St Bartholomew's Hospital,Silver Nurses Belt Buckle 1897

A rare Sterling Silver one piece nurses belt buckle engraved with the Wakering Shield device of Saint Bartholomew's Hospital and the date 1897.The slightly convex buckle measures 54mm by 63mm and consists of an outer mesh framework with a plain central rectangle on which the shield has been engraved above the date 1897.Condition is good although with surface scratches and what appears to be a repair to the mesh at 11 o'clock.The belt loop is intact and is marked Sterling. I believe this may have been a fashion item which has been privately decorated with the shield and date by it's owner at the time.
Whilst Silver Buckles were a popular fashion accessory in the late 19th and early 20th century, they are seldom seen in contemporary photographs of nurses at that time.Those associated with the particular training hospital are even rarer and the only hospital that I do tend to see is Barts where the wearing of a buckle appears to have been more widespread.
A Scarce and desirable addition to any Nursing History collection.

Code: 52355