Original German WWII Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Leather Combat Suspender Y Straps with Faint Maker Marking Original Items

Original Item: Only On Available. This is a very nice set of German WWII 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.

This set of straps is a bit different than most we see, as the central strap has a fairly clear Eagle / M Kriegsmarine acceptance marking below a faint maker marking, indicating issue to the German Navy. The Küstenartillerie (Coastal Artillery) were the only part of the German WWII Navy that would really have a use for them, as they were outfitted identically to the Heer Army in most respects. The standard 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 lovely service used example of Y-straps are the iconic 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 mostly magnetic iron/steel, and has the correct light gray painted finish. The hook on the rear strap is however aluminum, so this was probably made early in the war during the transitional period. The stitching is all white, and we see no signs of alterations or repairs.

Condition is very nice, with a great “broken in” look that is impossible to duplicate. If you were looking for a set of Y-straps to go with a Coastal Artillery belt and/or uniform, this would be perfect!

Ready to display!