Shoe buckle

An inscription and symbols of mortality decorate the band of this black shoe buckle. The inscription tells us that it was made to commemorate the death of Queen Caroline, consort of George II, who died on 20 November 1737, in her 55th year. Many mourning rings from this period have survived, but mourning buckles are comparatively rare, although they must have been made in large numbers.
(Image - top left)