BACKGROUND: Military belts and their corresponding buckles date back centuries and were initially designed for attaching swords and daggers. In 1847 a new innovative box buckle with a quick release catch and corresponding belt were introduced which resulted in a Prussian, Hauptmann Virschow, initiating a new method of carrying personal equipment with the belt and shoulder straps supporting the majority of the weight. This system, with modifications, remains in use in most of the armies in the world to this day. During the Third Reich there was a prescribed form of wear of the belt and buckle with the buckle being positioned on the right side and the corresponding buckle catch on the left side. On January 24TH 1936 a new pattern EM/NCO's belt buckle was officially introduced to replace the previously worn Weimar era Reichsheer buckle. The basic design of the Reichsheer buckle was retained with the addition of the new Wehrmacht style national eagle. This pattern buckle was worn through-out the Third Reich period with minor manufacturing variations and different colored finishes. The colored finish was determined by regulations depending on what form of uniform it was to be worn with.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Full length brown leather belt, marked "HEINRICH SOHN NEU ULM 1939" and embossed LBAB 39 for Luftwaffe Bekleidungs Amt Berlin (Air Force Uniform Office Berlin). Aluminum belt buckle keeper is marked "OLC" in a diamond for Overhoff & Companie Ludenscheid. Beautiful specimen of a prewar Luftwaffe belt, excellent condition.