HOOKED TAG

Treasure case: 2011 T234, disclaimed and returned to finder.

Description: The hooked tag consists of a heart shaped plate with a scalloped outer edge of nine variably sized semi-circles divided by pointed indents. On the front of this plate is soldered a hollow, domed, heart-shaped front piece. The plate and front piece are 11.6mm long, 10.4mm wide and 4.9mm thick. The junction between the plate and front is partly concealed by a plain wire soldered around the base of the front piece. The front piece is further decorated by three circles of twisted wire soldered to it, arranged in a triangle. Each large circle contains four smaller circles of twisted wire around a central pellet. There are four further pellets, one in the middle space between the three large circles and one at each junction where their outer edges meet. In the spandrels between the large circles and the base are three further small twisted wire circles. On the back of the plate, across the wider end, is soldered a strip of silver sheet, it is attached at both ends and bent round to form a loop. The centre of the loop has been pushed inwards, flattening it. Below the strip is soldered a hook with the bend projecting beyond the point of the plate. The hook is made of circular sectioned wire and is bent back on itself so the sharp point meets the upper end. The fastener is silver with heavy gilding on the front and traces on the back.

Dimensions: 15.1mm (length), 10.4 mm (width), 8.7 mm (thickness). Weight: 1.39 grams.

Discussion: Hooked tags of this type were popular in the 16^th century and many variations on this design are known; they were used as clothing fasteners. An example in Read (2008:71) no.235, (Treasure case M&ME 134 acquired by the museum of Somerset,) is almost identical but it has a few additional pellets and wire circles on the front and many more smaller indents in the semicircular projections around the edge of the back plate. In terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.

Laura Burnett
Somerset FLO, June 2011