I know!!!! The unusual connection is what attracted me to the bag when I first saw it at the SA store - even though the bag was in such sad shape.
I had never seen that connection type before and it seemed to be a subtle but very nice detail. I don't know what this type of connection is called but I call it "brass ball stud rivet"! The bag was made in 1993 and it has had a tough life but the strap connections are still holding - so they must work well, whatever they are called! Here's an after pic of the connection we are talking about.