52 mm POLITICAL LEADER BUCKLE

[Buckle1]

Any comments on this buckle would be appreciated. There is no doubt that the buckle is correct. The right proofs for the 52mm buckle and the correct size. The color is a dull aluminum/silver . I know these were produced in the 60mm style and Ancolia alludes to this color in the 52mm as well. It is a tought to find in a gold version but in dull silver??? Davis has senn this buckel via skype but we have not really discussed it.
Thanks guysfor any comments.
Bill

[kirby]

Hello No reason I can think of for a 52mm in silver. It wouldn't look right with the gold brocade.

[shinyemon]

Hello there,
I have the large 60 mm silver version of this buckle, which is rare also. I have never seen this smaller size before in 35 years of collecting. Nobody seems to have any idea what the color signifies, although the Kriegsmarine had both silver and gold officer buckles denoting admin or line service. Perhaps it was for some minor branch of the NSDAP. Hopefully someone will find some obscure regulations regarding this enigma.

[David North]

Dear Bill

Another very interesting buckle and as you know, most definitely outside my collecting area. The response from "shinyemon" is however most encouraging, as it very much echoes my own rambling thoughts. These "white" PL buckles do appear from time to time and I think mainly in the service rather than the brocade size. I cannot recall anyone ever suggesting that these buckles were post 1945 fantasy items. So, there is perhaps a large number of collectors and researchers who agree that the buckles are period, however what about the colour? Not exactly the colour of choice for the "Golden Pheasant" fraternity. I for one find it a tad difficult to believe that an original gold finish has either been post production removed or has say leeched out over time. I also find it somewhat hard to believe that these are "unfinished" buckles, i.e. looted from a factory before the gold finish could be applied, as very often, these white aluminium PL's are complete with white aluminium keepers, to include the fixed one being firmly in place. Why would a factory assemble at a pre finishing stage?

An enigmatic buckle and which poses many questions. Although a PL design, was the white aluminium variant destined to be worn by a specialist group either within or outside the Political Leaders empire? If brocade, surely a silver base design rather than one predominantly golden? Perhaps even a service buckle to be worn on a brown or black strap?

Regards,

David

[Buckle1]

David, etal,

thanks for your responses on this. I also recieved a very postive response on this buckle from Angolia. He has no doubts of this being a legit buckle-not post war or unfinished. He, like you and "shinymoon" also say the same that the 60mm is a reported and legit buckle so why not a 52mm in aluminum wash.


Regards,

Bill

[kirby]

Helllo I had never see a 52mm silver Political Leaders buckle till Bill started this thread. I was surprised to see another one show up on the Gottliebs Aucton. I had to have it.
I checked out Jeff Clarks book on NSDAP Uniform and he shows several political uniform with silver buttons. All of the uniforms were related to Poitical training schools. I would have to say these silver buckes must have something to do with these NSDAP schools. It wouldbe great if there was a silver version of the political leaders brocade. Kirby