Germany, HJ. A Member’s Belt Buckle, Rare Transitional Variant, by Steinhauer & Lück

(HJ Gürtelschnalle). Constructed of nickel-plated magnetic steel, the obverse bearing a central raised German national eagle clutching an HJ insignia, with post-manufacture red and slate-grey paint applied by the owner to simulate the colour scheme of period HJ membership badges, situated within a ribbed ring bearing an inscription of “BLUT UND EHRE” (“BLOOD AND HONOUR”), the reverse with a loop and attachment claws emanating from a functional roller, bearing transitional maker’s marks consisting of the logo of Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid, a mark of “KH” for Koppelschlossherstelller (belt buckle manufacturer), and a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo with maker code “M4/49” for the same manufacturer, measuring 62 mm (w) x 48 mm (h), demonstrating minor scratching throughout the base metal with some loss of nickel plating to high-contact points, an owner-modified example demonstrating scarce manufacturer marks in better than very fine condition.