WWII British Army / Home Guard Pouch, Basic, Leather, Pattern ’39 (Modified for Sten Gun) – 1st Pattern

An original, Pouch, basic, leather, pattern ’39 (modified), as officially issued during the Second World War to second-line troops and the British Home Guard.

This particular example is a desirable 1st Pattern (First Issue) variant, immediately identifiable by the early-style twin rear vertical leather belt loops paired with the top-mounted brass retaining buckle. 

Unlike later economy wartime versions that eliminated these details to conserve metals, this pouch retains its original early-war hardware specification.

This pouch features the classic mid-war depot/factory modification designed to accommodate the transition to the Sten submachine gun.

A leather extension strip has been meticulously riveted into the lid assembly to raise the profile, providing the necessary vertical clearance for two 32-round Sten magazines.

The front closure strap is configured high to securely snap onto the brass press-stud.

The pouch is in good, honest, field-used condition.

The leather remains structurally sound with tight, original stitching and secure riveting throughout.

It exhibits typical wartime wear, surface scuffs, and expected age dryness/surface cracking at the natural flex points of the lid hinge, adding excellent historical character.

The interior fibreboard liner is remarkably well-preserved, retaining its original rectangular shape but has some whitening to the inside of the top cover. 

The photographs are of the actual item and form part of the description. 

 Please examine the photographs carefully and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.