ANSWER: BRIDLE ROSETTE
Just got an email from a viewer on my site stating that this is not a buckle, but would be used for a horse tack or something similar, Others have said the "buckle" was a western type buckle that was unusual but not unheard of in syle.I am also trying to id the origin as Native American (I thought possibly Navajo) versus Mexican.
Nancy Brace
Just got an email from a viewer on my site stating that this is not a buckle, but would be used for a horse tack or something similar, Others have said the "buckle" was a western type buckle that was unusual but not unheard of in syle.I am also trying to id the origin as Native American (I thought possibly Navajo) versus Mexican.
Nancy Brace
"If you can tell us the size it would help. The screws may indicate if it might be a "brow strap" buckle that connects the brow strap of a bridle in order to prevent getting hung up on obstacles, branches, etc..." --"Cameo" Lou, 01/20/08
"It looks like half of a set of Bridle Rosettes, these are used on the sides of the saddles of horses in show. Sometimes they are sterling, sometimes they are painted scenes. This does look like an old one, but usually they do come in pairs, so I am not sure how you would list a single." --Sheri Weiss, 01/20/08
"I think that any application whereby one wants to connect two leather straps via compression of the two screws would be applicable. I suppose it could be used ornamentally along straps of show horses or teams." --"Cameo" Lou, 01/20/08
"Hello Nancy. What you have is a concho for either a bridle or a belt. I would lean more towards the belt as I have several new silver conchos that I use in my work (leather) that have the 2 screw feature. Most Mexican 'silver' was stamped, and a lot of it was Alpaca or coin silver, not sterling. Is this concho sterling? From the design I would think it is either an early American made concho, or Native American....leaning more towards American made. Hope this helps. Cheryl" --Cheryl B, 11/12/08
"Hello...this is definitely a western concho, probably from a show bridle or saddle or even a pair of western chaps and may be sterling or sterling silver overlay. These type fittings were secured in various areas all over the equipment. The pattern/design is very similar to Diablo Manufacturing's Concho #810, although other Western Silversmiths also made them, i.e., Vogt, Victor Supreme, Fleming, etc. These were mostly made in the US and Mexico for the various companies. The concho is also very probably from the 1960s or 70s at the earliest. (I have a couple of them around here somewhere & used to have a Circle Y saddle mounted with them). If it is indeed sterling, these are quite collectible and fetch some amazing prices..." --Terri SoDear2MyHeart, 08/10/10
Other Sizes: Original Medium