Buckle WH AK ? Opinions ?

[jcharlesp]

Hello,
I need your opinions on this German WH-AK buckle.
Olive green colour, fabricant Dr. FRANKE & Co. datée 42 Opinions please ?
Thank you Jean-Charles

<img src="https://imagesia.com/images/2019/11/01/464717-1.jpg" alt="464717-1.jpg" border="0">
<img src="https://imagesia.com/images/2019/11/01/464717-3.jpg" alt="464717-3.jpg" border="0">
<img src="https://imagesia.com/images/2019/11/01/464717-2.jpg" alt="464717-2.jpg" border="0">

[GAMS1]

A classical original buckle but not especially Tropical "DAK" type !
Nick

[anmarlodz]

Not AK. Typical DAK/Tropical buckle has a web tongue. This one is typical mid to late war WH buckle made without any tongue at all.

[KC1]

Fully agree with the other 2 comments.

Ppl need to understand that a few buckle manufacturers, not all, did paint some buckles with factory Feldgrau paint and that Feldgrau paint was not specific for any world region. Did the hues of the feldgrau differ, yes, to a specific degree. Some manufacturers also factory painted buckles with a more blue/black color on the steel buckles, or even some with a silver finish.

Tropical buckles, rather than AK, were developed and most collectors will validate that point with web tongue and web belt. Many tropical buckles can be leather tongue with with webbed belt. These web belts and belt tongues were constructed due to the higher humidity in these tropical areas and were better suited for the more tropical climate zones. Don't forget that uniforms and hats were also changed to better accommodate these tropical areas as well.

Here are a couple photos that I deem to be tropical buckles and belts.


PS. Yes, you have an original WH buckle manufactured with factory applied Feldgrau paint.

[John A.]

Dan: THANKS!

Dan,
Thanks for the good info and photos!
I do appreciate your sharing them with us!
John