An exceptional piece of late 19th-century history, this antique French two-piece interlocking sash buckle features vibrant sky blue, royal blue, white, and deep red champlevé enamel applied over a heavily gilded brass frame. When joined, the four openwork, scroll-detailed quadrants lock together with seamless symmetry, transforming the practical closure into an elegant shield-shaped centerpiece that measures 2.25 inches across. The absolute highlight of this piece is hidden on the reverse structural disc, which features a crisp stamped maker’s mark reading "TROCADERO" arching directly over a detailed engraving of the Moorish-style Palais du Trocadéro. This stamp confirms its status as an authentic, high-end souvenir purchased directly from the pavilion grounds during the historic 1878 or 1889 Paris World's Fairs.
The buckle features a prominent central tunnel-loop mechanism that is intentionally open, inviting the wearer to customize the closure to suit their own unique style. Once the two halves are pushed together, the buckle can be beautifully locked into place by sliding a personal accent piece through the center loop. It looks spectacular secured with a tiny antique brass padlock for a romantic look, a vintage Victorian watch key, a chatelaine charm, or a decorative stickpin. The reverse side features the original heat-perforations from the high-firing enamel process and two vertical fabric bars that are ready to be stitched onto a favorite velvet ribbon, silk sash, or modern belt strap. Under close scrutiny, there is some minor, honest enamel loss to the central section and some historical solder reinforcement to the rear, both of which are entirely commensurate with its age. The rest of the enamel remains remarkably bright, and the gilded brass shows a beautiful, deep, natural age-related patina in the crevices.
As a vintage or antique item, it will show signs of age and patina. This is a lovely very old notion.
Please look at the photos carefully and please do ask any questions, I am happy to help.
