Unknown German strap

[cydrych]

Hi all,

I recently found this strap between the leather scraps, I believe its German, but I have no clue what its purpose was. if anyone could help me identify it, that would be greatly appreciated.

greetings,
Cydrych

[David North]

Hello Cydrych,

Welcome to the Forum.

I do not know the design purpose of this leather strap, however the stamped in marking of CWt is quite well known. This is the Wehrmacht manufacturers code for Alexander Dahl (Gerberei und Lederwarenfabrik) of Wuppertal-Barmen. As a somewhat crude rule of thumb, anything from this company marked with the inclusion of Barmen in isolation (not W-Barmen), is pre 1929. An interesting family company which was formed in 1836 and famous not simply for their tannery and leather working activities.

Perhaps it is worth posting this strap on the "Field Equipment and Accessories of the Third Reich" sub Forum?

Regards and best wishes,

David

[cydrych]

Thank you for the information David,

greeting,
Cydrych

[MigMig]

Maybe this belt for box MGZ34/42.
Photos is not good

Viktor

[Ben Evans]

Is this not a cross strap?

[David North]

Is this not a cross strap?

Hello Ben,

My initial thoughts also and perhaps so.

When the subject strap is however compared to what I suppose could be called a “standard” cross strap, there are I think a few differences. Heavy duty leather and stitching and a practical rather than show adjustment buckle. The 1942 date with a manufactures code is perhaps the clue though. No reason whatsoever to manufacture a then “obsolete” cross strap in 1942 and the code displayed here is “equipment” rather than “dress” related.

I was hoping that someone from the Field Equipment and Accessories sub forum would have chipped in here, as I think that Viktor’s suggestion may be vaguely in the right direction as say, a light equipment carrying strap.

Regards and best wishes,

David

[CBH]

Might it be a flare gun holster strap?

[David North]

Might it be a flare gun holster strap?

Hello Chris,

I think that you are right.

A quick web search for "German Flare Pistol Holster Strap or similar" provides results towards what appear to be the type of strap which started this thread. Apparently a strap for a type of German flare pistol holster and/or, the associated cartridge pouch.

Regards and best wishes,

David

[cydrych]

Hi all,

I've followed the lead of Chris, and done some research myself to which I can confirm that Chris is right, below some pictures of the stitching and buckle.

Thanks everyone for helping!

greetings,
Cydrych