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Object Timeline

2006

  • We acquired this object.

2015

2025

  • You found it!

Pair Of Breeches Buckles (USA)

This is a Pair of breeches buckles. It was made by Henry Vintage Allien. It is dated ca. 1800–65 and we acquired it in 2006. Its medium is silver. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

H. V. Allien of New York (successor firm to Horstmann Brothers & Allien) was an importer and manufacturer of military items, buttons, insignia, sword handles, and military uniforms—objects that are now highly sought-after.
These buckles are likely of the Civil War era, though not necessarily intended for military use. They represent an interesting look at American male dress accessories. The buckles are marked and the donor is a descendant of Henry V. Allien, founder of firm that made the buckles. At the time of proposed acquisition, the museum’s collection includes a button and a hatpin by Allien.

This object was donated by Ms. Dorothy Warren. It is credited Gift of Dorothy Warren.

Cite this object as

Pair Of Breeches Buckles (USA); Made by Henry Vintage Allien; silver; Gift of Dorothy Warren; 2006-34-3-a,b

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<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18707271/ |title=Pair Of Breeches Buckles (USA) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=11 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>