Edwardian sterling-silver buckle bangle, Birmingham 1907

Edwardian sterling silver buckle bangle, Birmingham 1907, by William M. Hayes.

### Edwardian Sterling Silver Buckle Bangle by William M. Hayes, Birmingham 1907

A particularly handsome Edwardian sterling silver buckle bangle, hallmarked in Birmingham in 1907, and bearing the mark attributed to William M. Hayes, a Birmingham manufacturer known for producing silver buckles and other small silver goods during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods.

The bangle is of substantial, broad circular form, constructed with a hinged mechanism and distinctive belt-buckle fastening. The silver has been extensively decorated with finely engraved scrolling foliage, floral motifs and geometric borders, giving the piece a pleasing combination of naturalistic Art Nouveau influences and the more traditional engraved decoration characteristic of Birmingham silver of the period.

The buckle itself is particularly attractive, with raised strap-like sections and engraved decoration continuing across the fastening. The outer edges of the bangle are framed by repeated geometric engraving, while the central panels feature more freely worked foliate ornament. The contrast between the polished and engraved surfaces gives the silver considerable depth and visual interest.

The interior carries the full set of Birmingham silver hallmarks, including the lion passant for sterling silver, Birmingham anchor and the date letter 'h' for 1907. The maker's mark is consistent with that of William M. Hayes, whose Birmingham mark was registered in the late 19th century and whose production included buckles and related silver accessories.

Buckle jewellery was particularly fashionable during the late Victorian and Edwardian period, when the belt buckle became an increasingly popular decorative motif in jewellery as well as dress accessories. This example translates the idea of the traditional belt buckle into a wearable bracelet, with the substantial silver construction and detailed engraving giving it a wonderfully characterful Edwardian appearance.

An attractive and very wearable piece of early 20th-century British silver, with a good combination of date, Birmingham provenance, maker attribution and distinctive design.