Shoe Buckles

Shoe Buckles
Shoe Buckles
2007/10868

1750-1800 / Clothing / Metal / Metalwork
Metal, leather
late 1700s

Shoe buckles are a traditional means of securing shoes to the foot. They were particularly widespread in the 1700s and lend themselves to elaborate decorations, such as moulding, engraving and setting with paste or precious stones.

These steel and leather strap buckles are typical of the type many men and women wore in Wesley's day. We know that Wesley's shoe buckles were even plainer, as one of his pairs of buckled shoes has survived. See also Adam Clarke's shoe and shoe buckle in the Online Collection which, like Wesley's, are plain.