A fabulous and rare pair of all original large 18th century Georgian steel and leather shoe buckles.
Very solidly constructed in steel these buckles are heavy duty and equipped with push button spring mechanisms on the back to open the fasteners. The mechanisms are stamped 'L' & 'R' for the left and right shoe. The front of the buckles are particularly attractive with an embossed and engraved bright silvered steel frame decorated in the rococo style. Glossy black leather covered steel panels contrast beautifully against the ornate frame.
It is delightful to see a small mirror image area of rub to the surface of the leather on each panel suggesting that the wearer had a tendency to cross their feet in exactly the same manner whilst wearing the buckles, a charming and enduring habit!
This pair of antique shoe buckles is an absolute delight, a rare treat for costumiers, fashion historians and keen collectors alike. Astounding to think that they have remained together for over 200 years!
MATERIALS: Steel throughout, leather.
MEASUREMENTS: 2-1/2" across, 2" high (50x32mm)
WEIGHT: 71 grams
DATE: 1790-1810, Georgian
CONDITION: Very very good antique condition with expected signs of great age but no real wear or flaws. The decorative engraving is still crisp and sharp with the leather unfaded and still shiny. The hinges are solid with no signs of damage or weakness with the buckles snapping tightly shut and firmly locking. The fasteners are opened by depressing the push button which releases the spring lever and flips the fastener open. As can be seen on the photo, and a common occurrence with these Georgian buckles, the tip of the spring plate on one of them has broken off. It doesn't affect the functionality or integrity in any way, it simply means the back needs to be flipped up manually with the tip of a finger nail as opposed to automatically springing up.