W2 German A-Frame with Leather Straps

The A-frame had a distinctive shape resembling the letter "A," hence the name. It consisted of two vertical side poles connected at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The soldier would wear the A-frame on his back, and it was typically attached to a set of shoulder straps and a waist belt to distribute the weight evenly.

The purpose of the A-frame was to provide a framework for attaching various items such as ammunition pouches, canteens, entrenching tools, and other essential gear. It allowed the soldier to carry a significant amount of equipment while keeping their hands free for other tasks.