This is a standard Assmann product (SS maker code marked), not to be confused with the Hungarian copies. This design was introduced in 1931 and pioneered by Overhoff & Co, later produced by other makers. This is a combat example, made of die-struck steel; the earlier examples being of either nickel finish or aluminium.

This has its regimental marks on the leather tag for the 1st Infantry Regiment and is maker marked Haarmann of Ludenscheid. These buckles were introduced in 1936 in die-struck aluminium with a feldgrau paint finish. They were later replaced by a steel example.

This full dress bright aluminium brocade belt (size 80cm) with its buckle would have been worn with parade dress and on various other formal occasions. The buckle is marked on the hook 'A' for Assmann & Co. Bandmasters had two red stripes running through the braid and generals wore them in gold bullion with a gilt buckle.

This is the second model WBC for the army. It was introduced in 1940, replacing the one-piece aluminium type. This one is made of die-struck steel and is virtually as struck, with extremely sharp definition to the face and no traces of any paintwork anywhere. It is marked CTD 1943 for Christian Theodor Dicke of Ludenscheid.

This is the first issue pattern one-piece army buckle of the Third Reich, replacing the two-piece example. In turn it was replaced by the next model in pressed steel, as an economy measure to preserve precious aluminium. It is of injection-mould construction, and is marked on the Wiederhalt (tag) for Jul. Kremp of Ludenscheid and dated 1939.

This private purchase WBC for the army is made of a zinc-based alloy with traces of the original silver wash to both front and reverse. They were never maker marked and were too light for combat duty, being worn only for walking out and parade occasions.

This is the first issue pattern one-piece army buckle of the Third Reich, replacing the Weimar pattern. Photos show the latter being worn well into the late 1930s, so production must have been a rather slow process. In turn it was replaced by the next model in pressed steel, as an economy measure to preserve precious aluminium.

This buckle in pressed steel succeeded the die-struck aluminium pattern introduced in 1936. These were worn both on the leather belt in the European theatre and on the web belt in North Africa and the Mediterranean theatre.

This dangerous fake would deceive many collectors. The cap is a genuine Coastal Artillery item; the soutache and the badges have all been added to 'create' a more interesting commercial prospect! The skull badge is certainly bogus and the eagle is not totally convincing, but might still be OK.

A nice example, with minor wear to the bullion at the edges of the belt. It is lined with blue-grey cotton fabric. There is no maker's mark. It is the second pattern, with a fan tail eagle on the buckle, which is gilt metal on an aluminium base. It is adjustable, from approximately 90 cms to 110 cms at the maximum extension.