The Probert Encyclopaedia of Costume

BUCKLE

A buckle is a device for fastening, consisting of a metal frame having one or more movable tongues, teeth or catches. Buckles became generally worn in England in the place of shoe-laces during the reign of Charles II. they were then made of expensive materials. Buckles for shoes are mentioned much earlier than this, and were forbidden to be imported by an act of 1483. The fashion of wearing shoe-buckles reached its height in the reign of George II.
Research Buckle