Interlocking Clothing Clasp – 5 pairs

This type of interlocking medieval clothing fastener is not well-represented in the archeological record. Three 13th-century molds from Magdeburg (dated before 1284) and one from Norfolk (undated) make it clear, though, that they were popular items, with a lively market for inexpensive versions. Three halves of precious metal examples from the (Swedish) Amunde (before 1361) and Badeboda (first half of the 14th century) hoards extend our knowledge of both the date range and the social class of the original wearers. We never noticed them before, but they were there…

Even knowing they existed, we have found only a limited number of examples in art. Please let us know if you find others, and meanwhile, check out Mac’s Pinterest page on interlocking fasteners.

All that scholarship aside, these interlocking clasps are beautiful and easy to use. They will look gorgeous as a line of fasteners down the front of a cote, or as a single decorative spark closing a neck opening. We are excited to see how you use them – who knows what you will think of!