Hello I am wondering about this one?

**cat66** · 10-30-2017, 12:44 AM

Hello
Thanks for looking I picked up a pistol rig last week. I am wondering about the belt and buckle I have never seen a buckle like one! Hopefully it's all correct!

Thanks for any information
Curt

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 10-30-2017 12:44 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**BrodieBartfast** · 10-30-2017, 12:59 AM

I believe these are known as 'Gau Essen' belt buckles. Don't know much about them beyond that, but there are a few original examples posted here on the forum.
This one is an original piece. Should make direct comparison easier.

Regards, B.B.

**bsiwula1** · 10-30-2017, 01:10 AM

Hello Curt honestly I ve never studied these before but I half to say I like the detail and think you have a nice scarce buckle on your hands. I would wait for others opinions but imo it compares well to the book example. Reference from Angolia s buckles and Brocades book. Best regards.

Brian

**cat66** · 10-30-2017, 01:44 AM

Thank you so much for the information I had no clue on this one

**bsiwula1** · 10-30-2017, 02:21 AM

I apologise Curt. I may of been a little quick with my assessment. Looking at Ben's rouge's gallery I came across a buckle identical to yours even with same damage to the head area. I would also note the other original examples have slanted feet on the catch whereas on your example they are straight, lastly the detail on the reverse is concerning especially the eagles legs area. Sorry for the change in opinion but I d rather you know for sure. Kindest regards.

Brian

From this thread post #5

Fake SS Enlisted Men Database

Also it gives me concern about the belts authenticity now, but I will defer to others opinions on it's originality.

**Ben Evans** · 10-30-2017, 08:34 AM

This is a common steel fake of a Gau Essen buckle, sorry

**dan d** · 11-03-2017, 04:44 AM

Totally agree with Ben. Gau Essen buckles were manufactured from nickel only; no steel.

**yellow12** · 11-03-2017, 10:50 AM

Hello,

the shown buckle is a well known steel fake !

Originals are only made by Assmann in nickelsilver .

**yellow12** · 11-03-2017, 10:53 AM

by bsiwula1

Hello Curt honestly I ve never studied these before but I half to say I like the detail and think you have a nice scarce buckle on your hands. I would wait for others opinions but imo it compares well to the book example. Reference from Angolia s buckles and Brocades book. Best regards.

Brian

Hello,

stamped steel ; it's a autors error !