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. First introduced on May 20TH 1935, the Luftwaffe EM/NCO’s belt buckle underwent minor modifications in late 1937 or early 1938 with a new pattern eagle and again in 1940 with a slight difference in construction.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: 1938 pattern, injection molded, natural aluminum construction box buckle features a pebbled outer field with a central, embossed, high relief, horizontally oval laurel leaf wreath encompassing a slightly domed, pebbled inner field with an embossed second pattern Luftwaffe eagle to the center. The buckle shows light to moderate age and usage toning. The reverse of the buckle is a crude mirror image of the obverse excluding the outer pebbled field. The reverse has the integral, raised, slotted buckle catch and separate prong bar and prongs all intact. The reverse is well marked with the embossed manufacturers initials, "C.T.D.", indicating manufacture by Christian Theodor Dicke of Lüdenscheid. Pull tab is present. Comes with a dirty/moldy 100cm long leather belt. Will need to be cleaned by the new owner.