During WW2, German signals troops (Nachrichtentruppen) pulled field telephone line construction carts (Baukarren) to build field telephone lines in captured territories. These carts contained spools of telephone wire, a wire dispensing backpack, poles, and all the tools needed to put up the wire. They were pulled by hand, but could be hitched to a truck or wagon for long distance transport. The carts were made to completely disassemble without tools for ease of storage.
Wartime carts are very rare and extremely expensive. They are almost impossible to find outside of the EU.
Fortunately, after the war, the Bundeswehr continued to use similar carts into the 1990s. The postwar carts had pneumatic rubber tires, a bent drawbar, different means to attached the wheels, and a different mount for the backpack. Slight differences not noticeable to most people. Most importantly, these postwar carts are occasionally sold by militaria dealers at a very reasonable price. So, they are ideal for reenacting.
To learn more about the Baukarren, check out my book which is available from Lulu Press…
WW2 German Field Telephone Equipment 