Articulated Shoe Buckles? or Something Else?

All parts (3) are cast; the oval rings are ~1 3/16" long by ~1" wide, and bright yellow brass. The 2 hinged pieces are much lighter in color, perhaps nickel-silver. The hinge-pins are ferrous. They're plainly hand-made, and seem to have some age. 24.3 grams, the pair.
I'm somewhat confused by the articulated, 2-part clasp...Google image search finds no match. The mark appears to be a lower-case G, but that's probably not accurate. Do we have any shoe-buckle experts or collectors aboard? Thanks for lookin'!

 

I agree, shoe buckles, charmingly folksy. Not all shoe buckles are arched, the smaller ones are flat like yours.
This oval model was popular during the 18th century, but it was also worn later on.

Do you mean the double prong/two prongs? I have seen that before, for straps or ribbons that have two holes.
The strap is kept in place better with two holes. With one hole it has wiggle room, turns around the prong, so to speak, which you don't want.

 

Ah...now I get it! Thank you, AJ!