Catch up post - Nazi Belt Buckle, Large Cent, Buttons, etc

[Steve in PA]

I haven't had much success the limited times I was able to get out this year. Over the last couple weeks, I was able to get out to an old house and a field I have pounded for years. The best find is an early (1920s/30s) Nazi supporter buckle that most likely belonged to the German American Bund prior to the start of WWII. After the war started, people hid or destroyed anything that could connect then to this organization. This buckle was about a foot deep.

 

[oldmxrat]

Very interesting find, congrats!

 

[joetoilet]

That buckle actually pre-dates the Nazis, but it's still millitary - US Military, that's right. What you have found is a rare Pre-WWII belt buckle from the US 45th Infantry Division, which used a swastika, then a tribute to Native Americans who also used that symbol, as their Infantry Division insignia. The 45th changed their insignia to a Native American Eagle when WWII started, obviously so to disassociate from the Naiz Swastika.
View attachment 2235146
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/45th_Infantry_Division_(United_States)

I did not know this. Thank you.

 

[Steve in PA]

I found a picture

Boy scouts nazi look alike token - Bing

Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.

www.bing.com

Yes I have also found that token

 

[UnderMiner]

Since reading your reply I did a little research into the 45th infantry division's use of the swastika and all I've been able to find is that they used it as a shoulder patch until the Nazis came into power, when they switched to a native American Thunderbird patch. I can find no reference to their use of a swastika belt buckle. I guess I'll remain skeptical until I see a soldier wearing one.

Agreed, there is scant information and photographic evidence to definitively conclude this particular buckle was from the 45th. It seems there is an abundance of conflicting information regarding its origins. Regardless it is still contemporaneous to the era in question, and the mystery of it only adds to its appeal imo. 👍

 

[Steve in PA]

I found a picture

Boy scouts nazi look alike token - Bing

Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.

www.bing.com

Yes I have also found that token

Agreed, there is scant information and photographic evidence to definitively conclude this particular buckle was from the 45th. It seems there is an abundance of conflicting information regarding its origins. Regardless it is still contemporaneous to the era in question, and the mystery of it only adds to its appeal imo. 👍

Agreed 👍

 

[Digger RJ]

I haven't had much success the limited times I was able to get out this year. Over the last couple weeks, I was able to get out to an old house and a field I have pounded for years. The best find is an early (1920s/30s) Nazi supporter buckle that most likely belonged to the German American Bund prior to the start of WWII. After the war started, people hid or destroyed anything that could connect then to this organization. This buckle was about a foot deep.

Very Cool!!! Congrats!!!

 

[xr7ator]

Did you look up how they are presented? (Vertical/Horizontal compared to 45°). Swastikas are at a 45° angle.

 

[tahomatom]

I haven't had much success the limited times I was able to get out this year. Over the last couple weeks, I was able to get out to an old house and a field I have pounded for years. The best find is an early (1920s/30s) Nazi supporter buckle that most likely belonged to the German American Bund prior to the start of WWII. After the war started, people hid or destroyed anything that could connect then to this organization. This buckle was about a foot deep.

Nice finds, I think the symbol was to represent thunder with some tribes. Never would thought the US military and scouts used it. Predates what the paper hanger used it for makes sense.