Vintage Military Canvas Pouch – “Stowage for Lorenz Leads” – WWII / Cold War Communications Equipment
Please note a % of the profit will go to Blesma. Blesma stands for British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association. It is a national charity that supports serving and ex-service men and women who have suffered limb loss, loss of the use of limbs, or loss of an eye or sight while serving in the British Armed Forces. Blesma's mission is to help these veterans lead independent and fulfilling lives, offering support in their communities throughout the UK.
-
Add a fascinating piece of military communications history to your collection with this authentic vintage canvas pouch, clearly stamped “STOWAGE FOR LORENZ LEADS.” Believed to date from the Second World War or early Cold War period, this stowage roll was used by British or Allied forces to store signal leads and cables for Lorenz radio or encryption equipment.
-
What is it?
This is a canvas equipment pouch or storage roll, likely used by military personnel for organizing and protecting “Lorenz leads” — cables or wires related to Lorenz cipher machines or radio equipment.
-
Historical Context
Lorenz refers to a German manufacturer — C. Lorenz AG — that was active in the early to mid-20th century. Lorenz made:
Cipher machines (notably the Lorenz SZ40/42 used by the German Army in WWII for high-level communications),
Radio transmission equipment (teleprinter and HF gear),
Other military communication technology.
-
However, this canvas item appears British or Allied rather than German, due to:
The English labelling ("STOWAGE FOR LORENZ LEADS")
The style of manufacturing (canvas with leather straps, similar to British military kit from WWII and the Cold War era)
The purple serial number stamp ("7844089") and broad arrow-style stamp, a common British military property marking.
-
So, this likely dates from World War II or early Cold War, and was used to store communication leads or connectors for Lorenz-manufactured signal equipment that had been captured, repurposed, or standardized into Allied use post-war.
-
Features
Heavy-duty canvas material
Leather securing straps for rolling or hanging
Snap fasteners for closure
Clear military stenciling
Serial number and possible broad arrow stamp, denoting military issue
-
This would appeal to collectors of:
WWII military memorabilia
Communication and encryption history
Field gear and tactical vintage storage
-
Also functional as:
A rustic tool roll
A decorative military display
Part of a reenactment kit