Things like this always create a dilemma for us. For sake of identification, we have named these "first pattern" suspenders. Why "first pattern"? Simply for lack of a better term. The ones ATF has owned all are dated 1942...so that's the best they can do. These are a production variation. Aside from that, they have no special meaning or application. These are for those of you who like to be a bit different from the rest of the crowd. If your unit has to have a seminar to debate the authenticity of these, find a new unit. They're a gaggle of hens who haven't a clue what they are talking about.Anyway, this style of combat suspender differs from the "Standard" (or more common) style in two ways. First, these use Type II A (coarser) webbing for the shoulder straps instead of the ribbed Type IIB. Second, instead of using a riveted bracket with the loop and D-ring incorporated in it to attach the shoulder straps to the front carrying straps, this style uses a rectangular loop and a piece of 5/8" (1,6cm) webbing. As the bracket requires less labor time to install, we suspect that these are an earlier pattern. Or, it may simply have been a permissible option for factories lacking the other hardware. Make sense?What are these correct for? Did paratroopers wear them? Everyone and yes. These were issued concurrently with the "Standard" pattern suspenders. They were not "meant" for anyone in particular. I like making variations for a change of pace, but the panic stricken minions usually cause me to regret this decision...Made in USA, manufactured by ATF
