Thursday, December 3, 2009

Fancy Support System


We are still processing the boat load of artifacts from the units in and around the foundation uncovered in the Swann Locus last month. One beautiful object is this copper alloy clasp with blue, white and black enamel and star decorations. The decorated front piece is attached by a hinge to the plain piece to fold over and perhaps hide the strap.

After looking long and hard online and in old Sears, Roebuck, & Co. catalogs, I may have a lead. This buckle could be part of the hardware for garters. It would help to tighten and hold the garter straps attached to a garter belt. It is quite ornate for something that is hidden under clothing, but the example from the Sears, Roebuck catalog is sterling silver and described as having "very fancy, raised ornamentation."

This is only a theory on my part and other possibilities include belt buckle and suspenders clamp. Anyone with ideas, feel free to comment.

2 comments:

Elsie said...

What is the size? A garter belt buckle would usually be a lot smaller than a regular belt buckle.

Jim said...

We'll have to get back to you on that Elsie...the crew is discovering the importance of using scales in photographs or providing a dimension for the artifact to allow readers to appreciate the size.