Code: 13093
This is a rare and wonderful pewter strapend/chape decorated with a pair of initials H&A bound with a true lover's knot. The letters H and A both use the same calligraphy of the bar on the 'A' to differentiate it from the letter M. In this instance, this chape takes on a new meaning, being the initials of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, whom he married in 1533. Both initials are bound in a true lovers' knot beneath a crown, and the artist has even included hearts that really show how much Henry was besotted with Anne!
When this chape was made, Anne was not particularly popular with the populace, so chapes like this were sold at fairs or markets to be worn for the pagentry but soon discarded in the Thames! Sadly for Anne, it didn't end very well for her on the scaffold!
OBJECT: Belt chape or livery harness
CULTURE: Renaissance Tudor
DATE: c. mid 16th century
MATERIAL: Pewter
SIZE: 47mm x 41mm x 4mm
WEIGHT: 21.54 grams
PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection
