In the 18th century, buckles were one of the most fashionable elements of any outfit. They were worn on shoes, breeches, sashes, belts, cravats, and even hats. Both men and women wore them, and it is estimated that 2.5 million were manufactured each year. Due to their high usage very few items remain, especially those in good condition.
Silver was too soft for everyday use, so most buckles had steel pins and fittings and only the mounts were silver. This allows some examples to remain in a decent condition, even today. Victorian and Edwardian belt buckles are popular collectors’ items. They can even still be used, as silver belt buckles are a traditional element of a nurse’s uniform.
A common design feature of these buckles was significant faceting across the buckle to give the impression of gemstones being set in the buckle. Some late 19th century examples were highly ornate in their designs. Art Nouveau patterns were frequently featured, including floral elements and images of ladies with long, flowing hair, typical of the Art Nouveau style.
Buckles of all of these designs are still produced today, although they are obviously reproduced from casts of the originals. Thoroughly checking the hallmarks is essential when it comes to buckles to ensure you have a genuine antique and not a reproduction.
Turn-of-the-century examples of buckles don’t have as much of a market today, as the vast majority are just too small to be worn by modern women. Some measured only 18”, following the trend of the time of having tiny wisp-like waists.
FAQs
Technically speaking, the first buckles of any kind in known human history were created by the Greeks during the period of the Roman Empire. These buckles were made of either metal or bone, at least in most cases, and were used to secure clothing (a strange concept by today's standards, of course).
Where did buckles originate? ›
Some of the earliest buckles known are those used by Roman soldiers to strap their body armor together and prominently on the balteus and cingulum. Made out of bronze and expensive, these buckles were purely functional for their strength and durability vital to the individual soldier.
What is the history of the name buckle? ›
English: metonymic occupational name for a maker of buckles or a nickname given to someone who wore a distinctive buckle, from Middle English bokel 'buckle'. English: habitational name from either Buckwell in Ashburnham (Sussex) or Buckwell in Kent. Americanized form of German Buckel .
Why do cowboys have big buckles? ›
The Military Origins of Cowboy Belt Buckles
In Europe, it was custom for soldiers to go into battle looking their best by wearing large, engraved belt buckles. While soldiers wore buckles made of brass, higher military officials had buckles made of gold. This tradition made its way into the United States.
Why do they call it a buckle? ›
A buckle is a funny name for an old fashioned fruit studded coffee cake. Like many other desserts in the extended cobbler family buckles take their name from their appearance—grunts grunt as they cook, slumps slump when served, buckles—you guessed it—buckle.
What is an interesting fact about a buckle? ›
Buckle began as a men's clothing store established in 1948 in Kearney, Nebraska. The first store was founded by David Hirschfeld and operated under the name Mills Clothing. His son, Dan Hirschfeld, took over the business in 1965. In 1967, a second store was purchased and operated under the name Brass Buckle.
Are old buckles worth anything? ›
Summary: Yes, old belt buckles can be worth good money ($500+) if they're made by a famous artist or manufacturer.
Did Vikings use buckles? ›
The Viking man's clothes
A tunic is reminiscent of a long-sleeved shirt that goes right down to your knees. Over the shoulder, they wore a robe, which was closed with a buckle. On their feet, they wore leather shoes or boots. In winter, they wore a cap made of fabric or fur.
Is buckle a Scottish name? ›
The Buckle family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Buckle families were found in United Kingdom in 1891. In 1891 there were 901 Buckle families living in Yorkshire.
What is the symbol for buckle? ›
BKE. In April of 1997, Buckle would move to the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BKE, where it had one of the top-performing stocks.
People, especially during the middle ages, found buckle belts to be more functional than suspenders, especially during the civil war. Cowboys and Texas rangers later turned the belts into gun belts, which were even more practical because they could be fitted with holsters and pockets for ammunition.
Why do Texans have big belt buckles? ›
Traditionally, they are given as rodeo trophies and commemorate important events in state history. That carried over into everyday western fashion. Wearing Texas-style buckles reminds you of home and shows off your Texas pride.
Why do cowboys tip their hats? ›
As mentioned earlier, in the code of the Old West, men would only tip their hats to women, not other men. That said, tipping your hat can be a sign of respect. So, it makes sense to do it as a way of acknowledging someone important. A hat tip is a silent way of showing respect between cowboys.
What is the history of buckles? ›
Technically speaking, the first buckles of any kind in known human history were created by the Greeks during the period of the Roman Empire. These buckles were made of either metal or bone, at least in most cases, and were used to secure clothing (a strange concept by today's standards, of course).
Where does the name buckles come from? ›
English: metonymic occupational name for a maker of buckles or a nickname given to someone who wore a distinctive buckle from Middle English bokel 'buckle'.
Did buckles exist in medieval times? ›
During the medieval period, buckles played a crucial role in securing clothing and accessories. They were not only practical but also served as decorative elements that showcased a person's status and wealth. Buckles were commonly used in belts, shoes, bags, and armor, making them an integral part of medieval fashion.
Who started the buckle? ›
The Early Days
Founder, Dan Hirschfeld, grew up in the clothing retail business. In 1948, his father, David Hirschfeld went into business with Ivan Mills, who owned and operated Mills Clothing, located in Kearney, Nebraska.
Did Vikings have buckles? ›
The Viking woman's clothes
The straps were assembled at the front with large bowl buckles that were secured with a needle on the back. Between the bowl buckles, the women could wear beautiful necklaces with amber, silver, bone or glass beads of different colors.
Did ancient Greeks have buckles? ›
The belt buckle was often used by the people of ancient Greece and ancient Rome as well as by those in northern Europe, and it became the object of special care on the part of metalsmiths, who ornamented many buckles with rich and intricate designs.
