Mission 1860-R

Mission 1860-R

Solid Sterling Silver 4-Piece Buckle Set

This hand-engraved buckle set is one-of-a-kind. The light and deceptively simple engraving is unified across all 4 pieces by the tight, small scrolls and the running border of small rectangles. As can be seen in the angled photo, the two keepers are connected on the back behind the leather, so although it looks like a 4-piece set, it's actually only 3 pieces.

The engraving is classic 19th century American gun ornamentation. It is lighter, quicker and "cleaner" than most engraving styles at that time. As always, Neil's beautiful mastery of the transition from heavier and darker portions of the design to the lighter, un-engraved parts makes for a very attractive set.  This engraved 1¼" (32mm) buckle set makes a handsome ensemble on any color strap.

Neil is ever pursuing new limits and perspectives on buckle-making. The buckles in the "1800" series are the height of craftsmanship and artistry. They are inspired by ornamentation on 19th century American guns, which were mostly engraved by German and Austrian immigrant craftsmen. Among them, engraving by German immigrant LD Nimschke is the most well-known and well-documented, and as such, Neil has found much inspiration perusing the book of "smoke-prints" of Nimschke's work.