Army or Coastal arty buckle ESL 43 ?

[Sammler]

The pictures make it look more heer from the flash. In hand the front looks very grey black in color.

Some say used by BOTH heer and coastal after 43, thoughts? I have been looking for a heer 43 dated example.

Thank you

[Sammler]

green shows up better here IMO.

[Sammler]

Rev

[Sammler]

ESL 43

[Waffenreich]

I would say you found what is probably a '43-dated Heer buckle. Obviously leather tabs on '43-dated buckles are exceedingly rare and without one it's basically impossible to determine if it was Heer or KM issue.

The next step is to try to find if Schneider was under contract to supply field-grey buckles to the KM. If not, then you're GTG.

I think it's a nice buckle from a scarce maker. I think most guys would be happy to snap that guy on an M-43 or M-44 tunic

Good score!!!

Bob

The pictures make it look more heer from the flash. In hand the front looks very grey black in color.

Some say used by BOTH heer and coastal after 43, thoughts? I have been looking for a heer 43 dated example.

Thank you

[KC1]

From the photos posted I would say Heer. There were some varying shades of green depending on manufacturer and the Ernst Schneider firm, IMO, seemed to have a richer, darker green to the finish.

Here are some photos of another ESL Heer buckle and Blue/Gray Heer (Coastal Arty) buckle by RODO that will help illustrate what I am saying.

[KC1]

Similar to your photo, the reverse of mine also shows the green paint finish better.

[KC1]

ESL solo - front

[KC1]

ESL solo - reverse

[KC1]

Blue Coastal Arty

[regiment739]

Firstly what a very exciting buckle, a 43 dated buckle, very rare and very nice also IMO at that stage of the war Heer Coastal Arty, I think they used what they had, just MO though

[Sammler]

KC1 ,

Thank you for posting that great comparison of your buckles! Also regiment 739!

This information reassures I am on the right track for my heer examples.

Thanks again.