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. The Weimar era, (circa 1919-1933), Reichswehr belt buckle was introduced in May 1919, for wear by EM/NCO personnel serving in both the Reichsheer and Reichsmarine with a different colored finish for each branch of service. Although introduced in May 1919 the belt buckle wasn’t widely distributed until 1921. The buckle retained the same basic design as the Imperial German belt buckle but replaced the Imperial crown with the newly introduced national eagle. Of Note: A new pattern EM/NCO’s belt buckle was officially introduced on January 24TH 1936, to replace the previously worn Weimar era Reichsheer buckle. The new buckle retained the basic design of the Reichsheer buckle with the addition of the new Wehrmacht style national eagle.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Standard issue, stamped, nickel/silver alloy construction, box buckle featuring a pebbled outer field with a central, embossed, circular motif. The centerpiece has an embossed Weimar style national eagle with down-swept wings, to the slightly domed center, encompassed by an laurel leaf cluster to the bottom and script, "Gott mit Uns", (God with us), to top. The laurel leaf cluster and script are on a ribbed background and are encircled by both an inner and outer simulated twisted rope border. The reverse of the buckle has it catch, prong bar and prongs all intact.