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 and dated 'RME45' indicating production in 1945. The leather is still in supple condition, the metal parts are slightly rusted. Rare and hard to find original late war 1945 dated Y-straps in good used condition!