Heer Dress Buckle – Zinc

Product Description: A well-preserved example of the standard Wehrmacht dress issue, this Heer Dress Buckle – Zinc features classic two-piece construction, with a crisply pebbled zinc body. The silver finish has gently faded, revealing the soft, matte tones of the base metal beneath, offering a pleasing contrast. The obverse is fitted with a separately applied aluminum roundel, sharply detailed with an early-pattern eagle and swastika—an emblem emblematic of early Third Reich military design.

The reverse of this Heer Dress Buckle – Zinc is flat and smooth, with typical unmarked construction. Minor corrosion is visible on the reverse zinc surface, consistent with age and material. The roller bar and twin prong assembly, as well as the integral catch, remain original, complete, and free from repair. All four roundel prongs are intact and firmly set.

Overall, this buckle remains in excellent condition, an authentic representation of early-period Wehrmacht dress accoutrements.

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 the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates. Inquiries

Feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com