Original Items: Only One Available. This is a very nice WWII German NSDAP Leibriemenschloß für Politische Leiter (Belt Buckle for Political Leader), with the correct thick leather belt. 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 minimal use, with just a bit of fading to the gold wash. The opposite clasp shows a bit more wear.

The back of the buckle is marked with an ((RZM)) circle and with the code M4 / 27. 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 Overhoff & Cie., of Lüdenscheid, a German city which had a large number of companies who made buckles, buttons, and other clothing items.

The belt itself is somewhat large, measuring 6 cm (2.36 in.) wide, and a nice 107cm (42.1 in.) in length. This was definitely not a belt for a small person, and it is marked 95 on one end, for a size of 95 cm (37.4). The clip end of the belt has a maker marking and date:

((RZM)) L2 / 682 / 42
KERNSTÜCK

This maker is unfortunately not identified, but it does have a date of 1942. There is also (RZM) M4 / 24 on the clip itself, for Friedrich Linden of Lüdenscheid. 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. Ready to add to your German Belt Collection!