lach470

Thought I would show you guys my oldest buckle. She's not mint...but she's certainly my oldest buckle: 1895 50mm model with stepped side. Lots of character on this one but no markings. I love the big roundel! Cheers... Rob [attachmentid=50599] [attachmentid=50600]

COOL...now there's a buckle I don't know a hell of a lot about! I'm assuming this would have been produced pre-Third Reich? Looks great. I'd love to add something like this to my collection! Thanks for posting! Cheers! Rob

And finally, here is the date "43" under the prong bar.... Cheers... Rob [attachmentid=50341]

Here's the MM.....Gustav Brehmer [attachmentid=50338]

Notice the same colour on the back .... [attachmentid=50336]

Hi Pat! Glad you like the buckle. I guess I should have been a little "clearer" in my explanation. The gold naval buckle I showed isn't considered coastal artillery. It's pure navy though some marines may have worn it on land. The blue/black buckle is the one considered to be coastal art. I didn't show mine the first time 'round as it doesn't have a tab...if it did, it should have the KM stamp. But, yes, the blue black buckle is legit, though many collectors beleive that these were late war issued to the Army. My example is mid-war though so it just adds more fuel to the fire! This example if from Gustav Brehmer. Cheers!! Rob [attachmentid=50335]

Hey gang! Buckles are mostly my thing. Sure, I have a helmet and armband collection - but buckles are where it's at for me! It's great to see this new section. I hope many will post questions and pictures of their buckles. I, as well as many others, look forward to seeing and sharing some cool buckles!! Thanks for creating this section....I know I'll visit often! Gary buddy: thanks for the head's up! Cheers everyone!! Rob

[attachmentid=50323]

Great buckle Gary! Nice to see that one....lots of character: I love the stampings on the tab! NICE... Here's mine buddy....I'm sure it looks familiar!!! Pat...to answer your question: no man...these are quite hard to find and don't come up often! I've only handled two examples - and this is one of them! Not too many become available - and when they do, they don't come cheap unfortunately! Cheers guys! Rob [attachmentid=50321]

[attachmentid=50320]

There's an honest LW buckle that's seen some action! Without the MM, I can't help you with the maker but it's funny how these injection molded aluminum buckles end up like this (on occasion). I currently have two that have this kind of wear to them. Nice salty piece...thanks for showing...here's my "saltiest" one! An early R.S.S droop tail LW buckle... Rob [attachmentid=50319]

[attachmentid=50317]

Nice SA buckle you have there. You're right: these were produced in the 30's. This model is in fact the last type issued. The first in the 20's had the sunwheel swastika, followed by a short period where the horizontal or static swastika buckle was used. The third type is your example with the mobile swastika. I can't help you with the maker: there are like over 30 different variants to these buckles as most predate the RZM and very few were actually marked with their M4 classification. Again! Nice buckle....thanks for showing. Rob

[attachmentid=50316]

Hi. By the sounds of it, the Kriegsmarine buckle you are referring to is the coastal artillery buckle that was worn by KM personel. In my opinion, this looks like a regular army (Heer) buckle. It's full on legit but not naval. If it was Naval, it should have the naval stamp on the tab (an eagle with an M underneath). R.S.S did in fact make naval buckles in gold gilt but these are quite hard to find. Here is my example. Of all the buckles I have seen like this, they have always (and only) been R.S.S. buckles. Have a look at the tab too: you'll see the KM stamp I was referring to! Cheers! Rob [attachmentid=50315]

[attachmentid=40792]

Hi! Thanks for posting another picture....the hunt continues: let me explain. I have a summer issue flying helmet dated Sept. 42. I know Erich Hartmann started his fighter pilot career in Oct. '42. On my flying helmet, there are the initials EH inscribed on both chinstraps...I'd love to find a pic of Hartmann wearing this type of flying helmet with the initials showing! Could you imagine!!!! Anyhow....the hunt continues. It's wishful thinking, I know....but still a pretty cool "hunt".... Thanks again for helping me out. Here's the helmet I am talking about: Cheers! Rob [attachmentid=40787]

Thanks Jos....these are exactly what I was looking for.....anyone else, please post! I'd love to see more of these shots. ...and I agree 100%: until now, I had only seen pics of him with his visor or bareheaded! Thanks again!! Rob

Hey gang....I'm looking for a picture of Erich Hartmann wearing his summer issue flight helmet. I have asked on numerous forums and no one has come through! Can it be that the #1 fighter ace of all time has no pics taken of him wearing a flying helmet? I can't beleive that! Hope you can help me! Thanks all! Cheers.... Rob

Thanks for looking gang....if you can give me any other info: when (about) it was made (later war, mid war???) also info on "Waffen" stamp....Thanks again ROb [attachmentid=12031]

oops....let's try again!! [attachmentid=12030]

[attachmentid=12029]

[attachmentid=12027]

Have a look at the MM.....did other Makers have "Waffen" underneath or just WMW????? [attachmentid=12024]

[attachmentid=12023]