Featured Diamond-shaped Cut Steel Clasp - ID Usage Please

I've had this for quite a while and every now and again I scratch my head wondering its purpose. I assume it's some kind of accessory for a lady back in the day, but I'm clueless, really.

I thought the diamond-shaped steel piece was stamped, but it is solid now that I've looked at it using a loupe. The backer is brass. The halves are joined via riveting through pins from the steel side. Five very sharp hooks soldered to the rod. The rod is hinged and the whole assemble rotates from an open to closed position (but doesn't lock when closed).

5-3/8" / 13.65 cm
1-1/4" / 3.175 cm

Any help to ID (it's purpose) would be appreciated, my good people!

 

That is a nice cut steel belt buckle. I think it is meant to go on a ribbon and the prongs grab the fabric.

There are a couple on this page toward the bottom:
https://www.morninggloryjewelry.com/articles/gallery/victorian-cut-steel/

 

nice sabe

wasnt aware of this cut steel type jewelry untill yours and ksw's post, will certainly be on the lookout for it now

 

Thank you, Marie! I am jewelry-accessory challenged, lol.

I found it in a small bag of miscellaneous at a garage sale a while back.

 

Thanks, Chesaroo, and likewise!

 

Yup, very large sash buckle, would have been used on something like a grosgrain fabric. Mid 19th I suspect.

 

Thank you, Ownedbybear!

 

The piece below was found in the same bag. Marked "STERLING" with a "B" inside a diamond. Mark is too small to get a good shot. Assuming it's a top for something on a vanity?

7" / 17.78 cm
2" / 5.08 cm

 

Could be! Thanks, i n h!

 

Nail buffer is one possibilty, but it might also be missing a wooden insert - so it could be a lid for a cut glass hatpin holder. Given the length, I suspect that's more likely.

 

Or actually, thinking about it, the top from a clothes brush.

 

Looking at some pics, yes, I think you're right. Thank you! Unfortunate that the brush is MIA.

 

An example of the clothes brush with a similar shape:

 

There you go. It's too pretty to scrap, must be useable for something. If you could find an old wooden topped brush that size......?

 

That's it!

 

Just thinking out loud, but anyone reckon you could turn this sort of thing into a cuff braclet, or are they too thin ?

Sorry don't know if that's a stupid question or not

 

There are no stupid questions, cc!

In terms of the thickness, I would not say it's a heavy enough gauge to withstand the rigors of what a bracelet may be subjected to.

 

I agree. I've had it for a good 4 years and could not scrap it in good conscience.