POST MEDIEVAL BRACELET

Unknown artist

An incomplete Post-Medieval gold bracelet slide dating to 1706, missing a possible pin and catchplate/clasp on the reverse. The slide is oval and has an integral wall on the upper surface creating a cell which contains possible rock crystal. A scalloped pattern has been cast on the lower half of the cell wall. The rock crystal has been smashed and a fragment is missing. Through the hole can be seen gold thread, which can also be seen through the rock crystal as well when examined closely. There is a small area of red underneath the crystal in the top centre and hints of other colours in other parts of the crystal. This suggests that like other examples this object may have held a picture (probably of the deceased) of enamel and gold thread.On the reverse are two C-shaped integral loops. There is also a hinge on the upper edge and traces of an oval projection (perhaps a catchplate or clasp). This indicates there may have been a pin which would have been used to secure the slide in on place. The reverse is inscribed between the loops 'E B / Dyed aprill / 21 1706 / aged 38'.Similar examples within the Museum of London were designed to be worn on a ribbon as a 'Memento Mori' bracelet. A similar example on the database, LON-448421, has an S-shaped link of gilded bronze through one of the loops. Meriel Jeater, Curator identified parallels within the Museum of London's collections that span the date range c.1670-1710. These examples have an enamelled pattern or portrait on a silk background set within the compartment on the front of the slide. MOL accession numbers: A7509, A7517, A7511.The slide measures 20.60mm long, 17.90mm wide and 5.65mm thick. It weighs 3.63g. As the bracelet is more than 300 years old and is more than 10% gold it fulfils the requirements of the Treasure Act 1996.