Really cool Victorian Whitby Jet Cuff, modelled as a Buckle and accented with sterling silver.
The strap comprises 11 panels threaded with two rows of elastic (back in the day this would have been cat gut) so that the bracelet can be slipped on easily, the buckle being merely decorative.
The buckle strap has a silver bar decorated with a shield. and four silver 'holes' for the prongs to supposedly go through.
 
In Victorian times buckles symbolised loyalty, fidelity, and strength. They also represented the binding together of two people in love or in friendship.
This made jewelry with buckle motifs popular tokens of esteem.
 
weighs - 29.17g
width of strap - 26.5mm
buckle - 46mm x 27mm
inner circ - just under 6" - if your wrist is bigger than this you will get gaps in the panels.
English circa 1870
Good antique condition - a few tiny nicks but no real chips