Batman’s (Val Kilmer) paint test Sonar Batsuit utility belt buckle from Joel Schumacher’s 1995 comic-inspired action blockbuster Batman Forever.

Disfigured former DA Harvey Dent, AKA “Two-Face” (Tommy Lee Jones) and disgruntled inventor Edward Nygma, AKA “The Riddler” (Jim Carrey) threaten to bring Gotham to its knees. Can Batman (Val Kilmer) and new ally Robin (Chris O’Donnell) save the city before it’s too late?

Batman changed into his prototype Sonar Suit later in the movie when the Riddler destroyed his main Batsuits. The suit allowed Batman to destroy the Riddler's Box-device and save Robin and Dr Meridian (Nicole Kidman) - impossible with the standard Batsuit. More armour-like, the Sonar Suit was an iridescent silver-black colour, which can be seen in this paint test belt buckle, which is very close to the final production version.

Batman’s suit - with its distinctive chest and utility belt emblems - is signature to his appearance. He switches the gadgets in the belt to suit his purposes. The belt’s appearance has been evolved by costume design teams to match each live action Batsuit. Batman Forever’s suit and belt echo those of Tim Burton’s Batman and Batman Returns – the belt is black instead of yellow with a more angular, anatomical design and 3D-style emblem.

The belt buckle, like the rest of the suit, is made from foam rubber, allowing Kilmer and his stunt team greater mobility and flexibility. It would have been used during the design stages of the Sonar Suit – more than 100 Batman and Robin costumes were made for production for stunt purposes. The buckle features the familiar silver-black colouring and dull gold bat emblem, with smooth contours and a symmetrical design.

Minor wear shows from production use, including fine cracks on the back, some glue residue and green glitter on the emblem. Despite these factors, the piece remains in very good overall condition.

Interestingly, Christopher Nolan used the Sonar Batsuit when auditioning actors for the lead in Batman Begins – Christian Bale and Cillian Murphy were among its wearers.

Materials: Foam Rubber.