Is This An Original DAK / Tropical Belt Set-up?

[RobertE]

Is this an original DAK or tropical belt and buckle? I will be moving it, but wanted to make sure it was a good one first. I'd appreciate the help - regards, Robert

[RobertE]

2

[RobertE]

3

[RobertE]

last one - what do you think?

[NZMark]

Hi Robert,
Nice early buckle (looks like a GB41) and a later belt (1942?), not a matched set at all.
Buckle is the better item of the two although it's interesting to see this weave pattern of the belt in olive/green as opposed to tan/brown.
Best Regards,
Mark

[RobertE]

Thanks Mark, good to know both pieces are original.

[NZMark]

No problem, Robert,
But again, these are NOT a set. (I just saw your sales thread). The buckle has had a service life while the belt is in un-issued condition. The belt is not DAK, but either tropical or later war issue. I think it important to be clear on this point.
Best Regards,
Mark

[afrikasandman]

I agree with Mark. Nice and worn early buckle with a later belt. Still a nice representative example. Matt

[RobertE]

Mark and Matt, I understand what you are saying and posted your comment in the sales thread.

In collector terms, this is not a set, as the belt was produced sometime after the buckle and while they were still made in this shade of green - though both were made during the time the DAK was active in North Afrika, if your swag on the belt (1942) is correct. I appreciate the clarification, and I don't need this to be DAK.

In veteran terms, I am saying they are a set in that they both came back from the war together, and I bought them directly from the fellow that captured them. So I don't intend to split them up so they can be sold "correctly" based on their time period.

I'm sure based on this type of discussion (which is certainly not bad, mind you), someone will "correct" the original owners oversight and upgrade the buckle to something mintier. To each his own.

s/f Robert

[NZMark]

Robert,
Understood completely, and I also hope the pairing stay together!
Best Regards,
Mark

[afrikasandman]

I agree that they should stay together, great tropical set for sure. The buckles are not always the easiest to come across. They look great together. Matt

[RobertE]

Thanks fellows, you guys do a great job with your meaningful contributions, and I look forward to reading your comments in 2011!