A Second War German Luftwaffe Mg-13/Mg-15 Spare Parts Pouch

This is a spare parts pouch used for the hand manipulated defensive MG-13/MG-5, used during the 1930’s onboard medium transport aircraft, such as the Junkers 52. The pouch is constructed of multiple stiff pieces of butterscotch-coloured leather, and is stitched together using white cotton twine. Towards the front of the pouch is a metal loop with a leather flap that extends over the opening, with the addition of a stiff “through piece” that serves to keep the flap closed. Both sides of the pouch feature thin leather that allow the pouch to open like an accordion.

The interior is empty, with the exception of two double firing pin holders. The exterior depicts stitch marks, meaning that the interior of the pouch was previously de-gutted - this was common practice with these bags, as the MG-15 was replaced by 1941, and these pouches converted to hold binoculars. On the reverse are two vertical loops secured via a metal rivet to allow attachment to a service pelt, in addition of a metal ring in the centre to allow the pouch to hang. It is marked “FL45966” on the obverse of the flap, along with the manufacturer marks “IZS” and a Luftwaffe eagle. The pouch measures 207 mm x 153 mm; in used, but very well preserved condition.