new drooptail and crank catch

**jagdhorn** · 04-17-2014, 06:15 PM

I have my second crank catch Luftwaffe buckle. I am assuming it is early- there is pretty heavy wear with the leather intact but drying out. There are no markings on the buckle or the leather.

I probably paid too much, but crank catch Luftwaffe buckles are the ones I enjoy.

Any one know:1. Am I right this is original?
2. The marker?
3. the likely year? (Nash doesn't list the ears in his chart of unmarked, but I am assuming no earlier than 1935, no later than 1938. but I am not a knowledgeable person on this- other than I like the buckles!)

Patrick

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 04-17-2014 06:15 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Ben Evans** · 04-17-2014, 06:18 PM

Patrick, ref the buckle with the size of the ears I would say the maker could be Assmann, year of manufacture I would say 1935-36. Compare it with the new thread I have started about Luft crank catches

**Ben Evans** · 04-17-2014, 06:20 PM

Just moved it to Luft sub forum

**harryamb2** · 04-17-2014, 07:03 PM

worn but its used.

**FALLSCHIRMJAGER** · 04-17-2014, 07:10 PM

That's a very nice early buckle ,I would not be bothered by the wear as that is a part of it's character. I would always want an item to show use rather than a "minty" piece anyday!! Leon.

**yellow12** · 04-17-2014, 07:10 PM

Hello,

a nice worne Assmann

**jagdhorn** · 04-17-2014, 09:10 PM

Thanks for the answers. I always thought Assermann marked all their buckles.

I am kind of weird- when I find something in great shape, I love it. When I find something this early and worn, I love it too. The odds are that this buckle served during some of the hardest years of the 20th century, perhaps a flyer, or a clerk, we can't know.

I also thought most leather tabs were marked, but the, I have only a few of those to look at.

Again, thanks
Patrick

**SteveR** · 04-17-2014, 09:13 PM

I like it. Crank catch's are to find. At least for me.

**yellow12** · 04-17-2014, 09:26 PM

Hello,

any marking on the leather tab ?

**jagdhorn** · 04-17-2014, 09:30 PM

Sad to say, no markings at all. I have two now, one steel, but the face is super bright, so either made that way (Nash says some CTD buckles were silver in 1942, or it was buffed.

I want to get another steel one, in fair condition so that when I reenact occasionally I have a nice useable original.
Patrick