Wehrmacht Pioneer Axe with 'Ersatz' type Carrying Case (Axt mit Axthülle). This is a large sized axe, this was special pioneer equipment. The axe was issued with a specific carrying case that was to be attached to the pioneer belt equipment hanger. The carrying case is made of a simulated leather (Ersatz). The case is nicely maker marked and dated 'jef 43' indicating production by the 'Ostpreuß.Kriegsbeschäd.-u.Erwebsbeschränkten-Werkstätten GmbH' from Köningsberg (Kaliningrad). The axe is showing a marking which is hard to read. The case is having a special compartment which includes a Wehrmacht Measuring Tape (Maßband). The 20 meters long measuring tape is nicely 'WaA' marked and dated 1943, marked 'Heereseigentum' as well. This axe was found years ago in a private household in the Netherlands, this is the only complete large sized pioneer axe that I know of and is an extremely rare piece of equipment. Not cheap, but certainly a rare opportunity for an advanced equipment collector to add a special piece to your collection!