History

The SA (Sturmabteilung, storm detachment) was established in 1921 as a paramilitary protection squad of the NSDAP. The members of the SA were tasked with protecting party leaders at political rallies and meetings from the paramilitary forces of the opposing political factions. The SA was first utilised on November 4, 1921 at a meeting held in Munich’s "Hofbräuhaus" beer hall. The organisation was banned after the failed putsch in 1923 and was reactivated in February 1925.

The SA Leader Belt Buckle was introduced in 1937 for wear with a brocade belt strap. It measures roughly 48mm in diameter. The obverse of the buckle features the emblem of the SA leadership, an eagle with the superimposed SA symbol. The motto “Unser Führer - Unser Glaube” (our leader - our faith) runs along the upper border of the buckle and a partial oak leaf wreath runs along the lower border. The motto and wreath are separated by two static swastikas, with one placed at each end of the inscription. Some versions of the buckle feature the inscription in Gothic lettering, while others feature the motto in uppercase Roman lettering. The buckles may be gold or silver coloured, depending on the wearer's button colour.

The buckle keeper may be embossed with an ornate oak leaf pattern. The versions with oak leaves are referred to as Type I by some collectors, and the versions without as Type II.

The reverse of the buckle may be solid or hollow. The hook on the reverse is generally marked with an RZM logo and maker’s code. The manufacturer’s of the buckle include Assmann (M4/39 and “A”) and F. Linden (RZM M4/24 and “F.L.L”). Many design variations can be encountered when examining the belt buckles produced by the two manufacturers. Such variations include colour, size, and the appearance of the eagle (feathering, legs, talons, head).