Original Item: Only One Available. The belt with open claw belt buckle was original worn during the Weimar Reichswehr era and continued into the Third Reich with minor modifications enacted in May 1934. The open claw belt buckle was authorized for wear by almost all political and military organizations during the Third Reich period with a variety of different institution dates. When worn by political personnel the buckle color was to match the button color of the uniform worn and when worn by military personnel the buckle color reflected Company and Field Grade or General Grade Officer ranks with silver for the Company and Field Grade ranks and gold for General Grade Officer ranks. 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.

The German’s concern with leather shortages was evident as early as September 1939 when issue of the traditional tall leather marching boot was restricted to personnel serving in the field. During the war further leather shortages resulted in additional regulations that limited or restricted leather usage and included the narrowing of the standard 60mm, (2 1/2"), wide Officer’s leather belts to 45mm, (1 3/4"). Later in the war they also began to use Preßstoff Faux Leather in place of animal leather.

This is a lovely condition pre/early war Wehrmacht Heer Army officer's open claw belt, made from wider early 58mm width light brown leather and fitted with a large nickel plated zinc buckle. There is no marking on the buckle, however the leather is stamped and dated by the maker right next to it:

SPRINGER & Co
BERLIN
1938

The belt features blue felt padding on the interior, which makes it "grip" the uniform better, and it also has a sliding loop on a leather fitting on the interior, as well as another fully movable loop, used to attach a cross strap, which is unfortunately not included with the belt.

We measured the belt, and it is quite large, measuring 44 inches from the last set of holes to the claws, so it was intended for a larger individual. The belt is still in lovely condition, with the leather very supple, and it looks to have seen light use during the war. There is a bit of wrinkling to the finish, but no cracking or other issues, and the plating on the buckle is very well retained. It does however look to have seen past moth damage to the felt padding, which is fairly typical.

Overall condition is very good with an exceptional eye appeal! Ready to display!