Item:
ONSV24NWS066

In stock

Original Imperial German WWI 1918-1919 Dated Hate Belt with Gott Mit Uns Prussian Buckle & Silver Wound Badge - 27 Attached Items

Regular price $450.00

Item Description

Original Item: One-of-a-kind. American soldiers were known for their love of souvenirs in the Great War; So, a lot of material history of the war came across the Atlantic with returning soldiers. Among collectors of military memorabilia from World War One "HATE BELTS" are items of interest.

German soldiers' leather belts, and other belts from participating armies, that were festooned with buttons from soldiers uniforms are called Hate Belts / Souvenir Belts / Grave Digger Belts. These made for excellent collector's pieces.

"Hate Belt": the idea was that if a German soldier had killed or captured an Allied soldier, then he would have the button from the newly deceased or captured soldier attached to his belt as a kind of notch of conquest on his belt. This, no doubt, is the most intriguing explanation for those decorative belts.

"Souvenir Belt": this description is apt for many of the belts that are in circulation today. The souvenir belt would involve a German infantryman's belt being decorated with buttons and tabs from troops BOTH Allied and CENTRAL Powers and kept as a remembrance of The War.

This example is in very rough condition from having been held down by so many small trinkets for over 100 years. This example features a GOTT MIT UNS (God [is] with us) Imperial German issue Prussian Brass Belt Buckle with Nickel Emblem, with its correct original leather belt. The belt is cracking & crazing, with some tears in some places. It is very delicate, and should be displayed in a safe position and environment.

The belt features 27 attached items, including numerals spelling out 1918 & 1919 on opposite sides of the belt, a common practice of GIs when making these. There are several German buttons of different states, as well as a lovely pin-back silver wound badge! The items are all held in by a small ring having been attached to their backs.

There are some pieces missing as shown due to wear from age, but the belt is a great example which was absolutely without a doubt put together during the period. The belt buckle tab is torn in two and the belt itself is very weak, so please exercise caution.

An extremely impressive item, these are getting more difficult to find in original configuration like this! Ready to display!

  • This product is available for international shipping.
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