Top of the line reproduction magazine pouches for WWII German MP38 and MP40 SMG's. These are unique to ATF- assembled with American made canvas and Belgian leather, patterned directly from the original examples in the photos.

Nearly all reproduction MP40 pouches (and MP44's) are at best so-so, but most often utter abominations. No, these are not a horribly complicated piece of gear, but for some reason the companies that make them- whether in Asia or Europe- just can't get them right. Most are so bad that they're easily picked out even in black and white photos of guys wearing otherwise perfect impressions.

Some years ago I decided to improve the Texled products one more notch by copying specific WWII manufacturers- many of whom had their own characteristics. MP40 pouches were made in numerous fabrics and colors during the War, and the most popular combination with enthusiasts today is olive canvas with black leather fittings. (Brown leather seems to equal "Luftwaffe" to many historians.)

One of the most prolific gear manufacturers in Germany was Ernst Melzig Lederwaren in Liegnizt, (in East Prussia, now Poland) whose maker code was "clg", hence the name. These were the model and maker we chose to copy.

I have several original examples of clg pouches, one of which we sent to a canvas company in Indianapolis for a color match. The studs and D-rings were specially made several years ago (as they are used on numerous other items of gear), and the leather comes from Belgium. We spray and seal the hides here, strap cut the leather parts then die cut the canvas on our press, and send the parts overseas for assembly.

Why not sew them in the USA? Cost and carpal tunnel. The leather parts on these (as well as nearly all WWII German gear) are saddle stitched by hand, which requires 4+ hours per pair to do.
Yes, it can be done by machine, but that's still very time consuming, looks like shit and doesn't hold up very well.
Yes, you can tell hand from machine stitching on leather.

Authenticity? The comparison photos with the originals show it all.

Assembled overseas with American materials