{ "record": [ { "id": "789994", "old_findID": "YORYM-F1B4A2", "uniqueID": "PAS575F1B4A001230", "objecttype": "CUFF LINK", "classification": "Lewis Type D", "subclass": null, "length": null, "height": null, "width": null, "weight": "0.6", "thickness": "4.6", "diameter": "12.4", "quantity": "1", "otherRef": "YMT : E04905", "curr_loc": null, "discoveryMethod": "1", "treasureID": "2016T493", "broadperiod": "POST MEDIEVAL", "numdate1": "1650", "numdate2": "1710", "description": "
TREASURE CASE : 2016 T493.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n An incomplete silver cufflink of Post-Medieval date - circa AD 1650 - 1710. All that remains of the cufflink is one circular disc with down turned edges and a rectangular attachment loop to the centre of the reverse. The front face of the disc bears raised decoration consisting of clasped hands with a pair of flaming hearts, set side-by-side, below. The forearms of the hands are also present angling upwards from the right and left-hand sides of the button, respectively, each emerging from a cuff. A stippled field surrounds this design.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Dimensions:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n Diameter: 12.4mm; Thickness: 4.6mm (with loop); Weight: 0.6g.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Discussion<\/strong>:<\/p>\r\n\r\n Silver cufflinks and buttons bearing clasped hands, crowns and hearts, in various combinations, are frequently reported under the Treasure Act. The designs are considered to have originally been produced to commemorate the marriage of Charles II to Catherine of Braganza in 1662, but continued to be used as a general symbol of love and marriage until the end of the century. Similar devices are however also found on medieval pilgrim ampulla and seal matrices.<\/p>\r\n\r\n This particular design is as Lewis's Type D (2013: 6) and is paralleled by 2011 T636 (IOW-F1FB17) from Brighstone, Isle of Wight and 2015 T141 (BH-74F159) from Padworth, West Berkshire. Lewis suggests that such cufflinks were popular from the second half of the 17th century, when Continental forms of shirt became popular (ibid. 1).<\/p>\r\n\r\n Conclusion: <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n References:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t