Brass furniture is largely used, and it is got up in many qualities and styles of finish. The best brass does not tarnish nearly so soon as common brass, and, of course, has a good appearance when clean. Partly covered brass or plated furniture is also sometimes used, the buckles being covered with leather about half-way up the sides, leaving the top and a little of the side bare. This looks very well, and is more durable than iron-covered buckles, as the brass- or silver-plate does not destroy the leather so soon as iron; partly covered furniture is, however, very awkward to clean.
Fig. 147. Fig. 148. Fig. 149. Fig. 150.
Fig. 147.—Spade Buckle. Fig. 148.—Square Wire Buckle. Fig. 149.—Chatham Buckle. Fig. 150.—Flat Top Turned-up Buckle.
Fig. 151. Fig. 152. Fig. 153. Fig. 154.
Fig. 151.—Fluted Buckle. Fig. 152.—Swelled Front Bent-leg Buckle. Fig. 153.—Flat Top Cab Buckle. Fig. 154.—West End Whole Buckle.
Buckles are occasionally covered with celluloid; sometimes this only partly covers the brass, aluminium, or gold-plated buckle, and it then looks very rich. The celluloid-covered article is made in imitation of the leather-covered buckle; it is durable, and does not require much cleaning, the occasional application of a wet sponge being sufficient. Celluloid is more commonly used in America than in this country. It is a very inflammable material, and will break if given a hard knock or if allowed to fall.
Fig. 155. Fig. 156. Fig. 157.