I recently acquired this purportedly WWI belt from a German dealer, but I have my doubts. I only have one other example with this type of riveted hook, and I'm doubtful about it. The thin lines along the edges are new to me, too. Is this an actual early or pre-war or something newer?
-
-
This is on the back in the middle. Apparently the owner's name, H Glüsing. But what's the "Hchi112" mean? -
Tom,
This catch configuration is the standard on a private purchase belt. To my knowledge (and I have seen a lot of belts in over 40 years of collecting imperial German militaria), issue belts were never made in this way. The remnants of gold wash on the metal pretty much confirms that it is not an issued piece.
I can't tell you if this pattern was continued into TR times, but I think it would be logical that it would have, since the buckling method did not change. The manufacturer name mark looks more post-WWI to me.
ChipComment
-
My completely unscientific opinion is that I avoid combat belts w/ catch configurations like this, at least w/ TR pieces. The patent leather private purchase dress belts were made like this, and are fine. A number of years ago a surplus store that I frequent had an enormous cardboard box FILLED w/ used combat belts w/ rivetted catches like this that he was selling for a couple bucks a piece as post war BW belts. That huge box left an impression on me, and I have always stuck w/ the sewn/loop catch configuration on combat belts...Comment
-
Thanks, guys. I think you've confirmed my suspicions. The dealer I got it from has always been kind of iffy. Thanks to the magic of a Nameless One, the bottom line now reads "Achim". Ring any bells?Comment
-
Tom,
There are two Achims in Germany, one near Bremen and another near Braunschweig.
ChipComment
Comment