M31 Mess kit

[Tony Marshall]

Hi all,

I have my eye on this M31 mess kit but have concerns over the leather strap. From the pictures I’ve referenced it doesn’t look quite right. If I could get some expert opinions that would be amazing. Any help would be much appreciated!



Kind regards

Tony

[GlennAgain]

That's a regular Tornister Pack-Strap, not an Essgeschirr/Mess-Kit Strap...

[Danmark]

Glenn's correct - but I wouldn't make it a deal breaker if it were me.
I love personalised items and Lothar's mess kit with its heat darkened base oozes history. Losing the "proper"strap and replacing it with a basic equipment one is something I'm certain many foot soldats did....

[Kateri]

Lothar scratched some fine Sutterlin script.
Basic equipment straps are fit for purpose on any field repair.

[Tony Marshall]

Thanks guys,

I think I’ve found an original strap in the meantime;



Question is now, if the strap is original third reich era do I leave it well alone or replace for its correct strap. If it’s a genuine strap from something else as someone has said I’m leaning more towards leaving it alone

Thanks again for your help!

Regards

Tony

[JPhilip]

Hello,
If the strap visible with this mess kit has eight factory holes, this is not an equipment strap or a Tornister strap, this is a late war mess kit strap, late war because the buckle lost its roller.
Thanks