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**Jean Pierre Redeuilh** · 12-03-2003, 08:44 AM

Originally posted by Kevin Rea

Excuse my ignorance, but did Assmann make nickel SS enlisted buckles with their particular design, and if so, were they marked? Kevin Rea

Hello Kevin,
I did not reply to your inquiry at time since I did not have yet evidence the SS Buckle I acquired was original. So, there was no need to go in speculation about it as long originality was not ascertained. Since it is done by now, and since a very recent thread remind me this question was still open, I will try to provide a little more.
For view of the Assmann SS buckle you are looking for, just follow this link:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...ad.php?t=37911

As I said in my earlier post, I cannot say for sure if the Assmann firm did actually manufacture those particuliar buckles or just resale them (and so the legitimate maker been even someone else - not Overhoff of course but maybe not even Assmann).
The reason leading toward the idea Assmann could be the producer is mostly based on two things:
- Curved prongs shape typical (with a particuliar straight and sharp hit to the bending point) of Assmann for all his SS Buckle production (or at least the vast majority until 1943)
- Marks on the post (post sleeve assembly) which were also mostly related to the Assmann production dealing with steel SS Buckles.
- Very distinctive eagle's design with emphasis to the eagle's head and esquisite details (we find again the same features differencing Assmann from other makers - especially Overhoff - on the 1939 - 1943 Assmann production).
- Evidence on some early buckles (especially patented HJ buckles) which are also a proof Overhoff and Assmann were in close connextion (or close competition) since some are made by Assmann and some are made by Overhoff but both are bearing both Assmann and Overhoff names/patents/trademarks (Thanks Christian for showing me obvious difference for each production). So, having maker X trademark followed by "Ges.Gesch." (design patented) is not (for me) a 100% guarantee X is the maker.

But on the other end we have to keep in mind that not all of those SS Buckles are bearing a secondary Assmann marking, not all of them have curved prongs (the ones I call "Assmann prongs" - see above) and that Assmann was not just a large maker but also a huge mover (wholeseller). I also have right now in my hands another SS Buckle (ground dug) which is very similar to the one we are talking about (only one point is totally different). Unfortunately so far I know only this example and its condition (remember it was dug up) does not permit me to tell with certitude if the two buckles are from the same factory or were both result of the same engraver. But this one is totally unmarked and could be the production of a small firm later absorbed by Assmann. Everything so far is possible since we still don't know the exact regulations regarding double and/or RZM/SS markings.

Anyway, at least you have facts. Up to you to make your own idea.

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