Small Buckle, 1810-1830(?)...What Was Its Use?

[ajaj]

Went back underwater to my "War of 1812 spot" this weekend. Found some toasted George III pennies, an 1822 Hibernia, flat buttons, bunch of roundballs, and this micro buckle. It has not been cleaned; most of the items are preserved well in the underwater clay there. It was located in the dark-gray to black clay at approximately 1 inch; about the depth of the items from 1812. My question is, what could it have buckled? It looks to be brass (a friend thought it was gold...sure, let's waste gold on a buckle!). Thanks for any insight.

aj

 

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[Bigcypresshunter]

could it be from boots?

 

[vhs07]

If it was newer, I'd say watchband buckle

 

[OWK]

1) I think your friend is right. (that doesn't look like a brass buckle, it appears to be gold)

2) I suspect it belonged to a closure strap for a leather satchel or case.

 

[ga/digger]

shoe?someone on this site said this was part of a 18th century shoe buckle and they made them smaller.

 

[ajaj]

1) I think your friend is right. (that doesn't look like a brass buckle, it appears to be gold)

2) I suspect it belonged to a closure strap for a leather satchel or case.

OK, I tested it for gold. The 14K and 18K solutions dissolved it immediately, but the 10K solution dissolved it more slowly. The 10K solution did, after a bit, dissolve it completely. Does this mean it's 8-9K gold, or could other metals do this? Thanks.

aj