Possible shoe buckle, lion passant + maker

[populous38]

Hi Guys
Don't know if anyone can help. Found this item today. I'm just possibly guessing that this is a Georgian Shoe Buckle but to be honest I'm not 100% sure.
No town or date mark but maker and lion passant. I'm wondering if anyone can identify it and give a rough age from lion passant and maker.
Appreciated as always.
Gary

[dognose]

Hi Gary,

If there is no pellet between the 'I' and the 'S', then it would appear to me to be the mark of Joseph Stainforth, who registered in 1774. As there is no Duty mark, then pre 1784.

However, if there is a pellet, then it becomes more complicated.

See: https://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=34367

Trev.

[populous38]

Cheers Trev, genius.
Unfortunately there does appear to be a dot between the two letters.
Gary