Knee Buckle
1762-1768 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Gold or silver buckles were popular in the 18th century, giving the finishing touches to elegant dress. They were one of the few pieces of jewellery worn by men, who wore matching shoe and knee buckles, those at the knee fastening breeches at the side.
Making buckles became a highly skilled craft in England and France. Exquisitely wrought designs, glittering pastes and precious stones reflected the status of the wearer as well as the occasion. Cheaper and plainer versions were made of steel, brass and other metal alloys.
This buckle is one of a pair, with Museum no. M.35A-1909.
Making buckles became a highly skilled craft in England and France. Exquisitely wrought designs, glittering pastes and precious stones reflected the status of the wearer as well as the occasion. Cheaper and plainer versions were made of steel, brass and other metal alloys.
This buckle is one of a pair, with Museum no. M.35A-1909.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver, steel prong |
| Brief description | Silver, (one of a pair), France, Paris marks for 1765-66, mark of Francois Delapierre. |
| Physical description | Knee buckle, (one of a pair) silver with steel prong, four sided wavy shape, openwork design of two reeded interlacing bands, and, at the back, an anchor-shaped steel pinder or loop. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Gold or silver buckles were popular in the 18th century, giving the finishing touches to elegant dress. They were one of the few pieces of jewellery worn by men, who wore matching shoe and knee buckles, those at the knee fastening breeches at the side. Making buckles became a highly skilled craft in England and France. Exquisitely wrought designs, glittering pastes and precious stones reflected the status of the wearer as well as the occasion. Cheaper and plainer versions were made of steel, brass and other metal alloys. This buckle is one of a pair, with Museum no. M.35A-1909. |
| Associated object | |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.35-1909 |
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| Record created | June 3, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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