✅ SOLVED Colonial Open-Work Cast Buckle?

[Erik in NJ]

I have not been able to get much information on this partial "buckle" that I dug this past weekend with NJLargeCent in South Jersey. It's either cast copper or bronze and very intricate. Notice the "G" in the open-work front. There is some script writing on the reverse as well as some Gothic lettering which I cannot decypher. It's (was) a beautiful piece. I'm looking to try to determine what its function was and an approximate age. It's possible that it might be British in origin and I'm wondering if it's military related at all. Thanks for any info!

 

[DCMatt]

Is it bigger than a bread box?


DCMatt

 

[Erik in NJ]

Is it bigger than a bread box?


DCMatt

Sorry Matt, it is NOT bigger than a bread box I should have taken measurements...it's approx 1-1/2" by 1" in its current state. I will measure it this evening with calipers and also weight it and post here the exact measurements.

 

[vpnavy]

Maybe this will help someone identify the object Erik in NJ! I am assuming that the left side looked like the right side.

 

[Subterranean]

Wow Erik, that is a cool oldie. I see the olde English script on the bottom of the reverse as possibly reading, "Cutter or Cutler." Best of luck on the ID! Sub

 

[Erik in NJ]

Maybe this will help someone identify the object Erik in NJ! I am assuming that the left side looked like the right side.

Wow vpnavy! You do some fine work there with graphics--very nice indeed! It was definitely a "G" in the center (part of the top broke off while cleaning) and the area along the bottom of the first pic that look like the tines of a rake had another set of three fall off (that I will try to re-attach) so I'm assuming they were along the entire edge--not sure what their purpose was though.

Thanks again for your kind efforts...would it be possible to attempt to add these details when you have a chance and maybe post a higher res photo? I would love to print it out on glossy paper and keep it with the item for posterity!

 

[DCMatt]

Is it possible that the 'G' stands for Gillet? It is the size and shape of an old safety razor...



DCMatt

 

[Erik in NJ]

Wow Erik, that is a cool oldie. I see the olde English script on the bottom of the reverse as possibly reading, "Cutter or Cutler." Best of luck on the ID! Sub

Thanks Sub! You have an excellent eye! I will take a closer look tonight with my loupe, but I believe you are correct. Can you see the loopy script near the top edge? The first letter almost looks like a possible fancy script "F"...the Verdi-Chemi unfortunately darkened this side. I have it sitting in some peroxide right now at home hoping to reveal more information.

Best, Erik

 

[Erik in NJ]

I think you've solved it Matt!! I will green check it for you in a bit...let's see if we can find a similar model and timeframe.

Best, Erik

 

[DCMatt]

Late 19th C.



This one is 1886.

Cutler (if that's what it says) made razor blades so they could have made razors as well.

DCMatt

 

[Erik in NJ]

I'm convinced!! Thank you Matt once again, and Sub and vpnavy for your assistance!

Best, Erik

 

[DCMatt]

Here it is:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=175521&d=1307416549&stc=1

It is a GEM razor.

DCMatt

 

[DCMatt]

Gem Junior 1900 1901 Single Edge Safety Razor Lather Catcher | eBay

DCMatt

 

[Erik in NJ]

Here it is:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=175521&d=1307416549&stc=1

It is a GEM razor.
DCMatt

That's excellent sleuthing work Matt!! Thanks again so much for your help with this. It's a bit younger that I'd thought, but still a cool find as it's my first in this category

 

[nhbenz]

Well done Matt!
I'm adding this link only because the photos weren't working (for me anyway) on the eBay listing; GEM Junior Lather Catcher from 1911 [Razor429-GEMJunior-1911-VG] - $75.00 : CoinsAndMoreOnline.com, Coins, antiques and collectibles

 

[AU Seeker]

Best photo from the ebay link that shows the piece like the one you found.
Gem Junior 1900 1901 Single Edge Safety Razor Lather Catcher | eBay

 

[Erik in NJ]

Thanks for the pic...it's very similar to mine, but the pattern is a little different in several areas. Interesting...