Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is a lovely example of an Ersatz (replacement) model 1895 Tornister field pack, modified with Weimar era shoulder straps which bear the correct Waffenamt for the era. Before the war, the model 1895 Tornister was light brown in color, bordered with tan leather, and the front and back were topped with fur-covered calf-skin or horsehide. During the war, as demand outstripped production ability, construction in all canvas and incorporation of Ersatz materials replaced the hide and leather like in this example. The framework was made from wood and was lined with a waterproof canvas. In addition to the main pack body, the backpack flap contained a compartment for storing clothes and two compartments for holding rifle cartridges. In the top of the pack attached a canvas bag containing tent accessories.

The backpack was carried using two main leather suspension straps, which were attached with special quick-release bolts at the top of the backpack. These ran over the shoulders and down to the belt and united with the D-rings on the back of the ammo pouches using adjustable hooks. Each leather strap contained a smaller auxiliary strap, fixed on a movable pivot. These smaller straps were adjustable and run under the armpits and looped over hooks on the underside of the main pack body - it is these auxiliary straps that bear most of the weight. The straps on this one are a Pre WWII Weimar Republic WAa Waffenamt marked replacements which were bolted to the tornister. As stated, ersatz materials replaced the leather later on in WWI, so the straps were most likely replaced due to unserviceability to the soldier.

The overall condition is quite nice and does show signs of honest use and wear.

Comes more than ready for further research and display.