SS man's belt and buckle by Overhoff & Co, German (c 1931-36)

Title	SS man's belt and buckle by Overhoff & Co
Nationality	German
Period	c 1931-36

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This is the walking out belt in patent leather, which officially the SS were not allowed to wear. Patent leather belts of this type were worn throughout the Wehrmacht for walking out occasions, ie with a girlfriend, etc. The buckle is nicely marked 'O&C ges.gesch.' (for Overhoff & Co).

It is a 97 cm leather belt, though not marked as such (nor does it have SS marks), only being marked 'Croupon' on the tongue to denote the use of high grade leather. These were private purchase leathers - as distinct from the combat leather, which was an issue item which would sometimes have issue stamps denoting SS or Navy (or some other service outfit) ownership.

In 1936, the buckle format changed to die-struck aluminium and then, by 1942, were in turn replaced by die-struck steel buckles with a grey wash or occasionally a field grey paint finish. The buckle design was approved in 1927, but serious production didn't really kick in until about 1931.

The prongs and the roller bar of the buckle are in a nickel silver finish on a steel base. The buckle itself is solid die-struck nickel silver (ie non-magnetic). The Hungarian copies of this pattern, which are quite convincing, fail in one essential respect in that the securing of the goal post is done with silver solder rather than brazing, as in this case.

The condition of the buckle is excellent; the top and bottom of the sides have a polished look and the field has a frost etched finish. The leather belt has typical crackelure throughout from age and storage. It may have been furnished originally with a soft felt lining, as there are small traces of old glue over the back of the piece.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Belt Buckles : Third Reich : SS Police Fire]

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