Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice German WWII Deutsche Arbeitsfront (German Labor Front or DAF) leather belt fitted with an aluminum Werkschar-Koppelschloß (Factory Brigade belt buckle). Both the belt and buckle remain in excellent condition, showing only light wear from service and storage.

The face of the buckle features the DAF emblem, consisting of a fourteen tooth cogwheel surrounding a swas. A small embossed circular bead is positioned in each corner.

This is a two piece buckle constructed with a stamped aluminum box body and a separately soldered catch loop. The hooked adjustment claw is made from plated steel and is attached to the buckle body by a peened securing pin.

The reverse of the buckle is marked near the catch:

KH M4/49
(RZM) (LST)

The DAF buckle marking system did not always follow the same format encountered on other RZM controlled equipment, which accounts for the combination of markings seen here. The M4 portion of the code denotes the RZM category for belt buckles, while manufacturer number 49 identifies Steinhauer & Lück of Lüdenscheid. The additional LST marking appears to be the company’s period trademark.

Lüdenscheid was an important center of German metalworking and supported numerous firms that manufactured belt buckles, buttons, badges, uniform fittings, and other metal accessories. Steinhauer & Lück became one of the city’s best known manufacturers of insignia, decorations, and uniform equipment.

The Reichszeugmeisterei, or RZM, was the NSDAP’s national materials control and licensing organization. It regulated the production and distribution of political uniforms, insignia, equipment, and related articles. The RZM established design and manufacturing standards, licensed approved producers, inspected finished products, and assigned coded manufacturer numbers. Its offices and principal facilities were located in Munich.

The black leather belt remains in very good condition. Much of the original glossy black exterior finish is still present, with expected wear where the buckle contacted and adjusted against the leather.

The belt measures approximately 43 inches overall. Near the buckle end it is marked:

Leibweite 108

This translates to “Waist Measurement 108,” indicating a nominal waist size of 108cm, or approximately 42.5 inches.

The full length leather adjustment tab remains present and has two parallel rows of seven adjustment holes. The opposite end retains its plated steel buckle hook.

The inside of the adjustment tab is marked:

(RZM) L2/2819/30

The L2 category is associated with licensed manufacturers of leather equipment. However, we have not been able to identify the specific maker assigned license number 2819, and the meaning of the final 30 remains uncertain.

The belt is in excellent overall condition, with only light wear from use and no major storage damage. The buckle retains strong embossed detail, an attractive aluminum finish, and its complete original attachment hardware.

Following the dissolution of Germany’s independent trade unions in May 1933, the Deutsche Arbeitsfront was established as the state controlled organization responsible for workers and employers. It was intended to replace the former trade union structure and organize labor within German industry and commerce.

In October 1934, the DAF received official status as a subdivision of the NSDAP. In March 1936, it was recognized as an independent NSDAP affiliated association and was granted control of its own budget.

The first pattern DAF uniform was introduced in 1934 for members of the DAF-Werkscharen, or Factory Brigades. These formations were organized within industrial workplaces and wore distinctive uniforms and insignia. The aluminum DAF belt buckle was introduced during late 1935 for wear by all ranks of the Werkscharen.

The combination of a well preserved black leather belt, complete adjustment tab, clearly marked Steinhauer & Lück aluminum buckle, and still unidentified leather maker code makes this a particularly interesting and complete example of DAF Werkschar uniform equipment.