✅ SOLVED Possible buckle

[dogcaught]

I don't know what this is. It appears to be brass or copper. It's very thin and the inner hook is stationary and does not move. I could probably clean it more. Found earlier this year very deep in the ground. If you have any idea, I would appreciate it. Thanks, JJ

 

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[BabyNeedsANewPairO'Shoes]

I would have said Tin Type frame...if that weird hook wasn't attached to the front of it. And it has a pin hinge on the back like a broach would have.
That hook doesn't even look like it should be part of it. looks like a different metal. Rusty? Can you tell how it's attached?

 

[dogcaught]

The inner hook shows more of a copper base under patina, not as "brassy" as the rest of the piece but appears to be soldered and original to the piece. Doesn't make sense to me either.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Your ladies brooch's inner J-shaped wire held a photo in position and helped keep it from being pierced. I know that seems strange, but I've seen others. Perhaps Breezie, who is this forum's resident expert on Victorian and antique ladies "jewelry" and similar objects will speak up. I'll send her a PM heads-up about your brooch.

 

[BabyNeedsANewPairO'Shoes]

Your ladies brooch's inner J-shaped wire held a photo in position and helped keep it from being pierced. I know that seems strange, but I've seen others. Perhaps Breezie, who is this forum's resident expert on Victorian and antique ladies "jewelry" and similar objects will speak up. I'll send her a PM heads-up about your brooch.

I had thought the same thing. But in this case the J-shaped wire is attached right on the front. Pretty ugly for a brooch... Shouldn't it be attached on the back?

 

[dogcaught]

Thanks CannonballGuy, very good info.

 

[Breezie]

What you have is either a Victorian Picture Frame brooch or a Victorian Sash Buckle brooch. Judging by the photos and not seeing it in person, I'm leaning toward Sash Buckle brooch. The 'J Hook' looks to have been bent, and would look more like the pic below. The 'catch' is missing on the left side, which is probably why it was lost.

Nice find
Breezie

 

[BabyNeedsANewPairO'Shoes]

The 'J Hook' has been bent to the front, and it should be on the backside to help hold the ambrotype/dagueerotype photo in place as the CannonballGuy said.
Bent to the front? It appears attached to the front. This is a strange thing...
I searched Google images for examples of Victorian picture frame brooch, antique picture frame brooch, old picture frame brooch...but nothing came back that even remotely resembled this.

 

[Breezie]

The 'J Hook' has been bent to the front, and it should be on the backside to help hold the ambrotype/dagueerotype photo in place as the CannonballGuy said.
Bent to the front? It appears attached to the front. This is a strange thing...
I searched Google images for examples of Victorian picture frame brooch, antique picture frame brooch, old picture frame brooch...but nothing came back that even remotely resembled this.

You need to look at my edited post above. When I first looked at it I thought it's a Vic. picture frame brooch, and I too hastily posted an answer so I could get back to wrapping some Christmas presents. After looking at the photo more carefully, I realized it is a Victorian Sash Buckle Brooch and I've provided 2 pics to show another one. If you Google Victorian Sash Buckle Brooches you'll see many photos like the find.


Breezie

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Here are some Links to "acceptable" matches for Dogcaught's Victorian Ladies sash-buckle brooch. Note that the "stay" on it is attached to the buckle's front. Antique Victorian Sash Buckle Brooch Opal Glass by jenniesjunque

More examples:
Vintage Victorian Sash Buckle Brooch by jujubee1 on Etsy

 

[BabyNeedsANewPairO'Shoes]

Yes, those are clearly in the family of the OP's find. Make's sense now. Thanks!

 

[dogcaught]

Looks like you guys nailed it. Thanks all for the help. JJ