{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-luftwaffe-em-nco-leather-belt-with-two-piece-pebbled-aluminum-droop-tail-buckle","title":"Original German WWII Luftwaffe 1940 Dated EM\/NCO Leather Belt with Two Piece Pebbled Aluminum “Droop Tail” Buckle","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive service used German WWII Luftwaffe EM\/NCO leather belt fitted with a desirable early pattern aluminum \u003cem\u003eKoppelschloß\u003c\/em\u003e (belt buckle) featuring the distinctive “Droop Tail” eagle. Particularly appealing is the buckle’s two piece construction, with a separately applied front insignia retained by all four original attachment tabs. Combined with the clearly dated \u003cstrong\u003e1940\u003c\/strong\u003e leather belt and honest service wear throughout, this is a strong early Luftwaffe equipment display with plenty of period character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aluminum box buckle has a pebbled face with the early Luftwaffe “Droop Tail” eagle prominently displayed within a laurel wreath. This eagle configuration is associated with the early or First Pattern Luftwaffe EM\/NCO buckle and was subsequently replaced by the better known later eagle design. The front insignia remains sharp, with good definition to both the eagle and surrounding pebbling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConstruction is the desirable two piece crimped type, with the separate insignia plate still retaining all four attachment tabs. The buckle body shows some deformation from use, while the nickel plated steel attachment claw exhibits only very light oxidation. These signs of age and service do little to detract from the overall appearance, and the early insignia remains the dominant visual feature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying leather belt measures about \u003cstrong\u003e32 1\/2”\u003c\/strong\u003e from end to end and is made from substantial leather that appears originally to have had a black exterior finish. Much of that finish has worn away through use, leaving an appealing service patina. The end of the belt was cut off directly where the original adjustment tab would have been installed, and two new pairs of adjustment holes were subsequently punched directly through the belt leather. Despite these alterations and general wear, the leather remains solid without major tears or cracks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe metal end hook is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eL\u0026amp;F\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original collection notes identify this marking as Linden \u0026amp; Funke KG of Iserlohn, a manufacturer associated with metal fittings for leather equipment and slings. We were unable to independently confirm that attribution from the references consulted, so further research may reveal additional information about the maker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leather adjacent to the hook bears a clear maker and date marking:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eSTECHER\u003cbr\u003eFREIBERG\u003cbr\u003e1940\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStecher of Freiberg, Saxony is documented on period German leather equipment, and the 1940 date gives this belt a particularly nice early wartime association. The combination of a dated service belt with an earlier pattern “Droop Tail” buckle makes for a visually appealing example illustrating the overlap of pre-war and early wartime Luftwaffe equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition overall is very good for a piece of field equipment that clearly saw use. The buckle retains strong pebbling and a well defined early eagle, all four insignia attachment tabs remain present, and the leather belt has honest wear without serious structural damage. The shortened end and added adjustment holes are clearly visible evidence of period or later service alteration and have been left exactly as found.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the Luftwaffe uniform and field equipment collector, this set has several features that make it especially appealing: the early “Droop Tail” eagle, less commonly encountered two piece aluminum buckle construction, sharp surviving front detail, clearly dated \u003cstrong\u003eSTECHER \/ FREIBERG \/ 1940\u003c\/strong\u003e leather, and genuine service wear throughout. It would display particularly well with an early Luftwaffe enlisted uniform, field equipment grouping, or collection focused on German WWII belts and buckles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Luftwaffe, the air force of the German military during the Third Reich, was established in 1935. Over the next 10 years, Luftwaffe troops wore a huge variety of uniforms. Enlisted men generally wore uniforms issued from military depots. Most enlisted soldiers had wool trousers and a short jacket with two internal lower pockets, called a Fliegerbluse, as well as a dressier 4-pocket tunic, the Tuchrock. Officers wore the same general uniform styles, but as officers had to supply their own uniforms, they usually wore tailor made versions. There were also myriad varieties of specialized uniforms worn by certain units or in specific situations, from the tuxedo-style “gala” formal wear uniform of the pre-war period, to the plain coveralls worn by crews of anti-aircraft cannons. There were work uniforms, tropical and summer uniforms, and camouflage clothing for airborne troops and other Luftwaffe soldiers in ground combat. Flight crews had their own specialized gear, including leather jackets and warm, electrically heated suits. Most but not all Luftwaffe uniform jackets bore the Luftwaffe emblem of a flying eagle holding a swas.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45934025670725,"sku":"ONJR26AULC017","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR26AULC017__01.jpg?v=1791216588","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-luftwaffe-em-nco-leather-belt-with-two-piece-pebbled-aluminum-droop-tail-buckle","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}