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 use, with just a bit of wear to the gold wash on the edges and contact points. The opposite clasp shows more wear, with a good bit of the gold wash retained.

The back of the buckle is marked with an ((RZM)) circle and with the code RZM M4/72, for Wilhelm Deumer of Lüdenscheid, a city with a large garment accessories industry.. 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 leather end of the belt has a maker marking L2/450. There is unfortunately not any listing of the leather suppliers in the RZM currently available. The belt measures 43¼” long and is in good shape without any serious flaws. There is some scuffing to the finish on the front 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!