Original: $350.00
-70%$350.00
$105.00The Story
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very rare totally genuine WWII Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) Heer Army EM/NCO's Steel Painted Belt Buckle (KoppelschloĂź), which is in very good service used condition. The buckle is die-stamped steel (magnetic), with a lovely DAK Tan Dunkelgelb finish. The front design features a smooth outer field with central, high relief, embossed Wehrmacht eagle with down swept wings to slightly domed center, encompassed by an oak-leaf cluster to bottom and bears the Wehrmacht motto GOTT MIT UNS, (God [is] with us), on the top. The oak-leaf cluster and script are on a ribbed background and encircled by an inner and outer simulated twisted rope border.
The buckle looks to have seen a good amount of use during the war, and was probably repainted at some point during its service, and then saw additional use and wear. It now shows wear through on the raised insignia, as well as around the edges. We do not see any maker marking on the back, however the paint is quite thick, so even if it is marked, we probably would not be able to see it. It looks like this belt buckle may have originally had a leather tab, however the tropical climate was very hard on leather, so it most likely fell off long ago during service, after which the buckle was repainted, including most of the claw.
Overall a lovely "salty" service used example of a very rare belt buckle from the Deutsches Afrikakorps, DAK!
History of the German Africa Corps
The Afrika Korps or German Africa Corps (Deutsches Afrikakorps or DAK) was the German expeditionary force in Africa during the North African Campaign of World War II. First sent as a holding force to shore up the Italian defense of their African colonies, the formation fought on in Africa, under various appellations, from March 1941 until its surrender in May 1943. The unit's best known commander was Field Marshal Erwin Rommel.
The dry climate of Africa proved to be an issue with much of the standard leather field gear that the German Army usually used. It would dry out and crack quickly, and become unusable. To deal with this, the standard field gear such as belts, Y-straps, A-frames, bayonet frogs, and other items, were issued in special tropical web versions.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very rare totally genuine WWII Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) Heer Army EM/NCO's Steel Painted Belt Buckle (KoppelschloĂź), which is in very good service used condition. The buckle is die-stamped steel (magnetic), with a lovely DAK Tan Dunkelgelb finish. The front design features a smooth outer field with central, high relief, embossed Wehrmacht eagle with down swept wings to slightly domed center, encompassed by an oak-leaf cluster to bottom and bears the Wehrmacht motto GOTT MIT UNS, (God [is] with us), on the top. The oak-leaf cluster and script are on a ribbed background and encircled by an inner and outer simulated twisted rope border.
The buckle looks to have seen a good amount of use during the war, and was probably repainted at some point during its service, and then saw additional use and wear. It now shows wear through on the raised insignia, as well as around the edges. We do not see any maker marking on the back, however the paint is quite thick, so even if it is marked, we probably would not be able to see it. It looks like this belt buckle may have originally had a leather tab, however the tropical climate was very hard on leather, so it most likely fell off long ago during service, after which the buckle was repainted, including most of the claw.
Overall a lovely "salty" service used example of a very rare belt buckle from the Deutsches Afrikakorps, DAK!
History of the German Africa Corps
The Afrika Korps or German Africa Corps (Deutsches Afrikakorps or DAK) was the German expeditionary force in Africa during the North African Campaign of World War II. First sent as a holding force to shore up the Italian defense of their African colonies, the formation fought on in Africa, under various appellations, from March 1941 until its surrender in May 1943. The unit's best known commander was Field Marshal Erwin Rommel.
The dry climate of Africa proved to be an issue with much of the standard leather field gear that the German Army usually used. It would dry out and crack quickly, and become unusable. To deal with this, the standard field gear such as belts, Y-straps, A-frames, bayonet frogs, and other items, were issued in special tropical web versions.
