antique Aesthetic silver ivy leaves Belt Buckle Bracelet

Straddling the divide between Aesthetic and Arts and Crafts design, this hinged sterling silver buckle bracelet was, I believe, made in the USA based on its hallmarking. The entire surface of the front "wing" is etched with ivy leaves, a motif beloved by the Victorians it seems, while the back is left blank, as is usually the case with bracelets of this type. I love the curve of the buckle's prong that brings to mind avian talons and the way the end of the silver "belt" rises slightly beyond the sterling bar. So architectural and so romantic at the same time...

Size / Weight: 6 1/2" inner circumference (clasped) by 1 3/8" wide (at its widest); 30.8 grams

Hallmarks /Date: simply marked "STERLING"; ca 1900

Condition: very good vintage with luscious decoration, beautiful patina and no damage or repairs noted except for a couple of pin-prick impression in the back wing - they are easy for a jeweler to remove, if you wish, but they are not offensive at all and not visually significant since they are on the bracelet's back

Inv# 15798