German WWII Fur Rucksack

[Aragorn243]

Still learning about these and this one seems to be something in the middle so not exactly sure what model it would be considered to be. These basic types were in use from WWI on through WWII with several modifications both inside and outside.

Some say they were for mountain troops, but it appears they were in widespread use throughout all parts of the army.

Also conflicting information on whether they are pony fur or cow hide, possibly both. To me it seems strange, but I guess it was a form of waterproofing with rain running down the hide rather than soaking through. They obviously aren't uniform. Some have spots, some don't. Some are dark brown, some light brown, some black.

It is not that large, seems bigger laying flat but several inches are lost both top and bottom as it is packed and the top and bottom are no longer extending out.

Photos with them being worn are few but they are out there.

This is one of the nicest examples I've seen, most look like they have mange with a lot of the fur missing. An antique shop I know has had one for quite a while I was debating purchasing as it was reasonably priced but it had several missing fur spots. I waited because I figured I wouldn't be happy with it and actually got this one for a lot less on eBay. One of those freak times no one is watching something I think. Most of these go in the $150 range in good condition and this was $93.

Information

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[Aragorn243]

I think the owner was a lance corporal in the medical section, a medic perhaps. Sans (medical) gfr (lance corporal) US equivalent of a PFC?

Any other opinions or actual knowledge, I'm just taking a stab at it based on websites. I've seen nothing specific with that on it.

Might be two owners with the second being a full corporal?

[Bob Womack]

"Armbruster" was a Feldwebel, or staff sargeant.

Bob

[Aragorn243]

I think I have an M39 Tornister backpack with a set of M34 straps. Except the straps, everything matches the M39, no pouch for the mess kit inside and all the outside D rings, etc. for something called an A frame that the pack hooked onto a pair of Y straps.