//
For internal use only
On Display: House - Imlay Entry
Buckle (Shoe buckle)
James Smith
1750-1777
Description
Shoe buckles–an essential element of eighteenth-century dress–were interchangeable and swapped out depending on what kind of work or level of dress a person required on a given day. This cast buckle was made by James Smith in Philadelphia between 1750 and 1777. During the casting process, the material (brass) was not poured evenly into the mold, resulting in a slightly crooked form. Now missing, the tongue and chape of this buckle were likely made of iron. A rare survival, this buckle was once covered with a thin layer of silver. Today, only the base metal, brass, is visible.
Category
Jewelry
Creator/Artist/Maker
James Smith (Maker)
Place of Origin
Philadelphia; Pennsylvania; Philadelphia; Mid-Atlantic; United States; North America
Materials
- Brass
- Iron
- Silverplate on brass
Museum Object Number
1983.0060
Credit Line/Donor
Museum purchase
Share Object
Complete Details
Object Number
1983.0060
Object Name
Buckle (Shoe buckle)
Category
Jewelry
Creator (Role)
James Smith (Maker)
Place of Origin
Philadelphia; Pennsylvania; Philadelphia; Mid-Atlantic; United States; North America
Date
1750-1777
Mark/Signature/Inscription/Label
Type: Mark
Location: Back
Inscription: "IS" stamped in a rectangle.
Type: Mark
Location: Back
Inscription: "PHILADA" stamped in a rectangle.
Mark/Signature: Yes
Materials
- Brass
- Iron
- Silverplate on brass
Techniques
- Cast
- French plating
Dimensions (inches)
0.787 (H) x 2.402 (W) x 2.559 (L)
Dimensions (centimeters)
2 (H) x 6.1 (W) x 6.5 (L)