Silver buckle help

[mainer]

Dug this silver buckle tonight at an old site. Thought it was a brooch til I got home. The forked piece was still in this and I still have it, so it is defenitly a buckle. Can someone tell me an age? And What the hallmark on the back means? If you cant see it, it is a lion in the upper left hand corner in the second pic. Thank you for any help.

 

[BuckleBoy]

That is a fantastic and rare find--a complete 18th c. silver buckle.

There are probably some methods to use that would take the rust off the silver without harming the silver. You should ask a chemist friend if you know of anyone, or inquire at a university. You could also try wood bleach--I know it removes rust stains from gold but I don't know about silver.


Regards,


Buck

 

[mainer]

Thanks Buck. I have been usuin a wet toothpick. It comes off its just slow. Got the front side looking better. Posted some updated pics in todays finds if you would like to have a look.