Der Stahlhelm EM Buckle

Product Description: This Der Stahlhelm EM Buckle is a nice example of a fairly scarce buckle. It’s made of stamped steel. The obverse depicts a striking rendition of a German Imperial eagle. In its talons, the eagle clutches a shield with the steel helmet organizational emblem of “Der Stahlhelm.” Most of the original factory applied field gray paint is still intact on the front of the buckle. Light wear has exposed the steel on high points and edges, and the bare metal has taken on a typical age patina. The reverse of this Der Stahlhelm EM Buckle is complete and sound, with a brazed catch for the hook on the belt and a functional roller bar and prongs assembly. There is an old, uncleaned patina. There is no maker mark, which is typical. This is a very nice representative piece, that remains in excellent 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.

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