Tornister Pack?

**Sykes27f** · 10-19-2015, 11:43 PM

Good evening all,

As some of you may recall, I made an ill-advised transaction with a certain 'Pawel Nowak' some months ago: Ignorant slut that I am - I went ahead and sent him a wire transfer to a European bank in order to pay for a FJ helmet.

I was rapidly disabused of my naivete by members of this forum when I sought validation of my purchase, and was told NEVER to deal with this all-round skinflute and notorious peddler of oriental tat ever again.
Fast-forward two months and I thought I would share what turned up at my doorstep in lieu of the expected FJ helmet; along with a sackfull of dubious excuses in email correspondance, naturally. I have posted the Luftwaffe trophelm/sunhat type thingy in a separate forum, likewise the M43 type cap.
This tornister pack may be the 'diamond in the rough' (or red-herring depending on how you feel) that stands out from the rest.
It has markings reading 'ADDOPER LEDERFABRIK KITZINGEN'? on the two detachable straps, a couple of field-repair re-stitches. The stamp 'KZL 42', some sort of factory marking heat stamp on the buckles, the faded penned name 'Rittger'?
So, for your validation…

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 10-19-2015 11:43 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Sarge** · 10-20-2015, 07:27 AM

Well, at least you got a good tornister out of the deal.
Yep, Nowak is a lying sack of Sh--!!!
I have put warnings about him on at least a dozen different boards over the years.
I made a serious effort to find the SOB, but always ran in to dead ends. But, who knows, some day maby! I go to Europa periodicly and have many friends over there so someday my efforts may pay off.
Sarge

**Adrian Stevenson** · 10-20-2015, 07:37 AM

The pack is original.

**JPhilip** · 10-20-2015, 09:23 AM

Hello,
This is a Tornister 39 with replaced carrying straps.
Two versions of the Tornister 39 were produced :

- with small leather tabs instead of carrying straps for Infanterie

- with carrying straps for the branches of service not equipped with the Y-straps...

If your example was produced with carrying straps in 1942, all fittings should be made of steel, not aluminium...(looks like aluminium to me on the photos)
Thanks

**Sykes27f** · 10-20-2015, 10:48 PM

Thanks all, as ever, for the confirmation. I'll try an research the factory stamp Jphilip, as this might provide some sort of clue.
Thanks again!

**Walkwolf** · 10-20-2015, 10:58 PM

Seems odd that anything would be sent at all - especially
if it was a Helmet you were expecting. I don't know
what I'd do in a case like this. Likely try Postal
fraud.........

**Neil Hever** · 10-20-2015, 11:35 PM

A good Tornister pack as stated. Looks to be all intact. Is it missing the button on the interior pocket flap? Cowhide seems to be in good shape. As a consolation this is worth something - around $150 in the US. NH

**Sykes27f** · 10-21-2015, 12:01 AM

Yes Steve, I know where you are coming from. But shortly after hearing of Nowak's notoriety among members of this forum I have resigned myself to taking this one 'on the chin', so to speak. Like I said - I'm learning fast in this hobby.
All the best!

**Sykes27f** · 10-21-2015, 03:57 AM

by Neil Hever

A good Tornister pack as stated. Looks to be all intact. Is it missing the button on the interior pocket flap? Cowhide seems to be in good shape. As a consolation this is worth something - around $150 in the US. NH

Thanks Neil,
Yes, this one's definitely a keeper. And yes the central button is indeed missing.
Warm regards!