Tragekoffer / Carrying Case
One of the rarest accessories for the MP38 and MP40 is the wooden carrying case. Very few examples have survived both the war and the postwar years, making them highly sought after by collectors. Most of the known surviving cases have suffered damage or have had parts of their interior fittings removed over time.
Two distinct versions of the case have been identified. The earlier version was designed to accommodate the MP38 or the early MP40, which featured the original hook-style retracting handle. The later version was modified to fit the improved MP40 with the safety retracting handle. These subtle design differences suggest that the carrying case was adapted as changes were made to the weapon itself.
MP40 carrying case
Credit: A.Krutzek collection
Beladeplan / Loading plan Kfz. 305 (LC-Koffer)
The MP38 and MP40 transport cases are not listed in the D 97/1 Geräteliste. The only official publication known so far that mentions and illustrates the carrying case is the L.Dv. 702/2 Heft 204 manual. This manual provides technical details on the loading plan for the Kfz. 305 (LC-Koffer)—an Opel Blitz truck with a specialized superstructure used by the Luftnachrichtentruppe. This manual was a reprint of the 1939 print.
In modern terms, the Luftnachrichtentruppe would be referred to as Air Force Communications Troops. During World War II, they were responsible for communications within the Luftwaffe, including radio operations, signal intelligence, and coordinating air-to-ground communication.
The loading plan includes an MP38 carrying case mounted on one of the vehicle's walls. The MP38 was stored there for quick access in case of an imminent threat.
L.Dv. 702/2
Heft 204
Luftnachrichtentruppe
Ausbildung am Gerät
Teil 2:
Beladepläne
Heft 204.
Gerätnachweis und Beladeplan
für einen Fernschreibanschlußtrupp (mot.)
auf Kfz. 305 (LC-Koffer)
Ausgabe 1940
18.8.1940
Interior Kfz. 305
Credit: bergflak.com
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Kfz. 305 (LC-Koffer)
Credit: bergflak.com
The further use of the MP38 and MP40 carrying case remains speculative. However, the fact that the box has a handle and can be carried like a suitcase suggests the possibility of additional functions.
Types
The number of surviving MP38 and MP40 carrying cases worldwide is extremely limited. So far, I have been able to identify only three MP38 cases and three MP40 cases.
The MP38 Carrying Case
Three known cases have been found with "MP38" painted in black on the lid. One of them bears the manufacturer’s initials “GF.” Based on this, we may assume that all three cases were produced by “GF” in 1940. Although the first L.Dv. 702/ Heft 201 manual was first printed in 1939. So we can assume case were manufactured in 1939 as well.
Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to identify the full manufacturer’s name. I have searched the secret codebook for wood manufacturers with the initials “GF,” and while this is purely speculative, two possible candidates are:
- Graf, Friedrich Möbelfabrik (hsw)
- Grosse, Fritz, Holzwarenfabrik (ekp)
The MP38 carrying case is designed to hold only an MP38 or an early MP40 with the original hook-style retracting handle. An MP38 or MP40 with the later safety retracting handle does not fit into the recess inside the lid.
The construction of the MP38 carrying case features dovetail joints connecting the solid wood boards. Dovetail joints are considered one of the strongest types of wood joints, designed to resist twisting or pulling apart in multiple directions. However, they are more complex to manufacture compared to the box joints used in the later MP40 cases.
Contents of the carrying case:
In the case a metal frame that would hold a photo of a carrying case with its contents. This
- MP38 or MP40
- 6 magazins
- Trageriemen (Carrying sling)
- Magazinfüller (Magazine filler)
- Schraubenfeder zum schlagbolzen außen (recoil spring)
- Schraubenfeder zum schlagbolzen innen (buffer spring)
- Schlagbolzen (firing pin)
- Auszieher (extractor)
- Abzugstollen (sear)
It is remarkable that no Mundingsschöner (Muzzle cap) was enclosed in the photo. The 1940 “GF” case holds an MP38. At this time the early muzzle caps were still issued with MP38’s.
Box joint on MP40 case
The MP40 Carrying Case
Two known MP40 cases bear the manufacturer’s initials “BB” and were produced in 1944. Unlike the MP38 cases, these have no identifying markings on the exterior. Interestingly, despite being made in 1944, they still feature a commercial manufacturer’s code although a standardized Waffenamt stamp. is present as well.
Outside MP40 Case
Credit: A.Krutzek collection
The construction of the MP40 carrying case uses box joints to connect the solid wood boards. This type of joint is simpler and easier to manufacture compared to dovetail joints.
I have identified three possible manufacturers for the “BB” code based on the codebook, though this remains speculative:
- Becker Bernhard Möbelfabrik (efr)
- Berlin Britzer Holzbearbeitungsfabrik (jfa)
- Brunn & Buse Kleinmöbelfabrik (kvm)
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