B572. Lot of 4 Ground-Recovered Railway Official's Belt Buckles. During the de-Nazification of Germany immediately after the end of WW2 a lot of items with Swastikas were buried only to be recently recovered. This is why you will find similar non-combat items found ground recovered together such as this Lot of 4 Ground-Recovered Railway Official's Belt Buckles. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures)
B886. NSDAP Jugend Belt Buckle. Good looking NSDAP Jugend Belt Buckle measuring 36mm by 53mm. This buckle was also worn by the SA. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures)
B1211. Political Leader's Belt and Buckle with Riveted-in RZM Tag. This Political Leader's Belt an Buckle with Riveted-in RZM Tag is in excellent condition likely never being used. See pictures...$ 400.00 (Pictures)
B1393. Early Fighter's Belt Buckle. Good looking and very attractive Early Fighter's Belt Buckle likely being a prototype design or limited production run for purchase by former Freikorps Members and WW1 soldiers measuring 5.4 by 4.4cm. See pictures...$ 295.00 (Pictures)
B1511. Prussian Police Wachtmeister EM/NCO's Belt Buckle, First Pattern. Nice looking Prussian Police Wachtmeister EM/NCO's Belt Buckle, First Pattern that was worn from 1923 until 1931. This buckle has a body that is brass and then nickel-plated and the high relief roundel is made of brass that appears to have been silver-plated with much of the silver being worn due to use. See pictures...$ 295.00 (Pictures)
B1607. Transitional Army EM/NCO's Belt Buckle. Good looking and very rare steel-based Army EM/NCO's Belt Buckle made from a leftover WW1 Army Enlisted Pattern Buckle that has had the crown removed and a Third Reich style Wehrmacht Eagle placed in the center instead. As appears to be the norm with the few of these that I have observed over the years the Wehrmacht eagle is somewhat crudely done probably in-house at the buckle factory by expedient means with a similar example shown on page 70 of John Angolia's Belt Buckles & Brocades of the Third Reich, Revised Edition. See pictures...$ 495.00 (Pictures)
B1672. SA-Wehrmannshaften EM/NCO's Belt Buckle by "RZM M4/22". Good looking SA-Wehrmannshaften EM/NCO's Belt Buckle by "RZM M4/22" having storage wear only . The SA-Wehrmannshaften were created in 1939 and were comprised of special units that served in Internal Defense and Home Guard capacities. See pictures...$ 550.00 (Pictures)
B1726. SS EM/NCO'S "Fat Eagle" Belt Buckle. Early nickel SS EM/NCO'S Belt Buckle by a maker and in a pattern that is scarcely encountered. See pictures...$ 950.00 (Pictures)
B1746. SS EM/NCO'S "Fat Eagle" Belt Buckle. Early nickel SS EM/NCO'S Belt Buckle by a maker and in a pattern that is scarcely encountered. See pictures...$ 1050.00 (Pictures)
B1758. NSBO EM/NCO'S Belt Buckle. Good looking example. See pictures...$ 295.00 (Pictures)
B1764. Der Stahlhelm EM/NCO's Belt Buckle. Good looking steel-based example. See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures)
B1768. Variant Early Army EM/NCO'S Belt Buckle as Shown in Angolia's Book. This variant early style is shown on page 70 of Belt Buckles & Brocades of the Third Reich, Revised Edition by John R. Angolia. See pictures...$ 500.00 (Pictures)
B1777. Army EM/NCO's Belt Buckle by "RZM M4/44", Choice! Army buckles were not subject to RZM regulations and should not have RZM markings but this maker accidentally issued Army buckles with this marking. See pictures...$ 195.00 (Pictures)
B1807. Tropical Army Officer's Belt Buckle. This zinc-based example has one reverse fitting broken. This example would have been worn by officers in the AFRIKAKORPS. See pictures...$ 195.00 (Pictures)
B1816. SA Belt Buckle. Nice looking brass-based SA Belt Buckle. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures)
B1820. SA Belt Buckle. Nice looking brass-based SA Belt Buckle. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures)
B1839. Army EM/NCO'S Belt Buckle, Silver-Painted Steel Example. Good looking steel-based Army EM/NCO'S Belt Buckle being a silver painted example. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures)
B1856. Prussian Telegrapher's Belt Buckle. Good looking steel-based Prussian Telegrapher's Belt Buckle. See pictures...$ 325.00 (Pictures)
B1870. Imperial German Child's Buckle. 3.3 by 4.7cm. Magnetic. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures)
B1872. Württemberg State Forestry Official's Belt Buckle. Nice fire gilt over brass buckle. See pictures...$ 495.00 (Pictures)
B1873. Bavaria (Bayern) State Forestry Official's Belt Buckle. Nice fire gilt over brass buckle. See pictures...$ 495.00 (Pictures)
B1877. Pfadfinder in the Christian Association of Young Men Belt Buckle. This organization (Christlicher Verein junger Männer -CVJM or YMCA in English) ceased activities during the Third Reich and began again after the war. This is a pre-war buckle. See pictures...$ 400.00 (Pictures)
B1878. SA-Wehrmannshaften EM/NCO's Belt Buckle by "RZM M4/22" with Original RZM Tag. Good looking SA-Wehrmannshaften EM/NCO's Belt Buckle by "RZM M4/22" having the original RZM tag still attached. The SA-Wehrmannshaften were created in 1939 and were comprised of special units that served in Internal Defense and Home Guard capacities. This example shows storage wear only. See pictures...$ 595.00 (Pictures)
B1888. Luftwaffe EM/NCO's Drooptail Belt Buckle with Crank-Catch Marked to LW Airbase. Early aluminum example. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures)
B1893. WW2 Croatian Ustasa EM/NCO's Belt Buckle. Zinc, ground recovered. Used from 1941-1945. See pictures...$ 195.00 (Pictures)
B1911. German Red Cross, 1933 Pattern, EM/NCO's Belt Buckle. Nice nickel-based example. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures)
B1922. DJ Deutsche Jugend Belt Buckle by "GES. GESSH. E.F.WIEDMANN FRANKFURT/ M.S.", Exact Example Photographed in Angolia Belt Buckle Book. Nice looking brass-based DJ Deutsche Jugend Belt Buckle by "GES. GESSH. E.F.Wiedmann Frankfurt M.S." being the exact example photographed in Belt Buckles and Brocades of the Third Reich, Revised Edition by Angolia on page 260 with this example originally having an all black field with most of the silvering remaining on the three-dimensional rune as also mentioned in the book. See pictures...$ 495.00 (Pictures) SOLD
B1926. Luftwaffe EM/NCO's Belt Buckle. Pebbled steel, silver-painted example. The face plate is welded on. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures)
B1935. Württemberg EM/NCO's Belt Buckle (4.2cm size). Brass and nickel example being the smaller 4.2 by 5.5cm size. See pictures...$ 175.00 (Pictures)
B1972. WW2 Croatian Ustasa Officer's Belt Buckle. Ground recovered. Used from 1941-1945. See pictures...$ 195.00 (Pictures)
B1990. SS Officer's Belt Buckle by "OLC ges. gesch", Catch-broken, But Present. Good looking zinc-based example by Overhoff & Cie with scarce late-war markings having the catch snapped off but present. See pictures...$ 1500.00 (Pictures)
B2001. Prussian EM/NCO's Belt Buckle. Magnetic. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures)
B2003. State Forestry Service Official, State of Hessen and Baden, Type 2, Belt Buckle. Good looking gold-plated, tombac-based example. See pictures...$ 595.00 (Pictures)
B2011. Army EM/NCO's Belt Buckle by "B & N 41". Steel-based example. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures)
B2017. Army EM/NCO's Belt Buckle. Zinc-based example. See pictures...$ 80.00 (Pictures)
B2048. Political Leader's Belt Buckle by "RZM M4/39". Gilt over aluminum. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures)
B2052. Political Leader's Belt Buckle by "RZM M4/23". Gilt over aluminum. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures)
B2056. Political Leader's Belt Buckle by "RZM M4/87". Gilt over aluminum. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures)
B2074. SA Belt Buckle. Nice looking brass-based SA Belt Buckle. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures)
B2084. SS EM/NCO's Belt Buckle by "RZM 155/43 SS" in Mouse Gray. Nice example in a hard to find color. See pictures...$ 795.00 (Pictures)
B2093. Luftwaffe EM/NCO's Belt Buckle. Steel-based example. Scarce white-painted version. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures)
B2096. SS EM/NCO'S Belt Buckle by "O & C Ges. gesch.", Large Maker-Mark Variation. This is the version with the capital "G" and the maker mark generally found on nickel SS officer buckles. The letters of the maker-mark are also noticeably thicker and of a different font. Excellent early nickel example. See pictures...$ 695.00 (Pictures) NEW
B2099. Late-War Police EM/NCO's Belt Buckle. Crude late-war production. Zinc. See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures) NEW
B2100. Late-War Police EM/NCO's Belt Buckle. Crude late-war production. Zinc. See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures) NEW
B2105. Political Leader's Belt and Buckle. The buckle is marked "RZM M4/27" and the belt fitting is marked, "RZM M4/24". Both leather keepers are present. The belt is supple. 42 inches/ 106.5cm long. See pictures...$ 350.00 (Pictures) NEW
B2106. Tropical Army Officer's Belt and Buckle, Named. This example would have been worn by officers in the AFRIKAKORPS as well as other areas. The belt is maker-marked and named to the original owner. Shows use. 38 1/2 inches/ 98cm long. See pictures...$ 895.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2110. Imperial German EM/NCO'S Belt Buckle and Belt. The belt is 37 inches/ 94cm long. See pictures...$ 175.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2122. Late-War Police EM/NCO's Belt Buckle. Crude late-war production. Zinc. This one has two bends in the metal. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2130. RLB Luftschutz EM/NCO's Belt Buckle, Third Pattern, by Hermann Aurich. Good looking aluminum-based RLB (Air Raid Protection League or Reichsluftschutzbund) Luftschutz EM/NCO's Belt Buckle, Third Pattern, having a very nice finish. (j241) See pictures...$ 350.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2137. Political Leader's Belt Buckle by "RZM M4/24/1". Gilt over aluminum. See pictures...$ 100.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2140. Army EM/NCO'S Buckle by "RZM M4/44". Good looking Army EM/NCO'S Buckle by "RZM M4/44". The buckle is steel based and is RZM coded with this being an original variant with RZM markings usually being reserved for SS and Political items. See pictures...$ 195.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2143. German Red Cross EM/NCO's Belt Buckle by JFS. Nice aluminum-based example. See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2144. Austrian WW1 EM/NCO's Belt Buckle. The prong bar has been replaced, probably during the era. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2150. World War One German Army EM/NCO's Belt Buckle with Leather Tab. Steel-based example showing use. The leather tab has some damage. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2157. Luftwaffe EM/NCO's Belt Buckle by Assmann. Steel-based example by a desirable maker with 1941 dated leather tab. See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2169. Luftwaffe EM/NCO's Belt Buckle by Assmann. Steel-based example by a desirable maker with 1942 dated leather tab. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2171. Luftwaffe EM/NCO's Belt Buckle. Aluminum, maker marked on the leather tab and LBA (Luftwaffe Property) marked. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2173. SA Belt Buckle. Nice looking brass-based SA Belt Buckle. See pictures...$ 100.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD pending payment (d)
B2177. Army EM/NCO's Belt Buckle, by Gebr. Albert. Aluminum with leather tab. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD pending payment (s)
B2178. Luftschutz EM/NCO's Belt Buckle, by GB 42. Excellent steel-based example in dark gray. See pictures...$ 350.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2183. SS EM/NCO's Belt Buckle. Good looking unmarked wartime steel-based SS Enlisted Man's/NCO's belt buckle by Overhoff and Cie showing use. See pictures...$ 395.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2185. Late War Army / Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery EM/NCO'S Buckle by "J.F.S.". Unissued example. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2186. Late War Army / Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery EM/NCO'S Buckle by "J.F.S.". Unissued example. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2188. Army EM/NCO's Belt Buckle, by Schmöle & Comp. Aluminum with leather tab. Tab stitching loose but present. See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2193. Leather Tab for Buckle by H. Arlo. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2199. SS EM/NCO'S Belt Buckle by "O & C ges. gesch.". Nice early nickel example. (993v) See pictures...$ 595.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD pending payment (j)
B2201. Police EM/NCO'S Belt Buckle with Patent Leather Belt. Early aluminum buckle in excellent shape being the style with the center fitting held on by four prongs. The belt measures 39 inches/ 99cm. See pictures...$ 275.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2203. SA Belt Buckle. Nice looking brass-based SA Belt Buckle. Unusual reverse. See pictures...$ 100.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD pending payment (d)
B2209. Patent Leather Belt. Circa 1933-35. Good for an early SS or early Army or Police buckle. 99cm/ 39 inches. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2210. SS EM/NCO's Belt Buckle by "J.F.S." . Nice example by hard to find maker Josef Felix Söhne of Gablonz in the present day Czech Republic. Painted steel example. See pictures...$ 895.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2212. Luftschutz EM/NCO's Belt Buckle, by "R.S.&S.". Nice steel-based example in mouse gray. See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2213. SS EM/NCO'S Belt Buckle by "RZM 822/38 SS". Nice aluminum example made in 1938 showing some honest use. See pictures...$ 495.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2214. EM/NCO'S Belt with 2 D-Rings. This belt dates to circa 1935 and would display well with an early SS, SA or HJ belt buckle. 49 inches/ 124cm. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2215. SS EM/NCO's Belt Buckle. Good looking unmarked wartime steel-based SS Enlisted Man's/NCO's belt buckle by Overhoff and Cie retaining the majority of the original finish. See pictures...$ 450.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2216. SA Belt Buckle. Nice looking brass-based SA Belt Buckle. See pictures...$ 100.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2217. Belt Fitting on Piece of Belt. Steel. See pictures...$ 20.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2218. Leather Tab for Buckle by Assmann. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2219. SS EM/NCO'S Belt Buckle by "O & C ges. gesch." Name Error Strike Variant. Nice early nickel example. This is the variation where the name was struck to heavily on the reverse and is clearly visible at the front. (993w) See pictures...$ 650.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2220. DAF EM/NCO'S Belt Buckle by "RZM M4/39 A" with Crank Catch. Aluminum. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2222. SS EM/NCO's Belt Buckle by "RZM 155/43 SS". Good looking wartime steel-based example made by Assmann in 1943. See pictures...$ 450.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2223. SS Officer's Belt Buckle by "RZM SS 35/36". Excellent early nickel example made by Overhoff and Cie in 1935. Rare. See pictures... SOLD (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
B2224. Luftwaffe Officer's Brocade Belt and Buckle with Aiguillette Named to Paratrooper (Fallschirmjäger Panzerjäger). Nice complete set with the buckle marked to Assmann. The belt is 87 cm/34 inches long. See pictures...$ 795.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2225. Fire Protection Police EM/NCO's Belt Buckle. Aluminum. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
B2226. WW1 German Buckle and Belt with Pins Added. Probably a US soldier souvenir. See pictures...$ 50.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
I am always interested in purchasing anything that you may have available for sale.
Please email me at or call John at (office) or (cell) describing the item(s) that you have.
Historical Background of Third Reich Belt Buckles
The belt buckle was a central element of the German military and political uniform throughout the Third Reich period and earlier. From the early Weimar-era organizations to the elaborate NSDAP formations, the buckle served both functional and symbolic purposes. The design often incorporated the national eagle, swastika, and organizational emblems, making each buckle a small reflection of the state's iconography.
The transition from the Imperial German buckles to the Third Reich patterns was not always clean-cut. As seen in the Transitional Army EM/NCO's Belt Buckle listed above, some early Third Reich buckles were modified from leftover World War I stock, with the imperial crown removed and replaced by the Wehrmacht eagle. This practice illustrates the resourcefulness of the German military during the rearmament period and the continuity of manufacturing traditions.
Political organizations such as the SA, SS, NSDAP, and their affiliated groups each had distinctive buckle designs that evolved over time. The "Fat Eagle" SS buckles, for example, represent an early pattern that was soon replaced by a more streamlined design, making them particularly sought after by collectors today.
Manufacturing and Materials
Belt buckles were produced in a variety of materials depending on the period and intended use. Early examples were often brass or nickel, while wartime production shifted to steel and zinc due to material shortages. Some buckles were painted, silvered, or fire-gilt to achieve the desired finish, as noted in the State Forestry Official's buckles above.
A variety of materials were employed:
- Brass (early and dress buckles)
- Nickel (pre-war and early war)
- Steel (wartime, often painted)
- Zinc (late war, prone to corrosion)
- Aluminum (occasionally used for lightweight buckles)
- Fire-gilt finishes for official and forestry buckles
The reverse of a buckle often carries maker marks and RZM codes, which can aid in identification and dating. The RZM (Reichszeugmeisterei) controlled the production of political uniform items, and its codes provide a precise timeline for many NSDAP-related buckles. However, as noted with the RZM M4/44 marked Army buckle, irregularities occasionally occurred, adding another layer of interest for collectors.
Quality varied widely: some buckles were finely detailed and well-finished, while others show expedient manufacturing, particularly later in the war. The crude application of the Wehrmacht eagle on the Transitional Army buckle is a good example of field or factory improvisation under pressure.
Identifying and Authenticating Belt Buckles
Authentication is a critical skill for any collector of German belt buckles. Common indicators of authenticity include proper construction techniques, correct materials for the period, and the presence of appropriate maker marks. For instance, ground-recovered buckles (like the Lot of 4 Railway Official's buckles) often show specific corrosion patterns that are difficult to fake.
Reproductions and fantasy pieces abound in the marketplace. Collectors should study known originals, consult reference works such as John Angolia's "Belt Buckles & Brocades of the Third Reich," and pay attention to details like the shape of the eagle's wings, the style of the swastika, and the overall weight and feel of the buckle.
When evaluating a buckle, consider its provenance and condition. A buckle with original finish intact is generally more valuable than one that has been heavily cleaned or restored. However, some collectors prize ground-recovered items for their historical authenticity, even if they are in relic condition.
Collecting Considerations
Building a focused collection of belt buckles can be a rewarding pursuit. Some collectors specialize in a particular organization (e.g., SS, SA, Army), while others seek examples from each branch of service or political group. The wide range of prices, from under $100 for common SA buckles to over $1000 for rare SS patterns, allows collectors at various budget levels to participate.
When adding to your collection, it is important to buy from reputable dealers and to educate yourself continuously. The items listed on this page are offered with detailed descriptions and photographs to assist in your decision-making. We strive to accurately represent each piece, noting any flaws or repairs.
As with any historical artifacts, belt buckles should be handled and stored with care to preserve their condition. Avoid excessive handling, keep them away from moisture and direct sunlight, and use archival materials for storage if possible.
Related Equipment and Field Gear
Belt buckles are just one component of the German soldier's or political member's field equipment. For a complete display, collectors often pair buckles with the appropriate belts, as seen in the Political Leader's Belt and Buckle set listed above. Other equipment such as field gear (ammunition pouches, canteens, etc.) complements the buckle in a historical impression.
To explore other areas of German militaria, we invite you to visit our Flags, Banners & Pole Tops section for related organizational insignia, or our Daggers and Swords section for edged weapons that often accompanied the uniform. These items together help tell the full story of the period.