Condition: Excellent
Maker: OLC
Metal: Aluminum
Sold
Product Description: This Aluminum Police Officer Buckle is a nice early piece, with a very striking look. The front of the buckle features a large and bold Nazi swastika emblem above a partial wreath of oak leaves, and is surmounted by “Gott Mit Uns” (God is with us). It shows only light wear, with some minor patination that is built up in a couple of tiny spots. The reverse of the buckle is nicely marked, with the diamond-shaped “OLC” maker mark of Overhoff & Cie. in Lüdenscheid, and is dated “36”. It is also marked “ges. gesch.” indicating this was a legally protected design. The reverse of this Aluminum Police Officer Buckle features an intact aluminum roller bar and prongs assembly for affixing this to a wide, officer type belt. There is no damage, just very light traces of honest wear and handling over the years. Overall, it remains in excellent condition, with excellent visual appeal.
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.
We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.
Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.
We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.
Click the link here to learn more: Free Evaluation or Inquiries
or feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com