Regimental Pipers Shoe Buckles

[creagdhubh]

Greetings,

I was perusing through Ebay the other day and came across a set of new, unissued Army buckles:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/scottish-reg...item1c2c2a9f50

The seller lists them as "Scottish Regimental Pipers Shoe Buckle." Now, I understand how the smaller buckle functions with the prong on an actual pair of ("Mary Jane" style) buckle brogues, but what about the larger buckles that are meant to be affixed to the toe area? They also have a prong, but I am confused as to why it is necessary? How are the larger buckles actually attached? Is the overall shoe design completely different than the traditional bar and buckle brogues sold today?

I own a pair of bar and buckle brogues in black, patent leather from Nicoll Brothers. The large, decorative buckle that is affixed onto the toe by means of a snap closure does not have the prong setup. I am quite sure my questions can be answered by someone far more knowledgeable on this subject than myself.

These buckle brogues, shown on Her Majesty's piper, may have the same set of Army buckles in question. Not a very detailed photograph of the footwear I know, yet from what I can see, the style of the buckles appear to be somewhat similar to the Ebay buckles.


Cheers,