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A small, finely detailed single-piece sash buckle in high-relief repoussé, depicting a winged griffin with scaled tail and outstretched pinions, framed by twisted acanthus scrollwork with open piercework throughout. Renaissance Revival design of the type produced in Hanau, Germany, c. 1890–1910.
The reverse bears a small struck figural punch appearing to depict a leaping animal — deer or hare — together with the Roman numeral XIII. The numeral corresponds to the old German löthig standard, in which XIII indicates 13/16ths, approximately .812 fine. Unregistered fantasy or “pseudo” marks of this kind are characteristic of Hanau, a free-trade city where silversmiths worked without guild oversight and invented their own mark sets for revival wares. The punches do not correspond to any documented maker.
The applied keeper bar is separately stamped STERLING in irregular hand-punched letters, consistent with marking added for the American export market. Note that the löthig mark and the STERLING stamp indicate different standards. Marked STERLING. Not independently assay tested; offered as marked, with all hallmark photographs provided for buyer review.
Size & Fit
Approximately 1 3/8” wide × 1 1/4” tall. Weight 7.09 grams (0.228 troy oz).
The keeper slot measures approximately 3/8” (10mm) long × 2.5–3mm thick. This narrow clearance suits ribbon, grosgrain, or thin garment leather — it will not accept a standard belt strap. Please measure your material before purchasing.
Construction
Die-struck relief front over a flat pierced back plate, with hinged prong bar and applied slotted keeper.
Condition
Good antique condition with attractive aged patina in the recesses. Light surface scratches and handling wear consistent with age. Some darkened residue at the hinge on the reverse. Prong bar present and functional. No breaks, splits, or repairs noted. Delicate thin-gauge antique silver; will be packed rigid. Photos form part of the description.
Offered as a period German silver buckle in the Hanau manner. Buyer should review all mark photographs and form their own conclusion.
