1937 Heer Enlisted Buckle with Tab – Assmann

Product Description: This 1937 Heer Enlisted Buckle is a very appealing example. This is a second pattern German Army buckle, made of die struck aluminum. The obverse has an honest worn look, with most of the original field gray green paint worn away, revealing the aluminum. The traces of original paint in the recesses of the design create great contrast. Lots of detail remains, with some wear to the feathers on the chest of the eagle. The reverse of this buckle retains most of the original paint. The integral catch for the hook on the belt and the roller bar and prongs assembly are all aluminum and are complete and functional. This 1937 Heer Enlisted Buckle is complete with its original natural leather tab. The tab is stamped with the maker mark and date “F.W. Assmann & Söhne Lüdenscheid 1937,” a sought-after maker. The tab shows typical age toning and wear that matches the buckle but is still held in place with all of the original stitching. This is a desirable buckle with a great look. The condition rates as excellent.

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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