Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice WWI Imperial German Waist Belt, with the correct M1915 Prussian Steel Belt Buckle (Koppelschloß). This buckle features brass construction, with a 45mm, slightly convex, stamped metal box buckle. This features the Prussian Crown, encompassed by a dual rope-like border within which, against a ribbed background, is the Prussian motto GOTT MIT UNS (God [is] With Us), and a spray of laurels. To the reverse is its welded-on buckle catch, and a metal prong bar with dual prongs, for the belt’s retaining tongue, with the original leather pull tab.

The buckle is in good condition, with a nice patina of age, and signs of long service. Most of the paint is missing from the face of the buckle. A very attractive display piece that still retains most of the detail on the insignia. The leather tab is good but worn condition. Unfortunately any stamps that were present on the leather are no longer present.

The included leather belt appears to be black and is in very nice condition. It measures around 39 inches in overall length, and is still supple, with the expected wear to the finish. it retains the original tab, so the buckle can be attached securely.

A very choice example of the standard German belt and buckle from "The Great War", ready to display!

History of German/Prussian Belt Buckles:
First introduced in 1847, the design of the buckle remained virtually unchanged until 1918. After January of 1915, these buckles, which were also used by the Prussian-dominated states of Baden, Oldenburg, Hansa and Thuringia, were made of zinc-plated sheet iron. Originally the box buckles came in a 50mm, (roughly 2 inches), width until 1895 when the width was reduced to 45mm, (roughly 1 3/4 inches), in an attempt to lighten the weight load of the field gear. Initially the buckles were produced of brass with a nickel/silver face plate until 1914 when steel construction buckles were introduced. This buckle design is essentially the same as those used later in WWII.