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
this looks like a military belt, or perhaps a police or firefighter, the 1960 is maybe the year?
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.
Not military or Civil War related.
Looks to be much later-- mid 20th century piece.
scott
Thank you for you help and comments!
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...
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
Not a Civil war belt-- significantly later.
"whs" is not a manufacturer. Could be _ High School or some other organization.
scott
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.