1-3/16x2.25” very slightly convex metal belt buckle with steely-gray finish. Reverse is blank except for loop around which belt material would wrap plus a small brass hook. The top end of the loop has popped loose from its 1/8” dia. solder spot but remains firmly attached by the lower solder spot. Front of the buckle has wreath design surrounding raised letters at top “World Champions.” Below this on ribbon-like designs is the blue enamel inscription “Virgil Trucks/1945.” At lower center are a pair of raised crossed bats centered by raised circle with green enamel wreath design surrounding white enamel baseball at very center. White enameling is about 50% complete on the baseball. Surface has couple of very tiny scattered scratches apparent only under the closest inspection. Virgil “Fire” Trucks had a 17-season career that included numerous accomplishments. Trucks had been released from the Navy less than 2 weeks before his start in the second game of the 1945 World Series. The leagues waived the rule requiring players to have been on the team’s roster by Sep. 1st in order to qualify for post-season play, because of the circumstances of WWII. He defeated the Cubs in that game and the Tigers won the series 4 games to 3. A unique item from the Richard Merkin Collection. Comes with Hake’s COA.