Man's Stock Buckle

PeriodCirca 1780-1800

Place MadePossibly Birmingham, England

MediumBath metal (alloy comprised of 75% brass, 20% zinc, and 5% silver)

Dimensions2 × 1.5 × 0.13 in. (5.1 × 3.8 × 0.3 cm)

ClassificationsCostume, Men's

Credit LineGift of Sarah L. Dorsett, Rachel H. Yarnell, and Robert B. Hance, In Memory of John Lott Dorsett, grandfather of Mrs. Yarnell and Mr. Hance, 1938

Object number1247

DescriptionA man's stock buckle of silver-toned Bath metal, with a rectangular rim with rounded corners and curved and dotted surface detailing. The center pin is plain, with a four-tine chape and bracket style tongue.
Curatorial RemarksDuring the 18th century, an important part of men's garb was neckwear. Neckerchiefs, cravats, and stocks all had their place depending upon economic level, occupation, and occasion. Neckerchiefs, also called simply kerchiefs, were squares of fabric tied around the wearer's neck. This helped prevent soiling of the neck of the shirt from sweat, and also provided warmth and a bit of color. Cravats were usually rectangular lengths of fine linen or silk, and were wrapped, folded and tied in a variety of bows and loops. The stock was a pre-folded length of silk or linen, sewn into a particular arrangement, including straps in the back. These straps were fastened in the back with a small buckle. Many militiary uniforms included a black silk stock. Stocks were also considered quite formal. Stock buckles, like shoe buckles and knee breeches buckles, were often produced in England and exported to the colonies in great numbers. Although some expensive buckles were made in silver and sometimes included faceted paste gemstones, this little stock buckle is most likely made of what was known as Bath metal, an alloy comprised of brass, zinc, and silver. Bath metal was quite durable and could be worked and molded in desired shapes. With polishing, Bath metal could closely resemble silver.NotesThis stock buckle was owned and worn by James Dorsett. He was born in Middletown, Monmouth County, New Jersey in 1761. Dorsett served as a Private in the 1st Regiment, Monmouth County Militia NJ during the American Revolution. He and his wife, Eleanor (Neeltje) Bennet (1766-1847) had five children: James E. (1784-1869), John B. (1788-1858), Elinore (1790-1855), Williampe (1792-1856) and Catherine M. (1796-1866). Mary P. Dorsett, Shrewsbury resident and relative of James Dorsett, recalled about James Dorsett that "It was his custom to visit his relatives in Middletown once a year and he walked every step of the way from Toms River to Middletown. My home at that time was in Shrewsbury, the town of my birth, and he made it a habit to stop at our place for rest. He had a tall, soldierly bearing and dressed in the Quaker garb, which impressed him on my memory...(Stillwell Vol. 3, p. 223).

Collections

ProvenanceJames Dorsett (1761-1844) to his son John Bennett Dorsett (1788-1858) to his son John Lott Dorsett (1830-1910) to his son John Alvin Dorsett (1870-1936)