Imperial German 119th Infantry Regiment Leather Ammunition Pouch – Dated 1895

This is an outstanding and well-preserved example of a pre-WWI Imperial German leather ammunition pouch, issued to the 119th Infantry Regiment (Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 119) and dated 1895. The regiment, garrisoned in Stuttgart and part of the XIII (Royal Württemberg) Army Corps, played a key role in German military operations leading up to and during the First World War.

The pouch features a solid construction of thick blackened leather, with all internal cartridge compartments intact. These carefully formed slots would have housed the 7.92mm rounds for the Gewehr 88 rifle, in use during this period before the Gewehr 98 became standard. The pouch still retains its original brass buckle on the rear, along with reinforced riveted strap loops. The design reflects both form and function typical of the Kaiserzeit field gear — rugged yet detailed, with utilitarian elegance.

Inside the flap, the pouch is clearly marked "119.R.", indicating issue to the 119th Infantry Regiment, with the unit number followed by the soldier or company designation “2D”. The interior also reveals an excellent maker’s stamp, showing it was manufactured in 1895. The internal stamp is partially legible but confirms military acceptance and the production location. Particularly noteworthy are the unit markings and inspection stamps, which elevate this piece beyond generic examples and into the realm of historically traceable field equipment.

The outer leather has aged with surface scuffing and expected wear from active use, while the inner compartments remain structurally sound and flexible — rare for leather of this vintage. Stitching is tight across all seams, and the pouch retains a dark, rich tone overall.

Historical Context:
Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 119, part of the XIII (Württemberg) Army Corps, traces its lineage to the Württemberg Army and served under Prussian command after the unification of Germany. Its soldiers would have carried equipment like this through the turn of the century and into the early days of the First World War.

Display & Collectibility:
This pouch makes an exceptional display alongside a Gewehr 88 or early Gewehr 98 rifle, or in a broader Imperial German field gear collection. Items with clear unit markings — especially from a known regiment like IR 119 — are increasingly scarce and highly valued for their research potential and regimental attribution.

Provenance Note:
Acquired from a European collection specializing in Württemberg militaria.

Condition: Very Good, with wear consistent with field use and age
Material: Blackened leather with brass hardware and internal cartridge separators
Size: Standard issue size for Gewehr 88 pouches
Date: 1895
Regiment Marked: 119.R. (Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 119)