Shoe Buckle
ca. 1770 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
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 often wore matching shoe and knee buckles.
Making buckles became a highly skilled craft at which English silversmiths and jewellers excelled. 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, brasse and other metal alloys.
By 1790, shoe buckles were falling out of use, except as part of ceremonial or court dress.
Making buckles became a highly skilled craft at which English silversmiths and jewellers excelled. 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, brasse 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 | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver set with pastes |
| Brief description | Shoe buckle of silver with glass paste, c.1770, English; Square with steel pitchfork chape |
| Physical description | Shoe buckle, silver set with pastes. The culets have been painted with a black spot and backs foiled. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by the Rev. R. Brooke |
| Summary | 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 often wore matching shoe and knee buckles. Making buckles became a highly skilled craft at which English silversmiths and jewellers excelled. 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, brasse and other metal alloys. By 1790, shoe buckles were falling out of use, except as part of ceremonial or court dress. |
| Associated objects | |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 945A-1864 |
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| Record created | February 21, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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