BACKGROUND: All EM/NCO personnel were issued three leather straps designed to secure the rolled greatcoat to the backpack, etc.. The straps came in two different patterns with one pattern designated, "Mantelriemen für Fusstruppen", (Greatcoat straps for Foot troops), which had an additional auxiliary strap and the other pattern designated, "Mantelriemen für Unberittene der Berittenen Truppen", (Greatcoat straps for unmounted personnel of Mounted Troops), without the inclusion of the additional auxiliary strap. Both patterns of these straps were to become popular for a wide variety of uses.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 20 3/4" long, 3/4" wide, blackened leather construction strap with a matte grey painted, pronged, steel, roller, buckle and leather retaining loop to one end and seventeen, corresponding, punched buckling eyelets to the other end. The buckle end of the strap is folded over to the reverse and machine stitched down to secure the buckle. The buckle retains about 80% of its matte grey paint. The strap has a separate, stitched on auxiliary strap with a single stud eyelet positioned near the buckle end. The main strap has a leather reinforced, corresponding, matte grey painted, steel stud for the auxiliary strap. The reverse of the main strap is well marked with the faint, impressed manufacturer’s name, location and date that appears to be, "Krikowa Wien 62+ 1942". The strap is in overall very good condition with minor chafe wear.

GRADE ***3/4                             PRICE $38.00