"After production of the one piece die struck aluminium buckles ceased in 1939, the Kriegsmarine utilised a gilt two piece buckle of the same design as the army complete with pebbled field. These buckles were poorly gilded and many have lost up to 90% of their gilding on both sides, even where no wear is apparent. In 1940 steel buckles were issued to the Kriegsmarine and production of their one piece aluminium buckles was halted. However, the two piece aluminium gilded Heer buckle may have been issued as a dress item after this date."

So, anybody seen or own one? I got this yesterday from a veteran’s family. Brought home by a member of the US 103rd Infantry Division when he picked it up in Brest, France. I acquired the buckle from the veterans son in law.

I know Ben doesn’t like it, but well, it was never sold as a KM, I paid a fair price and I’m not interested in moving it on. I trust the veteran’s son in law, I’m happy it’s never been out of the family. I’ve shown it to Peter Nash and he likes it. I’m not saying that all authors are 100% on all buckles, but combined with where it came from, holding it in hand, and Peter Nash’s opinion on it, I’m happy to have it. Peter only thought there was one other in a collection.

Note on mine, the Overhoff maker mark, the typical Overhoff prongs, the wear pattern under the prong bar and the cross shaped wear where the belt hook meets the buckle catch. The wear marks are showing silver through the light gold on the rear.