Spanish african army belt buckle from blue division positions , leningrad front

[Rob truscott]

Thought i would share one of my favourite recent purchases . A Spanish Foreign Legion Belt Buckle that has been dug up around the Blue Division positions on the Leningrad Front. Im not an expert on this topic ,and would welcome opinions . Its been cleaned but i think its a faithful dig up . The Russian trader knew it was Spanish Army , but no more. It is the African Army insignia that Franco commanded - am i right ?
This buckle find leads me to ask the question - to what extent did the Spanish volunteers take with them and wear possibly, items of non German uniform out of allegiance and sentiment to Spain ?

[longues]

first,sorry for my terrible english.yes,you are ok.it´s a officer "legion española" belt buckle.it was very common (and permited ) that spanish soldiers wear belt buckles(the officers) or spanish emblems on his uniforms.

[Rob truscott]

Thankyou for your reply . Im pleased it is as i thought . It is interesting the question of what the Blue Division wore with their uniforms. And would be nice to see some photographs of the fact they did this . Viva Espana !

[Alan M]

What a great find Rob , and an interesting theme , thanks for showing it

[Germanski]

Sure it's a Spanish Legion Buckle! (worn first in Africa?)

[Germanski]

Hi Gents,I read this is an "unofficial made Spanish Legion Belt Buckle " by a employee of Maker "Cereceda"Tank Bandera?

with Calavera Y Tibia "Skull" Hight: 7,1 cm x 5,3 cm
"Viva la muerte!"
Any more INFO very appreciated!
Thanks & Regards Germanski

[Aldo]

Hello Germanski, I have seen various buckles like these for sale on Spanish websites and I'm not convinced of their authenticity. I provided pictures of three samples I found for sale and all of their finishes look suspect to me. They range from a modern electroplating finish to what appears to be painted finishes. I have not seen evidence of this type of buckle being used by the Legion in any photo's or literature. They are described as non-regulation which is a signal to me that they may not be authentic. This is however only my opinion based on an educated guess. I would like to see more information support that these where in fact used by the Legion but more importantly during what time period.
Cheers, Al

[Germanski]

Thanks Aldo!
some are expensive,but I want not spend so much when
not sure if they Original & old
looking interesting anyway,I think they make them
now "new" (Polish sellers make this Skull design?). and "Strange " I seen Rings with this Skull Design (One on Pinterest. Prize £170! back on for sale after Buyer send back thinking it's "Remake"?0 Inside this Rings engraved: "IV / 1942"?? Don't know what happen on this Date (Maybe "Blue Division" Battle?) another Re-make for EURO 30.- by German Seller as :"Husar Stormtroup Reichswehr Ring"? Here a Pics. how they look like any Idea of the Origine of that Ring? Very appreciated Thanks Germanski

[Germanski]

Some Friends from the Ring forum now think it's "Fantasie"??
but - ? This is for Discussion - to find the possible "Truth" behind for making such a Ring?
Best Germanski