The German Army Buckle

The newly introduced Heer buckle of 1935 retained the same basic design as the Reichsheer buckle, but with the introduction of the eagle clutching the swastika to replace the eagle of the Reichsheer. The eagle on the early specimen buckles faced to the viewer's right, but for some unexplained reason early in 1936 the buckle appeared with the eagle facing left. In March 1936 new regulations concerning the Reichsadler (national eagle) were introduced and in 1937 the eagle returned to the form looking right. Specimen illustrated above is the short-lived example facing to the viewer's left. Initial uniform regulations H.DV. 122 8/7 1935 required that the buckle be of a bright metal worn on a brown leather belt (the same regulations also called for a black leather belt for special occasions, but it did not further specify). It came in both the 45mm and 40mm sizes. The bright metal buckle was worn only with the parade or walking-out dress uniform.

The introductory order for the new army buckle was dated 24.1.1936 (HVBlatt 1936, Nr. 114), and further stated that the old pattern buckles (Weimar pattern) had to be used up. This use period, however, was probably short-lived because of the tendancy to show the swastika eagle as a state symbol was very pronounced. Supplement 100 of Nr. 60 of H.Dv. 122 Abschnitt A described the buckle in detail - "Dull grey buckle stamped out of light metal (aluminum alloy), 1.3mm thick, 6.4cm long and on the inner side 4.85cm wide. Stamped on the front side the Wehrmacht eagle as on the steel helmet - eagle looking to the left (to the viewer's right) - around the eagle the motto "GOTT M IT UNS" (God with us) and oak leaf branches. The color of the buckle to be the same as the color of the buttons. For privately purchased belts (lacquered or patent leather), belt buckles made of white colored aluminum alloy are allowed." The buckle described in Supplement 100 replaced a buckle of the following description -

"Dull grey buckle made of lmm thick 'neusilber,' 6.2cm long, on the inner side 4.5cm wide; shield diameter 4.2cm; Reichsadler (Weimar eagle) with GOTT MIT UNS and laurel branches. With privately purchased uniforms, a silver colored buckle." A leather "Widerhalt" (support for the right ammunition pouch) was also worn, but was discontinued, probably sometime after 1939.

It is interesting to note that, in addition to the change in the eagle, the laurel leaf wreath of the Weimar buckle was changed to oak leaves, a symbol of strength.

11(5).55c Heer: In 1936 a dull finished buckle was introduced to be worn with the service or combat uniform, but still retained the eagle facing left. However, it should be noted that the Overhoff & Cie. sales catalog dated 1935 depicted a buckle designated Dienstschloss 0718 which was finished in field-grey.

11(6).55 Heer: The Wehrmacht adler on the buckle was changed again in 1937 causing the eagle to face to the viewer's right. The bright buckle was worn with the parade or walking-out dress uniform, whereas the dull buckle was worn with the service or combat uniform. Example shown above measures 45mm.

11(7).55 Heer: Standard pattern 1937 Heer buckle with the eagle facing right, but measuring 40mm. This size buckle was only worn with the parade or walking-out dress uniform.

J.R. Angolia: "Belt Buckles & Brocades of the Third Reich", 1982.

R. James Bender Publishing