Pair of Buckles thumbnail 1

Pair of Buckles

late 18th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

These buckles are very small and have no prong device to act as a fastening. They were probably worn as a decorative addition to the front of a shoe belonging to a child or a woman.

Gold or silver buckles for shoes were in fashion for most of the 18th century. They gave the finishing touches to elegant dress and were one of the few pieces of jewellery worn by men as well as women. Gentlemen wore matching shoe and knee buckles.

Making buckles became a highly skilled craft in England and in 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.

By 1790 shoe buckles were falling out of use, except as part of ceremonial or court dress.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Buckle
  • Buckle
Materials and techniques
Silver, set with pastes
Brief description
Pair of small buckles, silver, set with pastes, probably France, late 18th century.
Physical description
Pair of small buckles, silver, set with pastes, fitted with loops at the back and entirely for ornamental use.
Dimensions
  • Each length: 1.17cm
  • Each width: 1.08cm
  • Each depth: 0.7cm
Marks and inscriptions
No marks
Credit line
Given by Mrs B. de B. Crichton
Summary
These buckles are very small and have no prong device to act as a fastening. They were probably worn as a decorative addition to the front of a shoe belonging to a child or a woman.

Gold or silver buckles for shoes were in fashion for most of the 18th century. They gave the finishing touches to elegant dress and were one of the few pieces of jewellery worn by men as well as women. Gentlemen wore matching shoe and knee buckles.

Making buckles became a highly skilled craft in England and in 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.

By 1790 shoe buckles were falling out of use, except as part of ceremonial or court dress.
Collection
Accession number
M.132&A-1984

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Record createdJune 9, 2005
Record URL
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