Formal Buckle Shoes

[CMcG]

the problem is that they are not really buckles. They're just ornaments pretending to be buckles.

Not necessarily a problem for me, although I understand that you are a shoe maker and have different interests.

I'm not too concerned with historical authenticity and more interested in the ornamentation factor. Working buckles could present quite a problem for me in my stated goal of a semi-DIY evening shoe for Highland attire. For this purpose, slip on shoes with decorative buckles are fine...

Or is there an important distinction I'm missing?

[DWFII]

Or is there an important distinction I'm missing?

For your stated purposes, probably not. But anyone who knows anything about shoes will know the difference. Just as anyone who knows anything about kilts can literally see the difference between a 16 ounce wool and a 13 ounce wool...nevermind acryllic.

Of course, aside from the fact that most people don't know much about shoes, such subtlties may not make any difference to you.

I'm not trying to tell you what you should like or wear. I'm just giving you some background information so that you can make a better...perhaps even informed...decision.

[CMcG]

<snip>

Of course, aside from the fact that most people don't know much about shoes, such subtlties may not make any difference to you.

I'm not trying to tell you what you should like or wear. I'm just giving you some background information so that you can make a better...perhaps even informed...decision.

Well, I'm definitely one of those people who doesn't know much about shoes... but with posts like yours, I'm learning!

[longhuntr74]

I am not a fan of pumps, thought the ones with the tongue are slightly more palatable. I'm a bit torn on the buckle brogues. The picture you posted does look rather "maryjane"-like, but the pair that RSV posted a couple weeks back (the actually RRoS issue ones) look more manly. I have a pair of reenactment buckle shoes that I would be tempted to wear, assuming I could shine them up properly...but they have nails in the heel.

Here are three historic pics of styles that I find sufficiently graceful, yet manly.

[MacLowlife]

Sorry, folks we need to hijack this thread a moment- everybody remain seated, if you please...

Longhuntr, I really like that shot of the D of W and his wife and the dogs. Are there any other pictures of that occasion? It looks like he was wearing a bias-cut tartan waistcoat, but I can't make out much about his jacket. It looks to be velvet.

Based on her dress, I am guessing it is the 1960s...

[artificer]

Sorry, folks we need to hijack this thread a moment- everybody remain seated, if you please...

Longhuntr, I really like that shot of the D of W and his wife and the dogs. Are there any other pictures of that occasion? It looks like he was wearing a bias-cut tartan waistcoat, but I can't make out much about his jacket. It looks to be velvet.

Based on her dress, I am guessing it is the 1960s...

Interestingly enough, it appears to be a shawl collar. It's definitely velvet, with a silk faced collar. From the line of the hem across his lap I'd say that it IS cut for a sporran (rather than being a saxon cut jacket).

Most definitely 1960s.

ith:

edit: here's a standing pic from either the same event or one where they appear to have worn the same outfits
http://www.ralphmag.org/dukeI.html

[CMcG]

What I'm noticing are the buckles on his shoes. They are slightly rounded instead of square, which gives them a more distinctive look... less pilgrim-like to my eye.

[saxandpipes]

Is it just me, or was the Duke of Windsor just the best-dressed man ever?

[longhuntr74]

I particularly like the "Pierced Buckle" on this page...which admittedly is more rectangular than rounded, as you have noted...it's still classy though. It says it's brass...but it looks rather white. I guess you could always have them silver coated. You can also get the "Great Scot" buckle if you are feeling particularly flambouyant!!

Fugawee Buckles

[DWFII]

I particularly like the "Pierced Buckle" on this page...which admittedly is more rectangular than rounded, as you have noted...it's still classy though. It says it's brass...but it looks rather white. I guess you could always have them silver coated. You can also get the "Great Scot" buckle if you are feeling particularly flambouyant!!

Fugawee Buckles

I buy buckles from Fugawee. For my own new pair I have ordered a Tudor Rose in white bronze. The Great Scot is is only slightly larger (1/8" longer?) than the Tudor Rose but engraving on the Great Scot doesn't stand out from the background the way the "roses" in the TR do.

Be aware that most white bronze still has some yellow in it. It will never be mistaken for silver, I'm afraid. And neither the brass nor the white bronze shine up much beyond what pewter will.