Is this rucksack german?

[gmac1986]

Hey guys.

I ran into this the other day and I remember seeing something like it with imperial troops in the 1st world war.

The owners Think it might be Swiss. And no date or markings are avalable other than "before WW2".

Any Ideas what this is?

http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/...6/backpack.jpg

http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/.../backpack2.jpg

http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/.../backpack3.jpg

[Valter Gorenc]

Am no expert at these at all, but since nobody else replied, I'll try. These type of fur backpacks (otrnisters, calf-fur packs) are tipical german, but I've never seen such detailed one - ordinary german ones are simpler, without additional pockets. Private purchase, or pedant swiss? If there are no marks, it could be also civilian item.

[Chip M]

Guys,

It's Swiss. WWII vintage.

Chip

[gmac1986]

Thanks to both of you.

I've been collecting for about 5 years now and am only learning the finer points of the hobby. Any information is useful.

[Chip M]

If you can get your hands on a copy, a good general reference that shows uniforms and equipment items of WWI and WWII is, "Field Equipment of the Infantry 1914-1945", by Robert Fisch, Greenberg Publishing, 1989, ISBN: 0-89778-084-1. Robert was the curator-of-arms at the West Point Museum at the time that he produced this book and he had access to their wonderful collection. The information (with photos and line drawings) covers the armies of the major participants of those wars and others, like those of the Swiss and the Swedes. I bought my copy direct from the Publisher in 1990. You can still buy copies on Amazon or other book dealer's sites, like Abe's Books.

Chip

[gmac1986]

Thanks.

After my membership this will be my next purchase!