Knee Buckle

Art Historical Context

Nestled in The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this delicate *Knee Buckle* from1730–75 exemplifies refined craftsmanship of Colonial America. Fashioned for securing the knee flaps of men's breeches—a staple of 18th-century gentleman's attire—these buckles were both functional and a subtle display of status. Worn by the colonial elite, they bridged European fashion influences with burgeoning American silversmithing traditions during a time of growing trade and prosperity in the mid-Atlantic and New England regions. Crafted from silver, a precious metal symbolizing wealth and s...