Original German WWII 1943 Dated Waffen SS Marked Leather Combat Suspender Y Straps – Koppeltragegestell für Infanterie Original Items

Original Item: Only On Available. This is a very nice set of German WWII Army Leather Combat Suspenders, usually referred to as “Y Straps” due to the shape. This version with support straps was introduced in April 1939, and initially only intended for Infantrymen in rifle companies. Later in the war the Y-belt also was authorized for motorcycle units (1941) and bicycle units (1943).

In records, the name appears in German as Koppeltragegestell aus Leder mit Hilfstrageriemen, which can be translated as “Leather Belt suspenders with auxiliary carrying straps”. This was later simplified to Koppeltragegestell für Infanterie, which simply means “Belt Carrier for Infantry.” These were designed to more effectively distribute the weight of the combat rigging.

The standard German Heer (Army) loadout would have the front clips attached to 98k Triple Ammo pouches on the left and right front of the pistol belt, while the rear attaches directly to the pistol belt. Usually then an “A-Frame” would be installed, with the top clips attaching to the two D-rings on the shoulder straps on the top, with the auxiliary straps attached to the bottom clips. Then the field gear, such as the mess tin, blanket, gas mask, etc would be attached to the A-Frame.

This example of Y-straps are the iconic later wartime pattern, finished black on the “back” of the leather, which faces outward, and natural leather on the smoother inner side of the leather that rests against the uniform. The hardware is all magnetic iron/steel, and has the correct light gray painted finish. We examined the straps, and they are maker marked on the underside of the right strap with Waffen SS markings:

(RZM) (ᛋᛋ)
M/4
1943

The presence of the ᛋᛋ doppelte Siegrune of the SS would usually indicate that these were intended for use with the Waffen SS, or possibly one of the Police units, as they were overseen by the SS.

Condition is very good, with the expected wear from age and service. There is some minor cracking in the finish of the leather, and overall the leather is somewhat dry, as is to be expected after so many years. The rear strap is also a bit worn, and probably wasn’t made from the best leather. The leather has a great aged color, and would work perfectly with any German WWII display.

Ready to display!