German Assault Pack/ A Frame

**tankfreak** · 03-09-2016, 10:01 PM

Hi Guys,

I need your expert opinion on this recently acquired item. I just bought this German A Frame Assault Pack from an online dealer, however I have been looking over it and I have a lot of doubts as to it's origins and originality. It appears that someone in the past has used blanco and /or paint on the webbing and it looks like the leather straps have been added after manufacture. Is it original or a very old reproduction? I have already contacted the dealer who will refund me the money I paid for it but I want to make sure.

thanks

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 03-09-2016 10:01 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**JPhilip** · 03-09-2016, 10:38 PM

Hello,,
It is an original A-frame that has been "reworked", at least covered with some tick "blanco/paint"...
Concerning both straps being replaced or not, more detailed photos are required here...as i have already seen utility straps factory mounted on A-frames, instead of the usual straps
It may be an attempt to rigidify the A-Frame
Thanks

**tankfreak** · 03-09-2016, 11:11 PM

A couple of more pictures of the Frame in question. It appears to have green blanco on the reverse and another thing is that it is missing the Mess Tin strap at the top and the actual "tunnel" in the webbing to allow this strap to loop through. The other two leather straps have been crudely attached to the webbing with copper rivets.

thanks

**tankfreak** · 03-10-2016, 04:09 PM

Are more detailed or close up pictures required to aid a correct identification?

Please let me know.

Thanks
Ian

**bigmacglenn** · 03-10-2016, 04:51 PM

I actually like it...the leather shows proper age, the riveting appears correct and shows the expected age-discoloration, and the hardware is original as well...It also shows some light use...Perhaps a late-war piece, but I don't think it's a Reproduction...
cheers, Glenn

**tankfreak** · 03-10-2016, 06:39 PM

Do you guys think I should try and remove the blanco / paint ?

**bigmacglenn** · 03-10-2016, 07:01 PM

Leave it just the way it is...that Coating also serves as an impregnation, protecting the Webbing-Material from moisture and the elements....It also adds Stiffness/Rigidness to the piece...
cheers, Glenn

**Danmark** · 03-10-2016, 08:35 PM

Neither "Rigidify" nor " Rigidness" lads. ..

The word you were looking for is 'Rigidity'

There, I can contribute something after all

Cheers, Dan

**tankfreak** · 03-10-2016, 11:03 PM

Thanks guys, looks like I have been lucky with this purchase.

Ian

**JPhilip** · 03-10-2016, 11:30 PM

Hello,
For me it is not such a good deal, unless you got it for very little money...

- fully covered with paint/blanco
- both Zeltbahn straps obviously replaced with utility straps
- slits for the messkit strap sealed with paint

IMO you'll never be fully satisfied when you'll look at it, and if you want to sell it one day, it's gonna be a tough task to achieve...
At this point, we can say that the item is more than field used or slightly damaged, it is crudely repaired and modified...if i can give you an advice, get a refund and wait for a better example, there are still items out there...
Thanks