BACKGROUND: First introduced in 1847, the design of the buckle remained virtually unchanged until 1918. After January of 1915, these buckles, which were also used by the Prussian-dominated states of Baden, Oldenburg, Hansa and Thuringia, were made of zinc-plated sheet iron.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A 2 1/2" x 1 7/8", slightly convex, stamped metal, one-piece construction Prussian belt buckle, painted field grey. It features, against its plain, obverse field, a crown to its domed center, encompassed by a dual rope-like border within which, against a ribbed background, is "Gott Mit Uns" (God [is] With Us), and a spray of laurels. To the reverse is its raised buckle catch, and a metal prong bar with dual prongs, for the belt’s retaining tongue. An unmarked example. Most of the paint is worn away from the front of the buckle, but the original color can still be seen on the reverse. Decent field worn example.

GRADE **½                             PRICE $48.00