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Shoe buckle (one of a pair)
American
about 1790–1800
Object Place: Massachusetts, United States
Medium/Technique
Silver, steel
Dimensions
Overall: 7.9 x 4.1 cm (3 1/8 x 1 5/8 in.)
Diameter and weight: 56.7 gm (2 oz.)
Diameter and weight: 56.7 gm (2 oz.)
Credit Line
Gift of Philip Leffingwell Spalding
Accession Number30.37
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment
George Washington wore silver shoe buckles to his 1789 inauguration instead of the gem-set or paste (leaded glass imitating precious stones) buckles common in the eighteenth century. Silver buckles were fashionable until the introduction of shoelaces, in the early nineteenth century.
Catalogue Raisonné
Buhler, 1972, No. 287
DescriptionReeded and bright cut rectangular curved frame, bright cut swags inside between corners, with rosettes midway on long swags. Steel tongues.
ProvenanceCollection of Philip L. Spalding by 1917; to MFA as loan October 16, 1917, made a gift January 16, 1930.
Original owner unknown.
Original owner unknown.