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MYSTERY MARK ON CIVIL WAR ERA BELT BUCKLE

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    Posted 10 years ago

    julius012
    (16 items)

    Please help me identify the maker of this sterling belt buckle. This one has me stumped, as I can find no maker that used symbols like these. There is an X, and a symbol that looks almost like a swastika. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you; Greg

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    Comments

    1. deaton1 deaton1, 10 years ago
      this looks like a military belt, or perhaps a police or firefighter, the 1960 is maybe the year?
    2. blunderbuss2 blunderbuss2, 10 years ago
      Because of the curved & assumed belt strap, I have my doubts that it is a belt buckle. Being of silver makes me also wonder it it is a military buckle. I'm thinking something else but don't know what. The word "sterling" also raises a flag, as don't know when laws required it. I'm sure we have members who can fill in the blanks.
    3. scottvez scottvez, 10 years ago
      Not military or Civil War related.

      Looks to be much later-- mid 20th century piece.

      scott
    4. julius012, 10 years ago
      Thank you for you help and comments!
    5. julius0019, 4 years ago
      I have the exact same buckle with the WHS letters at front. I looked up companies that used the initials, as I figured that this must be a company logo. WHSmith PLC was the result. When I googled this company, I found that they were well known makers of Civil War Belt Buckles. The word sterling is not a red flag, as it was used in the 19th century prior to the use of the 925 mark. Unless made for Officers, they may not have been a part of uniforms, but true to the era. This type of buckle, in true sterling silver was not a known civil war fake. Still a mystery...
    6. truthordare truthordare, 4 years ago
      That mark is an American Company, STERLING is what Americans used as the legal high grade silver hallmark with 925/1000 parts or higher metal.

      Superimposed initials for Barstow & Williams, a C1885 to C1904. Short lived company that changed name 3 times, producers of sterling silver jewelry, accessories and novelties. From my reference book about sterling jewelry from a collectors point of view, divided by country and time period chapters. Thanks for posting.

      https://fineart.ha.com/itm/silver-and-vertu/smalls-and-jewelry/a-barstow-and-williams-silver-pan-american-exposition-match-safe-barstow-and-williams-providence-rhode-island-circa-1901m/a/5091-68431.s
    7. scottvez scottvez, 4 years ago
      Not a Civil war belt-- significantly later.

      "whs" is not a manufacturer. Could be _ High School or some other organization.

      scott
    8. truthordare truthordare, 4 years ago
      https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/5JTFKHz-tOXYowfvkc-9wDf_vbobyJTgqkS8SlQ1lCdtz267LKWotdoE2gbr1O0he0ynO4o9mxbTg5nwY_ydPt_ztiJALOPAFOA

      Too bad the mark is so worn on the buckle, but that is what it is meant to look like, not civil war, and not mid 20th. Barstow & Williams, 1885-19o6. Do a search with google for confirmation and it would be nice if you mark it solved.

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