Hi Armygas! I doubt it’s NZ made. We had a very small manufacturing base here in the 30s/40s. It’s almost certainly British manufacture, as was 90% of the non-US Lend Lease stuff we used. I imagine it was just part of the accessories pack that came with the Vickers. The Communist stuff is there to offset the Nazi stuff! But seriously, I’m pretty keen on the Red Admy weapons and equipment. Hideously proletarian though it was.

Ted, Brilliant exhibit all around, very interesting to see the Communist items of the period, I don't know anyone else with that sort of thing.  Is the condensing canister for the MG a New Zealand made item?  If so was it bespoke made for guns or is it petrol related?  Cheers, Armygas

That's actually a "cutters mark" after spending 50 years in the textile industry.  And I am inclined to agree that your bag is a post war surplus store modification for civilian use.     OD  

I'm pretty sure it is a 3rd Army patch. The 733rd FAB was a non-divisional asset.   These two examples are from this 733rd FAB website: http://www.733rd.org/     Dan

Looks custom made, could be something made with extra parts by a surplus store post war, or best case it’s some sort of “rigger item” definitely not something that was factory made in my opinion.

Thank you!  That does fit more with the flap on looking up pics!   I am wondering if what I thought was a “7” in the inside flap corner is actually a British broad arrow mark?

The style chevron being worn (small size gold on blue - for non-combatants) was worn from 1948 to 1951, so this photo dates from the first part of your grandfather’s Army service.  

Here’s a couple of things I’ve picked up last week. This m41 jacket and this D-Day gas mask carrier. I’m putting together a 29th in div uniform and these were two big pieces I needed. The collar on the jacket is repaired. im not sure if that’s period done or post war. Does anyone have a guess?

Tuscany is beautiful! My brother who currently lives in Switzerland just bought a house in Tuscany which he plans on moving to when he retires in the Fall. I look forward to visiting him there.  

Well I did a bit of digging, and came across Nortex. A grabbed a few screenshots of various knives that to me have some similarities. Whilst obviously not a conclusive identification, I don't think its far off from its origins. Could it be Nortex Cutlery Co. in North Dallas? Either way, I love it.