Original German Pre-WWII Army Heer Officers 53mm Brown Leather Open Claw Brass Buckle Belt with Hanger Loops

Original Item: Only One Available. The belt with open claw belt buckle was original worn during the Weimar Reichswehr era and continued into the Third Reich with minor modifications enacted in May 1934. The open claw belt buckle was authorized for wear by almost all political and military organizations during the Third Reich period with a variety of different institution dates. When worn by political personnel the buckle color was to match the button color of the uniform worn and when worn by military personnel the buckle color reflected Company and Field Grade or General Grade Officer ranks with silver for the Company and Field Grade ranks and gold for General Grade Officer ranks. During the Third Reich there was a prescribed form of wear of the belt and buckle with the buckle being positioned on the right side.

The German’s concern with leather shortages was evident as early as September 1939 when issue of the traditional tall leather marching boot was restricted to personnel serving in the field. During the war further leather shortages resulted in additional regulations that limited or restricted leather usage and included the narrowing of the standard 60mm, (2 1/2"), wide Officer’s leather belts to 45mm, (1 3/4"). Later in the war they also began to use Preßstoff Faux Leather in place of animal leather.

This is a lovely condition pre/early war Wehrmacht Heer Army officer's open claw belt, made from wider early 53mm width light brown leather and fitted with a large brass buckle. We were not able to find any markings on the buckle except for some faint worn ones that we were not able to read. There are no size markings, however we measured the belt, and it is quite large, measuring 43 3/4 inches from the last set of holes to the claws, so it was intended for a larger individual. There is a square hanger loop on a leather slider pointing downwards, as well as another pointing upwards with a D-ring for the attachment of a cross strap (not included). There is another D-ring attached on an interior strap that would be for the other end of the cross strap.

The belt is still in lovely condition, with the leather relatively supple, and it looks to have seen light to moderate use during the war. There is some staining, as well as wear and rounding to the edges of the belt. The brass buckle has a lovely mellow patina, and attaches easily to the other end of the belt.

Overall condition is very good with an exceptional eye appeal! Ready to display!