Luftwaffe brocade belt and buckle

[Michael]

Hi all. I just got this yesterday. I wanted to put it on here to see what you all think. Thanks.

Mike

[Michael]

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[Michael]

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[Michael]

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[Paul R]

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Michael,

Now that is a beautiful set!!!

[Michael]

Thanks Paul. But I'm concerned that it might be postwar. I've been told that it looks like a postwar item for various reasons, one of which is the fact that the tab on the back of the buckle can be bent with a little pressure from my thumb. But the person I got it from says that several dealers had no problem with it at the MAX show. I'm puzzled. I really need for somebody to help me out with this.

Mike

[Paul R]

I did not know that these were reproduced... especially to look so good...

I would love to hear the feedback of others on this.

Paul

[Michael]

Hi all. I thought I'd update everyone on this. The belt has been returned to the seller. The chances of it being original are very slim I think. First of all, the tab on the reverse of the buckle can be bent with little effort. From what I understand you shouldn't be able to bend it that easily. Secondly, the buckle is supposed to be an early one because of the eagle with the dropped tail. It should be brass and not aluminum. Thirdly, the various bands of aluminum and color on the belt should meet the known size requirements which they do not. The dealer I got it from insists that this information does not mean that it's a copy. He stands behind his assertion that it's good. My gut feeling is that it is a copy.

Mike

[Michael]

When I said that the buckle was supposed to be an early one because of the eagle with the dropped tail, and that it should be brass and not aluminum, I was referring to the eagle. The buckle being aluminum is fine.

Mike

[Gary B]

Dear Michael,

I just found this thread....if you have any questions in the future let me know. I used to collect brocades and still have a collection of a dozen.

Gary B

[Michael]

I'll do that Gary. Thank you.

Michael

[Paul R]

Gary,

What are your thoughts on this belt. What traits make it stand out as a repro(if it is)?

[Gary B]

Hi Paul,

It is best to handle these in person. Form what was shown in the pictures I did not have a problem with the brocade or belt. I guess the close hands on exam resulted in his returning the brocade.

To answer your question, yes they reproduce the buckles and the brocades. Additionally brocades can be updgraded; i.e. sewing a gold plated keeper to an officers brocade and putting a Gen officer buckle with it. (Brocades for Generals and officers were the same, buckles were in the reverse color though).

Gary B

Gary,

What are your thoughts on this belt. What traits make it stand out as a repro(if it is)?

[Paul R]

Thanks Gary.

What are the differences between an original and reproduction that we should look out for?

Paul

[Gary B]

Paul,

It is really more of a hand's on/feel thing, at least for me. One of the things I have noticed on the repro brocades is that they seem to be thicker than the originals. You also have to watch out that "modern" DDR brocades have not been added to a WWII officer buckle.

Gary B

Thanks Gary.

What are the differences between an original and reproduction that we should look out for?

Paul