SS stamp on belt?

[lenny]

Hi guys,

I've picked up a nice SS belt and buckle, an RZM 57 and the buckle has been checked out and verified as good. However, although the belt is real there have been opininions that the stamp is fake on the belt. Nobody has actually told me WHY the stamp is fake...

I've researched as much as I can, not having much joy. According to Nash's belt buckle book, there are a few known fake stamps, but this isn't one of them..

Mine is RZM 101/38 SS and the stamp looks consistent with the age and condition of the belt. Under a glass the stamping looks like it was there before the cracks in the leather. Also, no other maker marks or numbers on the belt, apart from 95 size mark at end.

Anyone help me on this? Does this stamp look ok and if not, why?

Cheers guys...

[Stossgruppe3]

Lenny .....

I never read your introduction and scrolled down to view the stamp.
Immediately I thought " fake " stamp.
My reasoning for this is ....
It is not something I would expect to see on leather SS items ...
IMO stampings are completely different than the one shown
Regards
David

[Totenhead]

That stamping is quite recent, it is stamped on top of the creases in the leather

[lenny]

Lenny .....

I never read your introduction and scrolled down to view the stamp.
Immediately I thought " fake " stamp.
My reasoning for this is ....
It is not something I would expect to see on leather SS items ...
IMO stampings are completely different than the one shown
Regards
David

Cheers David, appreciate your comments, just part of the great search for knowledge on these. I got the belt and buckle for a great price, so more than delighted whether stamp is real or not, the buckle and the belt are real so I'm good with that.

However, just because we don't expect to see something, doesn't mean it's wrong. Nash in his book mentions that SS stamped belts such as this are extremely rare, but do exist, and they do follow this pattern as in RZM 101/38 SS. He mentions the known fake numbers but this isn't one of them. I've seen similar numbers in this style on cross straps, hangers etc. I've also seen a similar stamp from another collector on a belt.

I do know that original SS stamps were sold through Manions a few years back, so who knows how many leather items have been stamped up post war. Saying that, haven't seen many belts with these numbers so would have thought if they were being faked would have seen more of them???

[lenny]

That stamping is quite recent, it is stamped on top of the creases in the leather

Cheers, although looking with good light and a glass the stampings seem to be below the cracks, and not stamped over cracks... Part of the stamp seems to have been pulled away as the leather has torn slightly.

It's a hard one, as i said to Dave I am aware that original SS leather stamps were sold through Manions years back, but haven't seen a flood of this mark on the market.

Anyway, I'm happy with belt and buckle...