Items on this page are NOT for sale.
This page features photos and information about original WWII German breadbags. Most of this information I have learned from examining original examples, both ones I own as well as those of other collectors, and searching through period photographs. However, one must realize, that not every variation or modification was photographed, much less survived the conflict. This information is for public consumption and you may link and copy photos without restriction.
Several items of fieldgear were carried over from the First World War by the German military. One of the most well-known is the breadbag. This was a small bag which fastened to the belt and was used as a general purpose carry all bag for the most basic needs of a soldier. The same basic design was used for nearly 100 years by the German military, police and political organizations.
During WWII, the standard pattern bag was known as the "M31". This featured minor changes from its WWI predecessor. The SA, HJ and a plethora of political and government organizations also had their own models but those will not be dealt with here. Most varied only in color and the number of loops on the flap from the standard M31.
Breadbags came in a variety of colors and fabrics. Generally, early and pre-War bags are made from cotton canvas which tends toward a gray or fieldgray color. 1940-42 dated bags are often more of a khaki-olive. At the same time, cotton shortages led to the introduction of a coarser linen or hemp canvas. This fabric is usually olive green, though shades of khaki and brown exist.
In 1940, an all-cloth bag was issued for use in hot climates. The bag was the same as the standard M31 except that the leather straps and tabs were replaced with cotton webbing pieces.
Late in the War, the M44 Breadbag was introduced. It was simplified for faster production and a small pocket was added to hold the rifle cleaning kit. Finally, a Volksturm model was made in 1944-45.
M31 Breadbags
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Typical M31, unissued condition |
Rear d-rings are for attaching the shoulder strap |
Belt loops are reinforced with thin leather. |
Early production bags are often gray or fieldgray |
M40 Breadbags
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Mint M40 Breadbag |
Inside details. |
M40 Bags. Minor variations in fabric, thread color, leather, and overall size. |
M44 Breadbags
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M44 Bags. Wide variety of colors and fittings. |
Note the different styles of fittings. |
Typical M44 bag. |
Many M44's dispensed with the rear D-rings. |
Tropical Breadags
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Classic "Tropical" Breadbag. |
Web fittings all over. |
Note the buttoholes are actually woven in the webbing. Not sewn. |
Volkssturm Breadbags
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Production Variations
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A rainbow of backing material |
Belt loop & buttonhole variations. Note, all are finished with a point. Square ends were used in Postwar models. |
Tabs on the flap vary in style- the box shaped imprint is to guide the worker during assembly. |
Luftwaffe Breadbags are the same patterns, but made from blue-gray material. |