tuatara
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- Jan 21, 2010
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G’day all,
When we ID things that remained puzzles for us for some time it really feels like finding them again. A couple of weeks ago on one of our ‘hot spots’ we found a buckle with a crossed swords trademark.
The buckle was of the same type as the buckles we had before from the goldfields of mid-19th century as well as from the turn of the century sites. They are usually marked ‘Paris Solide’ with or without date. There are also some other varieties.
We could not either ID our buckle properly or place the trademark. But thanks to Kuger (
Photo ID), Breezie, Cru and many others who took part in the discussion about this type of buckles, I had an idea. The description of an exhibit (1906) from Manchester Gallery was also helpful:
'Waistcoat : fronts, twilled wool, pointed each side of centre front and fastening to V-neck with six buttons and buttonholes; slit pocket, black twilled cotton, each side at waist, sloping down to centre, similar smaller pocket below; back black cotton satin except twilled woollen edging at neck; cotton satin straps at waist fastening with metal buckle stamped "PARIS SOLIDE"; lined blue and white striped cotton satin.
Worn by Dr C W Cunnington.'
The fastener was clothes accessory so it could be manufactured by a button company. I looked through records of companies of the British button capital - Birmingham. And bingo!!! Crossed swords was a trademark used by a button manufacturer Thomas Carlyle in the end of the 19th century. The trademark was later adopted by Buttons Ltd (button manufacturers’ co-op) and it appears on the backmarks of uniform buttons that were stamped Crossed Swords or Sword Mark. Our buckle is probably of 1902+.
Thank you for looking.
When we ID things that remained puzzles for us for some time it really feels like finding them again. A couple of weeks ago on one of our ‘hot spots’ we found a buckle with a crossed swords trademark.
The buckle was of the same type as the buckles we had before from the goldfields of mid-19th century as well as from the turn of the century sites. They are usually marked ‘Paris Solide’ with or without date. There are also some other varieties.
We could not either ID our buckle properly or place the trademark. But thanks to Kuger (
Photo ID), Breezie, Cru and many others who took part in the discussion about this type of buckles, I had an idea. The description of an exhibit (1906) from Manchester Gallery was also helpful:
'Waistcoat : fronts, twilled wool, pointed each side of centre front and fastening to V-neck with six buttons and buttonholes; slit pocket, black twilled cotton, each side at waist, sloping down to centre, similar smaller pocket below; back black cotton satin except twilled woollen edging at neck; cotton satin straps at waist fastening with metal buckle stamped "PARIS SOLIDE"; lined blue and white striped cotton satin.
Worn by Dr C W Cunnington.'
The fastener was clothes accessory so it could be manufactured by a button company. I looked through records of companies of the British button capital - Birmingham. And bingo!!! Crossed swords was a trademark used by a button manufacturer Thomas Carlyle in the end of the 19th century. The trademark was later adopted by Buttons Ltd (button manufacturers’ co-op) and it appears on the backmarks of uniform buttons that were stamped Crossed Swords or Sword Mark. Our buckle is probably of 1902+.
Thank you for looking.
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At least I know that the little buckle is military and Edwardian. Though I like older things too because of that lengthy history behind them, the formulae : the older, the better or more valuable, does not work 
. 2 years ago we found a collar badge of Boer War (1899 - 1902) that turned out to be very rare. This particular design existed only for several months before it was replaced. For all I know there are not many of them around. For those in Australia who collect military items it can be a blast.
HH in 2010 
May be off topic ,but I noticed a nice chunky nugget pictured in your avatar . 
Hope U don't mind me asking ,"What is the weight and value of the largest nugget ?" Have you much gold prospecting experience in the land down under 
Great looking,impressive, finds 
I'm staying clear of buckles this week. 
Behave ,naughty girl
. The first time we got hold of the machine. It's only 2 oz. As we lived far from the goldfields and did not have much chance to get out there (work and Uni), I gladly switched to relic hunting which I love much more. I prefer gold coins to nuggets not because they are from the yella stuff but because they always have history in them. 
..impressive . Hard earned cash but quite a find .Nothing wrong with relic hunting and gold coins . 8) U R amongst friends here!!! I am aware about buckle controversy 
