Luftwaffe Early Droop Tail Buckle – Aluminum

Product Description:  A superb example of a rare and highly sought-after prewar variant, this Luftwaffe Early Droop Tail Buckle – Aluminum is executed in bright, unpainted aluminum, showcasing the iconic first pattern “droop tail” Luftwaffe eagle in remarkable detail. The obverse retains its original crisp pebbling and sharp relief to both eagle and wreath, with minimal wear confined to the highest points. The aluminum retains a luminous, near-pristine finish, free of patina, underscoring its excellent state of preservation.

Complete with its original all-aluminum roller bar and prong assembly—both fully intact and functional—this buckle presents without maker’s mark, as is characteristic of early production runs. Free from damage or repairs, this is an especially appealing and well-preserved example that would enhance any collection of early Luftwaffe or WWII militaria.

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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