Fall 2026 Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 455:
Description
Offered here is an olive drab canvas and webbing utility strap, historically associated with the iconic German bread bag (Brotbeutel) configuration. Characterized by narrow webbing fitted with stitched, teardrop-shaped leather tabs housing metal swivel hooks, this example features a central adjustment slide that allows for versatility in carrying field gear. Straps of this specific pattern served a utilitarian role in the soldier’s field kit, typically suspending the bread bag, gas mask canister, or other haversack-type loads from the shoulder. Such pieces provided essential support for everyday load-bearing equipment, representing a tangible connection to the practical field gear utilized during the mid-20th century. The strap is constructed of narrow olive drab canvas webbing, measuring approximately 41 inches in length. Each end terminates in a dark, stitched, teardrop-shaped leather tab secured around a metal fitting with a rivet, with one tab retaining a metal hook closure. A metal slide buckle positioned along the strap’s length allows for adjustment. The webbing shows overall fair to good vintage condition, with light fraying at the stitched edges, mild fading of the olive drab dye, and creasing consistent with long-term storage. The leather tabs exhibit light surface wear and creasing, while the metal hardware-including the hooks, rivets, and adjustment slide-displays a natural surface patina with light oxidation and scattered spots of surface rust, maintaining its structural integrity. This is a genuine piece of mid-century field equipment, ideal for any militaria reference collection.
Share this lot:
