war time and post war mess kit straps any difference?

**Brian Lawson** · 08-16-2011, 04:05 AM

I am on the hunt for a mess kit strap is their any difference between post and war time straps? How do I know I am getting war time if it is not stamped? Thanks guys!

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 08-16-2011 04:05 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Neil Hever** · 08-19-2011, 04:30 PM

Usually they are stamped on the end with manufacturer and year plus a Waffenamt. RB numbers were used too. Post war examples are often marked with manufacturer and date - 50s and early 60s. The PW examples are very close to WWII. I think the finish on the post war examples may be a bit shinier because of the way the leather was prepared or treated. The hardware (stud, roller buckle) is pretty much exactly the same as WWII - usually a black painted buckle and unpainted buckle and stud. To be sure you need to locate a dated or RB numbered example. They are reproduced for reenactors so be aware. And the webbing style have different buckles - the slide friction type. NH