Shoe buckle (one of a pair)
about 1790–1800
Object Place for LabelMassachusetts, United States
Object PlaceMassachusetts, United States
Medium/TechniqueSilver; steel
DimensionsHeight x width: 1 5/8 x 3 in. (4.1 cm, 3 in.)
Diameter and weight: 2 oz. (2 oz.)
Diameter and weight: 2 oz. (2 oz.)
Credit LineGift of Philip Leffingwell Spalding
Accession number30.36
On View
Not on viewClassificationsJewelry / Adornment
DescriptionGeorge 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.
ProvenanceCollection of Philip L. Spalding by 1917; to MFA as loan October 16, 1917, made a gift January 16, 1930.Original owner unknown.
about 1790–1800
about 1700–1800
about 1800
about 1700–20
about 1800
