2nd Pattern Heer Enlisted Buckle – Aluminum

Product Description: This is a nice, representative example of a 2nd Pattern Heer Enlisted Buckle. This die struck aluminum buckle was the standard issue enlisted pattern used by the German Army in the prewar era, having been adopted in 1937. This type of belt buckle was worn on dress and field uniforms until the end of WWII. This one shows wear and would be perfect for a combat display. On the front, most of the original green paint is worn away, with only traces remaining in the recesses. The dark paint remnants contrast nicely with the bare aluminum. The wear has erased some of the detail at the high points of the design, as is often seen with these well-worn aluminum buckles that were field used. The reverse of the buckle retains most of the original paint. This 2nd Pattern Heer Enlisted Buckle is complete and sound, with an integral catch for the belt hook and a functional aluminum roller bar and prongs assembly. There is no evident maker mark which is not unusual for these. This buckle has appealing character and is 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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