Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice WWI Imperial German Waist Belt, with the correct M1915 Prussian Steel Belt Buckle (Koppelschloß), as well as two M.1889 Ammo Pouches (Patronentasche). This buckle features painted steel construction, with a 45mm, slightly convex, stamped metal box buckle. This features the Prussian Crown, encompassed by a dual rope-like border within which, against a ribbed background, is the Prussian motto GOTT MIT UNS (God [is] With Us), and a spray of laurels. To the reverse is its welded-on buckle catch, and a metal prong bar with dual prongs, for the belt’s retaining tongue, with the original leather pull tab.

The buckle is in good condition, with a nice patina of age, and signs of long service. The face of the buckle has wear and oxidation, but still retains more than 50% of the original paint. A very attractive display piece that still retains most of the detail on the insignia.

The included leather belt appears to be dark brown or black, and is in very nice condition. It measures around 40 inches in overall length, and is still somewhat supple, with the expected wear to the finish. It retains the original tab, so the buckle can be attached securely, however the tab is definitely somewhat delicate. There are markings on the clip end, which we unfortunately cannot read, but appear to have a 1914 date under them.

The attached M.1889 Patronentasche are the type usually issued to Unteroffizier or NCO soldiers, and are curved in shape. Inside each are three steel clips, each able to hold one loaded loaded rifle ammunition stripper clip. Research suggests these were usually used for the Gew88 and Kar88 "Commission" series firearms, which were still in use during WWI, but did not use the same stripper clip until some were altered in 1915, most of which went to Turkey. As such the older pouches continued to be used by German soldiers.  The pouches are in good condition, though they do have some wear and stitching issues, as shown.

A very good example of the standard German belt and buckle from "The Great War", complete with some NCO ammo pouches, ready to display, or even use!

History of German/Prussian Belt Buckles:

First introduced in 1847, the design of the buckle remained virtually unchanged until 1918. After January of 1915, these buckles, which were also used by the Prussian-dominated states of Baden, Oldenburg, Hansa and Thuringia, were made of zinc-plated sheet iron. Originally the box buckles came in a 50mm, (roughly 2 inches), width until 1895 when the width was reduced to 45mm, (roughly 1 3/4 inches), in an attempt to lighten the weight load of the field gear. Initially the buckles were produced of brass with a nickel/silver face plate until 1914 when steel construction buckles were introduced. This buckle design is essentially the same as those used later in WWII.