Mystery Buckle

[usukhunter]

I found this in a North Carolina farm field. It was within ~100yds of an old cemetery, and near the site of an old Inn. Here is what I know: It is silver, size of US quarter, opens and closes, one side dated "June 14th 1888", other side has three initials.
I believe the initials are "ALG" and the lettering is Leaf Script. However, I may be wrong on this I am not too familiar with this script.
My best guess is that it is a suspender decoration, and the date may commemorate a significant event for the wearer (Marriage, or birth/death?). The strap opening appears to small to fasten two strap ends, which leads me to believe it is decorative and not functional. If it is for suspenders, would there have been two?

I intend to search local records to try and identify the person and event, and hopefully return this to any living descendants.

It's not often we find something of personal nature with initials and a date. These are the finds that really intrigue me. The return of this item to the family would sure be a great story for our hobby.

If you have any idea what this may be, or if you have seen similar finds, please let me know. Thanks

 

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[BuckleBoy]

I've never seen a silver clip, but it is possible. I tried a few other places online to find similar items but wasn't having any luck... My hunch is that the item is not a suspender clip for three reasons: the composition (silver), the engraving, and especially the date. I have never dug, seen dug, or read about another dated one or another one made out of silver being dug. Suspender clips were utilitarian items which didn't receive that much thought or attention most of the time.

That said, I wish I knew what it was.


Regards,



Buckles

 

[traderoftreasures]

welcome to the t' net nice item you got there

 

[Rusted_Iron]

I'm going to guess that it was used for some kind of ribbon or award? You can see there's a cross piece that looks like it was supposed to have a ribbon or thin belt threaded through it. That would be the only thing that would make sense to me, given the silver and the engraving.

That might not be the exact use, but I would be thinking along those lines.

 

[KEYSHUNTER]

being found close to cemetery,maybe a locket for hair? being the size of a quarter ..

 

[vayank54]

Cool. I've never seen one like this. Have you tried to goggle the name of the town or cemetary you found it near with the date? That might give some info. Good luck.

 

[usukhunter]

Thanks for the ideas so far.

Further info: It certainly appears to fix to a strap or ribbon. It is hinged and the back piece has two prongs that would allow for a secure attachment.

Also, I checked the cemetery for a name/initial or date match....And I have googled the web.......no joy.

My next step will be the county or state archives to see if any ALG married on this day...

 

[vayank54]

Good luck Keep us updated

 

[DCMatt]

It is a silver suspender buckle. Somebody posted a similar one a few months ago, also with initials on it. They got a positive ID with pics. The ultimate rich man's accessory I guess...

DCMatt

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Fantastic find in my book.

 

[IronSpike]

Welcome to Tnet usukhunter

It is a silver suspender buckle. Somebody posted a similar one a few months ago, also with initials on it. They got a positive ID with pics. The ultimate rich man's accessory I guess...

DCMatt

Is this the thread:

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,272232.0.html