Tudor period heart-shaped silver-gilt dress hook fastener

Code: 11168

This is a nice Tudor period silver-gilt dress-hook, dating to the 16th century. The body is heart-shaped, comprising a trio of wirework and granulation design. Such hooks were worn during the post-medieval period in order to secure items of clothing. A close parallel dated to the sixteenth century is known from New Romney, Kent (Gaimster et al 2002, no. 3). Other sixteenth-century parallels have been found at Beccles in Suffolk and Bempton in East Yorkshire (PA&TAR 2008, nos 375, 376) and Botley in Hampshire (TAR 2005/6, no. 653), illustrating the widespread popularity of these fashionable accessories. This example was originally found in Wiltshire in the 1980's, recorded with the Devizes Museum by Paul Robinson. It is sadly missing the hook and attachment bar on the back, but is of a much rarer shape and retains much of the original gold gilding.

OBJECT: Dress-Hook / clothing fastener

CULTURE:  TUDOR Period

DATE: c. 1500 - 1600 A.D.

MATERIAL: Silver-gilt

SIZE: 17.85mm x 16.69mm x 3.90mm

WEIGHT:  2.75 grams

PROVENANCE:  Ex-Private Collection, Wiltshire.