Condition: Very Good
Maker Mark: RZM
Metal: Brass
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Product Description: This DJ EM Buckle is a great example. It’s a prewar piece, stamped from brass. This pattern of buckle was worn by members of the Deutsches Jungvolk, a Hitler Youth organization for boys aged 10 to 14. The front of this DJ EM Buckle retains nearly all of the original, thick, plated finish. The bold and striking “victory rune” emblem of the DJ was not plated, and the golden color of the brass contrasts handsomely with the nickel plating. The front of the buckle shows typical marks from wear. The reverse also has virtually all of the original plating. It’s complete and functional, with a soldered catch that shows some wear from having been worn on a belt. This DJ EM Buckle is marked with the round RZM logo of the Reichszeugmeisterei as well as the maker code M4/27 indicating manufacture by the firm of Overhoff & Cie. in Ludenscheid. This is an attractive buckle, with a striking design. It shows honest wear from use and remains in very good 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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