WWI German Imperial Telegrapher Belt Buckle

A Telegraph Belt Buckle EM-NCO (Telegraphen-Koppelschloss EM-NCO) is a highly specialized, rare Imperial German combat belt buckle designed specifically for Telegraph and Signal troops(Telegraphentruppen) during World War I. The acronym "EM-NCO" denotes that it was worn by Enlisted Men(Mannschaften) and Non-Commissioned Officers (Unteroffiziere).

Key Characteristics & Identification

• Distinctive Width: Unlike standard German belt buckles which measure 45mm, this specialized variant is 105mm wide.
• Load Distribution: The extreme width helped operators distribute the heavy load across their lower back when pulling or carrying heavy communication equipment.
• Integrated Side Loops: It features dedicated steel loops at both ends. These loops were designed to anchor and hold a portable field wire/cable spool directly to the soldier's waist while they laid communication lines.
• Central Motif: The face of the buckle features the standard Prussian imperial crown surrounded by the traditional motto "Gott mit uns" (God with us).
• Materials: Typically constructed of stamped one-piece brass (early war) or feldgrau-painted steel(mid-to-late war models, around 1915).

This is probably a replica.