Rights Holder: Derby Museums Trust
CC License:
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
Unique ID: DENO-E93500
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
Date: 17th century
Description:
A complete silver cuff link element or button of the Post Medieval period, dating from c. AD 1662 - AD 1700.
The cufflink element (one half of a cuff link) or button consists of a single disc with a concave reverse. The disc is circular in shape, with bevelled edges. The remains of an attachment loop are present on the rear, as a slightly raised oval protrusion. The front has been decorated with twin hearts in relief with a crown above, enclosed within a raised circular border. The design is mirrored on the reverse.
The object is a mid-grey in colour with an uneven patina. Traces of dark discolouration are present on the surface of the object. Abrasion caused by movement whilst within the plough soil may have resulted in the loss of some of the original surface detail.
Dimensions:
The object measures 14.8 mm in diameter and has a maximum thickness of 2.6 mm, the wall of the cuff link or button measures 0.9 mm thick. It weighs 0.6 g.
Discussion:
This motif, commonly found on 17th-century cuff links and buttons, may have celebrated the marriage of Charles II and Catherine of Braganza in AD 1662 and probably continued in use for some time afterwards as a popular symbol for marriage. Lewis (2013: 4-5) suggests the design has royalist or catholic connotations and that such pieces went out of use around 1714. Many similar items have been reported through the Treasure process. For a recent similar example see treasure case 2015 T534 (DENO-62DA68). Additionally an example can be found in the Treasure Annual Report: 2005 T252 (TAR 2005/6 p.138, ref. 612).
Reference: Lewis, Dr. M (2013), 'Crown and Heart' Buttons and Cufflinks, Datasheet 46, Find Research Group AD 700 - 1700, Edinburgh.
The object has been made of silver and is over 300 years old. Consequently it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996 in terms of both age and precious metal content.
Authors:
Helen Glenn, Finds Liaison Assistant for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
Alastair Willis, Finds Liaison Officer for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
Date: 3.7.2017
This has been noted as an interesting find by the recorder.
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Treasure case tracking number: 2017T223
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1662
Date to: Circa AD 1700
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 2.6 mm
Weight: 0.6 g
Diameter: 14.8 mm
Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 1st October 2016 - Monday 31st October 2016
This information is restricted for your access level.
Treasure case number: 2017T223
4 Figure: SK4422
Four figure Latitude: 52.79377971
Four figure longitude: -1.34892478
1:25K map: SK4422
1:10K map: SK42SW
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
No references cited so far.