Y-straps – 0/0543/0002
Y-straps with auxiliary straps or “Koppeltragegestell aus Leder mit Hilfstrageriemen” was first introduced in April 1939. Meant to distribute the weight of the equipment evenly, the Y-straps where a important part of the equipment. In April 1940 the official name was changed to “Koppeltragegestell für Infanterie” Even though it was introduced in 1939 it only saw widespread use from 1941 onwards. As the war progressed the Y-straps underwent many minor changes ever simplifying the production.
Markings: 0/0543/0002
Maker: The maker 0/0543/0002 is unknown but the RBNr. points out that the company was situated somewhere between Westfalen and Rheinprovinz.
Year: 1943-1945
Hardware: Zinc treated steel
Notes: Executed in natural brown color which was given out to the troops later in the war and the dye to paint the leather became harder to obtain. The natural brown leather is a hard to find variant. The Y-strap has a manufacturing error in which one of the top D-rings was never attached.
