UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Edged Weapons Accoutrements Forum Opinion on SS belt loop.

I have concerns about this belt loop strap, I don't like the stamping, Usually stamping starts with RZM and is located on the other side of strap?

Thanks

Mario

The letter stamping, the shape of the D ring, the fuzziness of the leather, the fresh looking stain, the thickness of the leather, the 45% angle end cut. - IMO ...It's a fake.
There are a lot of that type of repro SS belt loops out there now.

Serge,

I am not as concerned as you seem to be. Few belt loops were marked and there was little or no control of size, shape, etc as the picture below will suggest. These are all in TW's SS Book.

Note the three in the lower row that are quick opening so you can take the loop off without unrigging your belt. Here are two views. Note the stampings and clipped edges.

And yes, they could all be fakes. With leather you can never really tell. It depends on use and storage.

Dave,

Wow!, Now that's quite a collection. From seeing all these I would say it's hard to tell. However, for me, without the border line, with what looks like fresh fuzz, I would be suspicious of the one North of 55 shows, if it came in all alone by itself.
However, as you point out it could be a good period piece.
I also look for the black dye on the sides and finally there is the smell test. remember?
But I will defer to your experience on these if you think it's 'period', I stand corrected. Might require a 'hands-on'. I'm still suspicious that it is a recent fake, unless the leather has no smell and feels like it's 75 years old.

serge

As you say, hands-on is best. So is the smell test. From what I have seen, the fuzz goes away with use so seldom-used leather items look good.

Dave

Thanks for the reply Serge and Dave. I did a smell test it does not smell old like my other straps, I would say it's never been used, as it still has fuzz inside it. But is the stamping correct? Even though most of the time they are not seen stamped, All the one I have ever seen that are stamped start with RZM or did rules relax in 38?

Mario

Does just being in TW's book make them good?

Decide for yourself. That's what everyone has to do in the end.