Shoe buckle

Date1750-1785

MediumSilver, steel, rose gold, glass, foil, gold (gilding)

DimensionsOH: 1"; OW: 1 3/4"; OL: 2 3/4".

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1964-297,1

DescriptionShoe buckle, one of pair, of rectangular steel with open center; arched over instep; band of pinchbeck with scallops engraved on it around inside of face of buckle; outside edge composed of row of rectangular paste brilliants set side by side with oval of small brilliants in the middle of each side; hinged grips and prongs attached to underside of buckle at center.
ProvenanceBuckles acquired in black shagreen case inscribed Eliza Van Renesselaer in ink on silk lining. According to family tradition recorded by Anna Lee Sanders in 1922, they were worn by Philip and Maria Van Renesselaer at their wedding in 1768 and by J. Glen Sanders and Pearl S. Green at their wedding in 1922.