Just because something SAYS "pure silver" doesn't mean it IS pure silver...or even silver at all (found that out the hard way). That said, the Peranakan were very particular about their jewelry, so I'd say it is sterling or higher, in this situation.
I'll never get the hang of that system. I have to copy it from a conversion chart, and with my track record of typos etc.... But at least I use a conversion chart, which is more than most members do. (You know who you are!). Why don't you switch to metric, much easier. And we have millimeters, so it is much more precise too.
Thanks Greg. I believe Chinese term "pure silver" meant higher than sterling. Maybe .950, or even actual pure silver, so 1000.
Japanese "Pure silver" is 950, I believe. I have some pieces of Chinese silver which is literally pure (999), so I could definitely believe that.
I keep a dual measuring tape glued to my computer desk and can do a rough conversion in my head, usually. Then again if you're not used to English measurements, they're a pain in the tuchus.
Today I got such a belt. I see photos of nurses with belts that only have a metal buckle. Are there any photos with a belt like mine? It would be interesting to see. I haven't found any such photos.
Beautiful belt, Stepan. But it is not a Peranakan belt. The openwork or ajour technique is similar to the Peranakan belt shown at the top of this thread, but it wasn't made in Asia but in Britain. It is an English silverplated belt. The mark EPNS means Electro Plated Nickel Silver. As far as I know it is not a nurse's belt, because those are silver because of the anti-bacterial properties of silver. Our British members may have to correct me, so tagging @Ownedbybear .
This one is like yours: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256461548640 The seller says nurse's belt, but we'll have to wait for obb to confirm or deny.
SIDEBAR RANT... a new member posted in the Gallery a belt with asian stamp and 800.... I advised to post on the Forums so u guys could see if it was peranakan... They fled with their photo's.......... Grrrrrrrrr
That is such a cute belt. I saw one like that at a market in Malaysia just last year. Unfortunately, the guy selling it wanted a lot of money for it, otherwise I probably would've bought it.