WWII RAD Belt Buckle-1938 Dated Leather Tab-Named to Johann Baues-Unit 2/256

Offered is an impressive World War II-era German Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD) enlisted man’s belt buckle, complete with its attached 1938-dated leather tab and a personalized identification label naming Arbeitsmann Johann Baues of RAD Abteilung 2/256.

This is a particularly interesting example of German Third Reich-era uniform equipment, distinguished by its attractive condition, dated leather attachment, and surviving identification label connecting the piece to a named member of the Reich Labour Service.

Historical Background

The Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD), or German Reich Labour Service, was a national labor organization established under the Nazi government. Originally developed from earlier voluntary labor programs, the RAD became a compulsory service organization in 1935.

Young German men were generally required to complete a period of labor service, typically involving agricultural work, road construction, land reclamation, and other public infrastructure projects. As World War II progressed, RAD personnel increasingly supported military operations, including construction of defensive positions, airfields, and fortifications.

RAD personnel wore distinctive uniforms and insignia, including the organization’s recognizable spade-and-swastika emblem, representing labor and service to the German state.

Buckle Description

The buckle features the traditional RAD enlisted personnel design, consisting of a central upright spade bearing a swastika, surrounded by a circular wreath of wheat ears.

The face displays an attractive silver-tone finish with a finely pebbled background and raised decorative elements. The detailed wreath, central insignia, and textured surface remain well defined.

The reverse retains its double-prong belt attachment and integral hook assembly, with visible surface patina and wear consistent with its present condition.

1938 Dated Leather Tab

Attached to the buckle is a brown leather tab displaying an oval manufacturer’s stamp and the date 1938.

The leather retains its stitched attachment and exhibits natural creasing, surface wear, and discoloration. The manufacturer’s oval marking is visible, although the complete manufacturer’s name has not yet been conclusively identified.

The 1938 date is particularly desirable, placing the marked leather tab in the prewar period, shortly before the outbreak of World War II.

Named Identification – Johann Baues

One of the most interesting features of this example is the surviving identification label sewn onto the leather.

The label reads:

Arbeitsmann

Baues Johann

2/256

This identifies the named individual as Johann Baues, holding the RAD enlisted rank of Arbeitsmann, with the designation 2/256, apparently referring to his assigned RAD unit.

Named examples of German uniform equipment offer an additional dimension of historical interest, as they provide a potential starting point for researching the original serviceman and his unit.

While the personal history of Johann Baues has not yet been established, the presence of this identification label makes the buckle especially interesting to collectors of German militaria and historically attributable uniform equipment.

Specifications

• Country: Germany
• Organization: Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD)
• Period: Third Reich / WWII era
• Type: Enlisted personnel belt buckle
• Design: RAD spade and swastika within wheat wreath
• Finish: Silver-tone metal
• Attachment: Double-prong belt fitting with hook
• Leather: Brown leather attachment tab
• Date: 1938, stamped on leather
• Manufacturer: Oval maker’s stamp present; exact maker not confirmed
• Named Individual: Johann Baues
• Rank: Arbeitsmann
• Unit Designation: 2/256
• Identification: Sewn cloth name and unit label

Condition

Very good collectible appearance overall.

The buckle retains strong detail throughout the central emblem, surrounding wreath, and textured background. The metal displays minor surface wear, light discoloration, and age-related patina.

The reverse hardware appears complete, retaining both attachment prongs and the belt hook.

The brown leather tab remains attached and displays expected age-related wear, including creasing, surface marks, and discoloration. The manufacturer’s stamp and 1938 date remain visible.

The identification label exhibits age-related staining and wear but retains legible lettering identifying Johann Baues and his unit designation.

The originality of the individual components and their association has not been independently authenticated.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and condition assessment.