Original Items: Only One Available. This is a lovely USGI Bring Back WWII German NSDAP Leibriemenschloß für Politische Leiter (Belt Buckle for Political Leader), with the correct thick leather belt. It is in very good condition, and on the back bears the name of the soldier who captured in during WWII:

P.F.C. JAMES M. BELL Jr.
Co. "B" 30th INF.

It also has the address it was mailed back to:

MRS. JAMES M BELL
1401 TRiplitt StrEET
OWENSBORO, KENTUCKY
U.S.A.

We were only able to find one James M. Bell Jr. ASN 35732272 in the NARA database, and they are from Kentucky. He was born during 1925, and enlisted July 3, 1943, when he was most likely 18. As a member of Company B in the 30th Infantry Division, they were part of the 3rd Infantry Division, the only division to see action on all fronts of the European theater. Definitely some great research potential here!

The circular Political Leader’s buckle was introduced in 1940, a double open-claw buckle having been used prior to that. Prior to 1934, the SA Belt and buckle were used, but after 1940 this more ornate buckle was used. The buckle is constructed of gold washed aluminum, and has a spread-winged NSDAP eagle with a wreathed, mobile swas in its talons. Encircling the eagle is a wreath of oak leaves, which the eagle’s wings extend into. The reverse of the buckle is concave, and has the buckle catch, which on the other end is crimped around the rectangular keeper. The outside of the keeper has an embossed oak leaf motif, while the inside has the claw for attaching to the buckle.

The buckle shows only light use, with just a bit of wear to the gold wash on the edges and contact points, especially the hook on the back. The opposite clasp is in similar condition, really only showing wear in the slot from attachment to the buckle.

The back of the buckle and the retaining clasp are both marked with an ((RZM)) circle and with the code M4 / 72. The Reichszeugmeisterei, or RZM, was was based at the Brown house in Munich and NSDAP party headquarters in Berlin. The RZM ensured that the manufacturers of military items were consistent in design, quality of materials and other characteristics of the items. It also defined standards of design, manufacturing and quality and published an authoritative color chart for textiles. The M4 in the code stands for buckles, and registrant 27 is Wilhelm Deumer of Lüdenscheid, a German city which had a large number of companies who made buckles, buttons, and other clothing items. The firm was a known maker of NSDAP buckles during the third reich period.

The belt itself is somewhat large, measuring 6 cm (2.36 in.) wide, and a nice 95cm (37.4 in.) in length from the loop catch to the last set of double holes for the buckle. The clip end of the belt has a maker marking and date: ((RZM)) L2 / 954 / 40. This maker is unfortunately not identified, but it does have a date of 1940. The leather is a lovely aged brown color, with a little bit of wear from the buckle and use.

Finding belts with buckles in this lightly worn condition is extremely difficult, especially with USGI bring back information. Ready to add to your German Belt Collection!