West German Y Straps-all services

[Gordon Craig]

Gents,

I just went through the Bundeswehr Lovers thread and was disapointed to see all of the photos that were missing because they were posted through a host site rather than on the WAF. Too bad we had to lose all of that valuable information. I am assuming that hosting was used because those that posted pictures were not WAF members. That is too bad and I would urge all of you with enough interest to participate in the WAF and post pictures to become members. The membership fees are not large but they help to support this site, without which, our hobby would be a lot less interesting.
Enough "editorializing". On with the thread. I would like to have as many West German Y straps as possible posted to this thread. If there are any markings on your Y straps please post them as well. I started this thread because of a set of Y straps that is on auction now that I have some questions about. They are well marked as police straps. My question is "How do they attach to the rest of the equipment?

Regards,

Gordon

[Gordon Craig]

The markings on these Y straps.

[Klaus1989]

Just noticed this thread. Polizei y-straps are identical to BGS ones (except for stamp), so they have 2 clips that attach to G1 mag pouches or MP pouches in front and one in rear to belt or belt ring.

Were these Manions? They have been selling much Schleswig-Holstein Bepo items since last year.

regards
Klaus

[Viktor]

Genossen This is some input I made a while back before we were a Unified Sector..

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...240066&page=13

[Gordon Craig]

Just noticed this thread. Polizei y-straps are identical to BGS ones (except for stamp), so they have 2 clips that attach to G1 mag pouches or MP pouches in front and one in rear to belt or belt ring.

Were these Manions? They have been selling much Schleswig-Holstein Bepo items since last year.

regards
Klaus

Klaus,

It looks as though I forgot to post the most important part of my question. Beena wahile since I started this thread but I think the Y straps were from Manions. I don't remember exactly what was wrong with the Y strap connections. I'll have to look through my archives and see if I can find pictures.

Regards,

Gordon

[SCHUPO]

Gordon,

I have an identical set with the same markings. Mine has a typical flat belt hook on the back with a leather flap protector. The front has two flat snap hooks that are distinctive with cross hatch embossing. I don't know if the markings indicate a Polizei Schule with the designation of H or if they are from Schleswig-Holstein.

[Klaus1989]

I don't know if the markings indicate a Polizei Schule with the designation of H or if they are from Schleswig-Holstein.

I think they indicate Schleswig-Holstein Polizei because I have seen alot of fieldgear like Rucksacks for sale recently that is marked "Polizei-Schl-H" and I do not think "Schl" is abbreviation for "Schule". Y-straps and rucksacks are primarily Bepo item of issue and Polizeischüler would be less likely to have them, although not impossible I guess.

regards
Klaus

[uscob]

SCHL-H is 100% Schleswig Holstein. And the Equipment is not only for Bepo or Schools, it was used by every Policemen. Mostly only once a year when they had to do a little exercise. That's why you find a lot of un- or little used Equipment. Somewhere I have loads of nearly unused triangle "Zeltplane".

[Klaus1989]

An old thread, but Gordon's idea to keep references in one place to make easier to find is very good. Finally with help of WAF member DUDLEYGREENE with ebay, was able to obtain early BGS y-straps. These are very rare and searched for them since I notice that earlier photos show a different model with hooks instead of clips. Will post my later BGS straps here as well for reference.

Not sure, when 1st model introduced, as they are not seen in photos from very early years so much, so maybe around 1953/54? Before used belt hooks to support belt like early WW2. Rounded flap was from beginning for BGS, and not shaped like the WW2 light y-straps. Another collector who tell me this long time ago, was not correct (confirmed with photos).



Stamped "Franz Brehme, Walsrode 1954" and with Bundesadler (letters under it are so small, that I can not read them). Maker stamp on both front straps. Named to Hans Platte. Ink stamp on rear strap "52/54" (not sure what for?).

[Gordon Craig]

Klaus,

Thanks for resurrecting this thread. I had forgotten about it. Have added a number of well marked Y straps since I started this thread but can not post pictures of them until I return home from Florida. Here are pictures of a canvas set of the Bundeswehr ones from my archives.

[Gordon Craig]

#2,

[Klaus1989]

Now for well-known 2nd Model. These were introduced around 1957. The only difference, that I see is the use of clips instead of hooks. Bereitschaftspolizeien der Länder later standardised their various different models to these also.

These varied from maker to maker and with age. As I only collect early BGS, not have any from later years.



Marked "Larsen 1958" and "2", whereby 2 probably the extra-large size indicates (they longer as normal ones).

[Klaus1989]

Here is interesting field-modified 2nd model y-straps. I was told Grenzer did this in field to get annoying flap out of way and it was tolerated. No photo evidence of this so far, but not really looked. Slit was cut in flap, hook removed and strap thread through slit, then hook put back on.


Stamps are also unusual. Marked "Dr. R. Römer, Ulm" and "59" for 1959 on flap.

[Klaus1989]

1st model has blue metal parts in contrast to 2nd model with bright metal.



Comparison of all three. The 1954 and 1959-dated sets share some interesting features common: the flap shape rounded and no cross-pieces on end of front straps. l to r: 1959, 1958 and 1954.

[Klaus1989]

Nice set Gordon - had a similar pair of Bw straps, when I collected Bw. This simplified style from 1970s-early 90s apparently hated by many soldiers, because they not stay in place like the earlier ones with clips!

Regards
Klaus