English: A nearly complete gold object, perhaps a hat or dress fitting, dating to between the Medieval-possibly early Modern periods. The gold fitting is formed in the shape of a delicate flower with recessed cells representing different segments of the flower. It has six large petals and a large centre with a centre-point and a small piece of coiled gold filigree around its circumference. In between each petal would have been a small sub-triangular piece of gold foil, probably representing foliage; only four of these remain, while the others have broken off. In the centre of each of the petals is another smaller cell, roughly in the form of a circle. The reverse face of the button is undecorated, but has a small gold wire loop soldered onto its centre. The construction of the loop at the centre suggests that it was used to attach a very small element, such as a pearl, at the front centre. The fitting is very delicate and would not have been used to fix pieces of cloth together, rather this was likely to have been a decorative element to a garment. The loop has been flattened against the reverse face.

Dimensions:

Thickness: 2.05 mm
Weight: 0.34 g
Diameter: 10.22 mm

Discussion: This gold dress fitting may be part of a set and used to sew onto and decorate an individuals clothing or to sew onto a cap.