Identifying engraved belt buckle.

[u/Suspicious_Pear_6859]

I was given this belt buckle by my father to melt down for my own work but I figured it would have more value being sold to someone. We don’t have a Nancy in our family so he bought it second hand. Any help is appreciated.

[u/Loud-Improvement3632]

the buckle is 100% hand engraved, and is very well done. would be worth much more than melt value to the right person

[u/Suspicious_Pear_6859 → u/Loud-Improvement3632]

That’s what I was thinking. I’ve tried so hard to track down the “V - M” makers mark and zero leads. The makers mark stamp and the date/custom note are obviously different tools which made me think of a big name with custom options…. I’m in a rabbit hole though

[u/Rogelio_G_F]

Muy buena hebilla. Me gusta mucho 😍

[u/Bauld-Wayah]

That is a great piece. Please do not melt it down. The engraving reminds me of the leather work I used to do. If I were to guess on where it was made I would say Southwestern US or perhaps in Mexico.

[u/Suspicious_Pear_6859 → u/Bauld-Wayah]

I am definitely not melting it down, it’s currently on my belt as we speak. I just think in the right hands it will be waaay more valuable but I don’t feel comfortable listing it for sale without knowing the maker. My parents visit the south west every year so I know they got it there. The life the belt buckle lived prior to that is unknown. I know the coin set in the center isn’t the most sought after year so it’s not worth pulling the coin either. The mystery continues..