Help identifying early silver buckle ?

[silverseeker]

Hello everyone , we have came across this buckle in a assortment of silver we purchased from a Newport RI home. Family states that it has been around for several generations. Most items dated to mid 1800s in the lot. It is quite large with to pins on the back. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

What are the measurements? It may be Scottish, based on the hallmarks and the thistle flowers. Its a beauty.

 

[silverseeker]

It measures 3 x 2.5 inches roughly. It's definitely a little different than what we usually get in.

 

[lkranieri]

The silver hallmarks resemble the 1878ish marks of Mackay, Chisholm, & Co of Edinburgh.

 

[silverseeker]

I agree. I think it looks very close and they did craft belt buckles. Time period would make sense as well

 

[BonniesVintageClothesLine]

The head on the hallmarks looks like Queen Victoria.......she became queen in 1837 and remained Queen until her death in 1901.

Reading British Silver Hallmarks - Wyler Antiques

Reading hallmarks is quite interesting and although it may seem difficult in the beginning, it does become easier over time with practice. Thus, you will Wyler Antiques

wylerantiques.com

Step #3 may be helpful in dating your buckle as it says......

Step # 3​

The Sovereign’s Head was only stamped in certain years. It was required to be used to denote the payment of duty by the silversmith to the Crown. It appears on all articles that were made between 1784 until 1890. In the first year (1784) and the year following that, the head faced to the left on all silver pieces. From 1786 until 1838, the King’s head Duty mark always faces to the right. When Queen Victoria ascended to the throne, the mark was replaced with the Queen’s head duty mark and this always faces to the left. In 1890 the duty on silver was repealed, and the use of the sovereign’s head was discontinued.