CHINESE CARVED SOAPSTONE SCABBARD SLIDE BELT BUCKLE, rectangular form, depicting two stylized tigers or other cats carved in relief, set in later hammered brass buckle fitting. Soapstone most likely the repurposed half of a scabbard slide, with underside having two wide but shallow grooves and a third narrow and shallow groove. Probably late 19th/first half 20th century. Buckle 3 3/4" LOA, 1 3/8" WOA, stone 3 1/2" L, 1 1/8" W.
Excellent as found condition overall, no apparent breaks or losses to relief carving, brass with some denting/bending, stone held place with tension, otherwise loose in fitting. Stone possibly the intact half of an old scabbard slide, as described, and lacking reverse half.

Excellent as found condition overall, no apparent breaks or losses to relief carving, brass with some denting/bending, stone held place with tension, otherwise loose in fitting. Stone possibly the intact half of an old scabbard slide, as described, and lacking reverse half.