Belt & Strap Buckles Part One.

Some 17th and 18th century style buckle designs match those from the medievil and Roman periods, so they have to be dated by the site where they were found. Most of the buckles found have been in the ground for several hundred years, and yet they survive almost intact except for those with iron tongues which are sometimes rusted away. So imagine how long a belt buckle will last in use on the belt!?
Do not assume that because you are interpreting the 18th century (or 19th century) that all your accoutrements must date to that period. Items handed down through the family, or items aquired at an early date will still be in use at a later date. Here I will show you some belt and strap buckles dating from the 16th century through to the 18th century.
If you can't find the appropriate design in a modern made buckle, then avoide modern metals & coatings. Go for old saddle and harness buckles of brass and iron.

Belt and strap buckles for at the Jamestown site.

 1620-1680

 16th Century

17th century

17th century