WW1 German Cartridge Bandolier

A very rare WW1 German ammunition bandolier in blue cotton . Contrary to popular belief , these bandoliers were not a late war item & were already in service before the outbreak of war in 1914. Actually conceived in 1908 , they were an important part of German ammunition issue & saw much use in the trenches of WW1.
Made from varying shades of blue cotton material this example is in excellent condition with some grubby areas & has the number '16' within a circle ink stamped onto one side. There is also a manufacturers mark within an oval at the centre yoke. Each compartment was made to take the chargers with tips downwards. A papercloth strip was simply sewn in place across the top to hold them in place.
A near impossible to find item of equipment of the WW1 German soldier.

Code: 14207