Need some help on this one, US M-1938 Dispatch (map) case

I found this today at an antique shop. I did not buy it as it just seems too perfect and is setting off alarm bells that it's a repro.

I've done the usual searches and the logos look good but the color mixing of the fabrics don't. 1943 was a transitional year so not unusual that there would be different colors but the "tan" just doesn't look right and the green seems off a bit also. Fabric seems a little on the light side. Price is too high to take a risk on it not being legit so I need some opinions.

If it is legit, it's a very nice example and the color differences really set it off and I'll probably pick it up. I have found some repros, nearly all in the tan color and only one with a manufacturer mark and it wasn't KADIN.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../ailEyJ8-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../uKmfp9u-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../a9Vvx10-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../4F7tEOl-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../EqUewwk-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../SOMtL49-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../crvthqs-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../9gpu6Tc-1.jpg

Lift the dot not marked either, there's no verdigris on any of the brass...anywhere. LTD fasteners with no marking are thought to be between wars. I think you're right on your assessment.

I don't think no lift the dot markings means anything either way. Most of these that I was able to find online did not have any LTD markings. Only one manufacturer did and these were all khaki. LTD markings are missing from many WWII era items. The no verdigris is significant but does it take moisture for this to develop? This thing is mint. No marks, no stains, nothing. Another concern is these came with a piece of plastic laid out in squares. Pretty sure this is missing in this one but not positive as I didn't examine the inside closely and not sure where it goes. It did not seem "stiff" however when I was handling it.

Others say you have to smell it and if it smells like old canvas, it's good but that seems pretty subjective and not very conclusive. I did not smell it while I was there. This is one of those places that there is zero cell service inside and I had to be outside and far away in the parking lot before I could get service again.

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Originally Posted by Aragorn243

you have to smell it and if it smells like old canvas, it's good

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Like a "musty old warehouse" sort of smell that a lot of old military kit seems to have, a smell that I rather like.

I've got some unissued WW1 dated pouches that look brand new yet I know that they are over 100 years old.

The shoulder strap looks a bit "new" so perhaps worth comparing to other examples.

If it seems expensive there's nothing wrong with asking for a discount/reduction.

Aragorn, I think it's legit. I've seen other 1943 Kadin manufactured map pouches that are in the same condition.

The problem is it isn't really expensive if it's legit. The price he has on it is high but he's already offering 20% off which brings it down to just a little higher than beat up ones are going for on eBay. But if it's a repro, it's high and I don't want a repro.

I am also starting to think it is probably legit. I'm finding no evidence anyone made repros with Kadin on them and they would probably make them out of the same color material rather than mixing them. All repros are also khaki. I have a huge Memorial Day town Yard Sale/Flea Market tomorrow and if I don't spend all my money there, I may go get it.

While tomorrows sale used to be pretty good, I've found nothing there to amount to anything for three years. Weather is supposed to be great tomorrow for the first time in two years so that might help.

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Originally Posted by Aragorn243

I may go get it.

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Just give it a good sniff and see if it passes the "smell test" and don't worry what others may think.

Mine's got "Star*Pull" snaps, but any manufacturer stamps are long gone.
Seems like the only stuff I get verdigris on is leather. Pretty dry here though.

What was this used to carry?

Bob

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Originally Posted by Bob Womack

What was this used to carry?

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We used to call them Jr General's kits. They would pack maps and templates and pens/pencils/grease pencils and templates in them until they just bulged. These would accompany people to orders groups and then be used like an office in the field after.

I love mine but it isn't this nice. I've carried it around for 40 years now. Still my go to bag for short trips where I might buy a book or two. it's just an open thin bag, no dividers, with places for pens, pencils and a small flashlight.

I went back and gave it the smell test. It's faint but there so it came home with me. Thanks for the advice everyone. I pulled the pencils out and one is pretty old but not quite WWII old. Has a phone number Lancaster ##### which would have started in 1947. LA #####. New York city started doing it that way in 1930 but no one else did.