A pair of unusual Georgian silver clasps which were used to fasten garters.
The style is very different from the more commonly seen buckles with prongs in that they rely on tension. Each is in two parts-one with a bit of silver that latches into slots in the other half. The fronts are engraved with harebells- a popular late 18th century neo-classical motif- plus a hand engraved letter H in the old style using double lines which is the owner's initial.
The silver hall marks are readable. There is the assay mark, duty mark and a date letter-U- 1795. The maker's initials are only partly struck but the second one is a 'B' with another 'B' below which is very likely to be the Bateman family of London silversmiths.
Attached to the middle slot of the three they measure 3 x 1.5cm.
In very good condition- slightly more wear to the harebell decoration on one than the other.
Stock no. LS49