Original Items: Only One Available. This is a very nice WWII German NSDAP Leibriemenschloß für Politische Leiter (Belt Buckle for Political Leader), with the correct thick leather belt. The circular Political Leader’s buckle was introduced in 1940, a double open-claw buckle having been used prior to that. Prior to 1934, the SA Belt and buckle were used, but after 1940 this more ornate buckle was used.

The buckle is constructed of gold washed aluminum, and has a spread-winged NSDAP eagle with a wreathed, mobile swas in its talons. Encircling the eagle is a wreath of oak leaves, which the eagle’s wings extend into. The reverse of the buckle is concave, and has the buckle catch, which on the other end is crimped around the rectangular keeper. The outside of the keeper has an embossed oak leaf motif, while the inside has the claw for attaching to the buckle. The buckle shows light use, with just a bit of wear to the gold wash on the edges and contact points. The opposite clasp shows about the same level of wear.

The back of the buckle is marked with an ((RZM)) circle and with the code M4/22, for Christian Theodor Dicke of Lüdenscheid, a city with a very large garment accessories industry. The opposite clasp is marked on the back RZM M4/39, for F. W. Assmann & Söhne, also of Lüdenscheid. The Reichszeugmeisterei, or RZM, was based at the Brown house in Munich and NSDAP party headquarters in Berlin. The RZM ensured that the manufacturers of military items were consistent in design, quality of materials and other characteristics of the items. It also defined standards of design, manufacturing and quality and published an authoritative color chart for textiles.

The back of the length adjustment tab is marked with (RZM) L2/146, however there is unfortunately not any listing of the leather suppliers in the RZM currently available. The belt measures 36” long and is in good shape without any serious flaws. The leather is definitely a bit dry and stiff, but otherwise it is a great example. Finding belts with buckles in this lightly worn condition is extremely difficult. Ready to add to your German Belt Collection!