Images(3)

Belt or Sash Buckle

Date1830-1838

OriginEngland or Europe; worn in America, South Carolina, Orangeburg, Belleview Plantation

MediumGilding, brass (xrf), shell (est), ferrous metal

DimensionsLength: 4 inches, Width: 1 inch

Credit LineGift of the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-257,A&B

DescriptionA wide belt or sash buckle. The buckle is made from a copper alloy that has been gilt and set with a classical styled cameo. The buckle is pierced with floral designs. The back of the buckle has a small clasp that opens down the width of the buckle exposing the teeth that bite into the belt.

The buckle survives with its orginial paste board, silk lined box.
Label TextWide metal buckles were commonly worn by women from the late 1820s through the 1830s. These typically fasted complimentary ribbon belts around the lady’s waist.
MarkingsNo Marks
Provenance: Worn by Elizabeth Rebecca Sabb (1761-1838) [Orangeburg, Sc]; by descent to her daughter Caroline Sophia Rebecca Thomas (1802-1863)[Charleston, Sc]; by descent to her daughter Susan Elizabeth Smith (1822-1887)[Albemarle County, Va], by descent to her son Eugene Carter Massie (1861-1924)[Richmond, Va]; by descent to daughter Ida Watkins Massie Valentine (1901-1982)[Richmond, Va]; 1968 given to The Valentine Museum [Richmond, Va]; 2023 given to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.