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From the annihilation of Rome's Legions, deep inside the dark, haunted forests of ancient Germania, to the sack of Rome and North Africa, and beyond ... the wanderings of ancient Teutonic warriors, fearless Goths, Saxons, Vandals and Vikings, may be traced through the discoveries of magnificent artifacts buried long ago with those fallen heroes of legend.

Among the most beautiful of those long-lost relics, are intricate sword-belt buckles, evidence of the high art of elder craftsmen - graceful symbols of Teutonic warrior status. Inspired by mythic tales of Frost Giants and crafty Ironsmiths, these 'articles of war' have endured for countless centuries, and will long be prized for generations yet to come.

While a simple, utilitarian closure would have sufficed, the ancient practice of decoration began anew as the Industrial Revolution gained momentum. Skilled Old World hand craftsmen began to adorn military belt buckles with the ciphers of German royal families and the elaborate crests of their duchies in the 19th Century. By 1847 the design of the Kastenschloss or box buckle, an integral element of the new equipment rig attributed to Prussian Captain Virschow, had become the new standard for the many Germanic states that would soon unite to form the German Reich. It is to the memory of Hauptmann Virschow and his enduring contribution to the traditions of the German Army that www.GermanBuckles.com is dedicated.

Acknowledgement: Without the kind generosity of my life-long friend, Mr. Thomas Reid, author of the classic reference, German Belt Buckles, 1847-1945 An Illustrated History, this site would never have been possible. Valuable archival reference and the kind assistance of LTC (Ret.) John R. Angolia, renowned author of Belt Buckles and Brocades of the Third Reich has allowed us to include rare material unavailable anywhere else; and preeminent authorities like John Telesmanich, Thomas Wittmann, Bill Shea, Charles Ayers and Marc Verstraete are very much appreciated.

Please Notice: This site contains images of historical military accoutrements that, in some cases, may portray symbols worn by certain military and political organizations before May, 1945. If you are offended by such images, please exit the site immediately. This site is maintained strictly for the purpose of historical research, and as an archival resource for collectors of historical artifacts only.