East German Armed Forces Brown Vinyl Map Case

A genuine Cold War-era field accessory straight from the stores of the East German Nationale Volksarmee (NVA), this brown vinyl map case was originally issued to officers and signalers for carrying topographic maps, orders, and field notebooks. Authentic NVA gear has become increasingly hard to source, and pieces like this carry strong appeal with collectors, reenactors, and surplus enthusiasts who want the real article rather than a modern copy.

The case is built from heavy brown vinyl with reinforced stitching around the perimeter and a wide protective flap that folds down over the contents. A long leather-look vinyl tongue runs through a series of stepped metal catches on the front, giving the operator three adjustment positions to accommodate a lightly loaded case or one packed full of documents. Inside, a fold-out panel features a clear vinyl map window that lets the user read a folded map without exposing it to rain, mud, or wind — a practical detail that made these cases popular far beyond their original issue.

Features & Construction

• Authentic East German (NVA) military-issue map case
• Brown vinyl body with water-resistant surface
• Fold-out interior panel with clear vinyl map window
• Two interior pockets for documents, notebooks, pens, and small gear
• Three-position metal catch closure with vinyl tongue strap
• Detachable, adjustable vinyl shoulder strap with metal snap hooks
• Approximate dimensions: 11" x 8" x 3.5" (28 x 20.5 x 9 cm)
• Approximate weight: 0.7 kg