KM painted buttons

[Splinterb]

Hello, I've tried to search for a thread, and also looked at the pictures posted but I am having a difficult time telling if:

1) KM painted tunic buttons; were they painted medium flat gray, dark flat gray, or dark green?

2) Similarly, were painted KM buckles painted in similar fashion?

[JustinG]

Greetings,
To my understanding, there were finished buttons giving the gold appearance and there were flat almost gray buttons. Neither were painted. The KM buckles weren't painted either.
For the most part, dress uniforms like collani's or say a Officer Reefer coat would have the brass buttons and the more common tunic lets say for a outside Deck jacket would have the gray (unfinished) buttons. A KA tunic could have either.

This is my limited explanation hope that helps or at least not mislead.

Regards,
JustinG

[Splinterb]

Thanks for the quick reply! I'm a bit confused, as several examples on this forum show tunics with what appear to be grey (or green) painted brass buttons with the brass showing under what looks like worn away paint? I am not doubting your explanation, but I am a bit turned around. Some unused examples of unused KM buttons at a local militaria store had carded buttons that looked flat gray, so those must be the " unfinished " finish you are talking about.

[RonR]

Don't know if this will help, or if it is even have relevance to your question.

These are painted over the metal base..........



................

[Splinterb]

Thanks, that's what I was inquiring about- even with great quality pictures, sometimes its impossible (for me anyway) to confirm color schemes- There seems to be variations of grey-green to dark grey paint in these pictures.

[Splinterb]

to add to my confusion, there's a KM buckle on the e-stand that appears to be painted grey...help...

[JustinG]

Well, that is a first for me. Not having much experience with these variants where the leather tab has a Marine Mark and the buckle not having somewhat of a gold/brass finish to them. Personally the one on ebay is grossly overpriced. KM buckles are highly sought because of their high degree of visual appeal. Seeing the nice bright buckle that the KM wore vs the flat gray of the SS, HJ, Heer, etc, it really is nice. That is why you will see the KM buckles priced so high compared to the Heer examples.

Wish I could help you more.

Regards,
JustinG

[Dimitri D]

Variations of green colors on KM KA buttons or KM buckles are just depending the maker. And for one maker it's not rare to see variations in the colors.

[mandy333]

One more question

Greetings: In regards to KM buttons ......were the screw-on post buttons made fpr sewn on shoulder boards only made in one pattern that was gold in color. OR????? did the shoulder board buttons always match the tunic buttons. "Thank You" for all replies
Best Regards
Zeke