Buckles

Buckles, Strap ends, belt mounts and belts

Please note that all of the items in this section are copied from original pewter artifacts. None are copies of copper alloy originals.

Prior to c.1350 pewter belt fittings seem to have been rather rare, although a London Girdlers’ Guild Charter of 1321 which banned the use of pewter belt fittings does show that the metal was certainly in use. In 1344 the Girdlers’ guild again reiterated the ban on what they felt were inferior metals such as pewter, tin and lead. In 1391 however, a statute recognized that these metals had been in use for some time and that their use could continue without restriction. Judging by the archeological record and by analysing buckle styles, it would appear that throughout the 15th and into the 16th centuries, pewter buckles and strap ends became more popular. Interestingly, copper alloy buckles were themselves often either tinned or enameled rather than being left in their natural finish; the look of ‘natural’ brass seemingly having little esteem throughout the period.

Although pewter is a perfectly suitable metal for the manufacture of buckles, the buckle pins would have certainly been weak if made in pewter. Although this was often the case (perhaps giving rise to the objections of the Girdlers’ Guild mentioned above), iron was also frequently used. We have chosen to fit all of our buckles with tinned brass pins, which we find to be both strong and attractive. Please remember that these buckles are intended for using on dress belts and not for heavy duty use such as sword belts for which you would need a brass or iron buckle.

Strap ends (Chapes) are all 14th/15th Century unless stated.

When choosing strap ends please ensure that they will fit through the buckle aperture: Please refer to the compatibility chart