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US Combat
Suspenders
Last Updated: November 10, 2009
All Items are reproductions unless stated otherwise.
Suspender Panic: Above is a comparison photo illustrating the differences in the two styles of M1936 Suspenders we now offer. It's simply a matter of hardware and webbing weave. There is no secret meaning or application to either of them. Years ago, I noticed these variations amongst my originals. What we have named "First Pattern" seems to account for about 10% of the suspenders I've found. Anyway, as these were usually dated '41 or '42, the name "First Pattern" was the best option. These were issued throughout the War and are just as correct for your "Torch Landing" impression as it would be for your Okinawa outfit. Pick the one that floats your boat. If you don't specify, we'll default to the Standard Pattern.
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First Pattern M1936 Suspender
Things like this always create a dilemma for us. For sake of identification, we have named these "first pattern" suspenders. Why "first pattern"? Simply for lack of a better term. The ones I have owned all are dated 1942...so that's the best we can do. These are a production variation. Aside from that, they have no special meaning or application. These are for those of you who like to be a bit different from the rest of the crowd. If your unit has to have a seminar to debate the authenticity of these, find a new unit. They're a gaggle of hens who haven't a clue what they are talking about.
Anyway, this style of combat suspender differs from the "Standard" (or more common) style in two ways. First, these use Type II A (coarser) webbing for the shoulder straps instead of the ribbed Type IIB. Second, instead of using a riveted bracket with the loop and D-ring incorporated in it to attach the shoulder straps to the front carrying straps, this style uses a rectangular loop and a piece of 5/8" webbing. As the bracket requires less labor time to install, we suspect that these are an earlier pattern. Or, it may simply have been a permissible option for factories lacking the other hardware. Make sense?
What are these correct for???
Did paratroopers wear them???
Everyone and yes. These were issued concurrently with the "Standard" pattern suspenders. They were not "meant" for anyone in particular. I like making variations for a change of pace, but the panic stricken minions usually cause me to regret this decision...
Made in USA.
$50.00
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Standard M1936 Suspender
Exact reproduction load bearing suspenders. "Exact" means that there is no discernable difference from originals and ours. Our shuttle-loomed webbing is copied and color matched from unissued original material and all hardware is either genuine US military or reproductions that are indistinguishable from authentic parts. Maker marked and dated. Quality is outstanding. We opted for one change from originals: These are 6 inches longer in total so tall and larger types can adjust them to the point that they can wear their gear on their waist instead of across the nipples.
Made in USA.
$50.00
Reinforced M1936 Suspender
The shoulder straps on the WWII Cartridge belt suspenders tended to be too thin and dug into the wearer's shoulders. One common modification was the addition of reinforcing using 2" wide webbing... our reinforced set is the suspenders as above, but reinforced in this fashion.
Historical Note: These appear to have been a factory or depot modification. This is NOT a specifially "Airborne" or "Rigger" item. These appear to have modified across the board at some point later in the war.
Made in U.S.A.
$60.00
M1943 Suspender
These are a transitional, improved suspender issued prior to the introduction of the M44 pack suspenders and pack system. Originals are often green or a mix of green and khaki parts. Knowing the indigestion green gear causes, we made our reproductions in the more socially acceptable "all khaki" color. They are reinforced from the factory and are sturdier than the earlier M1936 pattern.
Historical Note: These begin to appear in original photos in the summer of 1944.
Made in U.S.A.
$50.00
Felt Shoulder Pads
Used by the 101st and 82nd Airborne units during the Normandy campaign. These offer considerably more cushion for your shoulders than the suspenders alone.
Pair $10.00
