Help with buckle ID

[Finder Bear]

Anyone know an approximate ID on the type of buckle this is and perhaps an age? It has a curve to it.

 

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[ANTIQUARIAN]

It almost looks European to me, possibly a sling buckle for a shoulder bag.
Looks to be made of brass and it's undecorated, so I'm thinking it's more likely to be utilitarian/civilian.

If it is it almost looks Germanic of Dutch, date wise I'm thinking late-1800's.
Dave

 

[Finder Bear]

Thanks Dave, my home was built in 1890 but there was a structure on the property back into the 1860s when the town was settled so the date range you provided is very possible. Can you tell me how you draw those conclusions? Are there signs you look for on the crossbar and such? I am horrible with dating buckles and buttons. Do you have any advice on cleaning it up?

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Thanks Dave, my home was built in 1890 but there was a structure on the property back into the 1860s when the town was settled so the date range you provided is very possible. Can you tell me how you draw those conclusions? Are there signs you look for on the crossbar and such? I am horrible with dating buckles and buttons. Do you have any advice on cleaning it up?

Believe me when I say, that I'm no expert when it comes to buckles Finder Bear.
I usually base my theory on the style, any designs or decoration, the way it's been cast and the size.
From there I try to determine the functionality and what it's original use may have been.

Often there's a common style for the use of these pieces... is it heavy, was it made for horse tack or possible military use?
If it's relatively light in construction as yours is, then it's original use was most likely utilitarian such as a sash buckle or sling buckle for a shoulder bag.

Hopefully someone with more knowledge then me will chime in here.
Dave