M1895 Smaller Variant Prussian Belt Buckle

Product Description: This Prussian Belt Buckle is an interesting example of a relatively scarce, smaller type, designed to fit a 38 mm belt. This stamped metal box buckle has a plain obverse field that features a crown to its domed center, encompassed by a dual rope-like border within which, against a ribbed background, is “Gott Mit Uns” (God [is] With Us), and a spray of laurels. This buckle is made of two pieces, with a plated steel buckle body and a brass silver roundel. The front shows age, with some small spots of flaking to the plating, and some surface rust peeking through. The brass roundel shows wear and a deep patina with some built-up verdigris. On the reverse, this buckle shows patina as well as details of how it was put together. It has an integral catch for the belt, and the roundel is held on with four prongs, which are intact. Rather than having a prong assembly, it has a sort of friction clip for holding it to a belt. There is no maker mark. This Prussian Belt Buckle is an interesting and less commonly seen piece. The condition rates as 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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