Issued British Pattern 1937 Shoulder Strap

Vendor:Americana Pipedream Apparel

Issued British Pattern 1937 Shoulder Strap

$2.99
Description

Issued British Pattern 1937 Shoulder Strap

Note: This listing is for one (1) strap. Order two for a matching set.

Issued British Pattern 1937 Shoulder Strap

This is a genuine cross strap, or "brace," from 1937 Pattern Web Equipment, the British Army's standard load-carrying system of World War II. The design process started in 1937 in response to new weapons like the Bren light machine gun and the Army's shift toward mechanized warfare, which meant soldiers needed to carry more ammunition while still moving freely in and out of vehicles.

The final pattern was approved on June 8, 1938, and wide-scale issue began in 1939. From there it equipped British and Commonwealth forces, including Canadian, Australian, South African, and Indian troops, across every major theater of the war, from the beaches of Normandy to the deserts of North Africa and the jungles of the Pacific. It remained in front-line service until 1958 Pattern equipment replaced it, and lingered in second-line and Territorial Army use into the mid-1970s.

The straps themselves are pre-shrunk, waterproofed cotton webbing with brass fittings (steel on postwar production), issued in khaki and often treated in the field with Blanco to shades of green depending on unit and theater. They connect the belt over the shoulders, carrying the weight of the ammunition pouches, water bottle, and pack rather than leaving it all on the hips.

The Short & Sweet:

  • Genuine 1937 Pattern ("P37") Web Equipment shoulder strap
  • Adopted 1938, issued from 1939 through WWII and beyond
  • Pre-shrunk waterproofed cotton webbing, brass fittings
  • Used by British and Commonwealth forces in every major WWII theater
  • Sold individually; order two for a complete set
In stock, ready to ship

Pairs well with
Curious About Sizing?

Given the massive variety of clothing we carry, a standard sizing guide is incredibly helpful for customers seeking the best fit.

Please understand that surplus varies widely in fit and cut and this sizing chart is general advice rather than tailor-level fitting.

Nearly every military has different sizing charts and schemes, which is why we've taken the time to put together this brief tutorial.

 

Jacket & Shirt Sizing

In absence of an established military size chart, we measure each jacket or shirt from armpit to armpit to get a rough idea of how it fits. If a garment is between sizes, we mark it one size down. For example, if a shirt measures 19.75" from pit to pit, it is marked as a small rather than medium.

To measure pit to pit, close up your shirt or jacket and measure from armpit to armpit. 

This is our measurement guide that we use to measure garments without an existing military size chart:

14"-15" PtP = XXS

16-17" PtP = Extra Small

18"-19" PtP = Small

20-21" PtP = Medium

22-23" PtP = Large

24-25" PtP = Extra Large

26-27" PtP = XXL

28-29" PtP = 3XL

Pant Sizing

We typically convert pants to US waist and inseam sizes. If a pair of pants is between sizes, we mark it one size down. For example, if a pair of pants measures as a 33 waist, it is marked as a 32 waist.

To take these measurements we lay a pair of pants flat on the ground. We then measure across the waist and double the measurement. For example, if a pair of pants measures 16" across the waist it will fit a US 32 waist.

To determine inseam we measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the cuff. For example, it a pair of pants measures 30" from the crotch seam to the bottom of the cuff we will list it as a 30 inseam or 30L.

Surplus Condition Guide

  1. Unissued
  2. These items are brand new. They may sometimes exhibit signs of storage. They may be new in their original factory packaging, but most times will not be. 
  3. Issued; Good / Issued
  4. These items are in issued/used condition but are fully functional. This grade of surplus item may also exhibit signs of use such as stampings, small stains or general dirtiness.
  5. Issued items will not have missing or broken buttons, zippers or be missing any functional components unless noted as such in the product description. Any items you purchase that are marked as "Issued; Good" but exhibit these defects will be replaced free of charge by Americana Pipedream.
  6. Grade 2
  7. These items are in issued/used condition but have defects that impede function. This may include missing buttons, broken zippers, holes and tears. They may also be missing components.
  8. This is the lowest grade of surplus item that we carry and they are not eligible for returns or exchanges due to condition.
Prop 65 Warning

All products that are NOT INTENDED FOR CONSUMPTION OR NOT FOOD PRODUCTS fall under this warning:

“WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.” WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including arsenic, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.”

In stock! Ships within 3-5 business days, or we'll refund your shipping cost.

First-class customer service, guaranteed.

Free exchanges & returns.