BACKGROUND: Very similar in design to the Prussian buckle, with the major difference being the motto of the Wittelsbach family of King Ludwig III. Originally the box buckles came in a 50mm, (roughly 2 inches), width until 1895 when the width was reduced to 45mm, (roughly 1 3/4 inches), in an attempt to lighten the weight load of the field gear. Initially the buckles were produced of brass with a nickel/silver face plate until 1914 when steel construction buckles were introduced.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A 65mm x 49mm (for the standard 45mm belt), slightly convex, stamped metal box-buckle, to the center of whose otherwise plain obverse is embossed a 45mm diameter face plate. Face plate featuring an embossed Imperial king's crown to domed center, encompassed by a laurel leaf cluster to bottom and script, "In Treue Fest" (In Loyalty Firm - the motto of the Wittelsbach family of King Ludwig III). Laurel leaf cluster and script are on a ribbed background and encircled by an inner and outer simulated twisted rope border. To the reverse of the buckle may be seen a metal prong bar with dual prongs, for the retaining tongue of a belt, as well as the raised buckle catch. Unmarked. Retains about 45% of its original paint. Nice example,