HJ Buckle

Product Description: This HJ Buckle is a very attractive example of the standard Hitler Youth belt buckle. It is made of aluminum, and never had any paint or other finish. The front is clean and bright, with only small, scattered marks and signs of wear. Some patina in the recesses of the design provides nice visual contrast. The protected reverse of the buckle is virtually perfect, with an untouched, uncleaned look. The roller bar and prongs assembly for affixing this to a belt is made of aluminum and is completely intact. The catch for the belt hook is integral to the buckle, with slight wear from use. This HJ Buckle is marked near the catch with the round RZM logo of the Reichszeugmeisterei, and the maker code “M4/49” indicating manufacture by the prestigious firm of Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid. There is no date, but this piece probably dates from the late 1930s. This appealing buckle remains in excellent condition overall.

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.

Click the link here to learn more: Free Evaluation or Inquiries 

or feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com