Identifying mystery leather belt - German Military?

**christek** · 09-29-2015, 04:38 AM

Greetings forum,

This belt is part of a group of war era items I have just received from Germany. My first Third Reich items!
The belt would appear similar to an officers style but the buckle is wrong - Is this a civilian belt or been re-buckled?
Can anyone make out the circular marking?

Many thanks in advance for any assistance here

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 09-29-2015 04:38 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**bichon** · 09-29-2015, 04:46 AM

hello
french belt
cordially
Didier

**UK Cousin** · 09-29-2015, 05:18 AM

Like a kid in a candy store, I love it! Keep up the enthusiasm. Motivation is key to finding the good stuff. Besides, theres nothing wrong with a French belt. Wasn't used very long and therefore in good shape. Happy hunting!

**christek** · 09-29-2015, 07:41 AM

by General von poopypants

Like a kid in a candy store, I love it! Keep up the enthusiasm. Motivation is key to finding the good stuff. Besides, theres nothing wrong with a French belt. Wasn't used very long and therefore in good shape. Happy hunting!

Many thanks for the replies bichon and GVPP! After the information provided, I believe the belt is an M1935 French enlisted belt - A neat thing to have! It may even open the door to more French items!

I have re-named the post and it can be moved to the Allies forum if this suits - Many thanks.

**bichon** · 09-29-2015, 08:04 AM

hello
M1903-14 used in WW1 and WW2 and after.....
I can read 2 8 31, so august 2nd 1931
cordially
Didier

**christek** · 09-29-2015, 08:44 AM

Great information - Many thanks bichon!

**bigmacglenn** · 09-29-2015, 05:43 PM

Nice-looking Equipment Group you've scored there, well done for your first 3rd Reich Items, Chris!

That's a solid, well-constructed heavy-duty leather equipment belt, keep in mind that the Germans made extensive use of captured French Military Material/Hardware...I'm reading the OKW War Diaries and I've read that many units, especially Fortress-Troops and 2nd Line Troops stationed in France were issued captured French Equipment...Thanks to Bichon for the info as well...
cheers, Glenn

**christek** · 09-30-2015, 09:19 AM

Good point Glenn, very interesting and something I had not considered. I had known that the Germans used a lot of captured French tanks and vehicles during WWII, (even the completely obsolete FT-17 tank). I had not considered the usage of equipment such as this - But why not? The French were equipped with decent gear - Poor tactics perhaps but poor gear was certainly not the reason for their quick defeat in 1940. Cheers mate