French Silver Buckle

[joho]

Hi - Can anyone help identify the marks on this large buckle, which I believe may be French. From its style I would say it dates from around 1800. It measures 120mm x 65mm. The maker's mark is partially struck with the letters W A or N A with a device between visible at the bottom. The other marks are a crowned fleur de lys?, and some intertwined script letters in a shaped shield. There is also a small mark of a bird's head facing right. Any help would be much appreciated. John

[Francais]

Nice photos. You have a buckle from 1783 or a little later. I have a little trouble with the crowned P as it doesn't seem to match the known versions, but the others are right and I doubt the P is faked. There might be a two digit number between the P and the Crown, but it is often not legible.
The maker is another problem. I doubt I will be able to find a small worker's mark from this period, but I will try. But first could you clean up the mark a little, and see if you can identify the device?
Maurice

[joho]

Thank you Francais - I will clean up the mark and post another photo. It may be next weekend as I need natural day light to get a good pic. Kind regards John

[fermiersgeneraux]

Hello Joho,

here's some additional information about the markings on your French 18c silver buckle - four fermiers generaux hallmarks (period: Sept. 1782-Feb. 1789):
Charge mark for Paris, 1782-1789, small objects (Interlaced Ls)
Decharge mark for Paris, 1782-1789, small objects (peroket head) - this mark started to be used on march 8, 1786 (therefore your piece was likely completed between this date and July 12, 1786)
Jurande/letter date mark for Paris, July 13, 1785-July 12, 1786 (crowned P with "85" inscribed between the crown and P)
Silversmith mark - don't know who this is..As Francais mentioned, finding who this is may be difficult.

Best regards,

[joho]

Great information - thanks fermiersgeneraux. Maybe one day will track down the maker!

Kind regards