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 1940. The leather is still in supple condition, this is a so-called hidden-stitch example. There are some normal traces of usage, see photos. Nice original early war Y-straps in good used condition!