Woman's Buckles c. 1936

These designs for women's buckles were made by Charles Criswell, who lived between 1855 and 1995. Although we don’t have the exact date of the design, we can consider the historical context of Criswell’s life. Born in the latter half of the 19th century, he would have witnessed significant changes in women's fashion and social roles. Buckles, seemingly small objects, were important accessories, reflecting prevailing tastes and class distinctions. The design itself, with its delicate detailing, hints at the emphasis on ornamentation common in women's fashion during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. To fully understand the significance of these buckles, one might consider the socio-economic conditions that shaped consumer culture at the time. Archival sources such as fashion magazines, trade catalogs, and social histories can offer insight into the intended market for these designs.