Aluminum Hitler Youth Buckle – M4/38

Product Description: This Aluminum Hitler Youth Buckle is a very clean and attractive example of this desirable variant. This is the standard Hitlerjugend buckle, and likely dates from the prewar period, before aluminum was redirected for war material uses. The obverse shows light wear and small surface scratches, but retains virtually all of the original detail. It’s bare aluminum and never had any painted finish. There is no patina or toning to note. The reverse of this buckle is also very clean. It’s an injection molded type, with typical round marks from the manufacturing process. The integral catch for the belt hook is intact. The roller bar and prongs assembly is all aluminum, and remains functional. This Aluminum Hitler Youth Buckle is marked near the catch with the round “RZM” logo of the Reichszeugmeisterei, as well as the maker code “M4/38” indicating manufacture by the firm of Richard Sieper & Söhne in Lüdenscheid. This buckle displays exceptionally well, and is in excellent plus 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.

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.

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