Shoe Buckle

Date1740-1760

MediumSilver, Iron/Steel, Glass

DimensionsH: 1 1/2"; W: 1 3/4".

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1955-53,1

DescriptionBuckle. Arched oval silver frame with scalloped edges and set with row of clear faceted pastes within a row of smaller pastes.
Label TextKnee buckles were essential jewelry for men's breeches in the 18th Century.
Men's breeches ended with a garter around the bottom of the knees. This tightened around the knee with the help of a buckle in order to keep the man’s stockings from falling down. The "T" shape of the chape or fluke, slipped into a buttonhole made at the back side of the garter. The longer section of the garter from the front of the knee went through buckle and was held in place by the tines or tongue. The buckles were removable and could be switched from garment to garment. These buckles are missing both the fluke and tines.

This pair of buckles was made from silver with set paste or glass stones. The process of making paste was perfected by a Parisian jeweler in the 1730s. Paste was highly reflective and bright when hit by light and made an excellent substitute for precious stones.
ProvenanceVendor: Miss Amy Pleadwell, Boston