Clasp (Brooch)

  • Category:

    Jewelry

  • Creator (Role):

    William Bode (Possible maker or seller)

  • Place of Origin:

    Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America

  • Date:

    1795-1810

  • Materials:

    Silver

  • Techniques:

    Wrought, Engraved

  • Museum Object Number:

    1967.0236


  • Complete Details



Object Number

1967.0236

Object Name

Clasp (Brooch)

Category

Jewelry

Credit Line/Donor

Gift of Charles van Ravenswaay

Creator (Role)

William Bode (Possible maker or seller)

Place of Origin

Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America

Origin Notes

As per previous cataloguer: Origin possibly Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where William Bode was a clockmaker in the 1790s.

Date

1795-1810

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Mark; Reverse; "BODE" in rectangle, stamped

Materials

Silver

Techniques

Wrought, Engraved

Dimensions (inches)

2 (H) , 2.68 (W)

Dimensions (centimeters)

5.08 (H) , 6.82 (W)

Object Description

Web - 01/28/2016

Small silver and gold clasps typically joined the ends of multiple strands of beaded necklaces, belts, or bracelets into a circle, but the large scale of this oval clasp indicates it could support heavier or longer than average strands. The surface engraving depicts a pair of crowned love birds each perched on a heart and facing inward and wreathed by two distinct types of leafy branches all enclosed in a border and scalloped edge. Although not personalized with a wearer's name, this hollow clasp shows signs of multiple owners on the underside -- one one end the original pierced mount for strands of beads is missing. This was likely removed when a successive owner adapted the clasp to wear as a brooch or pin. The maker's identity is unconfirmed, but the clasp was possibly retailed if not also engraved by William Bode, a clockmaker in Philadelphia.