Match Box Covers??
 

I got this the other day. Does anyone know anything about them? All others I have seen have an Imperial Crown, like the EM buckles. This one has an Iron Cross. Is this unsual?
Ron http://forums.lugerforum.com/lfupload/match_box.jpg

Ron, most are like you described with the Prussian belt buckle configuration but there are quite a few other types as well. The one you have is unique and far less common.

How unusual that the seal is not centered and aligned with the parallel edges of the device...

is the seal movable? or is it pressed out of the material of the device like the belt buckles?

My guess, and this is only a guess, is that the match box covers with the Prussian belt buckle rondel are by and large "trench art" examples and were fabricated by unsoldering the buckle seal and applying it to the match box cover. The variants, such as the one you have, may be commercial products.

Ron, The crest is actually about half the size of the one on the buckle. I think these were manufactured to sell to the soldiers. Much like the replica and nick-nack stuff they sell in PX's and Navy Exchanges now days. I also have one with the crown on it. With a very early US matchbox still in it. It's the same size.

John, They are a separate soldered on piece.

Ron