Old Sash(?) buckle-help needed with the hallmarks!

[Charmin]

This buckle was found in my parents yard. The house dates to the late 1800's/early 1900's and was in the same family for 3 or 4 generations. I think this is called a sash buckle. It is made of brass and measures 3 1/2" by 3 1/4", on the back are three letters: BLM or HLW. If anyone has any info about these letters or a website where I could research the hallmark, please let me know! Thanks for your help in advance! sandcreek4

 

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[pippinwhitepaws]

real nice buckle...are you sure it is brass? i do not see any corrosion associated with brass/copper.

http://www.925-1000.com/british_marks.html

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I didnt know brass had hallmarks. Maybe its a low carat gold. Did you clean it?

 

[pippinwhitepaws]

I didnt know brass had hallmarks. Maybe its a low carat gold. Did you clean it?

the site i posted covers that topic...if worked metal was imported or exported from britain/colonies, it had a makers mark.

i see zero evidence that this piece is brass...unless they polish the heck out of it.

 

[Charmin]

I didnt know brass had hallmarks. Maybe its a low carat gold. Did you clean it?

the site i posted covers that topic...if worked metal was imported or exported from britain/colonies, it had a makers mark.

i see zero evidence that this piece is brass...unless they polish the heck out of it.

The buckle was found in a trash dump area of the yard--would it being burned take some gold off? Maybe it was just gold-plated? I did clean it with warm water and mild detergent because it was BLACK from the fire where they burned the trash. I have dug some really cool buckles from this area--the people that owned the house were RICH! They lost all kinds of stuff and I have worked this yard for 4 years and still finding things especially after a rain. I have an entire box of stuff! I'm going to try to take some pictures and post more things! thanks for the information, you are appreciated!!!! sandcreek4