SOLD…..A pair of decorative close plate shoe buckles. 19th century.

SOLD…..A pair of decorative close plate shoe buckles. 19th century.A pair of shoe buckles with close plated decoration. The steel tongues are identical but the chape on one is slightly off centre ( see last photo ). In excellent condition. 7 x 5 cm Height of arch 2cm 2. 75 x 2 x 1 inch Stock no. KE20

The inlay is all present and there is no damage but the shell has a wrinkled / crocodile skin effect possibly the result of a layer of old lacquer

It has two patterns- a band of stars on a worked background with square dimpling above

The silver is hall marked Sheffield 1922 and the maker is B&C-the steel is stamped Brookes and Crookes Sheffield

Two are a pair- identical in size

7 cm long (  just over 2

5 cm in length

4cm high arch

A 19th century carved needle case opening at one end for needles and bodkins

A blind filigree stiletto / awl with a steel point for piercing holes in fabric

The pearl is engraved with simple flower sprays and the silver spring cover is stepped and cross hatched

A matching set of 6 mother of pearl reels / spools

The piece is decorated with a central spray of flowers surrounded by arabesques of stylised leaves with all the silver surfaces being worked in some way