Unknown and scarce buckle posted for Kevin…

[Marc verstraete]

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o></o>

Does anyone have any idea on the “lion” buckle??? <o></o>

The marine is a nice example; I had personally never seen the silver naval buckle in its WWI version.<o></o>

Marc

[Marc verstraete]

???

[David North]

Marc

I would dearly like to see a larger image of the "Lion" buckle and certainly, a reverse photograph.

What is that lion doing? Is it legal?

It suggests however the Austrian and romantic "Lion of Vienna" image and not of course the wonderful Nat Lofthouse of Bolton Wanderers F C, Bolton, Lancashire, England.

Regards,

David

[Kevin Rea]

Thanks to Marc for posting those pics. Unfortunately I have neither buckle. The Marine buckle is for a navy padre/priest/vicar. The purple backing is the clue. A rare beast, I think.
As for the lion buckle, I think it may be Austrian. Under the lion`s foot is "Ges. Gesch," so the heraldic design is obviously legally protected. The buckle is green-painted steel, with the scalloped sides common to Austrian buckles (like German M47 buckles). I will try and dig up the pic of the reverse.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Kevin