Antique Silver Filigree Belt Buckle

A beautifully crafted silver filigree belt buckle. The origin is not certain. It could be Circassian or Azeri. The shape is intriguing, as are the red glass cabochons mounted in scalloped bezels. The filigree work is exquisite and the belt buckle is estimated to be from the late 19th century to early 20th century. There are loops at the back and what I think would be the bottom of the belt buckle. I think that this was to attach the buckle to the fabric that would form the belt.

The belt buckle is not perfect. One of the glass cabochons is a replacement and there appears to be a repair to the belt buckle that is apparent on the back of one part of the belt buckle. In addition, the color is slightly different on the two halves of the belt buckle. One half has a more golden sheen (probably a gold gilt) while the other is more silver. The silver filigree on the unrepaired half has more gaps than the more silver half. These differences are likely due to the repair. Despite these defects, the belt buckle is truly remarkable. 

• Length 13.5 cm or 5 1/8"
• Width 6.5 or 2 1/2"
• Weight 53 g.