Just thought I'd share a couple more new pieces, this time two Feuerwehr buckles. I get the impression that these are not all that popular and perhaps somewhat underappreciated. Nevertheless, I find them interesting having grown up with a father who is a firefighter and wanting to be a fireman when I was very young. They can be quite good-looking buckles, I think and can also be had at quite reasonable prices.
The first buckle shown is actually a favorite within my buckle collection. It is a larger 50mm size which I haven't seen others of as of yet and I consider the condition to be very nice. The roundel has, to my eyes, a very pleasing and striking “stand out” appearance. I have read that the addition of brass or gilt roundels (also seen on pre-1938 DRK buckles) might indicate rank differentiation. Does anyone have thoughts on this? I also like the overall construction of this feuerwehr example and it would appear to be an early buckle by way of the larger size, pin/claw assembly and lack of ears. Given this and what I have read I might humbly suggest that this buckle is pre-1895.
The second buckle is a 2-piece steel example. While I believe this is probably an otherwise legitimate buckle, could be it be post-war? I have seen this method of construction and very similar buckles before but cannot find examples at the moment or remember if they were post-war or not.
If others have any feuerwehr buckles that they'd like to share then I for one would love to see them and hopefully I will have another to share soon. Of course, any and all comments and opinions are appreciated.
Hi Adam! I love that first buckle of yours! You are correct: it's an1845 model buckle that is in fantastic condition. These types of buckles deserve their rightful place in all buckle collections! They are quite nice. Here are a the few I have out of my collection.
Rob
PS...I think you are right about the second buckle being post war. Still worth collecting though - and not too pricey either!
Hey, guys. All great buckles! Gerolf, I really like the pickelhauben ones. Here are photos of the one I just purchased that's on the way to me. I'm also going to post my 50mm in the Imperial buckle thread as that is really the appropriate time frame... I don't think there are any Feuerwehr in there yet.
A very happy and buckle rich New Year to you all
-Adam
An interesting selection of buckles and as Adam mentioned, perhaps not the most popular grouping within belt buckle collecting.
I would recommend that anyone who has an interest in "Die Feuerwehr" tries to obtain a copy of "Deutsche Koppelschlösser 1800-1945" by Jürgen Bandau. Published by Militair-Verlag Klaus D Patzwall - Norderstedt ISBN 3-931533-30-1. A must for the Imperial collector and despite monochrome obverse images only. 11 "A4" size pages dealing with "Die Feuerwehr" from 1800 to 1945 though!
Bookmarks