattern, 3 pairs of undated pouches marked RBNr. 0/0465/0012 for Bernhard Meyer - Gronau i. Hann, retains internal dividers, leather is supple, RBNr. visible, all have the same sewing construction and d-ring, but with a variety of divider rivets, all look dyed prior to assembly except for one, which also happens to be the only one with an undyed interior, 2 pairs have pebbled belt loops, the other pair has smooth leather.

 

[Aaron]

Continued:

 

[Aaron]

Taken verbatim from Scharf, Additional posts and info on the 0/0465/0012 pouches:

Here's my favorite, named three times, and the middle name surely is interesting from the research I've done.

The two I have with shortened straps, hollow rivets, came from different sources (1 from family, the other from a fellow collector)

And a fully riveted example, quite unusual for this maker

I know that some of these 0/0465/0012 have a smooth back layer, I have yet to find one!

 

[Scharf]

Very nice post Aaron, thanks for adding my share in this. I should have kept the riveted 0/0465/0012 but it has gone to a friend of mine

 

[Aaron]

Very nice post Aaron, thanks for adding my share in this. I should have kept the riveted 0/0465/0012 but it has gone to a friend of mine

I figured you wouldn't mind transferring your stuff over, I think its nice having these all condensed now, the plan is to make a standard M1911 pouch thread next.

 

[fireman]

Aaron, you mention both a 1944 and 1945 pattern. Is there actually a difference? I see a difference but it might be coincidental.

 

[Aaron]

Aaron, you mention both a 1944 and 1945 pattern. Is there actually a difference? I see a difference but it might be coincidental.

All my posts should be updated to say M44 or Model 1944, but threads not made by me refer to these as 1945 Pattern. The M44 and M45 pouch are one and the same with removed stiffening layer, the only difference is what I think is an appropriate shift in nomenclature as I have now encountered at least 10 examples that are 1944 dated. Prior to this, most posted pouches are dated 1945.

 

[fireman]

All my posts should be updated to say M44 or Model 1944, but threads not made by me refer to these as 1945 Pattern. The M44 and M45 pouch are one and the same with removed stiffening layer, the only difference is what I think is an appropriate shift in nomenclature as I have now encountered at least 10 examples that are 1944 dated. Prior to this, most posted pouches are dated 1945.

Got ya. The one with the smooth back leather was labeled a 45 pouch so I was wondering.