Knee Buckle Frame

Date1760-1790

Artist/Maker Peter Lupp (d. 1807)

OriginAmerica, New Jersey, New Brunswick

MediumSilver, Brass remnants from later pin addition

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Bond.

Object number1976-79,3

DescriptionOval knee buckle frame, with repeating "x" pattern around the frame and empty sockets for the missing buckle. Frame was made into a pin and remnants are located on the back.
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. This buckles "X" pattern was very popular during the 18th century and can also be seen in stock and shoe buckles.

This buckle is marked "PL" in relief within a rectangle for Peter Lupp. Lupp was a silversmith from New Brunswick, New Jersey working from 1760-1807.

Markings"PL" in relief within a rectangle for Peter Lupp. Lupp was a silversmith from New Brunswick, New Jersey working from 1760-1807.
ProvenanceEx Coll: Mrs. Eugene Bond, Dorset, VT