Imperial German Buckles.

[DUJAILAH]

Very, very nice

[koppel71]

Sachsen 108 Osang Dresden

[DUJAILAH]

Rare, rare buckle. Thanks for showing, cheers, richard.

[aechols83]

Hey, guys. I haven't had an Imperial to show or discuss here in quite a while but hopefully soon I'll have some new ones in hand. In the meantime I am curious to hear any thoughts on these two buckles.

The first is a Prussian, the authenticity of which I am not sure and with a method of affixing the roundel that I have seen before on a few questionable Imperial buckles. For some reason (and perhaps it's just me) I haven't seen many original examples like this. Also, while I think the roundel is steel, it does appear to have a darker coloration than the steel box, giving it a "stand out" appearance.

Secondly is a Bavarian which struck me as interesting for a few reasons. Firstly, the box is "earless" which I believe is fairly uncommon. Furthermore, I have never seen a one-piece earless example like this. While I think the buckle box is probably good, it is a little odd that the pin shroud/claws and the catch seem in somewhat different condition. Also not sure if this one would have been painted as some point.

Anyways, an interesting couple buckles and any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated!

Best,
Adam

[DUJAILAH]

Hi Adam, I know what you mean about the fixings on the 1st one. I'm never sure about this type; but I've got a hunch that some originals were made this way. A white metal body with a brass/tombak roundal were worn by Prussian customs officers. As for the Bavarian steel, I agree, that the ears look odd. Maybe it's unfinished as it doesn't look like it's been painted?, Cheers, Richard.

[DUJAILAH]

Hi Chaps, have a look at this one on ebay
Koppel mit Koppelschloss ORIGINAL 1914 on eBay (end time 14-Dec-10 22:13:40 GMT)

The seller must be hoping someone has more money than sense, Cheers, Richard.

Also, this a great buckle I missed on ebay

Koppelschloss K

It went for a far more reasonable price!!!!

[DUJAILAH]

Hi Chaps, here's my latest. A two piece Hessen brass O/R's buckle. I'm not sure if they are any rarer than the one piece brass & m16 steel ones. I think all are pretty rare.
I'm not sure it being 2 piece has any significance; but it does mimic Austro Hungarian KuK buckles of the period. As you can see it's had plenty on wear & there's a little damage to the crown which to me is fine.
As usual I've included a couple of pics of troops wearing the buckle (although the one piece by the look of them) - 5th Grossherzoglich Hessisches Infanterie Regt. Nr.168 (5th Hesse-Darmstadt Regt.),

Cheers, Richard.

[aechols83]

Hey, guys. Curious if anyone had thought on these two. The M1895 Prussian is one I was considering for myself and it looks fine to me, however I'm wondering if the box is brass or tombak... I still have some trouble telling from photos like this and given patina, aging, etc.

The second Württemberg is one that a friend was interested in but I'm just not certain about it and whether it might be a repro/copy (although I think it would be a very convincing one.)

Any thoughts or help with these would be most appreciated!

Best,
Adam

[DUJAILAH]

Hi Adam, the Prussian looks fine & as it looks like it's a Tombak body (they tend a more copper coloured look). I'm sorry to say the Württemberg is a repro/fake commonly available on German ebay that someone has tried to age, Cheers, Richard.

Here's one : -

Koppelschloss "Württemberg" - inkl. DE-Porto on eBay (end time 01-Jan-11 12:58:08 GMT)

Have a look at the links as they do quite a few different patterns. Not good

[aechols83]

Many thanks for the help, Richard and I have advised my buddy to steer clear of that one. Glad I am developing a nose for the good vs. bad Imperials By the way, I thought the lack of ears on the Prussian was interesting...

Best,
Adam