Antique Cut Steel Shoe Buckles with deals Original Leather Backing

This set of matched antique shoe buckles is composed of cut steel and retain their black leather backings. The buckles have a rectangular convex shape made to fit closely over the arch of the foot and feature an ornate design made up of multiple polished and faceted steel brads in a variety of shapes and sizes. The decorative brads have been individually riveted to steel frames which in turn are stitched to the thick leather backing.

Shoe buckles originated in England and went on to become a popular fashion accessory in France during the revolution. The ornamental pieces were seen as an affordable yet eye-catching substitution for the fine jewelry which was seized from the aristocracy by the monarchy in order to finance the deals 7-year war. The faceted brads served their purpose and reflected candlelight to maximum effect, helping to make them an extremely popular fashion choice. Paradoxically, after the war the burgeoning cut-steel industry was often a more profitable manufacturing endeavor than making jeweled gold or silver shoe ornaments.

These antique cut steel shoe buckles are presented in original condition and as such the leather has not been removed. The pieces show appropriate signs of age and use found in antique items consisting of minimal rust and more extensive wear to the edges of the leather backing, all of which are mentioned for accuracy. The buckles measure 2.125" by 1.75" and weigh 9 oz including the leather backings.

These striking shoe buckles display beautifully and would be a great addition to a collection of antique cut steel ornaments, or work equally well displayed on their own. An unusual and appealing antique find!
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