US M1956 First Aid / Compass Case 1st Type

US M1956 First Aid / Compass Case 1st Type.

The canvas M1956 pouch was used for carrying either a field dressing or a lensatic compass and had a single slide keeper on the back that was used to attach it to either the pistol belt or the web keeper on top of the padded portion of the suspenders. The first pattern pouch was little changed from the experimental EX-54 version in that the main body had no edging and no drain hole.

The M1956 First Aid/Compass Case represents a pivotal evolution in American military field equipment design. Crafted from durable canvas, this first-type pouch was engineered to securely carry either a standard field dressing or a lensatic compass during combat operations. A single slide keeper on the reverse allowed soldiers to attach the case to their pistol belt or web suspender keeper, keeping essential gear within immediate reach. Distinguished from its experimental EX-54 predecessor by its unedged main body and absence of a drain hole, this pouch exemplifies mid-century military pragmatism. A sought-after collectible for militaria enthusiasts and military history scholars alike.