Buckels are for many centuries among some of the most used items. Mainly used for belts these were also common among horse/ cattle gear, weapons holding pouches/ belts and shoes. The very early buckles, originating from the early Middle Ages and older (Roman, Saxon, Keltisch, etc.), all have specific models and types per period - (mostly) easy to identify. This is not the case for later buckles from the ages 1500-1900.

Examples of buckles being used with horse gear and a belt.

Commonly between 1500 and 1900 the first buckles were more simple (single type buckles), smaller without decorations. Later on buckles became more complex (double buckles and many more types), larger and some types heavily decorated. Although in both cases there were exceptions... during these early ages some larger buckles existed, some adorned; during later ages still some simple small buckles were manufactured. Therefore it is very difficult to exactly determine a buckles age unless you have a perfect match!

Very large D-shaped single buckle with indented bar, two holes most likely for a locking mechanism - unknown buckle but it seems an old model (1400-1800). Besides it a trapezium shaped single buckle with fixed bar and a very nice patina, PAN type 05-01-05-06, dated 1250-1900.

Square single buckle (PAN type 05-01-02-06, dated 1250-1900) and D-shaped single buckle (PAN type 05-01-02-04, dated  12-1946).

A D-shaped single buckle with one side widened and a nice patina; to the right another (damaged) D-shaped single buckle.

Symmetrical double oval shaped 'spectacle' buckle PAN type 05-01-03-02-04 group D, dated 1270-1649. Another symmetrical double oval shaped 'spectacle'  buckle, PAN type 05-01-03-02-02 group B dated 1270-1649.

An (very worn) anchor-plate used to attach a symmetrical double buckle to a belt. PAN type 07-01-03-02. Dated 1660-1720.

An (very worn) button-plate used to attach a symmetrical double buckle to a belt. PAN type 07-01-03-01. Dated 1660-1720. The button was attached by a pin into the end of the plate - which in this case broke off together with the tip of the plate, hence it could be mis identitfied easily as some other relic. Buttons are missing on most/ all of these button-plate findings.

Multiple double (symmetrical ) buckles with separate bars , PAN types 05-01-09, dated 1250-1800. Some of these are/ were nicely decorated. None of these still have their bars - in the centre of the buckle two holes opposite each other would hold a separate bar.

Double square symmetrical (elongated) buckles; these types were mostly used for small belts used as straps for backpacks or pouches but also possible in use as horse/ cattle gear.

A very nice piece of horse gear: a flower shaped headgear buckle, used as seen on the painting above to the right.

Pieces of large buckles, single square and D-shape types - the types which were commonly used for cattle or horses gear.