Pair of buckles with French mark for large foreign articles

[silvervault]

Hello to all,

I was wondering if someone could help me find the origins of this pair of buckles.
They both have identical marks:
- the French import mark for large articles, as described in Tardy, period: 1798 -1803 , but also used with objects de hasard till 1809, and since 1822 on pieces of inferior quality sold by the 'mont de piété' (sorry, pic of this mark is upside down)
- a diamond-shaped mark with a 'W' or it could also be 2 intertwined 'V' s

Furthermore they have both 3 crudely engraved owner's initials at the inside.
What where they used for and has anyone an idea (maybe based upon their style) on their country of origin and possible maker?
Thank you all!

[buckler]

Undoubtedly a pair of shoe buckles.
By the style around 1770 - 1780 , unless they are rather large (say 90mm or larger) in which case c1790 -1820 ( when some retro styles were popular). This is based on English buckle fashion , although they do not have English marks
Sorry not to be specific !

[dognose]

Hi,

Buckler makes mention of the Roman numerals in this post:

http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic ... 61&p=96536

Trev.