✅ SOLVED Awesome Military Buckle ID Help Please

[digginholes.]

Hi All. This is a repost from "Todays Finds"

I found this the other day at a newly discovered house site that I have been working.The lion leads me to believe that it is Scottish. The words "IN DEFENCE" appear above his head. I am hoping to get back there today and locate the other half. That would solve the mystery I think. The site appears on an 1858 map but is gone on by 1877. Let me know if anyone has any info on this!!! I'd really like to get this ID'd! I am leaning towards it being a Scottish Volunteers Officer buckle but I really have no idea.

I know that the other half is over there in those woods waiting for me... I can feel it!

Been digging relics and bottles for 24 years and this is one of my favorite finds based on eye appeal and the quest for its other half. Having my son out with me on my birthday when I found it makes it a special find as well. Also the research of the site the hiking, stumbling and eating spider webs in thick woods. A huge millstone and dozens of signals around gave up the site and tell me the site has never been hunted. Lot of fun attached to this piece. Funny thing is when I get the signal, I tried to turn on my GoPro and the battery was dead!

Thanks for looking and ID help!

Tom

 

[HutSiteDigger]

My father has this buckle complete with the leather belt - if I recall it is Scottish - since he collects lots of Scottish artifacts. Have to ask him next time I see him this weekend... Pretty sure it's the same - at least I know the design and lion are.

 

[digginholes.]

That would be great! Thanks!

 

[DCMatt]

Mcbrayer family crest

 

[nhbenz]

It is missing a letter for it to say Defiance... Is it Defense?

Edit: I just noted that Jewelerguy in Today's Finds noted this prior to myself

 

[digginholes.]

Yes I think that it says "DEFENSE". Makes a bit more sense!

 

[sutphin]

IT maybe a Bulgarian buckle? vanzutphen

 

[Midwest Murph]

Although there isn't much in terms of specific identification, there is an identical buckle pictured in this article about detecting in Scotland: Detecting Scotland Gateside Meeting | Gateside

 

[nhbenz]

The lion is different here, but maybe related?: http://www.bluebellmilitaria.co.uk/viewitem.php?id=235

 

[DCMatt]

I see I found the same buckle as Ben:

A possible lead?



The 2nd Admin Battalion (The Forfar or Angus rifle Volunteers) waist belt clasp. This unit saw service from 1864 until 1882

 

[Bramblefind]

I think this is the same piece posted by Midwest Murph - but on a forum with a little more info-

id please on this buckle

a member there links to this group (see bottom right)-

Its a waist belt clasp from one of the Scottish Rifle Volunteers but which one I cant seem to find. I did however find an exact match but I cannot read the motto around the female end.
If you click on the link below you will see your belt clasp at the bottom right of the picture in the left hand picture, click on the picture to enlarge it. I have tried to go back into past auctions to get more info and a better photo but it wont let me, maybe someone else will have better luck.

Scottish Rifle Volunteers waist belt clasp. - by Bosleys

Description: Scottish Rifle Volunteers waist belt clasp.
A good blackened example with matching numbers to both halves. Circlet inscribed 'In Defence' with Scottish Royal Crest to centre. Universal pattern rococo ends. VGC

 

[Bramblefind]

Here's one ---

Allied and Axis Militaria

LANARKSHIRE VOLUNTEER RIFLES VICTORIAN OFFICERS WBP


Very rare buckle in unmarked silver circa 1863.LANARKSHIRE VOLUNTEER RIFLES in relief. Centre with a shield bearing Scottish Lion Rampant and " IN DEFENCE" all standing out in relief from centre.Ornate roccoco work to belt keepers. Dark toning. Excellent condition.


Code: 52129Price: 235.00 GBP

 

[digginholes.]

I think that you nailed it with that one!!! Thanks a bunch for that!!! I just hope that I can find the other half!

Best regards!

Tom

 

[redbeardrelics]

Awesome buckle Digginholes! That Lion looks to have incredible upper body strength (lol)! If anybody can locate the other half, you can. Congrats, and HH, CV

 

[CoilyGirl]

Glad you got an ID on such a beautiful piece of History and good luck to you in finding the other half.