1881 treasure symbols belt buckle?

[chong2]

This was recently found in the desert SW foothills in New Mexico. Anyone ever see anything like this ?
The nickel silver stamping in the back has me to believe mass production.
Ideas welcome.

 

[bradyboy]

I'm confidant in saying those are Ranch branding symbols.
There are books out there that show the brands and the ranch / family they belong to
They were considered legal trademarks back in the day
I'm curious, why did you block out part of the front of buckle, on the left hand side?
BradyBoy

 

[bradyboy]

Also, this could be a trophy / award buckle, sometimes awarded at Rodeos and so on
Thus the multiple brand symbols.
Brady

 

[bradyboy]

see -
https://www.google.com/search?q=old...nFKLt0gHHwoGYBA&ved=0CCUQsAQ&biw=1097&bih=495

 

[chong2]

Looks like you nailed it. Thank you!
And I blurred it out just in case it were a treasure map

 

[cambria09]

Hello chong2. Now that is a great find. Nice dig. HH C9

 

[nhbenz]

For what it's worth: Antique Silver Belt Buckle Branding Symbols Dated 1881

 

[Texas Kid]

outstanding!!