Description
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| Texled M40 Y-straps | Correct steel hooks | Hidden stitch, steel rivets | Auxiliary straps with teardrop holes and studs |
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| Proper size and positioned D-rings |
WWII pattern backstrap | Typical elongated D-rings | Maker marked and dated. |
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| Do they look like originals? Maybe… Note: The backstrap can be folded either toward the outside or to the inside. Both methods are seen on WWII straps. |
Note: I blackened ours for the comparison photos to better match the original… |
Original (L) vs. ATF (R) | ATF (L) vs. WWII (R) Note: Some originals were blackened where the shoulder straps is folded around the O-rings. Others were not- it’s just a variation. |
The main feature that distinguishes Y-straps made in the first half of WWII is the hidden stitch used on the covers for the rivets that attach the auxiliary straps. This is a mark of high quality saddlery, made by carefully cutting slits in the side of the strap and carefully sewing at an angle. Stitching this way was purely for cosmetic reasons- by 1942-43 someone figured out it was a waste of time…
Other traits of the early Y-straps were auxiliary straps with elongated D-rings that adjust by means of a stud and teardrop shaped holes, and the large D-rings on the back are placed much close to the O-ring than on later production straps.
Our back straps are the correct WWII pattern and size.
Marked with an original maker name and dated 1940.
Yes, they cost a little more than most other reproductions- but these are nothing like most other reproductions. Ours look like actual WWII issue gear- they lack the hyper-farb hardware, chunky backstraps, lollipop adjustment holes, brass rivets and sultry aroma of the bargain barn pieces.
Imported
