Belt Buckle, Officer of Gendarmerie, c.1812.  This is an extremely rare belt buckle (Plateau de Ceinturon) for an elite officer of the Regiment de Gendarmerie, 2 3/4 x 3 3/4 inches, complete with the original bar and hook plate attachments.  The Crowned Imperial Spread Eagle stands on a baton with lightning bolts, with a Legion d’Honneur below and Oak Leaf and Laurel leaf branches on each side.  With a heavy and uniform patina on the reverse, otherwise unmarked by use or time.  A stunning artifact.