Aluminum "Patronenkasten 34" MG Ammo Box

Patronenkasten 34" MG Ammunition Box – 1939 Dated & Factory Black Finished

An rare (black), untouched early-pattern aluminum Patronenkasten 34, manufactured in 1939 by the desirable maker Fr. Braun (Tambach-Dietharz, Thüringen), featuring their characteristic stamped logo and a crisp, clear Waffenamt (WaA) inspection marking on the latch. What makes this specific piece incredibly elite is its documented, factory-applied black finish. Unlike the vast majority of Patronenkasten 34 units that left the factory in standard Reichswehr-grau or early Feldgrau, this example was completely finished in black prior to its final assembly. The deep black paint is entirely original, present on the bare aluminum with zero underlying colors, and covers every inch of the box—including the latching mechanism, handles, and crucially, the entire interior of the lid. Over the side, a thick, weathered, and period-applied horizontal white tactical line is present. These high-visibility markings were used during the early war years for instant content or branch identification under low-light front conditions.

Condition-wise, the box is a textbook survivor. The lightweight aluminum body is completely straight with absolutely no dents, cracks, or distortion. All the original untanned leather wrap handles remain entirely intact, tight, and present. The complex hinge and front closing clasp operate flawlessly and lock up tightly.
Note on deployment: Given the factory black finish and the tactical white identification stripe, this box is strongly assumed to have been issued for specialized use within armored vehicle interiors (Panzer divisions) or for Luftwaffe night-fighter (Nachtjagd) ground crews/airfield components where light concealment was vital.
A truly remarkable, textbook, and untouched artifact. This is the first original ab-werk black Patronenkasten 34 we have ever encountered.