Relic - Chinese Interlocking Buckle - Used
This item is a metal detecting find that has undergone one or more harmless conservation efforts. See our Blog Page for more information.
Cast brass or bronze buckle composed of two interlocking halves with geometric diamond frames and crossbars. This style, lacking a prong, was typical of late Qing Dynasty Chinese garment or belt fasteners and reflects distinctive utilitarian craftsmanship. Recovered from the Chinese workers’ section of an 1880s railroad camp in Montana, this buckle represents the personal attire and cultural heritage of immigrant laborers who helped construct the western U.S. rail lines.
Material: Brass or bronze alloy
Approx. Date: 1870–1890
Dimensions: 52 mm × 39 mm each
Weight: 7.5 g each
Provenance: Chinese workers’ camp — 1882 railroad site, Montana
Relic - Chinese Interlocking Buckle - Used
This item is a metal detecting find that has undergone one or more harmless conservation efforts. See our Blog Page for more information.
Cast brass or bronze buckle composed of two interlocking halves with geometric diamond frames and crossbars. This style, lacking a prong, was typical of late Qing Dynasty Chinese garment or belt fasteners and reflects distinctive utilitarian craftsmanship. Recovered from the Chinese workers’ section of an 1880s railroad camp in Montana, this buckle represents the personal attire and cultural heritage of immigrant laborers who helped construct the western U.S. rail lines.
Material: Brass or bronze alloy
Approx. Date: 1870–1890
Dimensions: 52 mm × 39 mm each
Weight: 7.5 g each
Provenance: Chinese workers’ camp — 1882 railroad site, Montana
I attempted to track down Joe Miller's descendants to give them the badge as a keepsake. Unfortunately I was not successful. I did find his original obituary and an associated reference in a historical book. That information has been provided in additional images.
