1700s sash buckle?

Hi everybody im new here, I have what I think is a 1700s brass engraved religious sash buckle. It is a big heavy lump of brass and has symbols and writing on it and was bought by a family member from a market around the early 90s, I have no idea what it is or who's it was and I would very much appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction as in info,specialist to see..many thanks

 

Welcome to the forum, Michael.
Your object looks like a pendant. How big is it?
It is not antique, it was probably not very old when your family member bought it.

 

Hi thanks for the reply it is around 6cm in width, it does have a date on the engraving and was made for we think is j,m browe and has a date on what we think is 1725, how could you tell that it is not very old? Thanks

 

It is English:

There Are Four Things Remember Well Death Judgment Heaven and Hell Tr Brouse
[The four last things.]

An Honest Employment Is A Most Excellent Patrimony RB

https://books.google.com/books?id=Y...epage&q=is a most excellent patrimony&f=false

Happy Is The Man That Walketh Uprightley
[This may be a paraphrase of Psalms, possibly THB (The Holy Bible) after?]

 

The style of the symbols is not at all 18th century European. The style and spacing of the symbols has a Modernist influence.
The bronze looks too recent, 18th century bronze has a beautiful soft, almost buttery patina.
And I have seen many items like this, with historic texts and random esoteric-looking symbols, made in the 70s and later.

 

Wow thanks for the info everybody, also I Genuinly thought it had a bit age about it as doesn't look or feel modern but I certainly wouldn't doubt your knowledge , great forum by the way everyone is so helpful and people are so informative, thanks again

 

Not entirely random. An angel for Heaven & a skeleton for Death. Both in style you see on old grave markers. Not to say this piece is necessarily old. Could have been cast from an old watch fob. Think we can definitely say it is not a sash buckle.

 

Not a problem, thanks for your help, got some more bits and pieces I can get on the forum when I get a bit time..cheers

 

I think it's great. I would hang it from a black silk cord as a pendant. Very nice!

 

It looks like half of a very ornamental toggle clasp. Age is..not much.

 

WELCOME Michael !!! .. Joy.

 

Weighing in with my agreement that this interesting piece is fairly modern.
Welcome to the forum!

 

Perfect idea.

 

Welcome on board Michael!

 

Welcome ML, this is such an interesting place and certainly expands your knowledge. The members are awesome!

 

There is a piece missing from the brooch. There should be a pin which is hinged at the hole and extends to the edge of the opposite side. I believe that this is called a pseudo penannular brooch. I have an identical item and have been stumped about determining when it was made

Damon