Just read this thread. I wish someone would answer Grumpy's question. I agree with the rusting prognosis, it looks like rust developed from a year or two, not seven decades. The steel around the rust looks quite clean and new.

I bought an original aluminium SS belt buckle a few years ago from Paul Hogel, but I am frankly scared to purchase any on auction sites or from less experienced dealers due to the proliferation of fakes. Would I be correct in thinking that one has to be even more careful when handling steel buckles as these have been more widely faked?