WH (Heer/Waffen-SS) Tropical Combat Y-straps (Tropen 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. With the impending German entrance into the North African campaign, tropical uniforms and equipment were quickly developed and issued in time for 'Deutsches Afrika Korps', this include the canvas web construction tropical Y-straps. The Y-straps are nicely maker marked by the company of 'Kimnach & Brunn' from Kaiserslautern and dated 1941. The Y-straps are in very good minimal worn condition showing only minor age and usage toning and light surface spotting and some rust to the steel fittings. This is one of the better sets I've had in a long time. Nice and hard to find original Tropical Y-straps in very good condition!