Original Items: Only One Lot of 2 Available. 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.

The Items In This Lot:
- M1895 Prussian Belt Buckle: This is a very nice WWI Imperial German M1895 Prussian Belt Buckle (Koppelschloß) with the correct brown leather belt. This buckle features two-piece construction, with a 45mm, slightly convex, stamped brass metal box buckle, with an attached Nickel Prussian insignia. This features the Prussian Crown, encompassed by a dual rope-like border within which, against a ribbed background, is the motto Gott Mit Uns (God [is] With Us), and a spray of laurels. To the reverse is its raised buckle catch, and a metal prong bar with dual prongs, for the belt’s retaining tongue.

The buckle is in good condition, with a nice patina of age, but not excessive oxidation. A very attractive display piece that still retains all of the detail on the insignia.

- 1914 Iron Cross Plaque Decor: We believe this to be a decoration that was once used on either a plaque, frame or similar display items. There are holes on the left, right and top arms that appear to have been for nails or tacks. The arms measure approximately 2 ½” across.

These are beautiful items that come more than ready for research and display!