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