Orr Sterling Belt Buckle Questions

[silverly]

As is so often the case, looking any information at all. Because it is marked ORR and STERLING on the front, I don’t expect to be American. But I am open to any thoughts on this piece.

[silverly]

This buckle was advertised as being silver and brass, but when I had it checked at a Jewelry and Diamond Exchange retail store, the gold was found to be 14K.

[silverly]

Just in case this image is helpful:

[Aguest]

::::: I did try but I was bounced around between an ORR & Sons maker in India, and there seems to be another ORR maker that I presume to be American, that is odd that the hallmarks are on the front of the buckle, I get kind of a "studio jewelry" feeling about this piece, it is a fantastic piece and I wish I could figure out the maker because I would like to see more of this maker's work. ::::::::::::

[oel]

If you Google ORR sterling you can find more items. Also see ORR Reykjavik, although they are around since 2006 perhaps not a "contender "

Peter.

[silverly]

Thank you both for looking into this maker. I’ll follow up as far as possible. For whatever difference it may make, the buckle was bought in Texas.

[silverly]

In my mind the most interesting possibility for this silversmith that I’ve come across so far is Ann Orr Morris. Does anyone have examples of her work?

[dognose]

Hi Silverly,

I find little online, with the exception of her horrible murder in 1987, of Ann Orr's work, but from the small amount seen, I think this silversmith is a distinct possibility.

Trev.

[Aguest]

::: Is this ring somehow related to Ann Orr Morris? I think the ring is enamel, and her biography says she trained for 4 years with David Andersen as an enamelist? ::::::

:::: I can't tell if the ORR font is the same as the ORR font on the belt buckle, it is similar though, would love to see some of her work. ::::::::

[silverly]

My lense angle is not parallel enough to the mark, but the two marks match well enough for me.

[Aguest]

:::: There is a book titled "Ann Orr: Silversmith, Goldsmith, & Enamelist" that must have the information we are looking for, but I have no doubt we are all on the right track here, if the book is titled "Ann Orr" then it is highly likely she used the name ORR as a hallmark, and the designs are similar to a few pictures I have seen in the book (I need to order a copy though). :::::::::::::

[silverly]

As it stands seeing the book is going to be a while for me. Nevertheless, I will be having a good look at it as soon as possible.

[silverly]

A similar if not identical mark from another piece of jewelry.

[silverly]

The below mark of Ann Orr’s is from someone who I believe is a reliable source and whose name and etc I will pass on when I have permission to do so. All the other marks in this post are not Ann’s.

[silverly]

I have begin given permission to pass on information about the source of this correct mark for Ann Orr.

Mary Hallam Pearse
Professor Jewelry and Metalwork
Associate Director Technology, Space and Communications
Lamar Dodd School of Art

"After consulting with a decorative arts curator and writer it was determined that it isn't Ann Orr's mark. I'm attaching her mark.
If you go on eBay you will find a few pieces with the identical ORR mark on the belt buckle. It isn't clear to us what that mark is."

[Aguest]

:::::::::::::::::: Are the ring and the bracelet shown above then possibly a stylistic homage made by someone familiar with the work of Orr? Or.....? ::::::::::::::::::::::