Photograph: Silver chain. Each of the 41 links is in the form of a letter 's'. At the bottom is a ring and a trefoil attached to the chain by 2 small buckles.
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Collar

Date: 1440-1450

This silver ornament, known as a 'collar of SS' or 'of esses', is made up of 41 links, each in the form of a letter S. These collars were an emblem of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340-99), of his son Henry, who became King Henry IV in 1399, and of the other Lancastrian kings Henry V and Henry VI. Collars of varying degrees of value were presented to those the king wished to honour. A silver collar like this was probably made for someone below the rank of knight: an emblem of authority for a government official or an ambassador. Purchased with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.

Accession number: 84.80

Place of collection: Kennet Wharf, Upper Thames Street, London [City of London] [River Thames]

Material: silver

Measurements: overall L (excluding pendant) c 700 mm; as displayed H 280 mm; W 210 mm

Gallery location: Case 26.6

Related material

Subjects:

National Government

Objects:
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