TWO readers came up with correct guesses for last week's Craven Curiosity.

Phyllis Capstick, of Hellifield, and Molly Preston, of Austwick, both identified that it was a pair of buckles from a shoe.

Mrs Preston also suggested that it was probably Elizabethan - but it was, in fact, from the 18th century.

Experts at Craven Museum and Gallery tell us: "This pair of cut steel shoe buckles was manufactured by Rock and is possibly of American origin. It has all tines intact and a dark grey patina overall.

"It is possible that the small discs on the four sides of each buckle originally mounted a stone or brass overlay for decoration, although those are now missing. This is a rare object and only a few remain globally.

"Shoe buckles were fashionable from the mid-17th century through the 18th century and they could have been made of a wide range of materials such as brass, silver or steel. Sometimes, they even had gems or jewels when they were used in formal or important occasions.

"However, the use of shoe buckles declined after the French Revolution. "

All items featured in this column will be on display in Craven Museum - located in Skipton Town Hall - when it reopens in the spring. It is currently closed while refurbishment work is carried out to upgrade the town hall.

Meanwhile we are inviting guesses about this week's mystery object. Suggestions can be emailed to news@cravenherald.co.uk