A decorative or fancy pair of 1780s-1800 antique pinchbeck (gold coloured)   and steel mens shoe buckles with floral motif. Typical of 18th century mens shoe styles. Pinchbeck is a 18th-century copper-zinc brass alloy that mimics the appearance of gold, invented by Christopher Pinchbeck in 1720 for affordable, durable jewelry, watches, and decorative items. It is prized today as an antique, distinguished by being lighter and more yellow than real gold.7cms x 4.5cms