Medieval Silver Collar of SS

Acquisition of silver collar of SS, mid-15th century. Made of 41 'S' shaped links joined by pairs of rings; each S is ornamented with filigree curls. At the front the ends meet in a pair of simulated buckles and chapes, linked to a trefoil-shaped tiret and spirally fluted ring, from which a jewelled pendant or a family or a political badge could have been suspended. Collars of linked Ss were the livery of John Gaunt and of the Lancastrian kings. Collars of different values were presented to those the king wished to honour. Found on the Thames foreshore at Kennet Wharf, EC4.