Sterling Silver Nurses Buckle - Retro - Hallmarked Birmingham 1988 (SOLD)

At first glance this heavy real silver (weight 42 grams) two piece nurses' buckle has  the look of the Art Nouveau period with its swirls and flowers. On closer examination the design is from a much earlier era, the Romantic period in Georgian times. So much of the art and jewellery of that Georgian period took its inspiration from nature.  This double buckle has a pierced and engraved foliate design with trellis and scrolls and has a bark effect finish to the reverse.  It is in very good condition.  The Hallmarks indicate it is  925 English sterling silver ( Lion Passant)  that was assayed in Birmingham (Anchor mark) in 1988 (Letter o), it also has a makers mark - PR.  If this were a period item from the Georgian era it would be much more expensive. It is a very good replica and is a nice Retro buckle.  Measuring approximately 3 inches by slightly less than 3 inches, this lovely real silver double buckle would make a great fastener for a modern belt or even an edge to edge style cardigan.  I have not cleaned this sterling silver buckle as I like the antique effect when a slight patina has built on an engraved design.  If you wanted this silver nurses' buckle to shine like new it would be very easy to clean it up with silver cleaner or to buff it with a silver cloth.