German Belt Buckles 1845-1945: Buckles of the Enlisted Ranks

The German belt buckle has long fascinated collectors. Now this full color volume will help collectors to identify their buckles and avoid purchasing reproductions. They will also find how to date and identify manufacturer's marks. Only genuine buckles have been used for illustration, together with all their blemishes - except where noted. Obverse and reverse are shown so that collectors can make direct comparison. All buckles are shown with prices in U.S. Dollars and Sterling. The prices indicate both the high and low end of the market and have been diligently researched. For the first time information on the early RZM marks is brought to collectors and many details of buckle construction are presented with comparisons between genuine buckles and reproductions. Latest reproductions are covered in detail. Period photos and illustrations have been used where possible to show buckles in actual use. Some 800 illustrations and photos are used throughout the book. New drawings of maker's marks have been prepared and include many not previously documented.