Too big for condoms. Sorry couldn't resist this morning. Blame the bad sense of humor on my cold. Not buying that huh?

Only in bulk Marion and even the RAF would'nt have had such a luxury means of holding them in wartime???

Colin.

PS.You'd have been good fun to go to war with M1. lol

Custom made billfold or cigarette wallet.

I am sending an inquiry to a British site right now. Will let you know when they reply.

I saw a similar item on ebay, although it has the emblem of the USAAF stenciled on the front instead of the RAF. The seller didn't know what purpose it had either. I would guess it was for small personal items like glasses, smokes and the like. I prefer the Crown Royal pouch myself.. 🙂

Thank you all for your interest. I have sent this enqiry to many websites now, as well as the RAF Museum and The UK Imperial War Museum. The construction of the pouch is such that it must have had a special purpose I believe. It is so well made and finished that even after nearly 70 years it is still in first class condition.

Colin.

Yes, it could have been specifically made for someone too, and not a standard issue pouch. Whatever it may be and whatever purpose it served, it's a wonderful piece to have within her collection.

Received this a few minutes ago...

Good evening Marion,

 

You have a very nice souvenir from your father. (sorry he misunderstood - should be Nan's father)

As best as I can say, it is not military issue and therefore probably privately made.

My best guess would be that it is a tobacco pouch.

 

I am sorry that I cannot give you further information.

 

With best regards,

Ton Goemans

 

Check out my online store for Military Collectables

What a mystery this turned out to be! When I sent the pouch to Colin I thought it was something that was standard use in the RAF.

When we found dad's trunk you could tell it hadn't been opened in many years...... it was like opening a treasure chest. You can imagine how we felt - it was like going back in time. There were many items in the trunk like his uniform, letters, pictures, postcards, Hitler stamps, a push flash light, german bayonet, the little leather pouchand much more. There just has to be a reason for the little leather pouch to be in there. Dad was in the UK for quite awhile before D-Day. I'm sure they weren't selling sovenirs at that time!

So, if anyone can help us solve the mystery of the leather pouch that would be great!

Nancy

I'm standing by my non issue, custom made cigarette wallet. Tobaco doesn't need the frame to keep it from being crushed.

Caryl, as you can imagine I have had very many suggestions about the pouch. If you saw it I'm sure you would accept it was not for cigarettes, it is much too narrow and even after almost 70 years I would have expected an aroma. It is just less than 1/4" thick.

You can discern a slight indentation on the back approx 2 1/4" in diameter, as if it once contained something circular.

I am awaiting a reply from the Imperial War Museum here in the UK, having asked them if it is recognised by anyone there.

Colin.

AH, I was not aware how thin it was.

Back to the thinking board. Wallet that held his lucky crown? (money, not headpiece)

COMPASS CASE !

OH OH OH Pocket watch - family piece, he'd want it protected! He would have removed it when he got home. While not made for a watch, it would have worked!!

MYSTERY SOLVED!!

Email to Alaskan Gal:

Nancy,

I have just returned from an 80 mile round trip to Cheltenham and the BBC Antiques Roadshow.

It was worth every mile as I have solved the mystery of the pouch. It contained a mirror for the use by a lady in her handbag. It was known as a "sweetheart souvenir" and the non-official RAF Crest on it was used at the time of WWII on various items like makeup compacts, lipsticks, brooches etc. sold by commercial enterprises.

I am so pleased to be able to let you know what the Militaria expert said - so now we know. I hope it may give you an idea of why it was in your dad's trunk, do you think so ?

Colin.

Colin, this is so cool. After all this time you were able to discover what this was. Nancy will be so thrilled, as am I.

Bravo, good job mate!!!