Shoe buckle

Dateca. 1745

MediumSilver, steel, paste stones

DimensionsH: 1 3/8"; W: 1 9/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1947-315,2

DescriptionShoe buckle; paste on rectangular silver frames with serpentine sides; steel shapes; U-shaped prong
Label TextBuckles were the most common way to fasten shoes throughout the 18th century. Shoe buckles ranged in material, shape, and changed in size depending on the fashion. Both gentlemen and ladies wore examples set with imitation diamonds or “pastes” made of foil-backed glass. The small size of these buckles suggest they were used by a woman.
ProvenanceVendor: George Cockburn, Edinburgh, Scotland