Printed from Woolley & Wallis

Description

A RARE WILLIAM AND MARY BRASS DOG COLLAR

DATED '1692'

of circular strap form, adjustable size, with an iron hasp for a lock and locking turn-button, finely engraved 'George Balch Bridgwater 1692'

2.9cm high, 12cm diameter (approx)

Catalogue Note

Dog collars are usually recorded in the 18th/19th century, but rarely in the 17th century. George Balch (c.1667-1738) was a prominent member of Bridgwater society. He was mayor twice, in 1699 and 1708 and the town's Member of Parliament, a Whig, from c.1700-08. He married a Susanna Everard with whom he had eleven children (and seemingly a rather large dog!).

Literature

Illustrated and discussed in R. Gentle & R. Feild, 'Domestic Metalwork, 1640-1820', p.415, fig. 1.