German Tornisters, what's the difference?

[badfinger]

As the title suggests, I've been comparing some photos on the internet and having a hard time differentiating Imperial tornisters of WWI vs the Wehrmacht ones of WWII.

Besides obvious makers marks/stamps/dates, are there any hard n fast features that set them apart? I can't find any literature on it.

[Verikauha]

German m/1895 backback's don't have cow fur, only canvas cover.

Most m/34 and m/39 has "pony fur" cover. Or as germans call these backbacks "Affe" = monkey.
Minority of m/34 backbacks don't have fur cover.

Also m/34 and m/39 are soft, flexible.
They don't have hard frame as usually m/1895 had wood square frame to keep shape.

Compare photos of rucksacks here
Imperial The Collector's Guild
3rd reich The Collector's Guild

[Neil Hever]

I don't believe "pony fur" has ever been used on Tornisters. It should all be cowhide. NH

[badfinger]

Excellent examples. Thank you for the input! Never would have associated cowhide being a feature exclusive of WWII.

Based on the examples you shared, I'm also seeing canvas ones from WWII that have the 4 leather fixtures on the outside main flap (same to my eyes as WWI). I also am having a hard time spotting differences between straps and accoutrements.

[reneblacky]

Guess the design was sufficient enough so no changes needed, here's mine as late as 1938!

Aren't M34 & 39's basically the same other than the 39's lack of straps and replaced with hooks to connect to the Y straps? it's been a long time since I've seen my references on these.