tweedydon
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The sterling silver engine-turned slide buckle was--and is--one of the staples of an Ivy wardrobe. Paired with a calfskin (or, for the dandies, alligator) strap this was an exceptionally elegant accent piece.... and one that often had considerable sentimental value, for these buckles were often presented to mark important milestones, such as a university graduation or engagement.
The best buckles were from Tiffany, with Brooks Brothers running a very close second.
It's thus a terrible shame that both Tiffany and Brooks Brothers have decided to discontinue making these buckles. Tiffany has discontinued them completely, so once their current stock is depleted they are gone for ever. And Brooks has changed the design, so that instead of a solid cut-out back the buckle merely has slim tabs curving in from the sides to hold the belt in place. This, of course, uses far less silver, and so the current Brooks buckles are flimsy (and have a lighter hinge) compared to the buckles of old.
Luckily, I have one of the old-school Brooks Brothers engine-turned sterling silver buckles to pass on today! This has the full cut-out back that is no longer made, and a lovely sturdy hinge. The cartouche is engraved "KJT" but this is not a serious problem as no-one will ever be able to read the initials on your buckle anyway! The buckle is marked both "STERLING" and "Brooks Brothers" on the reverse. It is in Very Good/Excellent condition, and will give you decades of service.
This is the classic buckle designed for use with 1" straps. It measures 1 3/4" by 1 1/8", and weighs precisely 1oz.
The current iteration of the Brooks Brothers buckle (without the proper back) is $248, so how about just $69, OR OFFER, for this old-school version, shipped in the USA?