Here are a few common uses:
- Sailor’s Gear and Belts: Sailors during the Age of Sail often wore wide belts with such buckles. These belts were used to secure tools, hold weapons such as cutlasses, and cinch clothing or protective gear tightly to the body in tough weather conditions.
- Harnesses for Animals: Large, sturdy buckles like this were used in animal harnesses, particularly for oxen, horses, or mules pulling carts or plows. The wide straps were necessary for distributing the load more evenly across the animal’s body, preventing chafing.
- Armor and Military Gear: Before and during the Age of Sail, this style of buckle was often used on leather armor, especially breastplates or backplates, to secure various parts of the armor together or tighten it for a better fit. It was also seen on the harnesses used to carry swords, muskets, or other weapons.
- Saddlery: Saddles and other equestrian equipment, particularly from earlier periods, would use wide buckles similar to this to secure straps that held saddles, packs, or other gear in place on horses or pack animals.
- Tents and Sails: On ships or in military contexts, buckles were sometimes used to secure tents or sails. The larger size of the buckle helped in handling the heavy canvas materials.
The simplicity and durability of such a buckle design would have made it useful in many practical, outdoor settings requiring strength and reliability.
