Aluminum Waffen SS Buckle

Product Description: This aluminum Waffen SS Buckle is an excellent example of the style of belt buckle made for issue to enlisted men of the SS from the late 1930s until the early part of WWII. The front shows only light wear, and retains lots of detail as well as a light, appealing patina. The reverse is complete and sound, with an integral catch for the belt hook and a typical aluminum roller bar and prongs assembly for attaching it to a belt. The protected recesses on the reverse show some expected patina buildup. This aluminum Waffen SS buckle is nicely marked under the roller bar, with the round emblems of the RZM and the SS, as well as the maker code “36/40” indicating manufacture by the firm of Overhoff & Cie. This very desirable early SS belt buckle has a lovely look, and displays handsomely. The condition is 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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