There are a lot of variations on these buckles. Different contractors made different styles at different times. I'd say 90% of the ones on eBay are reproductions. This one is real I believe:
The tips I use are as follows:
1. On the front - the logo is uniform and has sharp edges at the top. Most fakes have soft edges, as the logos are cast from originals and some sharpness is lost in the process.
2. The tang is rounded and goes just inside the logo. On US market solid gold buckles, this part may have a separate hallmark.
3. On the reverse - the engraving is also uniform. There is a space between the "Plaque" and "G". You'd be surprised how many times this is missed by Asian reproduction artists who don't know the language. "Acierinox" is not one word. Also, a genuine gold plated vintage buckle should not be marked "Acier Inox".
Hope this helps,
gatorcpa
