Featured What are these two small items? mouse and mousetrap and buckle

Hi all! I picked these two up at auction recently, they were listed as "scarf clips" but I think they are too small for that? The one with mouse (which tests as silver, 1"L) is like a brooch but curved, the other buckle (also testing as silver, 0.75"L) opens and closes on a hinge. Any idea on age? Thanks as always!

 

I like them both. May have been made for lace rather than scarf.

 

First one reminiscent of Meiji Japanese Shakudo (my fave Bug/Critter variety). I'll take 'em both !
Also could be Mokume-gane,Shibuichi,Irogane-or it could be US or European.

 

It is not Mokume-gane which has more than one type of metal......

 

Which one are you thinking it is Holly ?

 

Maybe meant for mens' cravats? The mousetrap one definitely could have been pinned through a shirt to hold a silk or lace scarf. The other looks like it would slide all over the place.

 

Impossible to tell without testing.

 

PS Elen-Nice old jewelry box too !

 

Those are two of the most interesting items! No idea what they are other than what others have suggested, scarf, etc.

Does the mouse trap part of the mouse one lift up or twist off? (Don't break anything trying...) Wondering why there is an opening on the end of it? Just a decorative element or is there some meaning to it?

 

No, the mouse trap doesn't appear to move- not sure why there is a little opening!

 

Here are a few hand pics to show scale of the pieces (both pretty small):

 

Gad zeeks ! Finding a functional miniature would be mind-boggling.

 

the cheese is inside and the bar jumps upward.......crushing the mouses neck...

 

The mousetrap one has an H or N marking above the C clasp. It's likely a manufacturer but it might be a clue.

 

Hmm, I'm not seeing any letters on it (I checked with my loupe).

 

Fourth photo down, right side. I'd swear something is there.

 

I can see what you mean! The photo does look like there's something there but there isn't- it's just a bit of the gold coating scratched off.

 

Drat.