Bavarian Imperial EM Buckle

Product Description: This Bavarian Imperial EM Buckle is a beautiful example, with great eye appeal and wonderful character. It’s made of brass, with a central disk affixed to the buckle body with lead solder. The roundel depicts an Imperial crown beneath the Bavarian motto “In treue Fest” meaning “in steadfast loyalty.” The roundel still retains most of the original silver finish. The brass buckle body shows a deep patina, with some dark shades to the untouched age toning. On the reverse, the two neat solder joints are visible. The original catch is intact, and the plated steel roller bar and prongs assembly is complete and functional, with normal surface patina. As is typical for these, there is no maker mark. This Bavarian Imperial EM Buckle is a classic, all-original piece. It remains in excellent condition.

Historical Description: The belt buckle was an important part of the regalia worn by all uniformed military, civil, political, and paramilitary organizations during the Third Reich. The belt (“Koppel”) was part of the uniform and would always be worn while on duty. The belt buckle (“Koppelschloss”) was generally specific to each organization, with many organizations having separate belt buckles for officers and for enlisted personnel, sometimes with different colors and finishes to further denote specific purposes. The buckles were adorned with various mottos and designs specific to the organizations for which they were intended. Many designs used the German national eagle emblem, in a variety of forms. Belt buckles were worn with uniforms ranging from finely tailored officer parade uniforms, to the issue uniforms of enlisted soldiers in combat. Generally speaking, most German belt buckles of the Third Reich were made with two prongs on the reverse, to allow the buckle to be worn and adjusted on a belt. The buckle had a catch that would mate with a hook on the belt, when worn. The earliest Third Reich buckles were often made of brass, or nickel silver. Later, aluminum became very common, and was used on private purchase as well as enlisted buckles of the German military, with or without a painted or plated finish. After WWII began, most enlisted military buckles were steel. Nazi belt buckles were popular souvenirs for Allied troops who served in Europe. Some types were made by the millions and remain quite common today. Others were made in limited numbers and are very rare.

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