Luftwaffe EM Buckle by Ad Baumeister

Product Description: This Luftwaffe EM Buckle by Ad Baumeister is an attractive, early, field-worn example with great character. This is the standard pre-war issue Luftwaffe buckle for enlisted men, and is made of aluminum. This one shows honest wear, probably from field use; some of the detail is worn away from high points, though all of the pebbling remains. There is a lot of uncleaned old patina in the recesses of the design, adding contrast and a look of depth. The reverse of this Luftwaffe EM Buckle by Ad Baumeister also has an uncleaned, all-original look, and is complete. The integral catch is intact and sound, as is the typical aluminum roller bar and prongs assembly. It’s well marked near the catch, with a round “Ad. B. L.” logo indicating manufacture by the firm of Adolf Baumeister in Lüdenscheid. It’s also marked “38” for the year of production. This buckle would be perfect for a combat mannequin and 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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