Combat Y-Straps, 1942

Product Description: This set of combat Y-Straps is a great example of this increasingly scarce piece of gear. They are the standard pattern issued to infantry soldiers. These show honest wear throughout, but remain complete and sound, perfect for a mannequin display. They are textbook, with supple and undamaged leather that is black on the outside, and undyed inside. All of the original stitching is intact. This is the sought after, earlier type, with no visible stitches on the exterior near the rivets for the auxiliary straps (the construction of these was simplified later in the war). Both shoulder straps are nicely stamped with the maker mark of R. Ehrhardt and dated 1942. The metal is gray/green painted steel, as is typical for this era, and retains most of the factory applied paint, with honest wear and some age patina. These combat Y-Straps are a nice midwar set with a great look. The overall condition rates as excellent.

Historical Description: Learning from their experiences and defeat in the previous war, Germany would develop new strategies for warfare. The result was a hard hitting, mobile warfare, which relied on speed and coordination. It would later be known as “Blitzkrieg”.  This new style of warfare would require changes to be made from how the Generals conducted operations, down to the individual soldier’s equipment.  As the Third Reich began rearming Germany during the 1930’s, due to the economic situation, much of the equipment and gear the fighting forces initially received would be from the First World War. This necessary reissuing of equipment combined with the revolutionary tactics being developed forced the German military to adapt their gear and equipment to these changes. As the German economy improved and more funding was available to the military, new equipment would be developed to replace the obsolete World War One equipment. The outbreak of World War Two pushed the development and issuing of new equipment to German soldiers to new levels. New designs and manufacturing techniques were developed. As the war progressed and fortunes changed, the German Third Reich was forced to cut production time, while continuing to develop better equipment. These changes to production, combined with newer designs, produced a vast array of equipment variants. Today these variants of equipment show proof of the drastic changes made by the German Military during World War 2.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.

Feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com