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Edwardian Silver Belt Buckle, Chester, 1901

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Here we have a beautiful Edwardian Sterling Silver Belt Buckle with exquisite floral engraving. Often referred to as nurse\'s buckles, these silver buckles were frequently given as a gift to a nurse on her / his qualification and would have been attached to an elasticated belt and often worn throughout their career. However they certainly weren\'t exclusive to nurses and were worn by fashionable ladies as part of their outfit, they usually only on special occasions.

This buckle is made by William Aitken and was assayed in Chester in 1901. William Aitken was a renowned Birmingham manufacturer based at premises in Vyse Street in the famous Jewellery Quarter between around 1890 and the early 1920s. Like many Birmingham silversmiths he would regularly send smaller items to the assay office at Chester to be tested and marked. The Chester office closed in 1962 and items assayed there have become very collectable.

Condition of the buckle is generally very good but on each half there is one weak point where the central leaf joins the pointed end of the design and both of these have become detached. However this is not easy to spot and has no effect on the function or overall appearance of the buckle. On one half of the buckle there is a very small hole that has been neatly drilled, seemingly at the point of manufacture. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The buckle is 14.1cm / 5.6ins across from point to point and 5.5cm / 2.2ins high. It weighs a substantial 46.9g / 1.65oz of solid Sterling Silver.

The hallmarks on each end of the buckle are nice and clear to read. One half has a full set showing the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the sword and three wheatsheaves assay mark for Chester, the date letter A for 1901 and the W.A makers\' mark for William Aitken. The other half as a partial set (which was standard practice) showing the lion passant for Sterling Silver and the date letter A for 1901.

Shipping in the UK is £10 by Royal Mail Special Delivery, which includes cover for the value of the buckle.
Overseas customers please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.

Price

£~~120.00~~

$~~154.90~~ USA

€~~142.82~~

The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 23/JUL/2024. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.

Antiques Atlas

Edwardian Silver Belt Buckle, Chester, 1901

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