Wehrmacht Combat Y-straps (Koppeltraggestell für Infanterie). The combat Y-straps were developed in April 1939 along with the M39 backpack to replace the earlier M34 backpack with integral shoulder straps. The combat Y-straps were also utilized with other backpacks including the A-Frame Assault pack and were designed to assist in distributing the weight of the equipment carried on the load bearing waist belt to the shoulders. The Y-straps are nicely maker marked by the company of 'Hruby & Co' from Hachenburg and dated 1939. The leather is still in good condition, with aluminum parts. Examples with aluminum parts are extremely rare to find and would serve perfectly for a 1940 display, this is the first pre-war dated pair I've found in over 15 years. Rare and hard to find early Y-straps in good used condition!