Obergefreiter Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 Could someone please explain to me the purpose of the leather tongue that one sometimes sees atatched to German belt buckles? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Y Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 From what I understand they served no practical purpose other than to make space for the manufacturer's name and date of manufacture. They do add interest, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obergefreiter Posted January 24, 2009 Author Share Posted January 24, 2009 From what I understand they served no practical purpose other than to make space for the manufacturer's name and date of manufacture. They do add interest, though. Thanks for the info. I couldn't for the life of me think of a useful purpose for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lach470 Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Some collectors believe that it was also used to help keep the belt from sliding around the tunic - especially with ammo pouches attached. These leather tabs were discontinued in '42.....If you happen to see any dated '43 - '45, then those are reproductions!Hope that helps.Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obergefreiter Posted February 5, 2009 Author Share Posted February 5, 2009 Some collectors believe that it was also used to help keep the belt from sliding around the tunic - especially with ammo pouches attached. These leather tabs were discontinued in '42.....If you happen to see any dated '43 - '45, then those are reproductions!Hope that helps.RobThanks for the information, Rob. That business about being discontinued in 1942 is a good piece of info to know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lach470 Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Every little bit helps! Happy to be of service! Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 It is believed that the "Leather Support tab" as it was known was used to help support the weight of the ammo pouch that was worn on the right hand side. This was probably adopted from a WW1 practise, however the order to stop using tabs came out in 1942 to save leather and it was deemed no use anyway. There are some 1943 dated tabs around, mostly on police buckles but they are like hens teeth :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
all1knew Posted September 1, 2010 Share Posted September 1, 2010 Some collectors believe that it was also used to help keep the belt from sliding around the tunic - especially with ammo pouches attached. These leather tabs were discontinued in '42.....If you happen to see any dated '43 - '45, then those are reproductions! Hope that helps. Rob That's quite an easy way to determine one as reproduction or authentic right off the bat! William Kramer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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