Texled M40 Y-straps	Correct steel hooks	Hidden stitch, steel rivets	Auxiliary straps with teardrop holes and studs
Proper size and positioned D-rings	WWII pattern backstrap	Typical elongated D-rings	Maker marked and dated.
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.

Top quality reproduction of the first pattern of the WWII German combat Y-straps. This style was made and issued from sometime in 1940 until 1942-43 and worn through the end of the conflict. These particular reproductions are exclusive to ATF and are not available anywhere else. They are made from top grade 8oz. leather, flesh side out, exact and correct reproduction hardware, hand sewn, and copied directly from an original example.

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