Buckles

[Skeeter]

Here's a couple of buckles I found in Jonesborough, Tennessee a few years ago. I'm not sure if they're shoe buckles, pant, dress or purse. Any help on this is appreciated. The property was built around 1820. Thanks!

 

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[BosnMate]

I'm the wrong guy to answer this, because beyond harness buckles, I know nothing, but it's interesting to me that in those days something couldn't just be functional, it had to also be a work of art.

 

[Skeeter]

These were found with some thimbles too, all in the same corner of the yard with some old flintlock hardware and a heavily worn seated silver coin. Just a few feet away, my brother found a Union officer's gilded lapel button and a pocket watch lid engraved with 2 birds and our old house with corn fields. It was a good day. Looking back, I tossed so much away, I'm kicking myself now.

 

[HutSiteDigger]

I will bump this post for you... The 2nd artifact does look like a shoe buckle. The first one I am not so sure about similar designs to some Victorian sash and shoe buckles - does the first buckle kinda bend in a-little bit? or is it flat like a belt buckle? I think both are from the Victorian time period.

 

[Skeeter]

Thanks so much for replying! Yes, it does bend or slight oval in the overall shape but not very pronounced. Nice picture you posted too!

 

[Breezie]

First of all, I make apologies for being away from TNet for a while. The busiest selling season of the year is approaching, and I've been working this summer toward that. Secondly, thanks to TheCannonBallGuy for sending a message to me about this post; so if anyone would like my help on an item, send me a private message.

Your first buckle looks to be a Victorian ladies belt buckle. The stone looking 'filigrees' are mock/faux Marcasites. In other words, the buckle was made to 'look' like it had Marcasites stones. As you can see from the back, the metal is simply shaped 'like' stones. Marcasite jewelry was made from Pyrite/Fool'sGold, and was very popular during the Victorian and Art Nouveau era. The smaller latch on the back is for attachment, and the larger one is for the belt.

Your 2nd buckle looks to be a shoe buckle from basically the same era, but has a more Art Deco flare.

Neat finds
Breezie

 

[Silver Searcher]

None of the buckles are shoe buckles, the blinged up one is part of a two part belt clasp, you have the female part.

SS

 

[Skeeter]

Thanks everyone! I'm guessing this corner of the property was a place that the folks gathered to do repairs and such. A few thimbles found, buttons, a bone handled knife, coins, small medicine bottle and lead shot. I need to 'git back down there' and do some more looking.