Tudor silver gilt hat badge

Code: 11055

This is a 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 is a nice articulated example, partial-gilt and riveted to allow for the petals to move and shimmer (whilst being worn on the hat). It is in very good condition for an excavated example, one of a number of quality badges I recently acquired from a private collection.

OBJECT: Hat Badge

CULTURE:  Tudor

DATE: c. 1450 - 1550 A.D.

MATERIAL: Silver-gilt

SIZE: 24mm x 22mm x 14mm 

WEIGHT:  6.12 grams

PROVENANCE:  Ex-Private Collection, Wiltshire.