Shoe buckle

Date1765-1775

MediumCopper alloy or brass?

Dimensions1 7/8" x 1 7/16"

Credit LineGift of Mr. William Asadorian.

Object number1996-859

DescriptionSmall shoe or knee (breeches) buckle, missing chap and tongue.
Label TextThe most common way to fasten shoes throughout the 18th century was with a buckle. Shoe buckles ranged in material, shape, and changed in size depending on the fashion. The buckles attach to shoes by using chapes. One side; known as a fluke and in the shape of a whales tail, has two tines that attached to the latchet of the shoe. The other side of the chape; known as the tongue, pierces the leather to hold the shoe close.

This buckle shows the scaled examples made for even children.
ProvenanceEx-coll: William Asadorian. Excavated in New York City before construction of large building, in a site on John & Water Streets, dating from the eighteenth century.