WWII German Luftwaffe Belt Buckle -
At the outset of the war, the Luftwaffe was one of the most modern, powerful, and experienced
air forces in the world, dominating the skies over Europe with aircraft much more advanced than
their foreign counterparts. The Luftwaffe was central to the German Blitzkrieg (lightning war)
doctrine, as the close air support provided by various medium two-engine bombers, Stuka dive
bombers and an overwhelming force of tactical fighters were key to several early successes.
This is a German Air Force belt buckle. As manufactured during World War Two.
Of steel construction. The design of the buckle consists of a smoot surface. A thick wreath
is placed in the center in the shape of an oval. The area inside the wreath has light pebbling.
A flying Luftwaffe eagle is clutching a swastika with one claw. The other claw is up in the
air. The high points of the buckle show wear from normal use.
This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII German belt buckles. Multiple detailed
photos of specific samples are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined aspects that should be
noted when inspecting a Third reich belt buckle.
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. this information is brought to you courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com
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The back of the buckle does not have any markings. This is correct. Not all buckles
were marked. The catch is of the "Round" type. It is spot welded to the main body.
The picture above shows how the buckle is attached to the flap of the belt via the
use of two prongs.
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 is of leather construction. The front section is of black color. The inside is
a light brown color. An extra flap is sewn to the inside of the belt. This is how the
buckle attaches to the belt itself.
The flap has multiple sets of holes. This allows for adjustment based on the waist size.
The inside of the belt is marked in multiple places. Sometimes the front of the belt is
also stamped with the date of manufacturing and the manufacturer's name. This example does
not have such stamping.
This belt buckle may currently be reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality
of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style
and materials employed in the manufacturing of this buckle. Attention to the details is critical in
order to be able to determine the authenticity of the belt buckle.
If you have an interest is seeing other belt buckles of the Third Reich, you can do so by going
to our WWII German Belt Buckles
identification guide. Where we cover Heer (Army), Navy (Kriegsmarine), Air Force (Luftwaffe),
political and civilian buckles.
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