BACKGROUND: The cross strap was a carryover from the Weimar Reichsheer era and was intended for wear by Officers and Officials with equivalent Officer’s ranks with the Field, Service, Guard, and Reporting dress and as an optional item with the Undress uniform. On May 18TH 1934 a new slightly modified belt and cross strap were introduced for Officer’s. On September 20TH 1939 wear of the cross straps was abolished for all Officers of the field army and further regulations of November 29TH 1939 abolished the cross straps of all officers. In 1941 the cross strap was reintroduced as an insignia of position for Train Commanders and Railway Station Guards.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Early pattern 94cm long blackened leather construction cross strap with solid nickel/silver fittings and faint impressed grooves to the outside edges of the obverse. Complete. Nice worn and used example showing the expected age and wear.