Images(2)

Shoe Buckles

Date1785-1795

OriginEngland; worn in America, Virginia, King William County

MediumSilver alloy (est), copper alloy, ferrous metals, glass

DimensionsLength: 4 inches Width: 2 inches

Credit LineGift of the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-249,A&B

DescriptionLarge ovoid shaped shoe buckles set with paste stones. The stones are cut in different shapes and set in different directions. The center of the buckle where the paste stones are set horizontally is bordered with a narrow gilt edge. Each of the chapes are made of steel and the long tines are reinforced with a heart shaped central motif that rejoins at the base. The chape that attaches to the buckle strap is oval in shape.
Label TextMen and women fashionably wore shoe buckles from about the 1660s to the end of the 18th century. These buckles with their paste stones would have shined when attending social events by candle light.
MarkingsNo Marks
ProvenanceOwned by Virginia Watson Christian Claiborne (1894-1960) and Herbert A. Claiborne (1886-1957) [Richmond, Va], 1960 given to The Valentine Museum [Richmond, Va]; 2023 given to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.