Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good service used condition some what rare WWII German Kriegsmarine (Navy) EM/NCO's Belt Buckle (Koppelschloß). The Navy used the standard Wehrmacht pattern buckles, but instead of the Field Gray color used by the Heer, they usually painted them a gold color. However, this was deemed most likely not the best color to use in Küstenartillerie (Coastal artillery) emplacements, so in 1937 they began to issue these dark blue belt buckles instead. These were also used with the field gray uniforms that other land-based members wore.

The Buckle design features a smooth outer field with central, high relief, embossed Wehrmacht eagle with down swept wings to slightly domed center, encompassed by an oak-leaf cluster to bottom and bears the Wehrmacht motto GOTT MIT UNS, (God [is] with us), on the top. The oak-leaf cluster and script are on a ribbed background and encircled by an inner and outer simulated twisted rope border. This is a very nice navy blue painted steel construction box buckle with a smooth background. The buckle is in very good condition, with a good amount of the original paint, showing wear on the raised areas of the front, as is typical. There are also a few spots of oxidation on the reverse.

The belt is marked H.A. / 42 by the retaining loop, indicating manufacture by Hermann Aurich of Dresden, Germany. As this buckle was made after 1941, it most likely was made without a leather tab around the claw.

Overall condition is very good, with an exceptional eye appeal!