Colonial Era Shoe Buckle

This large shoe buckle made of copper alloy was recovered from a 1990's archaeological dig at the Brook Farm property. In 1715, Edward Ward had built a home here on land that was once part of a native settlement, eventualy passing the property to his son Timothy. A 1765 probate inventory for Ward lists "Shoes and Boots" as items of value along with several shirts, pants, jackets, and household linens. This buckle dates to the 18th century and likely belonged to someone in the Ward family. The ornate patterning can be seen when rotating the 3d model, indicating that the shoes were of high quality and perhaps part of a wardrobe meant to indicate the Ward's status in their community.Scanned by Brian Schools.