BACKGROUND: The Combat Y-straps were originally developed by the army in April 1939 along with the M39 backpack to replace the earlier M34 backpack with integral shoulder straps. The Y-straps were also utilized with other backpacks including the A-Frame Assault pack and assisted in distributing the weight of equipment carried on the waist belt to the shoulders. On February 15TH 1940 the army introduced another pattern of Combat-Y straps, designated Koppeltraggestell für Kavallerie, (Belt Support Straps for Calvary), that were intended for mounted personnel, although they saw widespread use by Officer’s, cavalry, motorcycle, bicycle and paratroop personnel. The Kriegsmarine adopted this second type of Combat Y-straps for all EM/NCO personnel and re-designated them as Trageriemen für Patronentaschen, (Support Straps for the Cartridge Pouches).

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Early, blackened leather construction Y-straps, consisting of two front straps and a short back strap with metal fittings. Nicely "Eagle over M" marked. Straps are complete and in decent condition. Getting hard to find.