buckle for a belted plaid

**Guinach** · 28th October 12, 03:01 PM

Hello,
Got a quick question. I'm putting together an outfit for the '45.
I have two nice 4yard plaids and a small section for hose.
I'm looking at belt options. I was wondering if a square or fancy silver buckle would be appropriate.

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or a fancy one

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This is being advertised as a belt buckle, but it looks like a shoe buckle.
The other is a belt or sash buckle, that might also be good for a baldric. Any thoughts?
How wide? I'm thinking about 2.5 or 3 inches.

Thanks for your input.
Kon G.
Appins

**Downunder Kilt** · 28th October 12, 03:15 PM

Going by the guys hand in the photo I would say that that the bar on that buckle would be 2" at the most. I don't think it is a old style shoe buckle as it is missing two prongs to affix to one of the latchettes. As to it being utilsed as a plaid brooch, I think a google search would be beneficial to get a more appropiate style. Good hunting

**Guinach** · 28th October 12, 03:53 PM

The fitting for the latchet is under the buckle.
I wouldn't use either for a brooch, but for a leather belt.
I've seen the brass and iron buckles of the 18th century, but have not seen any in silver.

**Downunder Kilt** · 28th October 12, 04:10 PM

Sorry Khan, I misread your question

As for it being utilsed a a belt buckle, I am a fan of the double prong look/sam browne buckle, though I don't know how historically accurate it is, if you are going for that look.
As for silver buckles, I would imagine that only very rich men would have a large real silver belt buckle and I don't think that chrome plating was really an option in the highlands at the time . Personally I like brass, but each to their own

**Guinach** · 28th October 12, 04:16 PM

both of these are sterling and hallmarked.

I'm not sure about only the 'very' rich having silver. Buckles were handed father to son and even those of modest means might have had a pair in the family. Then again, I don't know about the highlands. THe other day someone told me they would not have had brass either, probably wrought iron was more common.