Matching group of four original RMBO Uniform Buttons dating from approximately 1942–45. Produced in wartime Feinzink, each button displays the distinctive lowered-wing national eagle above a wreathed swastika associated with officials of the Reich Ministry for the Occupied Eastern Territories and related Third Reich state service uniforms. Period two-piece construction, original sewing loops and convincing natural oxidation remain throughout.
€ 150
1 in stock
This matching group of four original RMBO Uniform Buttons represents the distinctive silver-grey uniform fittings worn by officials connected with the Reichsministerium für die besetzten Ostgebiete, the Reich Ministry for the Occupied Eastern Territories.
The design is immediately recognisable. Each button displays the characteristic national eagle with lowered wingsabove a wreath containing the swastika. This unusual eagle form differs substantially from standard Wehrmacht, NSDAP Political Leader, SS and Kriegsmarine button designs.
Most importantly, Helmut Weitze illustrates virtually identical examples and identifies them as uniform buttons for Third Reich State Officials and the Reich Ministry for the Occupied Eastern Territories (RMBO/RMfdbO). Weitze also places closely related examples within its Diplomatic Corps section because the official uniform systems shared similar designs.
Helmut Weitze – RMBO State Official Uniform Button Reference
The strongest identification feature is the eagle itself.
Unlike the horizontal Wehrmacht or Political Leader eagle, the RMBO pattern displays strongly lowered wings. Beneath the eagle sits a small wreath containing the national emblem.
That exact configuration appears on documented RMBO uniform buttons. Weitze specifically describes the lowered-wing eagle as a characteristic feature that distinguishes these buttons from ordinary Wehrmacht and SS fittings.
Consequently, I would not catalogue these simply as generic Third Reich buttons.
The more accurate identification is:
Third Reich State Official / Reich Ministry for the Occupied Eastern Territories RMBO Uniform Buttons.
These examples appear to be produced from Feinzink or a similar grey wartime zinc alloy.
The matt grey finish, slightly granular surface, naturally darkened recessed details and rolled outer edges all correspond with late-war metal production.
The reverse photograph is particularly useful. It shows a conventional two-piece button with:
No maker marking is visible on the photographed reverse.
This is not a concern. Weitze documents both high-grade Assmann versions and simpler wartime Feinzink RMBO buttons. Higher-quality Assmann examples can carry markings such as Hochfeine Qualität, whereas wartime zinc examples may be unmarked.
The Reich Ministry for the Occupied Eastern Territories introduced a distinctive uniform system for officials serving within Germany’s civilian occupation administration in Eastern Europe.
A uniform system for ministry personnel was introduced in 1942. Surviving uniforms show silver-coloured eagle buttons of exactly this general type. Weitze currently documents an original circa-1942 RMBO service tunic fitted with silvered eagle buttons, while another circa-1943/44 uniform retains Feinzink examples.
Therefore, the most appropriate date range for these buttons is approximately:
For comparison, Weitze’s original 1942 RMBO Dienstrock retains the same distinctive official button system:
Helmut Weitze – Original RMBO 1942 Service Tunic
The Reich Ministry for the Occupied Eastern Territories was headed by Alfred Rosenberg following his appointment in July 1941.
Its administration operated principally across occupied parts of the Soviet Union, particularly the Reichskommissariate Ostland and Ukraine. The ministry formed part of the civilian occupation apparatus and participated in exploitation, forced-labour policies and persecution in the occupied territories. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum documents Rosenberg’s role and the ministry’s involvement in these policies.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – Alfred Rosenberg and the Occupied Eastern Territories
Furthermore, the Bundesarchiv preserves the principal surviving ministry records under R 6 – Reichsministerium für die besetzten Ostgebiete.
Bundesarchiv – RMBO Historical Records and Research Sources
The four RMBO Uniform Buttons display convincing period characteristics.
The eagle dies appear consistent across the group, yet minor differences created through wear and striking pressure remain visible. Moreover, the edges display genuine mechanical construction rather than moulded reproduction seams.
The grey metal has developed natural oxidation within protected recesses. High points have lighter wear, while the deeper areas surrounding the eagle, wreath and swastika remain darker.
The reverse construction also corresponds closely with accepted wartime uniform buttons.
Organisation: Reich Ministry for the Occupied Eastern Territories
German title: Reichsministerium für die besetzten Ostgebiete
Abbreviation: RMBO / RMfdbO
Alternative association: Third Reich State Officials / closely related Diplomatic Corps pattern
Quantity: 4
Material: Feinzink / grey zinc alloy
Finish: Silver-grey
Design: Lowered-wing national eagle above wreathed swastika
Reverse: Two-piece construction with sewing loop
Maker: Unmarked / unidentified
Date: Approximately 1942–1945
Condition: Good original condition with natural oxidation
Authenticity assessment: Original period manufacture
RMBO fittings are considerably less frequently encountered than ordinary Wehrmacht buttons.
Their unusual lowered-wing eagle makes them readily distinguishable to specialist collectors. Furthermore, a matching group of four provides a useful reference set for the restoration or study of an original RMBO service tunic.
Weitze currently lists silver-coloured 23 mm RMBO buttons at €25 each, demonstrating both the established identification and current specialist-market level.
Collectors interested in related original German uniform material can browse:
Original Third Reich Uniforms – Nordmenn Militaria
For another example of specialist administrative insignia:
SS Administrative Sleeve Diamond – Nordmenn Militaria
