Woman's Garter Buckle

PeriodCirca 1790

Place MadePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

MediumBath metal

Dimensions1.63 × 1.13 in. (4.1 × 2.9 cm)

ClassificationsCostume, Women's

Credit LineMuseum Collection

Object number2024.520

DescriptionA small oval buckle of what appears to be Bath metal. The buckle's oval rim is ornamented with raised dots resembling inset gemstones. The buckle's center pin is thin, and the buckle includes only the tongue, without tines or spikes.
Curatorial RemarksThis small oval buckle may be a garter buckle, used to hold a band of fabric or soft leather just below the wearer's knee, intended to keep stockings from falling down. The small size, combined with the delicate design of the rim, seems to indicate this use.NotesGeorge Burdock was born around 1755-1760. His parents may have been German immigrants. His name also appears as "George Bardick" in some American silversmith listings. By the early 1780s Burdock was practicing his trade in Philadelphia. In Biddle's 1791 Philadelphia Directory, Burdock's shop is listed at 31 Cresson's Alley. He also appears in the 1790 Philadelphia Federal Census records as a silversmith in Wagner's Alley. Burdock may be the same "George Burdock" who served as a Private in the militia, 1st Battalion, 5th Company, under Captain Ezekiel Letts.The buckle is marked with "GB," and has also been attributed to New York silversmith Garadus Boyce.

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