WWII GERMAN BUCKLE - TROPICAL
The Afrikakorps is one of the most legendary fighting units of the third reicht. Lead by
Field Marshall Rommel, this unit carved itself a place in history by its cunning fighting
techniques.
Because the unit had to fight in the harsh desert environment, the belts were not made from
leather but rather from an olive/Khaki-color web material.
The design of the buckle consisted of a smooth surface. Two ropes, one inside the other, form
a circle. The Army eagle is placed in the center of the inner most circle. The eagle has
retracted wings and the head is facing right. Nice detailing to the plumeage and head. The
space between the two ropes is divided in two sections. The top is adorned with heavy ribbing
and has the words "Got Mitt Uns". The bottom section has a laurel.
The belt illustrated here was issued to enlisted men but may have also been worn by an officer
in a more limited basis.
|
The back of the buckle is not marked. Some of the buckles had markings while others did not.
In some cases even the date of manufacturing was stamped on the back.
The catch type if "Square". It is spot welded to the body of the buckle. Two evenly cut prongs
are attached to a cylindrical structure that allows over 180 degrees of movement. This mechanism
is necessary in order to attach the buckle to the leather strap of the belt hence securig
the buckle in place. The leather strap had multiple sets of holes allowing for varying waist
sizes.
The belt buckles of the Third Reich came in a variety of designs. There were over 100
different types developed. Even the non-military belt buckles often displayed the
swastika as a means to show support of the Nazi party.
The high quality and intricate designs have made the German belt buckles of World
War Two a desirable military collectible.
|
|
The belt buckle was the same type as the one worned by the army but it was painted olive drab. The
back of the web belt had a leather strap attached to it. The strap was secured via the use of
heavy white cotton stiching.
A metal hook was also stiched into place at one end of the web belt.
| 
Swat the Shopping Bug to view related military items!
