Belgian brass belt buckle Grenadiers

Belgian brass belt buckle for the Grenadiers from the 1873–1902 period. This specific period aligns closely with the reforms of the Belgian Army (ABBL) at the end of the 19th century, during which uniforms and equipment were more strictly regulated under the influence of King Leopold II.

This specific type of belt buckle has a number of distinctive features:

Features of the buckle (1873–1902)

• Detailed grenade: The flaming grenade on the buckle from this specific period is often very finely and deeply detailed (high relief), typical of 19th-century craftsmanship. The flames of the grenade are elegantly designed, surrounded by an oak leaf border.
• Solid brass: The buckle is made of yellow copper (brass).
• Attachment (Reverse side): The back features the typical brass soldier hooks or pins (often a fixed loop and a double hook) to anchor the buckle to the thick, black leather enlisted men's belt.
• Manufacturer: Fonson & Cie from Brussels, the purveyor to the court that produced the vast majority of Belgian military insignia and buckles during these decades.