Hessen pattern buckle on ebay

[Grady Allen]

Recently I've been looking for a decent original Hessen pattern buckle. I found this one on ebay but it looks odd. First, is this buckle even original? Second, is it actually a Hessen pattern buckle? Personally, this buckle looks like one of the repros that Hessen Antique sells. Thanks in advance for any help!

[Kevin Treadway]

Hi Grady, I am far from an expert on buckles, so I will let those who know more comment on the one you posted. Over the years I have acquired a half dozen or so Imperial buckles here and there. Having said that, I thought I would offer photos of the one Hessen in my collection I picked up at a gun show years ago. I remember when I acquired it, I looked at others online and felt it was good. I welcome comments though. Mine is the two piece design with the particular wire attachment that you often see on Hessen models. When I looked into these, I remember thinking I really liked the two piece design personally better than the stamped one piece. Just thought I would share. Kevin

[Kevin Treadway]

Don't know why only one photo posted. Lets try again

[Grady Allen]

That's a nice one Kevin! I have a few original cdv photographs with guys wearing that pattern. I don't have a good feeling about the first buckle I posted, so here's another on ebay that I think stands a better chance at being original.

[ww1czechlegion]

Hi Guys,

Yes, I also don't like the first buckle posted. I had seen it on eBay.

Does the 2nd buckle posted have a steel roller pin that is marked D.R.G.M.? If the buckle is brass, it should have a brass roller pin and brass claws.

The last buckle posted above leaves me with some questions, and I don't quite feel comfortable with it. I like the crown o.k. The edge side frame of the buckle is not bent over the roller pin area. This would be the first time that I have seen a Hessian 2-piece private purchase buckle withe this type of catch on it, instead of the normal U shaped brass rod catch that we normally see on these 2-piece Hessian buckles. Not saying this last buckle is not original, but I don't feel entirely comfortable with it. It may be good, I just haven't seen one configured quite like this one.

I need to get some sleep. Otherwise I'd post photos of the conventional style 2-piece private purchase Hessian buckles in my collection. You may have to wait until Saturday for me to post some pics to help you guys.

Best Regards,

Alan

[Kevin Treadway]

Hi Allen, thanks for your input and hope you get some rest! My buckle posted, the second one above, does in fact have the brass roller pin and claws. Thanks for taking s look, glad to know it is correct.. Grady, I hope his info helped you as well and I hope you are able to find a nice one for your collection soon. Best, Kevin

[C. Roelens]

Unfortunately, those are a couple duds Grady. Although cleaned, that's a very nice original Kevin. I wonder whose fingerprint is on it? Here's a stamped version, with beautiful original patina.

Chuck

[ROBB]

I would get a standard one, the first looks all wrong the last looks cheap . This is my steel one. Rob

[C. Roelens]

Nice one Rob.

Chuck

[Kevin Treadway]

Nice buckles both-as always Chuck, your collection is top shelf. Thanks for sharing. BTW, I think of course that is the Kaisers fingerprint for what it is worth. I bought four buckles from the same guy at a local small gun show. Unfortunately they were all cleaned but I thought all looked good and the price was right. I keep hoping they will patina faster....I will like their look a bit better in 100 years. Kevin

[Grady Allen]

Thanks guys for the info and the excellent original examples! That's why I check here here first, so I don't get burned. That's a really cool "hate belt" Chuck. A Hessen with an MG badge, probably the best one I've seen! Robb I love your buckle! The field gray hessens seem to be really rare.