18th-19th century AD. A bronze sword belt buckle suite comprising two links depicting bull's heads with belt attachment loop at side, with an S-shaped central linking hook in the form of a snake; probably of American manufacture. 90 grams total, 61-98mm (2 1/3 - 4"). Property of an Austrian private collector since the 1970s. The 'snake' buckle came into military use from the early 17th century, although some examples have been tentatively attributed to the late Roman period and thereafter, and was adopted by the French soldiery, from where it was taken up by British regiments after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815; such buckles continued in use through the American civil war and later, with them used by the Boy Scout movement. [2, No Reserve]