A CONTINENTAL SILVER AND GILT BUCKLE MID-18TH CENTURY the shaped oval outline with applied chased silver scrolls enclosing the supports of Ian Dubh Mackinnon, Chief of Clan Mackinnon, the reverse engraved "Carolus Princeps Deo Tibi Patriae", with hinged curved double buckle 74mm high, 65mm across Literature: Kelvin, M. (2003). The Jacobite Legacy. 1st ed. Wigtown: G C Book Publishers Ltd, p.48. Note: The support of the Mackinnon clan is well recorded through both the '15 and the '45. Ian Dubh Mackinnon, Chief of the Clan joined Prince Charles after the battle of Prestonpans and marched with him to England. He and 120 of his clansmen stood beside Charles at the battle of Falkirk. After the defeat of the Jacobite army at Culloden in 1746 Ian Dubh Mackinnon went with Prince Charles from the mainland to Skye in the same boat and retreated together for five days till the Prince went to Macdonald of Morar and latterly escaped back to the continent. Mackinnon was captured only the day after leaving the Prince and was imprisoned by Hanoverian troops and tried. It was not until 1759 he would be pardoned for his offences. This buckle would appear to be a gift from Prince Charles and the fact that is of continental manufacture would support this. The use of the supporters, a lion and leopard, which are unique in this form to the Mackinnon's shows a very personal touch to the presentation. The symbolism of the lion at the base where the scrolls emanate is also very symbolic. It can be taken to mean kingship and connection, or that the lion mask is indeed representing the Stuarts and by intertwining the Mackinnon support it shows their close connection. As the lion mask has both the ram and sheep sitting by its side, this seems likely as these would represent the subjects awaiting the dynasty's restoration.