Medieval silver-gilt inscribed hawking vervel

Code: 11469

This is a delightful medieval silver-gilt hawking vervel, dating to the 15th - 16th century. These objects were connected to the leather jesses or thongs, attached to a hunting bird’s legs, to its leash, which was used to tie the bird to its perch or block. They often have the name of the owners or heraldic arms to denote the owner of the bird - in case it became lost. 

An interesting object worthy of further research.

OBJECT: Hawking vervel

CULTURE: Medieval

DATE: c. 1450 - 1550 AD

MATERIAL: Silver-gilt

SIZE: 19mm x 19mm x 2mm

WEIGHT:  3.18 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. Private Collection, Gloucestershire.