*German, WW2: 1937–1941, Luftwaffe EM/NCO Belt & Aluminium Buckle, Berg & Nolte, with 1937 DRANSFELD & Co. Belt.*
An excellent and fully original Luftwaffe EM/NCO belt and buckle set, consisting of a Berg & Nolte (B&N) aluminium Luftwaffe buckle and a blackened leather belt by Dransfeld & Co., Menden/W., dated 1937.
The buckle is the classic early Luftwaffe pattern: a die-struck aluminium oval featuring the early Luftwaffe eagle in high relief over a smooth field within an oak-and-laurel wreath. The reverse retains traces of original Luftwaffe green Schutzlack protective coating, with the maker’s mark “B&N” clearly stamped. The adjacent numeral, normally denoting the production year, is present but no longer legible. Construction details are textbook Berg & Nolte: rolled aluminium catch fixed with a domed rivet, flat prongs, and the distinctive rounded prong bar.
The accompanying blackened leather belt measures approximately 98 cm, is size-stamped “105”, and bears a well-struck oval maker’s stamp “DRANSFELD & Co. / 1937 / MENDEN/W.” The belt displays the correct Luftwaffe/Heer pattern stitched tongue and high-quality pre-war leather typical of Dransfeld’s production.
Historical Note:
Luftwaffe belt buckles were produced in aluminium from their introduction in the mid-1930s until around 1941. Berg & Nolte A.G., Lüdenscheid, was one of the principal buckle manufacturers, producing highly regarded aluminium examples distinguished by their domed catch rivets, rounded prong bars, and clean die work. Leather equipment for the Luftwaffe and Wehrmacht was widely contracted, with Dransfeld & Co., Menden/W, supplying blackened leather belts during the 1930s. Belts from this maker are well documented in surviving pre-war and early-war Luftwaffe sets. This example combines a high-quality early aluminium buckle with a clearly dated pre-war Dransfeld belt—both from reputable period manufacturers.
*Condition*
Buckle: Excellent overall with crisp detail to the eagle and wreath. Age-consistent patina to the aluminium. Reverse retains patches of original green Schutzlack. Maker mark “B&N” strong; date numeral worn and indecipherable. Prongs straight and functional; catch fully secure. Belt: Strong, supple leather with appropriate age wear. Stitching intact throughout. Oval maker/date stamp “DRANSFELD & Co. / 1937 / MENDEN/W.” clearly legible. Size mark “105” visible; current overall measurement approx. 98 cm, consistent with age-related shrinkage. No structural damage. A complete, authentic and very presentable Luftwaffe belt and buckle assembly, fully consistent with period manufacture and issue. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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