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M1908 Ammunition Bandolier (Patronenbandolier)

Introduced in 1908, the bandolier was an essential part of German ammunition distribution and saw much use in the trenches of WW1. The service men would drape the bandoliers over their necks, and haul spare ammunition up to the front. It was a efficient way for the soldiers to haul ammunition to the front while carrying extra supplies.

The bandolier would initially be issued in a blue cotton. However, over time, the dye would fade into a light grey or faded blue color. The early variants would have fabric tying tapes sewn to the reverse of the second pouches up, enabling the man to secure the bandolier closer to his body, being tied over the breadbag strap that was used to secure the ammunition pouches.

 

However, by 1916, the tie on cotton straps due to the ties were easily torn during action, causing them to flop around. Cells were instead sewn 'around' to make a loop for mounting on the belt. Although to this date, I (the curator) have yet to see pictures of them fully looped on a belt.

It should be noted that although these were issued in mass throughout the war, they were considered disposable. Ones that were collected by depots would be 'restocked' of ammunition, and reused until the bandoliers were no longer usable. Thus, these bandoliers are a near impossible to find item in the modern world of collecting.
 

Other Names:

Patronengurt

Patronen-Tragegurt

BandoGerman
gerbando

The bandolier is divided into three components, being a central section for suspending the weight of the cartridges over the man's neck; a set of five pouches each side to be draped over his chest.

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Each 'cell' was made to take one clip of 7.92mm ammunition. With 14 pockets designed to carry 70 cartridges. A papercloth strip was simply sewn in place across the top to hold the ammunition in place.

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You can see the 'ghostly' echos of the past with the indentations of the ammunition from a time past. The stains also help give it a battlefield worn feel.

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This particular example has the number '16' within a circle ink stamped onto one side. Denoting the year of production: 1916.

Historical Photos

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