Nkomo Posted January 19, 2013 Share #1 Posted January 19, 2013 This is something you don't see everyday. In fact, this is one of my "Holy Grail" items and I never thought I'd ever own one. This is a Strichtarn (East German rain pattern) AK chest pouch that was captured by a Ranger who took part in Operation Just Cause. It appears to be one of the Nicaraguan made Strichtarn AK chest pouches and it certainly follows the examples being used by the Nicaraguan Army (circa 1980's). However, this piece has some interesting lettering on the back side of the body. FFDD and 200 are stenciled on the back with green paint.. This is an indicator that it was used by the Panamanian Defense Forces. Much of the Panamanian used equipment had this green paint applied showing it was PDF property. According to photographic evidence, these chest rigs were used by General Noriega's bodyguards. There is a very good possiblity that this chest rig came from Nicaragua originally and made it's way down to the Panamanian Defense Force. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nkomo Posted January 19, 2013 Author Share #2 Posted January 19, 2013 Back of chest rig. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nkomo Posted January 19, 2013 Author Share #3 Posted January 19, 2013 Close up of the green stencils on the reverse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nkomo Posted January 19, 2013 Author Share #4 Posted January 19, 2013 Picture of the Strichtarn chest rig in use with Noriega's bodyguards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hink441 Posted January 19, 2013 Share #5 Posted January 19, 2013 Very nice historical piece !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nkomo Posted January 19, 2013 Author Share #6 Posted January 19, 2013 Very nice historical piece !! Thanks, Hink. I was really happy to finally add one of these to my collection, as they are almost impossible to find. I will also add that this chest rig is TINY. It is so small that when I have it displayed on a mannequin, I can't fasten the back strap. The standard mannequin is too large, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewis505 Posted January 19, 2013 Share #7 Posted January 19, 2013 Most Panamanians are small compared to us - one of Noriega's uniform shirts is on display at the 82d ABN DIV Museum & it is unbelievable how small it is! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nkomo Posted January 19, 2013 Author Share #8 Posted January 19, 2013 Most Panamanians are small compared to us - one of Noriega's uniform shirts is on display at the 82d ABN DIV Museum & it is unbelievable how small it is! Thanks for the comment and information, Lewis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corpsmancollector Posted March 27, 2013 Share #9 Posted March 27, 2013 Arch, This is awesome, don't know how I missed it! A really fascinating piece. Thanks for posting, Will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nkomo Posted March 27, 2013 Author Share #10 Posted March 27, 2013 Arch, This is awesome, don't know how I missed it! A really fascinating piece. Thanks for posting, Will Thanks, Will! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kammo-man Posted March 28, 2013 Share #11 Posted March 28, 2013 Very nice bring back ! I know you are the right man to take care of it Arch . owen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kriegsmodell Posted March 28, 2013 Share #12 Posted March 28, 2013 Outstanding piece! Well done Arch! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy vs Spy Posted March 29, 2013 Share #13 Posted March 29, 2013 Nice display Arch! Thanks for setting it up for us Regards // M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nkomo Posted March 30, 2013 Author Share #14 Posted March 30, 2013 Thanks for the compliments, fellers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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