Aluminum Luftwaffe Buckle – F.R. 39

Product Description: This aluminum Luftwaffe Buckle is a nice, representative example of the standard prewar enlisted issue belt buckle. It has no paint, which is how these were issued, and is an early example of the second pattern buckle, with the same eagle design that was used on the wartime steel buckles. The obverse of this piece shows moderate wear that has smoothed details at the high points. The worn areas are clean, and there is an undisturbed old patina that has built up in the recesses, creating visual contrast. The reverse of this aluminum Luftwaffe Buckle is complete, with an integral catch for the hook on the belt, and a functional roller bar and prongs assembly. There is no leather tab. This buckle is marked near the catch in raised characters with the maker initials “F.R.” and the date “39.” It’s a handsome buckle, with appealing character. The condition rates as very good plus.

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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