ID please LARGE Prussian buckle

[Steve Sherlock]

Hello folks,

From when does this buckle date? It is larger than the normal WWI buckle. It measures 65mm long and 52mm high. It is still on the original belt with catch, as you can see. The tab on the buckle is marked, but I can only make out the word Breslau. Above that is some word that ends in ETZ. I can find no date. The belt was obtained about 25 years ago from an American WWI veteran who brought it back from WWI.

Thanks,
Steve

[Chuck McLemore]

Hi Steve! Nice buckle. I haven't been collecting WWI buckles for very long, but using Thomas Reid's Book for reference. I would say it is a Prussian 50mm 1847-1895 , no changes until 1895, when they went to a smaller 45mm buckle. The 50mm buckles were turned over to the Landsturm and Landwehr units, where they were used until 1918. The first word is probably the maker and Breslau is the city. I wished it could talk, I bet it has some stories. Can you give us a photo of the back?

[Steve Sherlock]

Thanks for the information, Chuck. Nice thing about this is that it complete with the original belt leather with wide catch. Here's the picture of the reverse you requested:

[Chuck McLemore]

Thanks, Steve! It is a great set.

[Marc verstraete]

Hello Steve, Chuck and all,
This is indeed an 1847 model Prussian buckle. These buckles can be found easily at shows because not many people collect the pre-war stuff. But this one has the particularity to have a marked tab and his belt, what makes it a desirable item. Leather tabs on these buckles are seldom seen, as are the wide belts for them.
These buckles can be found with two, tree or four soldering points.
I would be interested in this item if it became available.
Marc

[Steve Sherlock]

Thank you Marc, I'll keep you in mind. Have you any idea what it would be worth? The leather is in excellent condition.

Steve