Buckle converted to a pin

1810-1822

Measurements

1-7/8 in x 1-3/8 in x 1/4 in

Materials

Silver, gold, paste diamonds (glass)

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.982

Inscription

"AJ" is engraved in script in the center of the buckle.

Condition Notes

The paste diamonds mounted around the buckle are made of cut glass; they exhibit many small chips and scratches.

Provenance

The object folder records a history as "Buckle of / James Jeffreis / to/ Ann Jeffers / 1780."  The wording resembles other object histories written by Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mollie) Warner on accompanying slips of paper.  This paper slip is missing.

Comments

The oval, engraved pin or brooch was converted from a shoe buckle.  It retains the longitudinal pin or post attached to each end of the oval, over which a shoe strap slid and was held in place by metal prongs, now removed.  A slightly domed silver sheet engraved with the initials "AJ" was added to the back to convert the buckle to a pin.  The oval ring appears to have been a late-18th-century shoe buckle.  James Jefferis, the individual named as the original owner, was born c. 1758 and died in 1822, dates that are consistent with that timeframe.