Russian Pouch Information

[bigkev]

I have this russian pouch, military I believe. Can any of you shed any light on it? It was given to me by an old man who was a T34 crewman during World War II. I don't have a clue whether its World War II issue, or post war, he was in the army for many years afterwards too.
It has one button missing, but hopefully you can make out the detail on the existing button. I have enclosed a picture of a close-up of the material it is made from, the colour is a little washed out due to having to alter the ISO settings on my crappy point and shoot camera to get better detail.
Just curious as to its history, any info would be appreciated.

[Adrian Stevenson]

It is an F1 Grenade pouch.

I would tend to think it is post war production.

Have a look around the forum, as we have a number of versions of these shown.

Cheers, Ade.

[bigkev]

Thanks Ade, sounds like that is the purpose of this one. Anyone know what the cyrillic says on it?

[ashgld15]

If it says "Zapad" that translates to "The West".Probably meaning"Na Zapad"; "to the west", as in go to Berlin!

[Frayer]

ЗАПАД - west, also the abbreviation ЗАП
ЗАП - запасной - (abbreviation) reserve, replacement, auxilliary
ЗАП - зенитный артиллерийский полк - (abbreviation) antiaircraft artilllery regiment

But maybe also it could be read this way, especially in the context of a grenade pouch ....
ЗАПАЛ - fuze, primer, blasting cap, squib, detonator, portfire, ignitor

Is there a 6th letter or character or mark at the end, partially obscured in the photos by the wrinkling in the cloth?

- Frayer