Tudor silver gilt hat pin / badge of a heart in a garland of flowers

Code: 11036

This is a complete Tudor silver-gilt hat badge, dating to the 16th century. The back of the badge is intact with the 'S' shaped pin, used to secure the jewel to a hat. These types of hooks are a characteristic category of Tudor dress accessory used to embellish the hats of high-status individuals and are discussed by Gaimster et al (2002: 169-173). See also SUR-C6DA03, YORYM-589235, SWYOR-C08232 and NMS-AA0079 for further types and discussion. 

This example was likely given as a Valentines 'love gift', as it is shaped with a heart within a garland of roses/flowers. It is intact but appears to have been 'opened' likely after it was excavated with a stress crack on the inside and some loss of tyhe original gilding. Shame, but an interesting example of the type from an old collection. 

OBJECT: Hat Badge

CULTURE:  Tudor

DATE: c. 1490 - 1590 A.D.

MATERIAL: Silver-gilt

SIZE: 16mm x 13mm x 11mm

WEIGHT:  1.80 grams

PROVENANCE:  Ex-Private Collection, Wiltshire.