Animal Head Belt Buckle Appraisal

Three Buffalo Heads Belt Buckle

This item is a belt buckle featuring a horizontal relief sculpture of three American bison (buffalo) heads. The buckle appears to be made of a cast metal, likely a base metal such as pewter, tin alloy, or a silver-toned pot metal, given its metallic luster and the textured surface. It has a significant three-dimensional quality, with the buffalo heads rendered with considerable detail, particularly in their shaggy coats and distinct facial features. The 'fur' of the buffalo is depicted with a highly textured, stippled, or pebbled effect, contrasting with the smoother, polished appearance of their horns and parts of their faces. The eyes are recessed and well-defined, and the muzzles are sculpted with realistic dimension. The coloration is primarily a dark silver or pewter tone, with darker antiquing or oxidation in the recessed areas, which enhances the detail and gives the piece an aged or rustic patina. There are no immediately visible signs of significant damage such as dents, cracks, or large scratches, suggesting it is in good, used condition. The reverse side, where the belt loop and prong mechanism would be, is not visible, preventing assessment of manufacturing marks. This style of buckle, often depicting wildlife or Western themes, was particularly popular from the mid-20th century onwards, especially in the 1970s-1990s. The craftsmanship appears to be of a good commercial quality, with clear casting and defined details, indicating a mass-produced item rather than a unique artisan piece. The overall aesthetic suggests a connection to Americana, wildlife, or Western heritage.