Unknown Mag Pouch

[Gunner1]

Came to my hands a very different magazine pouch and have ever since been trying to identify their origin, but so far not got success.

With no apparent markings that indicate the source, its construction resembles much of WWII German pouches, by the use of canvas and leather and angulation of the belt fittings. It have a piece of leather sewed in the botton of each pocket.

The most interesting thing is that Thompson´s XXX mags fits perfectly (and was used for this, by internal oxidation marks on canvas).

I've tried putting magazines of Sten, Grease Gun, MP-40, Madsen M-50, but all are much longer than the pockets. Magazines from PPSH-41 are curved and don´t fit also.

I think that may be some kind of pouch made to German Army (tank crew) after war or something from CIA (CISO Operations).

Could someone help identify? I tried it on other forums, but not getting any plausible result. Any help will be welcome.

 

Thanks

[jim c 351]

Gunner1,

According to Bob Landes owner of Ohio Ordnance, these pouches were made up at the request of the CIA for the Bay Of Pigs invasion.

Bob told this story many years ago and I don't know if he sticks to it now.

Jim C

[Gunner1]

Was a more coherent response that I received. At least was a logical response.

This would explain the lack of identification in the pouch (sterile).

I'll continue searching from there.

 

Thanks Jim C

[TSMGguy]

The straps and hardware (except for the stud) look very American, particularly the pattern and weave of the canvas. IIRC, the Ordnance department was pretty impressed with the MP-40 after examples captured in North Africa were brought back to the US for testing. Some Thompson magazine pouches were made up for testing and evaluation, along the lines of German MP-40 pouches. Could this be one of those test articles?

[1921A]

Did you ever get an answer to this? I have a couple of these somewhere and it seems like I heard that they were made in the 60's and given to ARVN troops equipped with M1A1s. If so, there ought to be some pictures floating around out there.

[Gunner1]

Hi 1921A

 

Still not getting an answer that was definitive. I also have been looking for pictures, but I got no success so far.

[Ivan]

Saw these pouches many years ago. Was told a big batch was made for "sterile" US operations.

For 30 round Thompson and 30 round Carbine mags.Side pouch for oil bottle and sectional cleaning rod.

Did you try a Carbine mag ?

 

Wish I had bought a few,they were $2 or $3 at the time.

[Gunner1]

Hi Ivan

 

I tried with the M1 Carbine magazines too. They fit, but they were very hard to get caught.

The pocket is too deep for this magazine.

 

http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u363/Pedrosoli/Forum/magazine_pouch21_zps2a726569.jpghttp://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u363/Pedrosoli/Forum/magazine_pouch22_zps38770b51.jpghttp://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u363/Pedrosoli/Forum/magazine_pouch23_zps7a9e33cb.jpg