French & Indian War Shoe Buckle, recovered at Fort Henry, NY

Being offered is another nice artifact, it is a French & Indian War / Revolutionary War excavated shoe buckle. It is made of brass and measures 3 ¼” x 2”. Shoe buckles such as this were worn by both American and British troops.  It was recovered many years ago at Fort William Henry, NY (see pictures).

These buckles were made from a variety of metals; silver, brass, iron, steel, copper, and pewter were common choices, and could be plain or very flashy incorporating real or paste gemstones, commemorative motifs, or pleasing designs. One could easily change the look of an average shoe by giving it a good blacking and putting an eye-catching buckle on it. When the buckle is set onto the shoe, everything but the rim (which some call the frame) is hidden by the buckle straps.

Fort William Henry was a British fort at the southern end of Lake George, in the province of New York. The fort's construction was ordered by Sir William Johnson in September 1755, during the French and Indian War, as a staging ground for attacks against the French position at Fort St. Frédéric.

It was part of a chain of British and French forts along the important inland waterway from New York City to Montreal and occupied a key forward location on the frontier between New York and New France. Although being dug, this buckle still remains in very solid condition. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.

Revolutionary War and French & Indian War artifacts have always been difficult to find. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price. I am already seeing a substantial increase in sales.