trajan Posted 25 January , 2020 Share Posted 25 January , 2020 One of these, as in the attached photograph from the web (for reference only, not the one I am getting!) is on hold for me. I have other belt buckles without the tab, but now I am near to getting one I am wondering how this things works - i.e., what is it for? Any help greatly appreciated! Julian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Haselgrove Posted 25 January , 2020 Share Posted 25 January , 2020 Julian, An interesting question and one I'm unable to answer as buckles are not really an area of interest to me. I have had a look in several books and they don't provide an answer to your question. The only mention of the subject, after an admittedly brief search, is in an article from Militaria Magazine from 1991 where it says "Les plaques de fabrication reglementaire presentment souvent une pattelette de cuir sur laquelle on peut lire le nom du fabricant, l'annee de fabrication et parfois le matricule de l'unite". The problem with that is I'm unable to find a translation for "pattelette" although it may mean something like leather tab or tongue. Perhaps you can find a translation? As you say, other belt buckles don't have the leather attachment. Despite that they seem to function perfectly well. It may be that the leather "tongue" is there merely to provide a place for the manufacturer's details, etc. but those details could equally be stamped in the metal as unit markings sometimes are. I do hope someone can provide a better reply. Michael. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilB Posted 25 January , 2020 Share Posted 25 January , 2020 Any help? patelette \pa.tə.lɛt\ féminin Partie de la giberne et du havresac qui recouvre le côté extérieur. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
museumtom Posted 25 January , 2020 Share Posted 25 January , 2020 Here is a modern one but the same system. It protects the belly from the swivel I reckon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trajan Posted 25 January , 2020 Author Share Posted 25 January , 2020 Thanks all three! The daughter (currently interning in Paris) suggests pattelette is a 'tab', which seems about right! And Museum Tom's photograph explains a lot, as does the one shown at http://www.malcolmwagner.co.uk/world-war-one-imperial-german-belt-and-buckle-dated-1915/ Yes, a protector on the inner face. I'll try to remember to post this one when it arrives. Julian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave1418 Posted 25 January , 2020 Share Posted 25 January , 2020 Hi It also assists in the adjustment of the belt belt as it is easier to pull the leather tab when trying to tighten the belt as opposed to manipulating the buckle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trajan Posted 31 January , 2020 Author Share Posted 31 January , 2020 Thanks Dave! I am getting the idea now. Here is the said item. No marks except the two line marking on the tab which seems to refer to a HAMBURG maker. Julian There is a date there - 1916? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyC Posted 31 January , 2020 Share Posted 31 January , 2020 The year is 1915. Have not found a maker of that name nor any other name that would match Martin Jesso... GreyC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trajan Posted 1 February , 2020 Author Share Posted 1 February , 2020 13 hours ago, GreyC said: The year is 1915. Have not found a maker of that name nor any other name that would match Martin Jesso... GreyC Many thanks GreyC. I had assumed these grey metal ones were 1916+. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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