Last Updated on September 16, 2022
You can easily spot a fake WW2 German belt buckle by looking for its serial number. The buckle should have a stamp with this number, and if it doesn’t, it’s likely a fake. The serial number should also be stamped on the metal itself. In some cases, fake belt buckles don’t have this stamp at all, or they’re made of different materials.
eagle on belt buckles
When buying a WW2 German belt buckle, the first thing to look for is the serial number. A legit buckle has this stamp, and a fake one will not. Another clue is the material of the buckle. A fake buckle is likely to be made of metal and not silver. Regardless of what these signs indicate, there are some simple steps you can take to tell if you’ve got a fake or not.
A real buckle will have a stamp that states its origin. If it doesn’t, it’s probably a fake. Look for the ‘STAHLHELM’ stamp, as this is one of the defining marks of a real buckle. Look for a manufacturer’s Lifetime Guarantee of Originality, too, which will help you make an informed decision. The manufacturer will have a detailed warranty that covers this issue.
The pattern of a genuine buckle varies. Most enlisted soldiers had an eagle with a swastika on it. In the Third Reich, the eagle’s head was turned to the left, whereas the eagle’s head was usually to the right. The first buckle in the Wehrmacht series is an exception, as the head was turned to the left.
While there are numerous fakes, the first buckle that you see on a website is most likely authentic. Check the manufacturer’s name on the stamp. In a similar way, if the buckle says “Wehrmacht” on its label, you’re most likely buying a fake. If it says “SS” on it, you’re more likely to be purchasing a fake.
RZM stamp
One of the first ways to tell if a WW2 German belt buckle is fake is by looking at the serial number. This is a hallmark of a genuine buckle, and if it is not stamped on the back, it is probably a fake. If the buckle has any markings on it, such as a POMMERN FEUERWEHR stamp, it probably isn’t genuine.
The buckle itself should bear the RZM or SS stamp. It should also be made of aluminum. Fake buckles look very similar to originals, and even experts can be fooled. Check the belt’s size and markings for any possible defects. If the buckle doesn’t fit, it is probably not a real wartime buckle. Another good sign is if the buckle was molded rather than cast.
Wehrmacht belt buckles are marked with an RZM stamp. It was stamped after the buckle was made and included in the pattern used to punch the buckle. The buckles made for the Hitler Youth and SA are not stamped with the RZM stamp. Moreover, they may not have the makers’ stamps. Therefore, a fake buckle is unlikely to be legitimate. This way, you can be confident that you are buying a real WW2 belt buckle.
The buckle’s shape is also crucial. Genuine belt buckles have a distinctive eagle’s head positioned to the left. These buckles are often round or rectangular, and can be recognizable as such. The size of the buckles varies, and the shape and detail of each is very different. However, it is likely that the buckle’s maker is a third party contractor.
Granular and smooth
A German belt buckle with granular and smooth surfaces is not a real one. If the buckle looks like a real one, you should check the serial number on the buckle. A genuine buckle has a stamp on its back with the company’s name. A fake buckle lacks this stamp or has an incorrect stamp. It could be made of metal or not made of metal at all.
Another way to identify a fake buckle is the manufacturer’s stamp. The RZM issued direct supply permits in December 1944 to control the production of uniforms and ammunition. These buckles are often smooth and granular. Besides the granular and smooth surfaces, the buckle’s shape should be similar to the original one. During World War II, aluminum was a scarce resource, so buckle makers produced a variety of materials, including steel, Bakelite, and rubber.
Different types of buckles have different eagle heads, granular and smooth surfaces, and eagles. The typical buckle of the Third Reich shows an eagle holding a swastika. This symbol was called a Hoheitzeichen. In addition to the granular and smooth surfaces, buckles usually depict the imperial eagle, which is the standard motto of the German army. Earlier versions of the Wehrmacht buckle are rare, with the eagle’s head turned to the left. Despite being rare, they were worn until the end of the war.
A fake buckle may also have weak construction. Its loop is thinner and blacker than the genuine buckle, and it was not polished or buffed thoroughly. It is also marked as “solid brass” but an authentic one is not. The buckle relief area behind the tree branches is empty, and the corners of the fake buckle are angular and smooth. These features are indicative of a fake.
Bar missing in the Z
A fake WW2 German belt buckle will have the same serial number as an authentic one, but it will be made from a different material or produced in a different way. Occasionally, fakes may be good quality, while others may not. Regardless of the material and production process, fakes are not worth the money. Knowing the signs of a fake buckle will help you avoid buying one, and protect yourself from being scammed.
One of the easiest ways to tell a fake WW2 German belt buckle is by checking the serial number. A genuine buckle should have a serial number stamped on the back. If the serial number is missing or you don’t see a stamp, then it’s likely a fake. Another way to check whether a WW2 German belt buckle is fake is by examining the buckle’s material. Genuine belt buckles are made of metal, while fakes are made of plastic.
Another sign of a fake WW2 german belt buckle is missing bars in the Z. Genuine Assmann buckles are not missing bars in the Z, and neither does a fake OSTPREUSSEN FEUERWEHR belt buckle. Another identifying factor is the double-ring around the RZM, which is usually absent. While there are genuine SS belt buckles with this double-ring, they should be marked “POMMERN FEUERWEHR” or “BAYERN FEUERWEHR” in some way.
Bakelite substitutes
For those who don’t have a real German belt buckle, there are several Bakelite substitutes you can buy. These belt buckles have authentic designs and are very affordable. You can also find postwar suspenders that are restored to match the correct era. If yours is broken, there are some great substitutes. If your belt buckle is missing, you can also buy a postwar sammler 2B reproduction made from plastic. These belt buckles also come with stamped markings and instructions and are lightweight.
Another alternative is a canteen, which was the standard water bottle during the war. It was used by soldiers in all branches of the German armed forces. They did not have specific colors but usually had a capacity of a liter or more. The canteen had a metal or plastic flask, a strap assembly, and a cover made from wool felt. The canteen and the cup were held together by a leather or canvas strap that had a metal hook on it.
About The Author
Mindy Vu is a part time shoe model and professional mum. She loves to cook and has been proclaimed the best cook in the world by her friends and family. She adores her pet dog Twinkie, and is happily married to her books.