Luftwaffe 2 Piece Buckle

[stgeorge64]

This example recently came in with some documents and awards. I have not had an example of a 2 piece Luftwaffe belt buckle before so I thought I would post it here accordingly.

In very used condition, with several dints and marks it certainly has character!

I would appreciate any comments and opinions.

Regards Richard.


Starting with obverse and reverse shots........

[stgeorge64]

Details of the prongs and catch...........

[stgeorge64]

A couple of lateral views...............

[stgeorge64]

Finally a shot of the rear.

I hope these images may prove of interest and all constructive comments and opinions are welcome.

Regards Richard.

[stgeorge64]

Not being an expert in the world of these belt buckles, can anyone explain whether the 2 piece construction pieces were early or late-war manufacture? Or in fact, were they produced alongside the single piece constructed examples throughout the war?

Any help or pointers to come up with a rough timeline will be very gratefully received indeed.

Regards Richard.

[Raymond]

The 2 piece buckle is used for dress uniforms as it's to light to hold up to combat conditions. Combat buckles are one piece. This one is a 1938 pattern and I believe was made untill the end of the war along side with the 1 piece.

[stgeorge64]

The 2 piece buckle is used for dress uniforms as it's to light to hold up to combat conditions. Combat buckles are one piece. This one is a 1938 pattern and I believe was made untill the end of the war along side with the 1 piece.

Raymond, thank you for your reply on this matter.

Taking into consideration the overall condition of this buckle, and the fact that it has obviously seen some heavy usage in its life, is it not possible that these type of 2 piece construction buckles were indeed used in the field or aircraft?

Regards Richard.

[Raymond]

I'm sure that somewhere during the war an individual soldier used this type of buckle in the field, it's just that they weren't designed to handle the wear and tear of combat. I have gotten several of these buckles on belts with ammo pouches but it's hard to say if they were used this way or if a collector/dealer put it together. Either way it's a nice original buckle .

[stgeorge64]

I'm sure that somewhere during the war an individual soldier used this type of buckle in the field, it's just that they weren't designed to handle the wear and tear of combat. I have gotten several of these buckles on belts with ammo pouches but it's hard to say if they were used this way or if a collector/dealer put it together. Either way it's a nice original buckle .

Raymond

Indeed, with ever diminishing material resources and crippling logistical issues in equipping an organisation the size of Luftwaffe, it must stand to reason as you say, that these items although originally intended for parade use, ended up being issued and in widespread use.

Thanks for your input.

Regards Richard.