I follow quite a few historic groups on facebook, including a great “Buy and sell group” for people living in Sweden.

About two weeks ago I found the best ad ever.

A pair of American duchess black “Kensington” in my size, for about half what it would have cost me o order them over seas.
They even came with “Valois” shoe buckles.

I’ve been dreaming of adding a pair of these to my growing historical wardrobe. So I hurried and snatched them up.

A few days later they arrived.

Looking so pure and perfect.

So, last week (while preparing for my “Redingote photoshoot“) I got ready to attach the buckles using the tutorial from AD-homepage.

Pic from American Duchess site.

Using a small awl to make wholes in the tongue for the buckle. 

I had a bit trouble to get the buckle to sit nicely without making the tongue pucker.

Since I didn’t wanted to put to much pressure on my new shoes I practiced on my well used white 18th century shoes.

Yay, it worked (with some mild force and determination).

I’m so happy with my new shoes, and love them to death.