WW1, Imperial German Storm Troop/Freikorps EM Belt & Buckle W/39 Bandolier Loops

Description

This unique belt & buckle has likely seen a lot of action. The cartridge loops indicate that this soldier was either a mid to late war Storm Trooper or belonged to a Freikorps unit post war. In my over 40 years collecting this is the only example of this kind I've come across. Imperial Germany was made up of four Kingdoms, several Grand Duchies, Duchies and Principalities. The largest Kingdom was Prussia which this belt and buckle originated from. All of the component parts of the empire contributed forces to the military and had different insignias. The belt buckles were for the most part limited to the kingdoms and stopped at the duchies. The brass of this buckle is muted and has a nice patina. This is a Pre-War issue ( M1895 ) buckle and belt that measures a bit under 38". By 1916 nothing shiny went to the front for obvious reasons, at this point all leather was ordered to be dyed black and issued belt buckles were a variety of subdued non-reflective colors. This item is rare in that it is still the original brown color with an undamaged brass buckle. This buckle is not dented, this is uncommon. 2014 marked the 100th anniversary of the start of the Great War. Collectibles from this era are certainly going to increase in value and rarity.  See my other listings for additional Great War items..Freight quoted is for domestic United States only. International is not a problem, just needs to be quoted separately. Multiple purchases can be combined for postage savings.