What are these big scissor looking things on the belt of a German soldier during the Battle of the Marne? | AskHistorians Archive Observer

What are these big scissor looking things on the belt of a German soldier during the Battle of the Marne?

by throwittomebro

Look at the German soldier manning the machinegun:

https://www.britishbattles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/29-german-infantry-during-the-marne-battle-1024x751.jpg

What are those things? What was their purpose?

RonPossible

Carry Straps. Used to carry or drag the MG 08 around. The OP picture appears to be wide leather straps. The link posted shows a later ersatz material.