SA buckle - real or fake ?

[David North]

Ben

No idea I am afraid as to who could have made this early SA buckle.

There are some early nickle silver SS buckles with similar type ears to their box, however not by Overhoff. Having said that and just to muddy the water, there are numerous examples of other SA's with the same trait. It is so very difficult to pin down the maker to the overwhelming majority of the non marked SA's. One principle key source however is the period catalogue, although for the buckle originally shown, we do have a very distinct roundel and a very distinct box reverse.

We have discussed this before, however and as a reminder, many early SA's were mongrels. Components bought in as well as being self manufactured and furthermore, self assembled and/or sold on for assembly and finishing by others. The term "cottage industry" has been coined and truly, many early SA buckles were "made" in this mix and match way by very small family concerns.

I still cannot hand on heart confirm what year the SA buckle was first worn and all that has been written is quite simply, pure speculation.

Regards,

David